Patents Assigned to TOBII AB
  • Patent number: 9740452
    Abstract: According to the invention, a method for providing audio to a user is disclosed. The method may include determining, with an eye tracking device, a gaze point of a user on a display. The method may also include causing, with a computer system, an audio device to produce audio to the user, where content of the audio may be based at least in part on the gaze point of the user on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Anders Vennström, Fredrik Lindh
  • Publication number: 20170235360
    Abstract: A method and system for assisting a user when interacting with a graphical user interface combines gaze based input with gesture based user commands. A user of a computer system without a traditional touch-screen can interact with graphical user interfaces in a touch-screen like manner using a combination of gaze based input and gesture based user commands. A solution for touch-screen like interaction uses gaze input and gesture based input as a complement or an alternative to touch-screen interactions with a computer device having a touch-screen. Combined gaze and gesture based interaction with graphical user interfaces can be used to achieve a touchscreen like environment in computer systems without a traditional touchscreen or in computer systems having a touchscreen arranged ergonomically unfavorable for the user or a touchscreen arranged such that it is more comfortable for the user to use gesture and gaze for the interaction than the touchscreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventor: Erland George-Svahn
  • Publication number: 20170235362
    Abstract: According to the invention, a system for presenting graphics on a display device is disclosed. The system may include an eye tracking device for determining a gaze point of a user on a display device. The system may also include a graphics processing device for causing graphics to be displayed on the display device. The graphics displayed on the display device may be modified such that the graphics in an area including the gaze point of the user have at least one modified parameter relative to graphics outside the area. The size of the area may be based at least in part on an amount of noise in the gaze point over time and at least one other secondary factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Robin Thunström, Märten Skogö
  • Patent number: 9710058
    Abstract: A portable eye tracker device is disclosed which includes a frame, at least one optics holding member, and a control unit. The frame may be adapted for wearing by a user. The at least one optics holding member may include at least one illuminator configured to selectively illuminate at least a portion of at least one eye of the user, and at least one image sensor configured to capture image data representing images of at least a portion of at least one eye of the user. The control unit may be configured to control the at least one illuminator for the selective illumination of at least a portion of at least one eye of the user, receive the image data from the at least one image sensor, and calibrate at least one illuminator, at least one image sensor, or an algorithm of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Simon Gustafsson, Anders Kingbäck, Markus Cederlund
  • Publication number: 20170177078
    Abstract: A computer system can be controlled with non-contact inputs through zonal control. In an embodiment, a non-contact input that is an eye-tracking device is used to track the gaze of a user. A computer's display, and beyond, can be separated into a number of discrete zones according to a configuration. Each zone is associated with a computer function. The zones and/or their functions can, but need not, be indicated to the user. The user can perform the various functions by moving gaze towards the zone associated with that function and providing an activation signal of intent. The activation signal of intent can be a contact-required or non-contact action, such as a button press or dwelling gaze, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: David Figgins Henderek, Anders Olsson, Magnus Carl Olof Sävmarker, Staffan Wingren
  • Publication number: 20170177079
    Abstract: A computer system can be controlled with non-contact inputs, such as eye-tracking devices. A visual indicator can be presented on a display to indicate the location where a computer function will take place (e.g., a common cursor). The visual indicator can be moved to a gaze target in response to continued detection of an action (e.g., touchpad touch) by a user for a predetermined period of time. A delay between the action and the movement of the visual indicator can allow a user time to “abort” movement of the visual indicator. Additionally, once the visual indicator has moved, the visual indicator can be controlled with additional precision as the user moves the gaze while continuing the action (e.g., continued holding of the touchpad).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Erland George-Svahn, David Figgins Henderek, Rebecka Lannsjö, Mårten Skogö, John Elvesjö
  • Patent number: 9665172
