HMD Lens Distance Testing Using Eye Pose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted display devices (HMDs) do not adequately measure the distance between the user's eye and the lens, leading to potential eye injuries and suboptimal user experience due to improper fitting, which can occur when the distance is too small or too large.
Innovation Solution
Implement a lens distance test using a gaze tracking system with infrared or near-infrared cameras and light sources to determine the distance from the cornea apex to the lens, generating alerts if the distance is outside a specified threshold, and recommending adjustments to improve fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the HMD is worn without distance measurement, then the device structure remains simple, but the user may suffer eye injuries or suboptimal user experience due to improper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical-based gaze tracking system. The eye tracking camera and light source use optical principles to detect eye position and calculate lens distance, avoiding the need for mechanical sensors or physical measurement devices while still providing accurate distance measurement to prevent eye injuries
Solution Approach 2:
The HMD device performs self-measurement of the lens-to-eye distance using its own gaze tracking system. The device automatically captures eye images, determines eye pose, and calculates the distance without requiring external measurement tools or additional user actions, enabling the device to monitor and adjust its own fitting conditions
2Ease of operation
If the lens distance is not monitored, then the HMD operation is uninterrupted, but the user experience deteriorates due to improper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs lens distance measurement and fitting assessment before the user begins using the HMD. The system captures eye images, calculates lens distance, and determines whether the fitting is appropriate during the initialization phase, allowing users to adjust the device before starting their experience to ensure optimal comfort and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The HMD continuously monitors lens distance using the gaze tracking system and provides feedback to the user when the distance falls outside the acceptable range. The system generates notifications or alerts that inform users of improper fitting conditions, enabling real-time adjustments to maintain optimal user experience during operation
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 lens distance test ensures safer and more comfortable user experiences by preventing eye injuries and enhancing the fit of HMDs, thereby improving user interaction with VR and AR environments.
Implementation Method 1
Implement a lens distance test using a gaze tracking system with infrared or near-infrared cameras and light sources
Implementation Method 2
determine the distance from the apex of the cornea to a closest point on the lens
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed to enable performance of a lens distance test in head-mounted displays (HMDs) to determine the distance between a user's eye and a lens of the HMD (e.g. the display lens in a virtual or augmented reality device). In embodiments, the HMD is configured to determine a current pose of the eye based on a series of captured eye images. The pose information is used to determine the distance from the apex of the cornea to a closest point on the lens. If the determined distance is too small or too large, an alert or notification is generated instructing to adjust the HMD or change the light seal to achieve better distancing, in order to reduce the risk of eye injury and/or improve user experience. In embodiments, the lens distance test may be repeated during a user session to reevaluate and/or monitor the lens distance.