New wireless eye-tracking technology integrated into a standard pair of glasses, has been shown to significantly improve augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences and may soon be used for healthcare applications, such as the early detection of neurogenerative diseases.

Nano-electronics and digital technology researcher, Imec, unveiled the glasses at the end of May at its technology forum in Antwerp, where attendees were able to wander through a maze in the EOG glasses using only their eye movements for navigation. 

The technology, based on electro-oculography, used to examine eyes and record eye movement, uses five dry-contact electrodes mounted on a standard pair of eyeglasses. The electrodes detect eye movement, while the ergonomic design means the glasses feel like everyday spectacles, compared with the bulky and more expensive AR/VR headsets with eye-tracking capability currently on the market. The glasses are almost twice as fast as current camera-based solutions for detecting eye position, with a sampling rate of 256 samples per second. Based on Bluetooth wireless technology, they are also more energy efficient, needing only one battery in a small box behind the wearer’s ear, while another small box includes the electronics, said Imec.  

“Imec’s EOG technology can be used in AR/VR applications to navigate interfaces and menus quickly by the user’s eye gestures, eliminating the need for cumbersome hand controllers. An advanced algorithm translates the eye movement signals into virtual commands: lateral eye movements can for example be used to swipe and turn, while blinking will trigger a move forward.”

Eye movement analysis is also increasingly being used in studies on neurological disorders, to diagnose disorders such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage. Imec said it is also hoping to employ its technology in diagnostic research and monitoring disease progression and has invited offers of collaboration from medical, pharmaceutical and other eye health companies.