Orthogonal Eye-Tracking Assembly for Low-Profile Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing of optical modules for head-mountable devices is complicated and expensive, and existing eye-tracking components are visually distracting and costly, requiring clean room assembly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a side-firing LED and flexible printed circuit (FPC) configuration with a slim profile, positioned orthogonally to the display plane, minimizes the visual footprint and allows for assembly outside a clean room, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional eye-tracking components are used, then eye-tracking functionality is achieved, but visual distraction increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the eye-tracking assembly in a plane orthogonal to the display plane, moving components out of the user's viewing field. The FPC is folded along multiple axes to position LEDs and sensors in three-dimensional space away from the display surface, eliminating visual distraction while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The eye-tracking components (LEDs, sensors, FPC) are extracted from the traditional planar arrangement and repositioned into a separate orthogonal assembly. This extraction allows the components to be positioned outside the visual field while maintaining their functional relationship through the flexible circuit connections.
2Reliability
If traditional eye-tracking assembly methods are used, then eye-tracking functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is segmented into distinct functional assemblies: the display assembly and the eye-tracking assembly. These can be manufactured separately using different processes (clean room for display, standard assembly for eye-tracking), then integrated through the FPC connection, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit serves as a flexible interconnection medium that can be routed through complex three-dimensional paths. This flexibility allows the eye-tracking assembly to be positioned orthogonally without requiring complex rigid wiring harnesses or additional structural components, simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Reliability
If the electrical flex is positioned parallel to the display plane, then electrical connection is achieved, but visual distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical flex is repositioned from the display plane to an orthogonal plane through multi-axis folding. The FPC extends in the first direction parallel to the display plane, then folds along a first axis perpendicular to the display plane, creating a three-dimensional routing that maintains electrical connection while eliminating visual distraction.
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 configuration reduces visual distraction and manufacturing costs while maintaining effective eye-tracking functionality, resulting in a slimmer and lighter head-mountable electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) electrically coupled to the electrical flex and configured to direct light away from the display
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mountable electronic device includes an optical module frame, a display coupled to the optical module frame and extending in a display plane, and an eye-tracking assembly. The eye-tracking assembly includes a flat electrical cable, for example a flexible printed circuit (FPC), coupled to the optical module frame and disposed about a perimeter of the display, and a light emitting diode (LED) electrically coupled to the flat electrical cable and configured to direct light away from the display. The flat electrical cable defines a major plane oriented generally orthogonal to the display.