Eye Tracking Lens With Integrated Component Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-worn eye-tracking devices have mechanically obstructive support structures that are aesthetically and functionally undesirable, and they face challenges in efficiently integrating sensitive optical and electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A lens designed for eye-tracking applications, featuring a first and second protective layer with a supporting layer in between, which incorporates an electrical component such as an image capturing device and a light source, allowing for efficient integration and reduced external obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electro-optical components are mounted on a mechanical support structure attached to the frame, then the components can be securely held, but the support structure becomes visibly and physically obstructive to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical support structure with the lens itself by integrating the holding members directly into the lens assembly. This eliminates the need for separate external support structures attached to the frame, thereby removing visual and physical obstructions while maintaining secure component mounting through the lens-integrated holding members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the obstructive mechanical support structure from the external frame attachment and relocates it within the lens assembly. By taking out the external support structure and integrating its functions into the lens, the design eliminates the harmful visual and physical obstructions while preserving the component-holding function.
2Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical support structure with optics holding members is attached to the frame, then components can be mounted, but it reduces the aesthetic appeal and creates functional disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and optics holding members into a single integrated lens assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical support structures, thereby simplifying the overall device design, improving aesthetics, and maintaining ease of manufacture through the integrated holding members that are part of the lens assembly.
3Ease of operation
If electro-optical components are mounted on an extending frame structure, then the components can be positioned, but the strength and durability of the lens and its functional elements are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the component positioning function with the lens structure itself. By integrating the holding members into the lens assembly, the design provides secure component positioning while maintaining the strength and durability of the lens and its functional elements, as the integrated structure eliminates weak points associated with external attachments.
4Reliability
If conventional mechanical support structures are used, then components can be held securely, but the weight of equipment attached on the outside of the lens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external mechanical support structure from the frame and integrates it into the lens assembly. This extraction and integration eliminates the need for additional external weight-bearing structures, thereby reducing the overall weight of equipment attached on the outside of the lens while maintaining secure component holding through the integrated holding members.
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 lens facilitates the integration of electrical components within the lens structure, reducing external weight and obstructions, while enhancing the efficiency and aesthetics of eye-tracking devices.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive element arranged to face towards the eye in the light path of the light source
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is adapted to capture light which has been emitted from the light source and reflected on the eye
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A lens (10) for eye tracking applications is described. The lens (10) comprises a first protective layer (20) with a first surface (21), arranged to face towards the eye (5) to be tracked when the lens (10) is used for eye tracking. The lens (10) is characterized in that the lens further comprises a supporting layer (30) and a second protective layer (40) with a second surface (41), arranged to face away from the eye (5) to be tracked when the lens (10) is used for eye tracking. The supporting layer (30) is arranged between the first protective layer (20) and the second protective layer (40), and the supporting layer (30) comprises at least a first opening (22) between the first protective layer (20) and the second protective layer (40). At least one electrical component (60) arranged extending through the first opening (22).