Sparse Optical Eye-Tracking Module With Integrated Waveguide Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaze detection systems in wearable devices are bulky, inefficient, and prone to misalignment, leading to reduced tracking accuracy and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An eye-tracking apparatus with a photosensitive layer integrated array of light detectors and optical transmission elements, such as optical fibers or waveguides, that convert optical signals into electrical signals for precise gaze direction determination, enhancing accuracy and reducing device size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gaze detection systems are used in wearable devices, then gaze tracking function is achieved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, optical path, and detector array into an integrated eye-tracking module that can be embedded within the wearable device structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate bulky components, achieving high-precision gaze tracking while maintaining a lightweight form factor suitable for wearables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical alignment systems with a fixed optical path design where the light source and detector are positioned at predetermined locations. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, reducing device weight and complexity while maintaining measurement precision through optimized optical geometry.
2Measurement precision
If conventional gaze detection systems are used, then gaze tracking is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the eye-tracking function into discrete optical zones with dedicated detectors for each zone. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each detector's field of view and sensitivity, achieving high overall measurement precision while keeping each individual component simple and the overall system architecture manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical transmission elements and detectors to serve multiple functions: they transmit illumination light to the eye, collect reflected light, and enable gaze direction detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical transmission elements are aligned with each light detector, then optical efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment during the manufacturing process by pre-positioning the light source and detector array at optimized locations before final device assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the optical paths are correctly aligned, maximizing optical efficiency while reducing the precision requirements for subsequent assembly steps, as the critical alignment is established during manufacturing rather than requiring high-precision field assembly.
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
The system achieves high-accuracy gaze tracking in compact, lightweight head-mounted displays by optimizing optical efficiency and user comfort, while maintaining a wide field of view and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmission element aligned to receive optical signals from each respective light detector
Implementation Method 2
a conversion module configured to convert the optical signals into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a photosensitive layer having an array of light detectors, an optical transmission element aligned to receive optical signals from each respective light detector, a conversion module configured to convert the optical signals into electrical signals, and a processor configured to determine a gaze direction based on the electrical signals. Various additional devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.