Corneal Curvature Mapping via Projected Line Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial reality headsets are limited in tracking user gaze and gathering biometric data, which reduces immersion and customization of experiences, and are unable to effectively map corneal curvature for identification or medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a head-mounted display to illuminate the cornea with a projected line, detecting the distortion of the reflected line using an image sensor to determine the corneal shape, enabling gaze tracking, user identification, and medical condition diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional artificial reality headsets are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to track user gaze and map corneal curvature is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the corneal mapping function into separate components: a light source for projecting illumination patterns, an image sensor for capturing reflected light, and processing circuitry for analyzing corneal shape. This allows the corneal mapping functionality to be added without requiring complete redesign of the headset structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it captures images for corneal curvature mapping, tracks user gaze direction, and potentially monitors other biometric data. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single sensor performs multiple measurement tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corneal curvature mapping is added to track gaze and provide biometric data, then user immersion and customization improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the corneal mapping system with the existing artificial reality headset by integrating the light source and image sensor into the headset structure. The processing circuitry combines corneal curvature data with virtual reality rendering, creating a unified system that provides both immersive display and biometric tracking without requiring separate standalone devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own corneal reflection as the measurement target, eliminating the need for external calibration objects or additional biometric sensors. The cornea itself serves as the reflective surface that provides both the measurement signal and the subject of measurement, reducing the need for additional components.
3Measurement precision
If a light source and image sensor are integrated into the headset, then corneal curvature can be mapped accurately, but the headset weight and structure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a standard image sensor and light source that can be mass-produced at low cost, rather than requiring specialized expensive sensors. The electronic components are designed to be compact and lightweight, accepting that these components have limited lifetimes but can be replaced easily, thereby reducing overall system weight and cost.
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
Enhances immersion by tracking user gaze and provides effective biometric identification and medical diagnostics by accurately mapping corneal curvature, improving the functionality of artificial reality systems.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, via an image sensor at a detection time, a portion of the projection of the line reflected by the portion of the cornea of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed computer-implemented method may include directing a display device included in a head-mounted display worn by a user to illuminate, via a projection of a line at an illumination time, a portion of a cornea of the user. The method may further include detecting, via an image sensor at a detection time, a portion of the projection of the line reflected by the portion of the cornea of the user and identifying a distortion of the projection of the line reflected by the portion of the cornea of the user. The method may also include determining a shape of the cornea of the user based on the illumination time, the detection time, and the distortion of the projection of the line reflected by the portion of the cornea. Various other methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.