Light-Guiding Lens Layout for Eyeglass-Tolerant Gaze Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaze-tracking systems in head-mounted displays and augmented reality glasses face challenges due to the need for physical space and alignment issues with IR LEDs, which can be obstructed by eyeglasses, leading to occlusions and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a light-guiding element within the device to direct IR light efficiently towards the user's eyes, reducing the need for direct emitter placement and minimizing interference from eyeglasses, while ensuring precise and reliable gaze tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IR LEDs are positioned around the display module or at the edges of the lens, then the IR light can reach the eyes to create necessary glints for tracking, but the overall device dimension increases and assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the IR LED directly into the lens assembly, merging the illumination function with the existing optical component. This eliminates the need for separate positioning around the display module or lens edges, thereby reducing device dimensions while maintaining gaze tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly serves dual purposes: as the primary optical element for display and as the housing for the IR LED. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly and reducing overall device size
2Reliability
If IR LEDs are positioned around the display module or at the edges of the lens, then the IR light can reach the eyes for tracking, but the assembly process becomes complicated and design flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the IR LED into the lens assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled. The IR LED becomes part of the lens unit, simplifying the assembly process and improving ease of manufacture
3Reliability
If IR LEDs are positioned at steep angles to work around eyeglass frames, then the occlusion problem is mitigated, but light leakage and unwanted optical effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the IR LED at a specific optimal angle within the lens assembly where it can emit light directly toward the eye without being blocked by eyeglass frames. This localized positioning achieves the desired effect while minimizing light leakage and unwanted optical effects that would occur with steep angles
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
Enhances design flexibility, reduces device weight, and improves tracking accuracy by minimizing stray reflections and alignment issues, making the system adaptable to various user scenarios, including those wearing eyeglasses.
Implementation Method 1
a light-guiding element implemented with respect to an optical element of the device, wherein the light-guiding element at least directs light emitted by the plurality of light emitters towards an eye of a user
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device with a gaze-tracking system having a plurality of light emitters and at least one light sensor; and a light-guiding element implemented with respect to an optical element of the device, wherein the light-guiding element at least directs light emitted by the plurality of light emitters towards an eye of a user.