Peripheral Device with Virtual Gaze Cursor for Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer input devices, such as mice, suffer from button wear and tear due to frequent use, leading to reduced sensitivity and longer operation times for multiple tasks, as they require serial execution with a single cursor.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral device for computer systems that incorporates a virtual gaze cursor and dedicated gaze click buttons, allowing independent operation with a conventional cursor, enabling faster and more sensitive command execution through gaze and head position tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single cursor is used for all operations, then the device structure remains simple, but the execution time for multiple operations increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single cursor system into two independent cursors: a gaze-controlled cursor for rapid positioning and a traditional mouse-controlled cursor for precise selection. This segmentation allows parallel operation modes where the gaze cursor handles time-consuming positioning tasks while the mouse cursor handles precise clicking tasks, thereby resolving the contradiction between execution speed and system simplicity.
2Reliability
If traditional mouse buttons are used frequently, then the button structure remains simple, but the button sensitivity deteriorates due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a gaze-based selection system. Instead of relying on worn mechanical switches, the system uses eye tracking technology to detect gaze direction and determine selection intent. This substitution eliminates the wear and tear problem inherent in mechanical buttons while maintaining reliable input functionality.
3Reliability
If gaze tracking is implemented alone, then button wear is eliminated, but the system cannot perform precise selections and requires additional input mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different input modalities into a unified system: gaze tracking for rapid positioning and mouse control for precise selection. The gaze cursor moves to the target area quickly, reducing positioning time, while the traditional mouse cursor handles the precise clicking action. This combination leverages the strengths of both methods to achieve both durability and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral electronic device is described which is configured to communicate with a computing device comprising a display having a screen configured to display a virtual gaze cursor; wherein the peripheral electronic device comprises at least one user interface configured to trigger at least one operational command in response to interaction with a user, wherein the at least one operational command is associated with a current location of the virtual gaze cursor at the screen, and wherein a change at the current location of the virtual gaze cursor being displayed, is determined based on a shift of a user's gaze from a first location at said screen to a different location thereat, or based on a tilt of the user's head, or based on any combination thereof.