Transparent HMD Eye Tracking Layout for Compact 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted display devices face challenges in integrating eye tracking and 3D sensing functionalities while maintaining a compact, lightweight, and unobtrusive design that allows for both virtual and augmented reality experiences without compromising image quality or user comfort.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed and dispersed arrangement of electronic and optical components within the field of view of the user, utilizing small, imperceptible components that perform light generation and detection functions, enabling eye tracking and 3D sensing without obstructing the user's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated components are positioned outside the user's field of view for eye tracking and 3D sensing, then these functionalities can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the design becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges eye tracking and 3D sensing components with the display components within the same field of view. The display module and sensing module are integrated into a single optical path, allowing both functions to share the same spatial envelope and optical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same optical path used for displaying virtual images also facilitates eye tracking and 3D sensing. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component structure to perform multiple tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated components outside the field of view.
2Ease of operation
If the HMD device is positioned closely to the user's face and made lightweight, then user comfort improves, but the space available for integrating multiple functionalities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the sensing module is integrated within the display module structure. The eye tracking and 3D sensing components are nested within the same optical assembly that houses the display components, allowing multiple functionalities to coexist in a compact footprint that can be positioned close to the user's face without excessive weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temporal dimension by multiplexing optical paths. Different wavelengths of light are used for different functions (visible light for display, infrared for eye tracking and 3D sensing), allowing multiple functionalities to share the same spatial envelope by operating in different spectral dimensions, thereby reducing the physical space required.
3Ease of operation
If electronic components are made small and imperceptible to maintain a thin form factor, then user comfort and aesthetics improve, but the components become more difficult to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film technology for the electronic components, particularly for the display and sensing elements. This allows the components to be manufactured as thin layers that can be integrated directly into the optical assembly, maintaining a thin overall form factor while providing the necessary functionality. The thin-film approach simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for bulky three-dimensional components.
4Manufacturing precision
If a distributed arrangement of electronic and optical components is used within the field of view, then image quality and sensing accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical assembly into multiple functional modules (display module, eye tracking module, 3D sensing module) that are distributed within the field of view. Each module handles a specific function and can be independently optimized and manufactured. This segmentation allows for high image quality and sensing accuracy while managing complexity through modular design, where each module can be manufactured and tested separately before integration.
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 configuration enhances the user experience by providing high-quality RGB images, accurate eye tracking, and 3D mapping capabilities while maintaining a thin and comfortable form factor, allowing for both virtual and augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
A first electronic component positioned on the visual assembly is configured to emit non-visible light away from the user's eye
Implementation Method 2
A second electronic component positioned on the visual assembly is configured to detect the non-visible light that is reflected back from the user's eye to gain information about the user's eye
Implementation Method 3
The optical assembly is configured to generate a virtual image in an eye box for the user
Implementation Method 4
The optical assembly is configured to transmit visible light from the environment to the user's eye and is configured to allow non-visible light to pass through the optical assembly
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.