Abstract: Image analysis is used for low light gaze detection in a vehicle environment. An infrared (IR) light source is sent toward an individual within a vehicular environment. IR light reflections are received from the individual by at least one video camera. At least one eye of the individual is obscured by a semitransparent material. Low accuracy tracking of the individual is evaluated using the IR light reflections through the semitransparent material. A signal-to-noise ratio for a sequence of video image frames is enhanced using the IR light reflections of the individual through the semitransparent material. Enhancing enables detection of feature points in an eye region for the individual. Eye location for the individual is determined based on results of the enhancing a signal-to-noise ratio. Real-time gaze direction of a pupil is derived for the at least one eye. The deriving is based on the determining the eye location.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring images of a target area by acquiring (S1) a first image of the target area with a first image sensor; acquiring (S2) a second image of said target with a second image sensor; and preprocessing the first and second images by 1) performing a spatial 5 transform (S3) at least one of said first and second images in order to compensate for different image acquisition angles, and 2) at least partly removing (S4) undesired reflexes from the first and second images to form first and second reflex reduced images. With the present invention, it is still possible to eliminate or reduce 10 unwanted reflexes, even though the viewing angles of the two frames are different.

Abstract: A pose of an eye of a user is determined by providing a parameterized 3D model of the eye, said model including a set of parameters which have been calibrated, acquiring (step S11) at least one tracking image of the eye, identifying (step S12) a plurality of characteristic features in the acquired tracking image, fitting (step S13) said characteristic features with corresponding features of an optical projection of the calibrated 3D model, thereby forming a set of equations, and numerically solving (step S14) the set of equations to determine the pose of the eye.

Abstract: A method for visual interaction between a user (10) and a machine (20) using gaze estimation is disclosed. The method comprises: displaying an initial element and one or more further elements on a display (30), each further element being spatially separated from the initial element, whereby each further element defines an angular range with respect to the position of the initial element; determining that a direction from a first gaze point to a second gaze point lies within the angular range defined by a further element selected by the user; and sending instructions to the machine to perform a function associated with the selected element. A system (1) for visual interaction between a user (10) and a machine (20) using gaze estimation is also disclosed. The gaze points of the user may be determined with relatively low precision.

Abstract: A head/eye tracking system comprising an image sensor for acquiring images of a user, a narrow band light source for illuminating the eyes, and a band-pass filter arranged between the eyes and the image acquisition device and having a pass-band corresponding to the emission spectrum of the light source at a predefined operating temperature. The system further comprises a heat source arranged in proximity to the light source and configured to preheat the light source to reach the predefined operating temperature. By shortening the period during which large temperature variation takes place, sub-optimal performance of the system can be accepted during this short period, thereby relaxing the requirements on light source and filter design.

Abstract: A head/eye tracking system comprising an image sensor for acquiring images of a user, a narrow band light source for illuminating the eyes, and a band-pass filter arranged between the eyes and the image acquisition device and having a pass-band corresponding to the emission spectrum of the light source at a predefined operating temperature. The system further comprises a heat source arranged in proximity to the light source and configured to preheat the light source to reach the predefined operating temperature. By shortening the period during which large temperature variation takes place, sub-optimal performance of the system can be accepted during this short period, thereby relaxing the requirements on light source and filter design.

Abstract: A device for acquiring a combined eye gaze image of an object under dark-eye effect conditions, with a first camera, a second camera, a first light source and a second light source being located on opposite sides of, and on essentially equal distance to a central optical axis. A control unit is arranged to acquire the combined eye gaze image by capturing, in a first point in time, a first frame of the object with the first camera with the second light source activated, and, at a second point in time, capturing a second frame of the object with the second camera with the first light source activated. The device comprises no additional light sources further away from the central optical axis than the first location and the second location. The device is thereby designed as compact as possible while a sufficient eye gaze tracking accuracy and robustness is maintained.

Abstract: A device for acquiring a combined eye gaze image of an object under dark-eye effect conditions, with a first camera, a second camera, a first light source and a second light source being located on opposite sides of, and on essentially equal distance to a central optical axis. A control unit is arranged to acquire the combined eye gaze image by capturing, in a first point in time, a first frame of the object with the first camera with the second light source activated, and, at a second point in time, capturing a second frame of the object with the second camera with the first light source activated. The device comprises no additional light sources further away from the central optical axis than the first location and the second location. The device is thereby designed as compact as possible while a sufficient eye gaze tracking accuracy and robustness is maintained.