Development of a new scleral contact lens with encapsulated photodetectors for eye tracking

Opt Express. 2020 Sep 14;28(19):28635-28647. doi: 10.1364/OE.399823.

Abstract

Most eye trackers nowadays are video-based, which allows for a relatively simple and non-invasive approach but also imposes several constraints in terms of necessary computing power and conditions of use (e.g., lighting, spectacles, etc.). We introduce a new eye tracker using a scleral lens equipped with photodiodes and an eyewear with active illumination. The direction of gaze is obtained from the weighted average of photocurrents (centroid) and communicated through an optical link. After discussing the optimum photodiodes configuration (number, layout) and associated lighting (collimated, Lambertian), we present prototypes demonstrating the high performances possibilities (0.11° accuracy when placed on an artificial eye) and wireless optical communication.

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Contact Lenses*
  • Equipment Design
  • Eye-Tracking Technology*
  • Humans
  • Sclera