HUD Eye Tracking IR Power Control for Fast Initial Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye tracking systems in motor vehicles struggle with instantaneous eye position recognition due to insufficient illumination, particularly in low-light conditions, leading to delayed face and eye tracking.
Innovation Solution
An eye tracking system integrated with a head-up display uses dynamic infrared emission control, where the initial IR power level is higher than the steady-state level to quickly illuminate the driver's face and adjust to normal levels for sustained tracking, ensuring effective eye tracking in various lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the IR illuminator uses a constant low power level to avoid thermal issues, then thermal stability is maintained, but the initial face recognition and eye tracking speed is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The IR illuminator operates with dynamic power levels rather than a constant level. The controller adjusts the power level between a first level (higher) and a second level (lower), switching between these levels based on tracking phase. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by providing high power only when needed for initial acquisition, then reducing to low power for sustained operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between high and low power states. The controller alternates between operating the IR illuminator at the first power level and the second power level, using the higher power level during initial face recognition and eye position acquisition, then switching to the lower power level for continued tracking.
2Loss of time
If the IR illuminator transmits high power continuously, then face illumination is sufficient for quick tracking, but thermal issues and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IR illuminator operates with dynamic power levels rather than a constant level. The controller adjusts the power level between a first level (higher) and a second level (lower), switching between these levels based on tracking phase. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by providing high power only when needed for initial acquisition, then reducing to low power for sustained operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between high and low power states. The controller alternates between operating the IR illuminator at the first power level and the second power level, using the higher power level during initial face recognition and eye position acquisition, then switching to the lower power level for continued tracking.
3Measurement precision
If the IR illuminator uses high power level, then face illumination is sufficient for quick eye tracking, but the system complexity increases due to power level control
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the power level switching based on the tracking state without requiring external intervention or complex control algorithms. The system self-regulates by transitioning between the two power levels according to whether initial acquisition is needed or sustained tracking is sufficient, simplifying the overall control 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
This approach enhances the speed and accuracy of eye tracking by providing adequate initial illumination, overcoming the challenge of dark or insufficiently bright faces, and maintaining performance without altering the illuminator components or causing thermal issues.
Implementation Method 1
An infrared emitter transmits infrared energy through the mirror such that the transmitted infrared energy is substantially co-axial with the light field
Implementation Method 2
A mirror is positioned to reflect the light field toward a windshield of the motor vehicle such that the light field is reflected off of the windshield toward a human driver
Implementation Method 3
An infrared camera captures infrared images based on the transmitted infrared energy reflected off of the human driver
Data Source
AI summary
A picture generation unit emits a light field. A mirror reflects the light field toward a windshield of a motor vehicle such that the light field is reflected off of the windshield and is visible to the driver as a virtual image. An infrared emitter transmits infrared energy through the mirror such that the infrared energy is substantially co-axial with the light field, and such that the infrared energy is reflected off of the windshield toward the human driver. An infrared camera captures infrared images based on the transmitted infrared energy reflected off of the human driver and received by the infrared camera. Eye tracking is performed based on the captured infrared images. The infrared energy is transmitted at a higher power level at a beginning of the eye tracking than after the beginning of the eye tracking.