Head and Eye Tracking via Spatial Orientation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head and eye tracking systems are complex and costly, requiring extensive user calibration and operation, which limits their accessibility and efficiency in applications such as virtual reality, augmented reality, self-driving vehicles, and machine learning.
Innovation Solution
A wearable system equipped with a spatial orientation sensor and a computing device that performs calibration procedures using rotations about multiple axes to determine the orientation relationship between the head and the sensor, allowing for accurate head and eye motion tracking without the need for complex setups or high costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing head and eye tracking systems are used, then tracking accuracy is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of head and eye tracking from complex existing systems by using only a spatial orientation sensor attached to the head. This separates the core tracking function from unnecessary system components, achieving accurate tracking while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with a computational approach using a spatial orientation sensor and algorithms that process sensor data to determine head and eye orientation. This substitution of mechanical complexity with computational simplicity resolves the contradiction between tracking accuracy and system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If existing head and eye tracking systems are used, then tracking functionality is achieved, but calibration procedures become time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by determining the orientation relationship between the spatial orientation sensor and the head during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action stores calibration data that eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration procedures during actual use, significantly reducing calibration time and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using the spatial orientation sensor to automatically determine head and eye orientation without requiring manual adjustment or complex user procedures. This self-service approach eliminates time-consuming manual calibration while maintaining tracking accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If spatial orientation sensor is used with simplified calibration, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for tracking by utilizing data from the spatial orientation sensor combined with predetermined orientation relationships. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision while using a simple, easy-to-operate configuration with minimal calibration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes spatial orientation sensor data and applies predetermined orientation relationships to calculate accurate head and eye orientation. This intermediary processing maintains measurement precision while allowing the physical system to remain simple and easy to operate.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, systems and methods configured for tracking head movement are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus is configured for tracking head movement. The apparatus comprises a spatial orientation sensor configured for generating a first output during a first rotation of a head of the user about a first axis, and generating a second output during a second rotation of the head of the user about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. A computing device comprising a processor and a memory communicatively coupled with the processor is provided, where the processor is configured for determining an orientation relationship between the head and the spatial orientation sensor based on the first and second outputs.