Switchable Hot Mirror Array for Compact Eye Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positioning eye-imaging cameras on head-mounted devices poses challenges due to occlusion of the real-world view and oblique viewing angles, leading to increased device cost and complexity with traditional single hot mirrors.
Innovation Solution
Employing a switchable hot mirror array with multiple, angled mirrors that can be controlled to reflect or transmit infrared light selectively, allowing for a more compact design without sacrificing camera field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate imaging systems are used to cover different spectral regions, then spectral coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging systems into a single integrated system that uses a single objective lens and sensor platform. Different hot mirror configurations enable the same physical system to capture UV, visible, and SWIR spectral regions sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging systems while maintaining full spectral coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The single imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different hot mirror configurations. The same objective lens and sensor can capture images across UV, visible, and SWIR regions by changing the spectral filtering configuration, making the system universal rather than specialized for one spectral band
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate imaging systems are used, then spectral coverage is improved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple imaging functions into a single system with a common objective lens and sensor platform, the patent eliminates the need for precise alignment between multiple separate systems. The shared optical path ensures automatic co-alignment of UV, visible, and SWIR images, solving the alignment precision problem while maintaining spectral coverage
3Device complexity
If a single imaging system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability between different hot mirror configurations within the single imaging system. The ability to change spectral filtering configurations allows the system to adapt and cover UV, visible, and SWIR regions sequentially, enabling a simple single-system architecture to achieve multi-spectral coverage through dynamic reconfiguration
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 a more compact form factor for head-mounted devices while maintaining effective eye imaging, reducing bulkiness and weight, and minimizing design complications.
Implementation Method 1
hot mirrors that reflect infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
hot mirrors that reflect infrared radiation while transmitting visible light
Implementation Method 3
single objective lens to a single imaging sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to using an array of hot mirrors in an eye-imaging system. One example provides a head-mounted display system, comprising a frame, an eye-imaging camera supported on the frame, a switchable hot mirror array comprising a plurality of switchable hot mirrors configured to direct light reflecting from an eye toward the eye-imaging camera, and a controller configured to control switching of a reflectivity of each of the plurality of switchable hot mirrors.