Wearable Eye Mask Tracking Through Closed Eyelids During Sleep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking eye parameters during sleep and altered states of consciousness are limited by discomfort, mechanical damage, and inability to maintain extended observations due to eyelid closure.
Innovation Solution
A wearable eye mask system with eyelid openers, sensors, and sensory stimulation, providing a comfortable and safe environment for extended eye parameter tracking, including cameras, infrared illumination, and humidification to maintain eyelid openness and eye health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical devices are used to open eyelids during sleep, then eye parameters can be tracked, but mechanical irritation and discomfort occur due to corneal drying or cooling
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or translucent protective cover is introduced as an intermediary between the mechanical eyelid opener and the cornea. This cover allows mechanical opening of the eyelid while preventing direct contact with the corneal surface, thereby eliminating corneal drying and cooling effects while maintaining eye tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly opening the eyelid with mechanical structures, the system uses optical copying methods (infrared cameras and illuminators) to track eye movements through the closed eyelid, eliminating the need for physical eyelid opening and thus preventing all mechanical irritation
2Measurement precision
If eyelids are opened during sleep, then pupil and eye dynamics become visible for tracking, but the eye surface is exposed to potential mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent protective shield serves as an intermediary barrier that allows optical access to the eye surface for tracking while physically protecting against mechanical damage from external objects or improper handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures optical images of the eye through the closed or partially open eyelid using infrared cameras, creating a visual copy of eye dynamics without requiring physical exposure of the eye surface, thus eliminating mechanical damage risk
3Loss of time
If short period observations are conducted with manually opened eyelids, then some eye data is collected, but extended period tracking during sleep cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically opens and maintains eyelid position using motorized actuators controlled by embedded software, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device self-regulates to maintain optimal viewing conditions throughout extended sleep periods, enabling continuous tracking without human operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical eyelid opener is designed to maintain continuous operation throughout extended periods, with automated adjustment mechanisms that keep the eyelid open consistently during sleep, enabling uninterrupted eye parameter tracking for the entire duration of the sleep cycle
4Measurement precision
If headfixed conditions are used for eyelid opening, then eye tracking is possible, but the system lacks portability and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The eye tracking device is designed as a portable, wireless unit with integrated battery power and compact sensors that can function in various positions and locations. The system adapts to different users and sleeping positions without requiring fixed installation, providing universal applicability while maintaining tracking precision
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 continuous, high-quality tracking of pupil size and eye movements during extended periods, facilitating diagnostic and therapeutic applications such as sleep monitoring, disease progression, and consciousness assessment.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared illumination source mounted on an inner side of the eye mask casing and configured to illuminate a position of the eyes of a person wearing the eye tracking device
Implementation Method 2
a humidifier mounted on an inner side of the eye mask casing
Data Source
AI summary
System for eye tracking during sleep and in altered states of consciousness comprising an eye tracking device including a wearable eye mask comprising an eye mask casing with a form fit border configured for placing over a person's eyes, the eye mask casing and form fit border being opaque configured to prevent light from entering inside of the eye mask casing when worn in a form fit manner by the wearer, an electronic control and communications system and power source for transmission and reception of data with a computing system, a humidifier mounted on an inner side of the eye mask casing, eye tracking sensors mounted on an inner side of a front panel of the eye mask casing, and an infrared illumination source mounted on an inner side of the eye mask casing and configured to illuminate a position of the eyes of a person wearing the eye tracking device