Improved eye-fixation detection using polarization-modulated retinal birefringence scanning, immune to corneal birefringence.
We present an improved method for remote eye-fixation detection, using a polarization-modulated approach to retinal birefringence scanning (RBS), without the need for individual calibration or separate background measurements and essentially independent of corneal birefringence. Polarization-modulated RBS detects polarization changes generated in modulated polarized light passing through a unique pattern of nerve fibers identifying and defining the retinal region where fixation occurs (the fovea). A proof-of-concept demonstration in human eyes suggests that polarization-modulated RBS has the potential to reliably detect true foveal fixation on a specified point with an accuracy of at least ± 0.75°, and that it can be applied to the general population, including individuals with sub-optimal eyes and young children, where early diagnosis of visual problems can be critical. As could be employed in an eye-controlled display or in other devices, polarization-modulated RBS also enables and paves the way for new and reliable eye-fixation-evoked human-machine interfaces.
Kristina
K
Irsch
Boris I
BI
Gramatikov
Yi-Kai
YK
Wu
David L
DL
Guyton
D001718:Birefringence; D002648:Child; D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D005403:Fixation, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D005584:Fovea Centralis; D006801:Humans; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization / Q000379:methods*; D009412:Nerve Fibers; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*