Gaze Tracking Spectacles Using Integrated Infrared Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye movement detection systems are not suitable for nomadic use in everyday life as they are either cumbersome, uncomfortable, or expensive, and lack real-time characterization of gaze direction.
Innovation Solution
A pair of ophthalmic glasses with integrated infrared radiation sources and detectors in the lenses, which measure the reflection intensity differences between the sclera and iris to determine eye movement, allowing for precise characterization of gaze direction without additional reflectors or imaging systems, enabling comfortable and aesthetic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional eye movement detection systems are used, then eye movement detection is possible, but the systems are cumbersome and not suitable for nomadic use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation source, detector, and radiation exit/entry sections into an integrated assembly that is incorporated directly into the spectacle lens. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate external devices and imaging systems, making the system suitable for nomadic use while maintaining eye movement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectacle lens serves multiple functions: it provides optical correction for the wearer and simultaneously houses the eye movement detection system. The lens acts as both a corrective optical element and a carrier for the detection components, enabling everyday use without additional specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If additional reflectors and imaging systems are added to detect eye movements, then detection accuracy is improved, but the system becomes less aesthetic and more uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The detection components are merged into the spectacle lens itself, eliminating the need for separate reflectors and imaging systems that would be positioned in front of the wearer's face. This integration maintains detection accuracy while improving comfort and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection functionality from external imaging systems and relocates it directly into the spectacle lens. By taking out the need for separate reflectors and external cameras, the system achieves accurate eye movement detection without the visual and comfort drawbacks of additional face-mounted components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple radiation paths are used to characterize gaze direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiation paths are achieved by strategically positioning radiation exit sections and entry sections within the single lens structure. The lens material and geometry naturally guide multiple radiation paths through different ocular zones, enabling precise gaze characterization without requiring complex external optical arrangements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time, precise characterization of gaze direction and eye movements, allowing for nomadic use without discomfort or high costs, suitable for various applications including orthoptics and communication interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source of radiation which may be infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
this radiation is reflected by the sclera and by the iris of each eye of the wearer in accordance with different coefficients of reflection intensity respectively for the sclera and for the iris
Implementation Method 3
at least one detector, which is arranged to measure respective intensities of parts of the radiation produced by the source, reflected respectively in ocular zones
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~7
Figure 2c~5
AI summary
The invention relates to ophthalmic spectacles for characterizing the direction of gaze of a wearer. Each lens (1, 2) of the spectacles is provided with output sections for directing a radiation towards the ocular areas (ZD1, ZG1, ZD2, ZG2) of the wearer, in which different portions of an ocular limbus (L) of the wearer are in motion. The lens is further provided with input sections for collecting the portions of said radiation reflected in said ocular areas. A computing unit is also combined with the spectacles in order to determine the direction of gaze of the wearer from detection signals measuring the portions of the radiation that are simultaneously collected by the input sections of the two lenses.