Transparent HMD Assembly for Distributed Eye Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted display devices face challenges in integrating image generation, eye tracking, and 3D sensing functionalities while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable design, as traditional components are often positioned outside the user's field of view, compromising visual experience and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A distributed and dispersed arrangement of electronic and optical components within the user's field of view, including miniaturized modules for eye tracking and 3D sensing, allows for seamless integration of these functionalities without obstructing the user's view, using transparent or semi-transparent materials and innovative optical designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional eye tracking and 3D sensing components are positioned outside the user's field of view, then the functionalities can be integrated, but the visual experience and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the HMD device into multiple functional modules: image generation module, eye tracking module, and 3D sensing module. Each module operates independently within the field of view, allowing eye tracking and 3D sensing to be performed without obstructing the user's visual experience of the primary display content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temporal dimension by sequentially performing eye tracking and 3D sensing operations during different frames or time intervals. This allows multiple functionalities to coexist in the field of view without simultaneous spatial conflict, maintaining both functional integration and visual comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the HMD device is positioned closely to the user's face and made lightweight for comfort, then wearability is improved, but the device difficulty in performing multiple functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional HMD device that integrates image generation, eye tracking, and 3D sensing capabilities within a single lightweight unit. The shared optical path and compact module design enable the device to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing weight or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the eye tracking and 3D sensing modules within the same optical assembly as the image generation module. The components are nested in a compact configuration where the optical path for eye tracking and 3D sensing is integrated into the existing display optics, minimizing additional space and weight requirements.
3Ease of operation
If distributed electronic components are placed within the field of view for seamless integration, then visual experience is maintained, but the components may be perceptible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different optical properties for different regions of the HMD device. The areas containing electronic components for eye tracking and 3D sensing are designed with specific optical characteristics that minimize their visual impact, such as using polarizing filters or wavelength-selective surfaces that make the components imperceptible to the user while still functioning correctly.
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 high-quality virtual and augmented reality experiences by providing accurate eye tracking and 3D sensing without perceptible interference, enhancing user interaction and image quality while maintaining a slim and comfortable form factor.
Implementation Method 1
an optical layer comprising side-by-side optical components, individual optical components configured to refract or reflect or diffract light relative to individual electronic components
Implementation Method 2
an optical layer comprising side-by-side optical components, individual optical components configured to refract or reflect or diffract light relative to individual electronic components
Implementation Method 3
electronic components 116 can perform various light generation and light detection functions. For instance, electronic components 116(1) and 116(7) can generate non-visible light (shown as dotted lines), such as infra-red (IR) light
Implementation Method 4
electronic component 116(4) can detect the non-visible light reflected from the user's eye to gain information about the user's eye
Data Source
AI summary
This document relates to head mounted display devices. One example can include a housing configured to be positioned relative to a head and eye of a user and a transparent visual assembly positioned by the housing in front of the user's eye and comprising multiple eye tracking illuminators distributed across the transparent visual assembly and configured to emit non-visible light and multiple eye tracking detectors distributed across the transparent visual assembly and configured to detect the non-visible light reflected back from the eye of the user.