Automated Gaze Tracking for Remote Cognitive Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing cognitive impairment through visual recognition memory are expensive, cumbersome, and require subjects to travel to a controlled environment, making them inefficient and subjective.
Innovation Solution
A method using web-based image-capturing devices to process eye movement data, which includes capturing video information from a facial region, processing it to identify pupil locations, and analyzing gaze information to determine cognitive performance without the need for physical presence in a testing facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional paper-pencil based task paradigms are used in controlled environments with test administrators, then measurement precision of cognitive impairment is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of paper-pencil tests administered by human testers with an automated computer-based system that captures eye movement data using imaging devices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical test administrators and paper materials while maintaining assessment capability through automated image processing and analysis algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the cognitive assessment process by capturing visual stimuli on screens and recording eye movements as image data. Instead of using physical paper tests, the system uses digital images and video feeds from cameras, processing these copied visual data streams to assess cognitive function remotely and automatically.
2Measurement precision
If conventional testing methods requiring subjects to travel to laboratories are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables subjects to perform cognitive assessments independently at home using their own devices (computers, tablets, or smartphones) without requiring travel to laboratories or assistance from test administrators. The system provides self-administered testing where subjects interact with visual stimuli and eye tracking occurs automatically through the device's camera, eliminating time loss from travel and scheduling.
3Measurement precision
If conventional testing with test administrators and response sheets is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of administering tests with response sheets and scoring by human administrators with an automated digital system. The computer-based platform automatically presents visual stimuli, captures eye movement data through imaging devices, processes the data through algorithms, and generates results without human intervention, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
4Measurement precision
If expensive conventional testing systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes inexpensive, widely available consumer electronics devices (standard cameras, webcams, smartphone cameras) instead of expensive specialized eye tracking equipment. These common imaging devices capture sufficient visual data for cognitive assessment when combined with appropriate image processing algorithms, making the testing system cost-effective and accessible while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for a finalized processed image and related data to identify a spatial location of each pupil in the region. Each pupil is identified by a two-dimensional spatial coordinate. The method includes processing information associated with each pupil identified by the two-dimensional spatial coordinate to output a plurality of two-dimensional spatial coordinates, each of which is in reference to a time, in a two-dimensional space. The method then includes outputting a gaze information about the human user. The gaze information includes the two-dimensional spatial coordinates each of which is in reference to a time in a two-dimensional space.