Dual Pixel Structure for High-Resolution Gaze Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices, such as HMDs for VR and AR, face challenges in achieving high resolution and low power consumption while maintaining a compact size, as higher pixel density and increased image data capacity lead to increased power consumption and device size, especially when incorporating features like gaze tracking and health condition detection.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a dual pixel structure with a higher pixel density in the central region for high-resolution image display and a lower pixel density in the peripheral region for reduced power consumption, using an optical combiner to combine images from both regions, and integrates light-receiving elements for gaze tracking and health condition detection within the pixel portion, allowing for smaller form factor and multifunctionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of pixels per unit area is increased to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating pixel density across different visual field regions. The central visual field region uses high pixel density for detailed image recognition, while the peripheral visual field region uses low pixel density for motion detection only. This spatial variation in pixel quality resolves the contradiction by concentrating computational resources only where high resolution is necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining image quality in critical areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical sensor is provided outside the pixel portion to enable gaze tracking, then detection function is added, but device size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical sensor functionality with the existing pixel portion structure. The same pixel array that displays images is also used for detecting reflected infrared light from the user's eye, enabling gaze tracking without adding separate external sensors. This integration resolves the contradiction by combining multiple functions into a single component, adding detection capability while avoiding increase in device size.
3Manufacturing precision
If pixel density is increased in the central region for high-resolution display, then image quality is improved, but the capacity of image data is increased leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual field into distinct functional regions: a central region for high-resolution image display and recognition, and a peripheral region for low-resolution motion detection. By dividing the pixel array into these segments with different resolutions and processing requirements, the system reduces overall image data capacity while maintaining high resolution where needed, thereby reducing power consumption associated with processing large amounts of image data.
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
This approach enables high-resolution image display with reduced power consumption and compact size, while also enabling accurate gaze tracking and health condition detection, resulting in a more reliable and efficient wearable electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
an HMD having a gaze tracking function has been developed. In addition, an HMD having a function of detecting a user's health condition such as a fatigue level has been developed. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an HMD that performs gaze tracking by irradiating a user's cornea with infrared light from an infrared light source and detecting the reflected infrared light.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device with low power consumption is provided. The electronic device includes a first pixel portion and a second pixel portion. A plurality of first pixels are arranged in the first pixel portion. The second pixel portion includes a first region where a plurality of second pixels are arranged and a second region where a plurality of third pixels are arranged. The second region is provided to surround the first region. The first pixel includes a first light-emitting element, the second pixel includes a light-receiving element, and the third pixel includes a second light-emitting element. The area occupied by one of the first pixels is smaller than the area occupied by one of the third pixels.