EYE MOVEMENT DETECTOR WITH IMPROVED CALIBRATION AND SPEED

A system for eye movement detection is disclosed that utilizes an infrared light emitting diode mounted coaxially in front of the lens of an infrared sensitive video camera for remotely making images of the eye of a computer operator. The reflected light causes bright eye effect which outlines the pupil as brighter than the rest of the eye and also causes an even bright small glint from the surface of the cornea. The computer includes graphic processing which takes a video image, digitizes it into a matrix of pixels and analyzes the matrix. Using special algorithms the analysis calibrates the system to provide a highly accurate resolution and has a quick scan technique to rapidly determine the location of the pupil's center and the location of the glint relative to each other and with this information determines where the eye is gazing. If the eye-gaze is for a predetermined time at images in selected areas on the computer screen, the area is selected and results in actuation of other devices or the presentation of additional images on the screen. This is especially usable for handicapped persons to control their environment. Other uses include operator interfacing with workstations, cockpit controls and in industrial environments.