Head-Mounted Display LED Obscuring for Accurate Eye Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye tracking systems using visible LEDs for illumination are distracting and obstructive, as they are visible to both the user and observers, affecting reliability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The LEDs in the head-mounted display are obscured from view by an opaque material and directed towards the eye using light deflectors such as prisms or diffusers, ensuring illumination without obstructing the user's line of sight and reducing stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visible LEDs are placed in line of sight to illuminate the eye for eye tracking, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but user distraction and visual obstruction increase
Solution Approach 1:
A light deflector (prism or mirror) is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED and the eye. The LED emits light that is redirected by the light deflector at a specific angle to illuminate the eye, while the LED itself remains obscured from the user's direct line of sight. This mediator enables effective illumination without the harmful visual obstruction and distraction caused by visible LEDs.
2Measurement precision
If LEDs are positioned to illuminate the eye directly, then eye tracking accuracy is improved, but visibility to observers increases causing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflector serves as a mediator that decouples the LED position from the illumination path. The LED can be positioned optimally for illumination effectiveness while the light deflector redirects the light to ensure accurate eye tracking. The observer cannot see the LED directly, eliminating distraction and maintaining measurement reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If opaque material is used to obscure the LED from observers, then visual distraction is reduced, but light delivery to the eye must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflector (prism or mirror) acts as an intermediary optical element that enables light to pass through or around the opaque obscuring material. The LED is positioned behind opaque material that blocks the observer's view, while the light deflector redirects the emitted light at an angle to reach the user's eye, maintaining illumination intensity without visual distraction.
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
This configuration enhances eye tracking reliability and accuracy by minimizing distractions and stray light, providing effective illumination for eye tracking.
Implementation Method 1
A light deflector is supported by the frame to direct the emitted light from the light emitting diode towards the user eye
Implementation Method 2
A light deflector is supported by the frame to direct the emitted light from the light emitting diode towards the user eye
Implementation Method 3
The light emitting diode is obscured by an opaque material from an observer in front of the user in the environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device includes a frame configured to be supported in front of a user eye. The frame has a first side facing the user eye and a second side opposite the first side and facing an environment. A light emitting diode is supported by the frame to emit light. The light emitting diode is obscured by an opaque material from an observer in front of the user in the environment. A light deflector is supported by the frame to direct the emitted light from the light emitting diode towards the user eye.