Wireless Eyeglasses Eye Tracking Infrared Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye-tracking systems for head-mounted displays are cumbersome and require visible cursors or complex optical pathways, making them less intuitive and less effective for controlling wireless computing and device operations, especially in situations where discreet interaction is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A compact, self-contained eye-tracking system that uses IR or near-IR light to track eye movement without mirrors or complex optical pathways, allowing for eye gaze control without a visible cursor, and integrates with a processor and wireless transceiver to transmit eye position data or commands, enabling interaction with real, virtual, or augmented data through a virtual rotating wheel or cylinder interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional eye-tracking systems use visible cursors and complex optical pathways (mirrors, folded optics), then eye position tracking is achieved, but device complexity and user awareness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mirrors and complex optical pathways from the eye-tracking system, extracting only the essential components needed for tracking. The system uses direct infrared illumination and detection without requiring reflective surfaces or folded optical paths, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical systems (mirrors, lenses, folded pathways) with a simpler infrared-based detection system. By using infrared illumination that directly interacts with the eye's cornea and retina, the system eliminates the need for mechanical optical components while achieving accurate eye position measurement.
2Ease of operation
If traditional eye-tracking systems use visible cursors, then eye position feedback is provided, but discreet interaction is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from visible light cursors to infrared illumination, which is invisible to the human eye. The infrared light allows the system to provide eye position feedback internally without creating visible indicators that would draw attention or cause social awkwardness in public settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared light as an intermediary between the user and the tracking system. This intermediary allows eye position to be detected and used for control purposes without requiring visible feedback elements, thereby enabling discreet interaction while maintaining operational capability.
3Measurement precision
If eye-tracking systems require extensive training, then precise control is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an eye-tracking system that naturally aligns with human visual attention mechanisms. By tracking where the user naturally looks rather than requiring learned cursor control patterns, the system reduces training requirements while maintaining precise control capability.
4Loss of information
If head-mounted displays provide augmented data, then information availability increases, but actionable control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control interface that works across multiple contexts (real world, virtual reality, augmented reality). The eye-tracking mechanism provides a consistent method for selecting and controlling objects regardless of whether they are physical or digitally augmented, thereby enabling actionable control across diverse information environments.
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
This solution provides a simple, intuitive, and scalable user interface that allows for efficient control of devices with minimal training, enabling discreet interaction with a reduced number of visible targets, enhancing usability in augmented and virtual reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
The device will also have at least one processor, and at least one wireless transceiver positioned either in the frame or alternatively in close proximity to the frame. The method can operate by using this at least one processor to execute eye tracking executable code and control executable code. This code can direct the eye-tracking device to transmit wireless information by using an eye-tracking sensor or camera to track the user's eye motion. The processor and code can translate the motion of the user's eye into eye position data
Data Source
AI summary
A user-worn eye-tracking device, method, and system. The eye-tracking device may have an outward appearance resembling standard eyeglasses or sunglasses, and may also comprise a built-in wireless transceiver and an optional optical display. In addition to eye-tracking, the device can allow the user to inconspicuously transmit data by a process in which the user simply moves his or her eyes and/or optionally gazes at various internal or external display targets. The device's eye tracking system and software track the motion and gaze of the user's eyes, and convert this gaze into eye-position data and/or message symbols and system control commands. The device then transmits any of the resulting eye position data, commands or messages using its transceiver. In a preferred embodiment, the device is self-contained and operates, when placed on the user's head, without the need of external battery packs or external transceivers.