Eye Tracking Illumination System Using Segmented Light Deflecting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye tracking systems face limitations in providing accurate and extensive tracking due to insufficient in-field illumination, particularly in the central region of the eye, leading to reduced tracking range and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system comprising a light source that emits infrared light, coupled with a substrate and light deflecting elements to provide in-field illumination, utilizing a light splitting element to direct infrared light towards the eye, and including a retardation film and beam shaping elements to control polarization and intensity for enhanced tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional illumination systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the illumination uniformity across the eye is insufficient and tracking accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light deflecting elements (first light deflecting element, second light deflecting element, etc.) coupled with the substrate. Each element independently deflects light to specific regions of the eye, enabling precise control over illumination distribution and achieving uniform illumination across the entire eye surface including the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the eye receive light from different light deflecting elements, creating localized illumination zones. The first light deflecting element illuminates a first region while the second light deflecting element illuminates a second region, ensuring that each area of the eye receives appropriate illumination intensity for accurate tracking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more light deflecting elements are added to improve illumination coverage, then the tracking range is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light deflecting elements are integrated onto a single substrate, creating a multi-functional illumination system. The substrate serves as a common platform that supports multiple light deflecting elements, each contributing to different regions of the eye. This integration allows the system to achieve extensive tracking range while managing device complexity through shared structural components.
3Measurement precision
If infrared light is used for illumination, then the tracking precision is improved, but the illumination intensity in the central region of the eye is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflecting elements are pre-configured on the substrate to direct infrared light toward specific regions of the eye before the actual tracking measurement occurs. This preliminary arrangement of light paths ensures that the central region of the eye receives sufficient infrared illumination intensity, enabling high-precision tracking without requiring post-processing adjustments.
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
The system achieves improved eye tracking accuracy and range by ensuring uniform illumination across the eye, including the central region, through structured infrared light patterns, thereby enhancing the extraction of eye tracking information.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light deflecting element coupled with the substrate and configured to deflect the light to illuminate an object
Implementation Method 2
including a retardation film and beam shaping elements to control polarization and intensity for enhanced tracking
Implementation Method 3
including a retardation film and beam shaping elements to control polarization and intensity for enhanced tracking
Implementation Method 4
an optical sensor configured to receive the light reflected by the object and generate an image of the object based on the light reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system includes a light source configured to emit an infrared light. The illumination system also includes a substrate and a plurality of light deflecting elements coupled with the substrate and configured to deflect the infrared light to illuminate an object.