Near-Eye Display With Micromirror Array for Eye Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near eye display systems for applications like head-mounted displays face challenges in compactness and complexity due to the need for external cameras for eye tracking, which affects power consumption and interactivity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a micromirror array from a digital micromirror device (DMD) for simultaneous image display and eye tracking, utilizing a sub-array of mirrors for directing eye images to a sensor and another for pixel color and intensity definition of the displayed image, enabling a compact and robust configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external cameras are used for eye tracking in conventional near eye display systems, then eye tracking functionality is achieved, but device complexity and compactness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the eye tracking camera and display optics into a single integrated optical system. The camera and display share common optical elements including the beam splitter, lenses, and optical path, eliminating the need for separate external cameras and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining eye tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the same optical path and elements are used for both displaying images to the user and capturing eye tracking data. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed, thereby reducing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If external cameras are used for eye tracking, then eye tracking is enabled, but compactness of the system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the eye tracking camera and display into a single integrated unit with shared optical elements, the overall volume required for the system is reduced. The shared optical path eliminates redundant components and space requirements, achieving compactness while maintaining eye tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The eye tracking camera is effectively nested within the display optical system, with both functions sharing the same optical housing and element arrangement. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and achieves compact form factor
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional eye tracking implementations are used, then eye tracking functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical system allows the eye tracking camera to share lighting and optical path with the display, reducing redundant power consumption. The system can coordinate operation of display and eye tracking functions to minimize overall energy usage while maintaining functionality
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 solution allows for efficient eye tracking and display integration in a compact form, reducing power consumption and enhancing interactivity while maintaining a compact and robust design, enabling features like 'sleep' mode for power conservation and interactive interfacing.
Implementation Method 1
a micromirror array of a digital micromirror device (DMD) such as a Texas Instruments DLP® micromirror array device is employed to enable integration of eye movement tracking and display
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for eye gaze tracking has coincident display and imaging channel with shared field of view; a pupil forming/collimating subsystem that is part of the imaging channel; and a microdisplay that is part of the imaging channel. The method and device enable simultaneous display and eye tracking by using a pond of mirrors in a micromirror array.