    Abstract: A portable eye tracker device is disclosed which includes a frame, at least one optics holding member, and a control unit. The frame may be adapted for wearing by a user and include an eyeglass frame having a nose bridge. The at least one optics holding member may include at least one illuminator configured to selectively illuminate at least a portion of at least one eye of the user and at least one image sensor configured to capture image data representing images of at least a portion of at least one eye of the user. The optics holding member may be coupled with the nose bridge. The control unit may be configured to control the at least one illuminator for the selective illumination of at least a portion of at least one eye of the user, and receive the image data from the at least one image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Erik Engwall, Jonas Andersson, Richard Hainzl, Simon Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 9665171
    Abstract: According to the invention, a system for presenting graphics on a display device is disclosed. The system may include an eye tracking device, at least one processor, and a graphics processing device. The eye tracking device may be for determining at least one of a gaze point of a user on a display device, or a change in the gaze point of the user on the display device. The processor may be for receiving data from the eye tracking device and modifying use of at least one system resource based at least in part on the data received from the eye tracking device. The graphics processing device may be for causing an image to be displayed on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Mårten Skogö, Anders Olsson, Erik Kenneth Holmgren
  • Patent number: 9649029
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining an image of an eye in a bright-pupil imaging mode in which a retinal retro-reflection complements the image of the eye in the bright-pupil mode, and obtaining an image of the eye in a dark-pupil imaging mode in which a cornea-scleral retro-reflection complements the image of the eye in the dark-pupil mode. One of the bright-pupil imaging mode and the dark-pupil imaging mode is selected based on quality of obtained images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Peter Blixt, Gunnar Troili, Anders Kingbäck, John Mikael Elvesjö, Mårten Skogö
  • Patent number: 9646207
    Abstract: At least one image registering unit records at least one series of images representing a subject. A control unit controls an operation sequence for the at least one image registering unit in such a manner that a subsequent data processing unit receives a repeating sequence of image frames there from, wherein each period contains at least one image frame of a first resolution and at least one image frame of a second resolution being different from the first resolution. Based on the registered image frames, the data processing unit produces eye/gaze tracking data with respect to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TOBII AB
    Inventors: Mattias Kuldkepp, Marten Skogo, Mattias Hanqvist, Martin Brogren, Dineshkumar Muthusamy
  • Patent number: 9632180
    Abstract: A visual display includes hidden reference illuminators adapted to emit invisible light for generating corneo-scleral reflections on an eye watching a screen surface of the display. The tracking of such reflections and the pupil center provides input to gaze tracking. A method for equipping and an LCD with a reference illuminator are also provided. Also provides are a system and method for determining a gaze point of an eye watching a visual display that includes reference illuminators. The determination of the gaze point may be based on an ellipsoidal cornea model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOBII AB
    Inventors: Peter Blixt, Anders Kingback, Bengt Rehnstrom, John Elvesjö, Mattias Kuldkepp
  • Publication number: 20170109513
    Abstract: According to the invention a system for authenticating a user of a device is disclosed. The system may include a first image sensor, a determination unit, and an authentication unit. The first image sensor may be for capturing at least one image of at least part of a user. The determination unit may be for determining information relating to the user's eye based at least in part on at least one image captured by the first image sensor. The authentication unit may be for authenticating the user using the information relating to the user's eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Mårten Skogö, Richard Hainzl, Henrik Jönsson, Anders Vennström, Erland George-Svahn, John Elvesjö
  • Patent number: 9619020
    Abstract: A computer system can be controlled with non-contact inputs, such as eye-tracking devices. A visual indicator can be presented on a display to indicate the location where a computer function will take place (e.g., a common cursor). The visual indicator can be moved to a gaze target in response to continued detection of an action (e.g., touchpad touch) by a user for a predetermined period of time. A delay between the action and the movement of the visual indicator can allow a user time to “abort” movement of the visual indicator. Additionally, once the visual indicator has moved, the visual indicator can be controlled with additional precision as the user moves the gaze while continuing the action (e.g., continued holding of the touchpad).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Erland George-Svahn, David Figgins Henderek, Rebecka Lannsjö, Mårten Skogö, John Elvesjö
  • Publication number: 20170091549
