Precision Contact Lens Eye-Tracking Sensor

To address the ArmyÆs need for precision contact lens eye-tracking sensors for Extended Reality (XR) interaction, training optimization, and cognitive monitoring, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Precision Contact Lens Eye-Tracking Sensor (PCLETS). The innovative modular PCLETS design integrates LEDs, a dye-embedded contact lens, quadrant detectors, and eye-tracking processing algorithms. Specifically, the innovation in embedding dye into the contact lens and the use of LEDs and quadrant detectors to interrogate spots (dye locations) for eye tracking enables fast, accurate, and high-precision measurement of the movement of the eye in a form factor that is acceptable for mission demands. This design does not use complex and noisy image processing algorithms on which traditional high-precision eye-tracking systems rely. Furthermore, the novel use of LEDs combined with emissive dye and quadrant detectors instead of lasers reduces the risk to eyes. In addition, the innovations of PCLETS enable the contact lens to be used as a controller. For example, instead of using a physical controller or gesture recognition, the control commands can be encoded into the eye movement patterns to enable selection of virtual objects in the environment (i.e., in a multilayered XR User Interface (UI) for head-mounted displays (HMDs)). Thus, the user can rely on their eyes rather than using a physical controller or gesture recognition, thereby increasing the speed and intuitive nature of interacting with HMD interfaces. As a result, PCLETS can operate in rugged, highly mobile Army environments and allow for operational integration into multiple wartime dynamic scenarios for joint mission precision to include manned and unmanned air operations and ground vehicle systems. PCLETS will also enhance command and control (C2) capabilities in XR environments, optimizing training and cognitive monitoring to enable real-time adaptive systems. In Phase I, Intellisense will conduct feasibility studies for the eye-tracking system and sensor embedded in a contact lens. We will demonstrate feasibility through design, simulation, and evaluation of the PCLETS as a precision contact lens with an eye-tracking sensor with long-lasting (24+ hr with a coin battery on the frame of an HMD) performance. A breadboard proof-of-concept prototype using a model eye will be integrated and tested. The Phase I effort will include plans for prototype development in Phase II. In Phase II, Intellisense plans to optimize the design and fabricate and demonstrate a working prototype of a testbed and sensors capable of collecting binocular eye gaze position, pupil size, and blinks. The results will be compared to high-precision eye trackers.