17448873. EYE DETECTION METHODS AND DEVICES simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

EYE DETECTION METHODS AND DEVICES

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Erdrin Azemi of San Mateo CA (US)

Ali Moin of San Mateo CA (US)

Christoph H. Krah of Cupertino CA (US)

Joseph Yitan Cheng of Cupertino CA (US)

Kaan Emre Dogrusoz of Santa Clara CA (US)

Mohammad Yeke Yazdandoost of San Francisco CA (US)

EYE DETECTION METHODS AND DEVICES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17448873 titled 'EYE DETECTION METHODS AND DEVICES

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a head-mounted device with electrodes that can detect eye movements and gestures. The electrodes are coupled to materials that can change shape to ensure good contact and signal quality. Pressure sensors and control circuitry can monitor and adjust the applied pressure. The detected optical events can be used to operate the device, including transitioning between power modes and invoking higher resolution sensing capabilities. The electrodes can also be used as an on-head detector to wake-up and unlock the device.

• Head-mounted device with electrodes to detect eye movements and gestures
• Electrodes coupled to materials that can change shape for better contact and signal quality
• Pressure sensors and control circuitry to monitor and adjust applied pressure
• Optical events used as triggers for device operation and power mode transitions
• Electrodes used as on-head detector to wake-up and unlock the device

Potential Applications

• Virtual reality and augmented reality headsets
• Gaming and entertainment devices
• Assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities
• Biometric authentication systems

Problems Solved

• Ensuring sufficient contact and signal quality for eye movement detection
• Monitoring and adjusting applied pressure for user comfort and accuracy
• Providing convenient and secure device wake-up and unlocking methods

Benefits

• Improved accuracy and reliability of eye movement detection
• Enhanced user comfort through adjustable pressure sensing
• Convenient and secure device wake-up and unlocking methods

Original Abstract Submitted

A head-mounted device having a plurality of electrodes configured to detect optical events such as the movement of one or more eyes or coarse eye gestures is disclosed. In some examples, the one or more electrodes can be coupled to dielectric elastomer materials whose shape can be changed to vary contact between a user of the head-mounted device and the one or more electrodes to ensure sufficient contact and electrode signal quality. In some examples, the one or more electrodes can be coupled to pressure sensors and control circuitry to monitor and adjust the applied pressure. In some examples, the optical events can be used as triggers for operating the device, including transitioning between operational power modes. In some examples, the triggers can invoke higher resolution sensing capabilities of the head-mounted device. In some examples, the electrodes can be used as an on-head detector to wake-up and/or unlock the device.