HUD Rendering Mode Switching Based on Eye Tracking Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display (HUD) systems struggle to maintain stable rendering modes during eye tracking, leading to potential deterioration in HUD image quality due to factors like environmental conditions or system delays.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a HUD by performing eye tracking to identify a stable or unstable eye tracking status, and subsequently selecting between 2D and 3D rendering modes based on this status, with the option to switch rendering modes during a buffer time corresponding to multiple frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed rendering mode is used in HUD systems, then the system structure is simple, but the HUD image quality deteriorates under varying eye tracking conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHUD image qualityVSAvoidrendering mode switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic rendering mode switching between 2D and 3D modes based on real-time eye tracking status. The system transitions from a fixed rendering mode to a dynamic one that adapts to eye movement characteristics, thereby maintaining high HUD image quality without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses eye tracking feedback to automatically determine the appropriate rendering mode. By continuously monitoring eye coordinates and movement status, the system adjusts the rendering mode in real-time, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that improves image quality while keeping the control system manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If 3D rendering mode is always used, then the HUD image quality is high, but the system becomes sensitive to eye tracking instability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHUD image qualityVSAvoidrendering stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the rendering mode based on eye tracking stability. When eye coordinates indicate stable tracking, 3D rendering is used for high image quality. When instability is detected, the system switches to 2D rendering to maintain reliability, thus balancing quality and stability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rendering parameter (2D vs 3D mode) based on eye tracking status parameters. By monitoring eye coordinate stability and adjusting the rendering mode accordingly, the system maintains optimal image quality while ensuring reliable performance under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If rendering mode switches frequently, then the system adapts well to eye movement, but the stability of HUD display deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to eye trackingVSAvoidHUD display stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of eye tracking status before switching rendering modes. By assessing eye coordinate stability in advance and using buffer frames for smooth transitions, the system adapts to eye movement while minimizing abrupt changes that would compromise display stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic evaluation of eye tracking status at defined intervals rather than continuously triggering mode switches. This periodic approach allows the system to adapt to eye movement patterns while maintaining display stability by avoiding excessive or premature rendering mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3961353B1Method and apparatus for controlling head-up display based on eye tracking status
Publication Date: 2025.03.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3961353B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3961353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3961353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for controlling a head-up display (HUD) considering an eye tracking status are provided. The method includes identifying an eye tracking status based on a result of an eye tracking, and identifying a rendering mode for an HUD image to be one of a two-dimensional (2D) rendering mode and a three-dimensional (3D) rendering mode based on the eye tracking status.