    Abstract: A system for determining a gaze direction of a user is disclosed. The system may include a first illuminator, a first profile sensor, and at least one processor. The first illuminator may be configured to illuminate an eye of a user. The first profile sensor may be configured to detect light reflected by the eye of the user. The processor(s) may be configured to determine a gaze direction of the user based at least in part on light detected by the first profile sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Simon Gustafsson, Daniel Johansson Tornéus, Jonas Andersson, Johannes Kron, Mårten Skogö, Ralf Biedert
  • Publication number: 20170090566
    Abstract: A method and system for assisting a user when interacting with a graphical user interface combines gaze based input with gesture based user commands. A user of a computer system without a traditional touch-screen can interact with graphical user interfaces in a touch-screen like manner using a combination of gaze based input and gesture based user commands. A solution for touch-screen like interaction uses gaze input and gesture based input as a complement or an alternative to touch-screen interactions with a computer device having a touch-screen. Combined gaze and gesture based interaction with graphical user interfaces can be used to achieve a touchscreen like environment in computer systems without a traditional touchscreen or in computer systems having a touchscreen arranged ergonomically unfavorable for the user or a touchscreen arranged such that it is more comfortable for the user to use gesture and gaze for the interaction than the touchscreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Erland George-Svahn, Dzenan Dzemidzic, Anders Vennström, Ida Nilsson, Anders Olsson, Rebecka Lannsjö, Mårten Skogö
  • Publication number: 20170090563
    Abstract: A method for mapping an input device to a virtual object in virtual space displayed on a display device is disclosed. The method may include determining, via an eye tracking device, a gaze direction of a user. The method may also include, based at least in part on the gaze direction being directed to a virtual object in virtual space displayed on a display device, modifying an action to be taken by one or more processors in response to receiving a first input from an input device. The method may further include, thereafter, in response to receiving the input from the input device, causing the action to occur, wherein the action correlates the first input to an interaction with the virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Simon Gustafsson, Alexey Bezugly, Anders Kingbäck, Anders Clausen
  • Publication number: 20170090562
    Abstract: A method for panning content on a display of a wearable device is disclosed. The method may include determining, via an eye tracking device, a gaze direction of a user. The method may also include determining, via a movement detection system, a head direction of the user. The method may further include, based at least in part on the gaze direction and the head direction both being consistent with a particular direction, causing content displayed on a display of the wearable device to be panned in the particular direction. The method may additionally include determining during panning of the content, via the eye tracking device, that the gaze direction of the user has returned to a neutral position. The method may moreover include, based at least in part on the gaze direction of the user returning to the neutral position, causing content displayed on the display to stop panning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Simon Gustafsson, Henrik Björk, Fredrik Lindh, Anders Olsson
  • Publication number: 20170090564
    Abstract: A system for determining a gaze direction of a user in a wearable device is disclosed. The system may include a display device, a primary lens, an illuminator, and a plurality of imaging device. The primary lens may be disposed in front of the display device. The illuminator may be configured to illuminate an eye of a user. The plurality of imaging devices may be disposed on or in the primary lens to detect light reflected by the eye of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Simon Gustafsson, Anders Kingbäck, Peter Blixt, Richard Hainzl
  • Publication number: 20170083088
    Abstract: According to the invention, a method for changing a display based at least in part on a gaze point of a user on the display is disclosed. The method may include receiving information identifying a location of the gaze point of the user on the display. The method may also include, based at least in part on the location of the gaze point, causing a virtual camera perspective to change, thereby causing content on the display associated with the virtual camera to change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Tobii AB
    Inventors: Rebecka Lannsjö, Henrik Björk
  • Patent number: 9596391
    Abstract: According to the invention, a system for converting sound to electrical signals is disclosed. The system may include a gaze tracking device and a microphone. The gaze tracking device may determine a gaze direction of a user. The microphone may be more sensitive in a selected direction than at least one other direction and alter the selected direction based at least in part on the gaze direction determined by the gaze tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventors: David Figgins Henderek, Mårten Skogö