Retinal Laser Projection with Eye-Tracking Mirror Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser projection devices for generating images on the retina of an eye struggle to maintain image generation with low complexity and adapt to changes in viewing direction without requiring complex adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a tracking system with a controllable deflection mirror and a 2D MEMS scanner, along with parabolic mirrors, to adjust the laser beam's direction and intensity in real-time, ensuring that the image remains stable on the retina regardless of the viewer's orientation, utilizing eye-tracking technology to determine the eye's orientation and adjust the beam path accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a laser projection device uses fixed mirrors for scanning, then the device structure is simple, but the image position on the retina changes when viewing direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed mirrors with movable mirrors that can adjust their orientation in real-time. The first and second mirrors are positioned at the focal points of cylindrical lenses and can rotate around their optical axes to dynamically compensate for changes in viewing direction, ensuring the scanned image remains stable on the retina regardless of eye movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through an eye tracking system that detects the viewing direction and provides this information to control the mirror positions. The control unit receives eye tracking data and automatically adjusts the mirror orientations to compensate for viewing direction changes, creating a closed-loop system that maintains image stability.
2Reliability
If the device adds eye tracking and movable mirrors to maintain image stability, then image position stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compensation function into two independent mirror systems rather than using a single complex mirror. The first mirror compensates for vertical viewing direction changes while the second mirror handles horizontal changes, allowing each component to be simpler and more manageable while achieving comprehensive stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mirrors multi-functional by positioning them to serve both as scanning elements and as compensation elements. The same mirrors that deflect the laser beam for image scanning also compensate for viewing direction changes, eliminating the need for separate compensation mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed mirror positions are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the scanned image distorts when viewing direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable mirror positions instead of fixed positions, allowing the system to adapt to different viewing directions. This dynamic adjustment prevents image distortion without requiring extremely precise fixed mirror positioning, as the mirrors can be repositioned to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and viewing angle variations.
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
Enables reliable and efficient generation of images on the retina, maintaining pixel precision and color accuracy while accommodating changes in viewing direction, allowing for applications in augmented and virtual reality, and providing undistorted images through precise control of the laser beam's angle and position.
Implementation Method 1
a first cylindrical lens (101) having a first focal point (103) and a second cylindrical lens (102) having a second focal point (104)
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror (105) in the first focal point (103) and rotatable around an optical axis (131) of the first cylindrical lens (101) and a second mirror (106) in the second focal point (104)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus device for projecting an image on the retina of an eye with a laser projection device, a device for determining the orientation of the eye, and with a tracking unit for tracking the laser beam of the laser projection device according to the determined orientation.