Switchable Lens for AR Camera Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices with multiple cameras for augmented reality (AR) face challenges such as increased volume, weight, and manufacturing costs, as well as reduced battery life due to the need for multiple cameras for capturing images and tracking user movement.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that integrates multiple camera functions into a single camera with a lens member capable of switching between reflective and transmissive modes, using infrared light to reduce the number of cameras required, and a processor to control image generation based on visible and infrared light reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used for capturing images and tracking user movement, then the device can perform both image capture and eye tracking functions, but the volume and weight of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera functions (image capture and eye tracking) into a single camera system. The camera is configured to capture both visible light images for general imaging and infrared light for eye tracking, eliminating the need for separate cameras and thereby reducing device weight and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing different types of light. It can capture visible light for standard imaging and infrared light for eye tracking, making one component universal and replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used for capturing images and tracking user movement, then the device can perform both image capture and eye tracking functions, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cameras into a single camera system, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant parts and simplifying the production process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used for capturing images and tracking user movement, then the device can perform both image capture and eye tracking functions, but the power consumption increases and running time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera operations into a single camera system, so that one device performs both visible light capture and infrared detection. This eliminates the need to power multiple separate cameras and their associated processors, thereby reducing overall power consumption and extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera is designed to handle multiple functions (visible imaging and infrared eye tracking) within one device, reducing the total energy required compared to running multiple specialized cameras simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used for capturing images and tracking user movement, then the device can perform both image capture and eye tracking functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera systems into a single integrated camera unit. This consolidation reduces device complexity by decreasing the number of components, simplifying the optical path, and reducing the complexity of the control system and data processing architecture.
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 design reduces the number of cameras, lowering manufacturing costs, weight, and power consumption, while increasing the device's operational time by utilizing a single camera for both image capture and eye tracking functions.
Implementation Method 1
a lens member configured to switch between a reflective mode reflecting infrared light and a transmissive mode allowing visible light to pass
Implementation Method 2
control the camera to receive visible light, which passes through the lens member in the transmissive mode, in order to generate first image information
Implementation Method 3
control the camera to receive infrared light, which is reflected by the lens member in the reflective mode, in order to generate second image information
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided that includes a frame, a transparent member, a leg member, a display module, a camera, and a light emitter configured to emit infrared light toward a user's eye. The electronic device also includes a lens member configured to switch between a reflective mode reflecting infrared light and a transmissive mode allowing visible light to pass. The lens member is disposed such that infrared light reflected from the user's eye to the lens member in the reflective mode is incident on the camera. The electronic device further includes a processor that controls the camera to receive visible light, which passes through the lens member in the transmissive mode, in order to generate first image information, and to receive infrared light, reflected by the lens member in the reflective mode of the lens member, in order to generate second image information.