Eye Tracking Assembly with Ring Carrier and Integrated Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye tracking systems face challenges with cumbersome component mounting processes, misalignment issues, and increased size, weight, and cost due to separate mounting of LEDs, cameras, and lenses in head-mounted devices (HMDs).
Innovation Solution
A compact assembly for eye tracking systems featuring a ring-shaped carrier with integrated light emitting devices, an imaging device, and alignment window, which guides light towards the user's eye and minimizes component migration during wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate mounting of individual components (lens, camera, LEDs) is used during assembling, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and prone to misalignment of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (LEDs, camera, lens) into a single integrated eye tracking assembly. The LEDs are mounted on a substrate that is positioned against a seat in the carrier, the imaging device is provided within and supported by the alignment window, and all components are pre-assembled in one part. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting of individual components, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring precise alignment of all components relative to each other.
2Device complexity
If multiple separate components are mounted individually, then component replacement and repair become easier, but the number of components increases leading to increased cost, size and weight of HMDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into a single eye tracking assembly that includes a carrier with a seat for the LED substrate, an alignment window with an imaging device, and appropriate apertures. This single integrated assembly replaces what would otherwise be multiple separately mounted components, thereby reducing the overall number of components, simplifying the bill of materials, and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If components are mounted separately during assembling, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but components wear and migrate from manufacturing calibrated positions during prolonged active use
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all eye tracking components (LEDs, camera, lens) into a single rigid assembly where the substrate is positioned against the seat and the imaging device is supported by the alignment window, the patent ensures that relative positions of all components remain fixed during prolonged active use. This integrated structure prevents the wear and migration that occurs when components are separately mounted, thereby maintaining calibration accuracy and positional stability throughout the device's operational life.
4Weight of stationary object
If a sleeker and light-weight design of HMDs is pursued, then user comfort is improved, but protection of electronic components against dust, solids and liquids becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the substrate with LEDs is positioned against a seat within the carrier, the imaging device is provided within and supported by the alignment window, and all components are housed within the carrier structure. This nested arrangement allows the electronic components to be enclosed and protected within the compact carrier assembly, providing ingress protection against dust, solids and liquids while maintaining a sleek and lightweight overall design.
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 assembly simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces component misalignment, and provides a lightweight, sleek design with ingress protection for electronic components, while maintaining accurate eye tracking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the carrier is configured to guide light emitted from the plurality of light emitting devices towards an eye of a user
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is related to an assembly for an eye-tracking system, the assembly comprising a substantially ring-shaped carrier, a seat in the carrier, a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on a substrate, wherein the substrate is positioned against the seat, an alignment window comprising an opening extending through the carrier, an imaging device provided within and supported by the alignment window, wherein the imaging device is facing inwardly, and wherein the carrier is configured to guide light emitted from the plurality of light emitting devices towards an eye of a user when the assembly is used with the eye tracking system. The invention also relates to a corresponding head-mounted device utilizing the assembly.