Integrated Eye-Tracking Lens Eliminates External Supports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-worn eye-tracking devices are physically and visually obstructive due to external mechanical support structures, which can compromise durability and are not optimized for large-scale production in terms of cost and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lens for eye-tracking applications with integrated light sources and image capturing devices, featuring a protective layer, an absorptive layer, and optionally a supporting layer, which eliminates the need for external mechanical support structures, allowing for a lighter, more robust, and less obstructive design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external mechanical support structures are used to mount optical components, then components can be securely held, but the device becomes physically and visually obstructive and less durable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical components (light source and camera) directly into the lens structure, merging previously separate elements (lens and mounting structure) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external mechanical support structures while maintaining secure component positioning and improving overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are nested within the lens structure itself, with the light source and camera positioned inside or integrated into the lens housing. This nesting approach removes the need for external mounting structures and reduces the overall device profile while maintaining component security.
2Ease of operation
If external mechanical support structures are used, then components can be mounted, but the device becomes visually obstructive and less attractive
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the optical components with the lens structure, the patent eliminates the need for bulky external frames and mounting structures. This results in a more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing device that is less visually obstructive and more comfortable for users wearing head-mounted displays.
3Measurement precision
If light sources are mounted externally, then they can be positioned, but stray light compromises eye-tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is positioned inside the lens structure, nested within the optical path. This internal positioning allows for better control of light emission and reduces stray light that would otherwise compromise eye-tracking accuracy. The integrated design enables precise optical alignment and minimizes unwanted light reflections.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting structures are used, then components can be secured, but production cost and efficiency are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of optical components into the lens structure simplifies the overall assembly process. Instead of separately mounting components onto external frames, the integrated design allows for more straightforward manufacturing and assembly, optimizing production efficiency and reducing costs for large-scale production.
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 configuration enables the construction of less visually impairing and more robust head-worn eye-tracking devices with reduced stray light, improved component design freedom, and enhanced accuracy, while facilitating easier production and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an absorptive layer, arranged on the far side of the first protective layer seen from the eye to be tracked when the lens is used for eye tracking, adapted to be absorptive for the majority of the first light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lens for eye-tracking applications. The lens comprises a first protective layer, arranged to face towards the eye to be tracked when the lens is used for eye-tracking. It also comprises at least one light source, at least partly arranged in the first protective layer, arranged to emit a first light from the first protective layer in a direction towards the eye. Moreover, it comprises at least one image capturing device, at least partly arranged in the first protective layer, arranged to receive the first light within the first protective layer. The lens further comprises an absorptive layer, arranged on the far side of the first protective layer seen from the eye to be tracked when the lens is used for eye-tracking, adapted to be absorptive for wavelengths of the majority of the first light.