AR Gaze Tracking Using Support-Mounted Reflector Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) devices face challenges in accurately detecting user gaze due to the enlargement of the rim portion caused by camera placement, leading to user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An AR device utilizing a light reflector and receiver located in the support of the frame, which includes a temple and nose support, to emit and receive infrared light, allowing for precise gaze detection by analyzing the pattern and bias of the support to calculate gaze points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is arranged on the rim portion to track user gaze, then gaze detection capability is improved, but the rim portion becomes enlarged and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gaze detection function from the rim portion and relocates it to the support structure. By moving the light emitter and receiver from the rim to the support, the device eliminates the need for an enlarged rim camera assembly, thereby maintaining gaze detection capability while improving user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary light reflector pattern system that mediates between the support structure and the user's eye. The light emitter on the support emits light that reflects off a patterned surface and into the user's eye, with the reflected light captured by the receiver. This intermediary optical path enables gaze detection without requiring direct camera placement on the rim.
2Measurement precision
If camera is placed on rim portion, then gaze tracking is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the waveguide, positions the light emitter and receiver for gaze detection, and can incorporate the light reflector pattern. By making the support multi-functional, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining gaze tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gaze detection components (light emitter and receiver) with the support structure. Instead of separate camera modules on the rim, the light emitter and receiver are integrated into the support, combining structural and detection functions into a single unified component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately detects user gaze without enlarging the device rim, enhancing comfort and precision in gaze tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter and a light receiver installed on the support; wherein the light emitted toward the light reflector is reflected by the light reflector and directed toward an eye of the user, and wherein the light received by the light receiver comprises light from the light directed toward the eye of the user being reflected by the eye of the user
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality (AR) device for detecting a user's gaze and a method thereof are provided. The AR device includes a waveguide; a light reflector including a pattern; a support configured to fix the AR device to the user's face of the AR device; a light emitter and a light receiver installed on the support; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to control the light emitter to emit light toward the light reflector, identify the pattern based on the light received through the light receiver, and obtain gaze information of a user of the AR device based on the identified pattern.