Headset Cover Windows for Sensor Protection and Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for depth mapping in artificial reality systems are imprecise and inefficient, requiring excessive power consumption and expense, and there is a need to protect sensors to minimize imprecision and prevent loss.
Innovation Solution
A head-wearable device with a head-mounted display and forward-facing cameras, including a monochrome and color camera configuration, equipped with an illumination source such as LEDs, and a depth-tracking component that uses structured light to generate and capture polarized patterns for accurate depth information, with protective cover windows to safeguard sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional depth mapping methods are used, then depth information can be obtained, but the precision and efficiency are insufficient with excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the illumination source by controlling it to emit light at specific wavelengths (e.g., infrared) that correspond to the sensitivity range of the depth sensors. This parameter optimization enables more efficient depth mapping with reduced power consumption while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously, synchronizing light emission with the depth sensor's measurement cycles. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption while providing sufficient light for accurate depth mapping during active measurement periods.
2Reliability
If sensors are exposed without protection, then depth mapping can be performed, but the sensors are vulnerable to damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover window as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the depth sensors. This cover window is specifically designed with optical properties that allow depth-relevant light wavelengths to pass through while blocking harmful factors, thus protecting sensors without compromising their functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover window is constructed from composite materials or multi-layer structures that combine protective properties (durability, contamination resistance) with optical transmission properties specific to the depth sensing wavelengths. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of sensor protection and optical functionality.
3Measurement precision
If a single type of cover window is used for all sensors, then manufacturing is simplified, but optical performance for different sensor types cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by providing different cover window configurations for different sensor types or locations. Each cover window is tailored with specific optical properties (transmission wavelengths, anti-reflective coatings) matched to the requirements of the underlying sensor, thereby optimizing local optical performance while maintaining overall system integration.
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 provides accurate and efficient depth mapping, reducing power consumption and costs while protecting sensors, thereby enhancing user movement tracking and environmental awareness in artificial reality systems.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination source includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
the forward-facing camera is configured to track light emitted by the LEDs
Implementation Method 3
a depth-tracking component that uses structured light to generate and capture polarized patterns for accurate depth information
Data Source
AI summary
The various implementations described herein include methods and devices for artificial-reality systems. In one aspect, a head-wearable device includes a front-facing outer surface and a first set of components arranged along a first dimension of the front-facing outer surface, where each component of the first set of components includes a respective first set of sensors, and a respective first cover window, where the respective first cover window is a first type of cover window. The head-wearable device further includes a second set of components arranged along the first dimension of the front-facing outer surface, where each component of the second set of components includes a respective second set of sensors, and a respective second cover window, where the respective second cover window is a second type of cover window, distinct from the first type of cover window.