Waveguide Camera Viewpoint Alignment for Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic displays with peripheral cameras face misalignment issues due to the camera's viewpoint being mismatched with the user's gaze direction, affecting functionalities like video calling and eye-tracking.
Innovation Solution
An imaging optical system incorporating an optical waveguide with structures that direct external light via total internal reflection to an imaging device, allowing for improved alignment and functionality without compromising display quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a camera is positioned along the periphery of the display, then the camera can be integrated into the display system, but the camera viewpoint becomes misaligned with the user's gaze direction
Solution Approach 1:
An optical waveguide acts as an intermediary between the peripheral camera and the user's line of sight. The waveguide captures light from the external scene and guides it through total internal reflection to an imaging device positioned at the periphery, creating a virtual viewpoint that aligns with the user's gaze while maintaining physical camera integration in the display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide introduces a new spatial dimension for light propagation by capturing light from the external environment and guiding it through the waveguide structure to the imaging device. This dimensional transformation allows the camera to effectively 'see' from the user's perspective rather than from the peripheral position.
2Measurement precision
If an optical waveguide is used to direct external light to the imaging device, then viewpoint alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide is implemented as a thin, planar structure that can be integrated into the display assembly without adding significant bulk or complexity. The waveguide's thin-film nature allows it to be manufactured using standard display fabrication processes, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired optical functionality.
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
Enhances the alignment of the camera viewpoint with the user's gaze, improving functionalities like video calling and eye-tracking while maintaining display image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The structures direct the light to propagate in the waveguide (e.g., via total internal reflection) and towards the imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging optical system includes an imaging device and an optical waveguide. The waveguide includes structures configured to couple light from an external environment into the waveguide. The structures direct the light to propagate in the waveguide via total internal reflection and towards the imaging device.