Gaze Tracking Spectacles Using Magnetic Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for determining the direction of gaze are limited by requiring constrained posture and visual behavior, making them unsuitable for natural conditions.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for determining the position of a remarkable point of the eye, which can be partially mounted on a vision frame, allowing gaze direction tracking under natural posture and behavior conditions, using image capture devices and light sources arranged to illuminate and capture eye images, with infrared light sources to minimize disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional gaze tracking devices are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the wearer's natural behavior is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegaze direction measurement precisionVSAvoidnatural behavior of wearer
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical measuring systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic markers are placed on the eye and tracked using magnetic sensors, eliminating the need for physical contact or constrained positioning equipment, thereby enabling natural wearer behavior while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic markers as intermediary elements between the eye and the detection system. These small magnetic markers are placed on the eye surface and tracked by external magnetic sensors, serving as a non-intrusive mediator that enables precise gaze tracking without constraining the wearer's natural movements or behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mounted devices are used for natural behavior tracking, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural posture and visual behaviorVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gaze tracking system into separate functional components: magnetic markers placed on the eye, magnetic sensors mounted on the spectacles frame, and a processing unit. This segmentation allows the sensing equipment to be distributed and mounted on the frame rather than requiring a complex integrated system, reducing overall device complexity while enabling natural wearer behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the spectacles frame serve multiple functions: it acts as both the corrective vision device the wearer already uses and as the mounting platform for the gaze tracking sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tracking equipment, reducing device complexity while enabling natural behavior tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise determination of wear zones and geometric-postural parameters for personalized ophthalmic lens design, allowing for adaptive optical compensation without constraining the wearer's natural behavior.

Implementation Method 1

using image capture devices and light sources arranged to illuminate and capture eye images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

with infrared light sources to minimize disruption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared Radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3218765B1Devices and methods for determining the position of a characterizing point of an eye and for tracking the direction of the gaze of a wearer of spectacles
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3218765B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3218765B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3218765B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for determining the position of a characterizing point of an eye of a wearer provided with a spectacle frame (400), including: at least one image sensor apparatus (120); and positioning means for positioning the image sensor device relative to said spectacle frame (400), such that, when said spectacle frame is arranged in a useful position on the head of the wearer, the image sensor apparatus is capable of capturing an image of said eye of the wearer; and means for determining the position of a characterizing point of the eye from said at least one image of the eye of the wearer captured by the image sensor apparatus. The invention also relates to a method for determining the position of a characterizing point of an eye of a wearer, a device and a method for determining the direction of the gaze and a method for determining associated areas of wear of an ophthalmic lens.