Reverse-Biased LED Eye Tracking for Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye tracking technologies are hindered by the significant weight and power consumption of cameras, making them impractical for incorporation into wearable devices, which require lightweight and energy-efficient solutions for accurate and quick user intent detection.
Innovation Solution
The use of reverse-biased light-emitting diode (LED) devices, which function as photodetectors to detect light reflected from the eye, enabling accurate eye position determination through the conversion of light into electrical signals, and can be optimized with mesa shapes for increased sensitivity and efficiency, allowing for bi-modal operation as both illumination sources and photodetectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are used for eye tracking, then eye position detection capability is achieved, but weight and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of LED devices by reverse-biasing them to function as photodetectors instead of light emitters. This parameter change allows the same hardware component to perform detection functions, eliminating the need for separate camera systems and reducing overall device weight while maintaining eye tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes LED devices multi-functional by enabling them to operate in two modes: forward-biased for illumination and reverse-biased for photodetection. This universality allows a single component to serve dual purposes (illumination and sensing), reducing the number of components needed and thereby reducing device weight
2Measurement precision
If cameras are used for eye tracking, then eye position detection capability is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical biasing parameters of LED devices from forward-biased to reverse-biased mode, transforming them from active light emitters to passive photodetectors. This parameter change enables the use of low-power LED-based detection instead of power-hungry camera systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables LED devices to function as both illumination sources and photodetectors within the same system. By using the reverse-biased LEDs for detection, the system eliminates the need for separate high-power camera modules, thereby significantly reducing overall power consumption
3Weight of moving object
If reverse-biased LED devices are used, then device weight and power consumption are reduced, but detection sensitivity must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by configuring specific LED devices in reverse-biased mode within an array, positioning them strategically to detect reflected light from the eye. Each reverse-biased LED is optimized for its specific detection location, maximizing sensitivity while maintaining the overall lightweight design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances detection sensitivity by using an array of reverse-biased LED devices arranged in a spatial configuration that captures light reflection patterns from different angles. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to reconstruct eye position information with high precision despite using lightweight LED components
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 provides a lightweight, low-power eye tracking system suitable for wearable devices, enabling accurate and efficient detection of eye position and orientation with reduced material and energy requirements, enhancing user interaction in computer vision applications.
Implementation Method 1
LED devices can be reverse-biased to serve as photodiodes. Thus, reverse-biased LED devices can convert light into a signal
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques related to eye tracking using reverse-biased light-emitting diode (LED) devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a viewing apparatus comprises a reverse-biased LED device that is positioned within a field-of-view of an eye. The reverse-biased LED device receives light reflected from the eye and generates signal based on the received light. The generated signal is used to determine a position of the eye.