Gaze Detection Device Using Semi-Reflective Mirror for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaze detection devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the space required by semi-reflective mirrors, which disrupt video reproduction with unintended visual artifacts, and camera obstructions by eyelids when positioned above the eye.
Innovation Solution
A gaze detection device using a semi-reflective mirror that transmits visible light and reflects infrared light, positioned to face the user's eyes, combined with a camera capturing images outside the user's field of view, allowing for miniaturization without visual interference and reliable eye image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a smaller semi-reflective mirror is used to reduce device size, then device miniaturization is achieved, but video reproduction quality deteriorates due to visual artifacts from mirror edges
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is repositioned from above the eye to below the eye, changing the spatial dimension of observation. This allows the semi-reflective mirror to be positioned at a different angle and location, enabling smaller mirror size without edge artifacts entering the user's field of view, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and video quality
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-reflective mirror serves as an intermediary element that separates the camera's observation path from the user's direct field of view. By positioning the mirror appropriately and capturing images through reflection rather than direct line-of-sight, the system enables smaller mirror dimensions without compromising video reproduction quality
2Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned above the user's eye to capture eye images, then eye image capture is achieved, but the user's vision is blocked when the eyelid lowers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the camera above the eye as conventional systems do, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the camera below the eye. This allows the camera to capture eye images through the semi-reflective mirror without being obstructed by the eyelid, while simultaneously maintaining the user's unobstructed field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-reflective mirror acts as an intermediary that enables the camera positioned below the eye to capture eye images indirectly through reflection. This intermediate observation path bypasses the eyelid obstruction problem while preserving the user's direct vision
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
Enables device miniaturization while maintaining high-quality video reproduction and reliable eye image capture, with reduced space requirements and minimal influence on the user's vision.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-reflective mirror 13 is disposed at a tilt angle of about 45 degrees... an image of the user's eye 10 is captured by a camera 12, wherein the camera is positioned on an optical path that connects the user's eye 10 and the camera 12 at a reflection angle of about 45 degrees
Implementation Method 2
the semi-reflective mirror is preferably a hot mirror that transmits visible light and reflects infra-red light
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To reduce the size of a head-mounted display or other typical display device comprising a gaze detection device.[Solution] A gaze detection device comprising a semi-reflective mirror 13 that partly transmits and partly reflects incident light, and one or more gaze analysis cameras that capture images of the user's eye 10 reflected in the semi-reflective mirror 13, wherein the semi-reflective mirror 13 is positioned to face the eyes 10 of the user and images of the user's eye 10 reflected in the semi-reflective mirror 13 are captured by one or more abovementioned cameras.