Eyeglass Lens Eye-Tracking Components Periphery Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye-tracking technologies integrated into wearable devices face challenges such as bulkiness, obstructed vision, complex setup, and high power consumption, which affect usability, safety, and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An eye-tracking apparatus comprising lenses with light sources and sensors arranged along the periphery, coupled with a processor to control light emission and sensor data processing for accurate gaze direction determination, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eye-tracking components (light sources and cameras) are integrated into wearable devices, then eye-tracking functionality is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and obstructs user vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the eye-tracking components (light source, camera, processor) directly into the eyeglass lens itself, making the lens a multi-functional integrated unit that combines optical correction with eye-tracking capabilities, thereby eliminating the need for separate bulky components
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: optical correction (vision correction), eye-tracking (gaze direction detection), and housing for electronic components, making it a universal component that replaces multiple separate elements
2Measurement precision
If multiple eye-tracking components are integrated into the lens, then eye-tracking accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the light source, camera, and processor into the lens during the lens manufacturing process itself, performing the integration action in advance during production rather than assembling separate components later, which simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple components into a single integrated lens unit, the patent reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps required, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased functionality
3Measurement precision
If cameras are used for eye-tracking purposes, then gaze direction can be detected, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional camera-based optical system with a sensor-based detection system that uses light reflection principles, converting the mechanical/optical imaging process into an electrical sensing process that consumes less power while achieving the same gaze direction detection function
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 solution enables accurate eye-tracking with minimal power consumption, maintaining the wearable device's compact size and aesthetic appeal, and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
control the plurality of sensors to sense reflections of the light off a surface of the user's eye
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an eye-tracking apparatus (400). At least one light source (406) and a plurality of sensors (408a-b) are arranged at a periphery (104) of a first surface of at least one lens (402). A frame (404) is employed to hold the at least one lens. A processor (410) coupled to the at least one light source and the plurality of sensors is configured to control the at least one light source to emit light towards the user's eye, control the plurality of sensors to sense reflections of the light off a surface of the user's eye, and process sensor data pertaining to the sensed reflections to determine a gaze direction of the user's eye.