Wearable Mind-View Communicator With Eye-Tracked Scene Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cameras and camcorders require users to split their attention between recording and enjoying experiences, and they are bulky, making it difficult to capture unexpected moments.
Innovation Solution
A wearable mind-view communicator (MVC) with eyeglass frames and a separate electronic box that uses eye tracking to automatically record what the user is viewing, allowing hands-free operation and real-time image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cameras and camcorders are used, then recording capability is provided, but device bulk and weight make them inconvenient to carry around
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: lightweight eyeglass frames containing only the essential optical units and processors for eye tracking and scene capture, and a separate electronic box for processing, storage, and communication. This segmentation allows the wearable portion to be minimal in weight while maintaining full recording functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from handheld operation to wearable operation by integrating cameras into eyeglass frames. This dimensional change from hand-held to head-mounted allows the device to be carried continuously without adding significant weight burden, as the eyeglasses are worn on the face rather than held in the hand.
2Ease of operation
If users manually operate cameras to capture moments, then recording control is possible, but attention is split between recording and enjoying the experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses eye tracking technology to automatically determine what the user is looking at and triggers recording based on eye movement and gaze direction. The processor monitors eye images and scene images to identify when the user is viewing a scene of interest, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining user intent awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors eye images and scene images to track user gaze and provide feedback about what is being recorded. This feedback loop ensures that recording is automatically activated and managed based on real-time user behavior, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining recording accuracy.
3Productivity
If cameras are not carried around continuously, then device portability is maintained, but unexpected moments are not recorded
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into lightweight eyeglass frames and a separate electronic box, the recording device can be worn continuously without adding significant burden. The eyeglass frames contain only the essential optical units and processors, making them comfortable for extended wear while maintaining continuous recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous recording by wearing the eyeglasses throughout the day, ensuring that no unexpected moments are missed. The automatic eye-tracking-based recording activation ensures that recording continues seamlessly across different activities and environments, providing uninterrupted coverage of visual experiences.
4Measurement precision
If multiple optical units are used to capture eye images and scene images, then recording accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical units are segmented into distinct functional groups: eye tracking optical units for capturing eye images and scene optical units for capturing environment images. This segmentation allows each optical unit to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyeglass frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the optical units, houses the processors for image analysis, and acts as the interface for continuous wear. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining precision recording capabilities.
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 users to capture moments hands-free, providing a 'second chance' to review visual experiences and aiding memory recall, suitable for personal use and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one scene image corresponding to a subset of the user's total field of view
Implementation Method 2
at least one second optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one eye image corresponding to at least a portion of at least one eye of the user
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a mind-view communication apparatus includes a first portable unit and a second portable unit. The first portable unit includes an eyeglass frame, at least one first optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one scene image corresponding to a field of view of a user, and at least one second optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one eye image corresponding to at least a portion of at least one eye of the user. The second portable unit is in communication with the first portable unit and includes at least one processor configured for receiving the at least one scene image and the at least one eye image, determining a direction within the field of view to which the at least one eye is directed based upon the at least one eye image, and generating a subset of the at least one scene image based on the determined direction.