Apple inc. (20240134449). EYE DETECTION METHODS AND DEVICES simplified abstract

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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 San Francisco 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 20240134449 titled 'EYE DETECTION METHODS AND DEVICES

Simplified Explanation

A head-mounted device with electrodes for detecting optical events is described. The electrodes can be coupled to dielectric elastomer materials to ensure contact quality and can also be connected to pressure sensors for monitoring and adjusting pressure. The optical events can trigger device operations and higher resolution sensing capabilities, while the electrodes can serve as an on-head detector for waking up and unlocking the device.

  • Electrodes for detecting optical events such as eye movement or gestures
  • Coupling electrodes to dielectric elastomer materials for varying contact and signal quality
  • Connecting electrodes to pressure sensors and control circuitry for pressure monitoring and adjustment
  • Using optical events as triggers for device operations and higher resolution sensing capabilities
  • Electrodes serving as an on-head detector for waking up and unlocking the device

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, and other wearable devices to enhance user interaction and control through eye movements and gestures.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of ensuring reliable contact and signal quality between the electrodes and the user's head, especially in dynamic environments where movement and pressure can affect the sensing capabilities.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved user experience, more precise control of devices through eye movements, and enhanced functionality through gesture recognition and triggering of different operational modes.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology include gaming peripherals, medical devices for monitoring eye movements, and assistive technologies for individuals with mobility impairments.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be eye-tracking technology used in virtual reality headsets and research studies to monitor eye movements and gestures for interaction and control purposes.

Unanswered Questions

How does the technology handle different head sizes and shapes for optimal electrode contact?

The abstract does not mention how the device accommodates variations in head sizes and shapes to ensure consistent and reliable electrode contact.

What materials are used for the electrodes and dielectric elastomer materials?

The abstract does not specify the specific materials used for the electrodes and dielectric elastomer materials, which could impact the performance and durability of the device.


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.