Head-Worn Eye Imaging Through a Partially Reflective Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing systems face challenges in providing lightweight, compact, and fully functional computer displays that offer high-resolution digital content and see-through views of environmental surroundings, along with effective user interfaces and control systems that adapt to contextual conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of head-worn computing systems with integrated sensors and displays that utilize compact optical modules, such as DLP and TIR wedges, to deliver high-contrast images by managing stray light, combined with contextual control mechanisms and network connectivity for adaptive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If compact optical modules are used to reduce device size, then portability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate modules (light source module, TIR wedge module, display module) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized separately, reducing the overall complexity of maintaining precision in a fully integrated compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical interfaces and coupling mechanisms are designed as intermediary elements between modules, providing standardized connection points that facilitate precise alignment during assembly while allowing modular components to be manufactured with relaxed tolerances individually.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution displays are integrated into head-worn devices, then image quality is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional heavy display technologies (LCD, OLED panels with backlighting) are replaced with micro-LED or other lightweight emissive technologies that can achieve high resolution with significantly reduced weight and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Ultra-thin flexible display substrates and lightweight protective coverings are used to minimize the weight contribution of the display assembly while maintaining structural integrity and optical quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and displays are integrated for contextual awareness, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors and processing units are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - for example, the same imaging sensors are used for both eye tracking and environmental scene capture, while processors handle both display rendering and sensor data analysis, reducing the overall component count and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modules - sensor arrays are combined with processing units, display drivers are integrated with display panels, and optical elements are combined into multifunctional assemblies, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 a lightweight, compact, and contextually aware computing experience with high-resolution digital content overlay on the user's view of the environment, enhancing user interaction and control through integrated sensors and network connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
TIR wedges to deliver high-contrast images by managing stray light
Implementation Method 2
compact optical modules, such as DLP and TIR wedges, to deliver high-contrast images by managing stray light
Implementation Method 3
compact optical modules, such as DLP and TIR wedges, to deliver high-contrast images by managing stray light
Data Source
AI summary
Head-worn computers with eye-imaging systems include a camera system positioned in a head-worn computer, wherein the camera system is further positioned to capture eye-image light that originates as reflections from a user's eye, wherein the camera system is further positioned to capture eye-image light as a reflection from a partially reflective surface that is positioned in front of an image display in the head-worn computer, wherein image light, from the image display, is transmitted through the partially reflective surface. A processor is adapted to cause the camera system to capture the eye-image light. The processor is further adapted to cause a comparison of the captured eye-image light with a pre-stored eye image of a known user of the head-worn computer. In the event the comparison confirms the identity of the known user, the user is granted permission to view content to be presented in a display of the head-worn computer.