Waveguide Gaze Tracking via Diffractive Infrared Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality devices face challenges in providing a comfortable user experience while effectively tracking gaze, as existing solutions often compromise on appearance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device incorporating a waveguide with a first optical element for external light entry, a second optical element for light output, and a third optical element for diffracting infrared light, along with an image sensor to receive diffracted infrared light, allowing for precise gaze tracking without compromising the device's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional gaze tracking components are used in augmented reality devices, then gaze tracking functionality is achieved, but the device appearance becomes compromised and user comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infrared light source and image sensor directly onto the waveguide structure, integrating gaze tracking functionality into the existing optical path without requiring separate mounting spaces. This merging approach eliminates the need for additional external components that would compromise device appearance, while maintaining accurate gaze tracking through the embedded optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide serves multiple functions: it guides the augmented reality image to the user's eye, allows external light to pass through for natural vision, and simultaneously guides infrared light for gaze tracking. This multi-functionality enables the device to maintain a clean appearance without dedicated gaze tracking components, as the waveguide itself performs both display and tracking functions.
2Shape
If gaze tracking components are integrated into the waveguide, then device appearance is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the waveguide: the first area allows external light passage, the second area guides the augmented reality image, and the third area guides infrared light for gaze tracking. This localized functional differentiation enables precise control of light paths for multiple functions without requiring complex overall restructuring of the waveguide, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining appearance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical elements are placed on the waveguide, then gaze tracking and image guidance functions are achieved, but visual interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveguide into three distinct areas: a first area for external light passage, a second area for augmented reality image guidance, and a third area for infrared light guidance. This spatial segmentation ensures that each optical element operates in its designated zone without interfering with others, allowing clear visual experience while maintaining accurate gaze tracking through separated optical paths.
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 accurate gaze tracking while maintaining a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing design, enhancing the user experience by providing clear images without visual interference from physical components.
Implementation Method 1
a third optical element on a third area of the waveguide, wherein the third area is different from the first area and the second area, and wherein the third optical element is configured to diffract the infrared light
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide that sends the output image to the eyes
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, including: an infra-red (IR) light source configured to output infrared light; a waveguide; a first optical element on a first area of the waveguide, wherein the first optical element is configured to allow external light to enter the waveguide; a second optical element on a second area of the waveguide, wherein the second optical element is configured to output the external light incident to an outside of the waveguide; a third optical element on a third area of the waveguide, wherein the third area is different from the first area and the second area, and wherein the third optical element is configured to diffract the infrared light; and an image sensor configured to receive the diffracted infrared light