Retinal Projection System Gaze Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual and augmented reality projection systems cause eye fatigue and headaches due to the fixed intermediate image plane, which requires continuous refocusing and misaligns with the user's gaze direction, making it difficult to project images onto specific locations on the retina.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an image scanner with adjustable optical deflectors and an eye projection optical module to directly project images onto the retina, compensating for gaze direction changes by modifying the optical function and image scan mapping to maintain pixel projections on fixed locations, and utilizing collimated or narrow light beams for extended depth of focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed intermediate image plane is used in projection systems, then the system structure is simplified, but eye fatigue and headaches occur due to continuous refocusing requirements and misalignment with gaze direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fixed intermediate image plane from the projection system, extracting the source of eye fatigue and misalignment issues. By eliminating this intermediate plane and projecting directly onto the retina, the system resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic gaze tracking and real-time adjustment of projection parameters based on eye movement. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain proper alignment with the user's gaze direction, eliminating the static misalignment that causes eye fatigue while preserving system simplicity through software-based control.
2Area of moving object
If light beams are widened to cover the pupil, then the field of view is improved, but the depth of focus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts light beam parameters (width, angle, position) based on real-time gaze tracking data. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains narrow beams for depth of focus when needed while expanding the effective field of view through coordinated beam movement, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the projection system tracks eye movement to maintain image stability, then image focus is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with software-based gaze tracking and digital control systems. By using algorithms to process eye movement data and adjust projection parameters computationally, the system achieves image stability without requiring complex mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between stability and device complexity.
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 approach eliminates eye fatigue and headaches by allowing direct projection onto the retina without a fixed intermediate image plane, maintaining image stability and focus across varying gaze directions, and providing enhanced depth of focus.
Implementation Method 1
an image scanner including a first adjustable optical deflector configured and operable to deflect a light beam so as to adjust an angle of incidence of the light beam with the pupil of the eye
Implementation Method 2
an eye projection optical module located in an optical path of the light beam propagating towards the eye... relaying the light beam to be incident on the pupil with the corresponding pupil incidence angles
Implementation Method 3
utilizing collimated or narrow light beams for extended depth of focus
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for direct projection of images onto an eye retina including, for example, systems and methods for directing a projection/imaging optical path so as to track a location of the eye in accordance with a gaze direction thereof. This enables for projecting images onto specific/fixed locations on the eye retina, while the gaze direction changes.