Eye Tracker Using Bug Eye Orientation Sensor and Fuzzy Metrology

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes a new and innovative method of eye tracking, incorporating an Inverse Bug Eye Orientation System (IBEOS) in conjunction with fuzzy metrology to determine the orientation of an observer's eye. This eye tracking system can be applied directly to a virtual reality training system to determine the image resolution requirement so as to adjust the VR processing speed. In the proposed system, an invisible IR point source created by an optical fiber tip in front of the observer's eye creates a virtual image through Fresnel reflection from the cornea. Eye movement causes the virtual image of the point source to move. The IBEOS simply and rapidly determines the direction of the point virtual image of the light, and hence the orientation of the eye. The system is optical, and therefore immune to EMI and RFI. The BIEOS system is redundant, robust, and easily calibrated, so that it requires no operator training. The use of fuzzy metrology minimizes the influence of stray ambient light. The system can be installed in most environments (including vehicles) without modification.