Waveguide IR Illumination for AR Eye Tracking Without LED Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) technologies face challenges in providing comfortable and natural-feeling virtual image presentation due to mechanical constraints and sub-optimal eye tracking performance, particularly with physical LEDs for IR illumination that affect mass, power, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display system with a frame, image projector, illumination source, light-guiding component, and diffusive optical elements is configured to project light to the user's eye, utilizing a light-guiding component positioned forward to guide and diffuse light effectively, enhancing eye tracking performance without significantly increasing system mass, power, or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical LEDs are used for IR illumination, then eye tracking can be performed, but the system mass, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the waveguide structure by integrating IR illumination sources and diffusive optical elements directly into the waveguide component. This merging eliminates the need for separate LED assemblies and mounting structures, thereby reducing system mass while maintaining eye tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it guides visible light for AR display, guides IR light for eye tracking illumination, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system mass and complexity
2Reliability
If physical LEDs are used for IR illumination, then eye tracking can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses diffusive optical elements with specific local optical properties to distribute IR light efficiently across the pupil area. This localized optimization of light distribution improves illumination uniformity and reduces the total power required from the IR source compared to conventional point-source LED illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical LED assemblies with an integrated optical system using waveguides and diffusive elements. This substitution enables more efficient light delivery with reduced power consumption by utilizing total internal reflection and controlled out-coupling mechanisms
3Reliability
If physical LEDs are used for IR illumination, then eye tracking can be performed, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IR illumination system with the existing waveguide manufacturing process. By integrating IR sources and diffusive optical elements into the waveguide assembly, the system can be manufactured as a single integrated component, reducing assembly costs and simplifying the supply chain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters of the diffusive elements and waveguide structures to achieve effective IR illumination using lower-cost materials and simpler fabrication processes. This includes adjusting refractive index profiles and diffusive properties to maximize illumination efficiency while minimizing material costs
4Reliability
If a light-guiding component is positioned forward to guide and diffuse light, then eye tracking performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light-guiding component with the AR display waveguide structure, eliminating the need for separate illumination optics. This integration reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining improved eye tracking performance
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is designed to simultaneously perform AR light guiding and IR illumination functions. By making the waveguide multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components, thereby reducing system complexity while achieving improved eye tracking
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
The system provides efficient and comfortable AR experiences by improving eye tracking performance while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design, allowing for seamless integration of virtual content with real-world imagery.
Implementation Method 1
a light-guiding component, said light-guiding component configured so as to be positioned forward one of the user's eyes when the frame is worn by the user
Implementation Method 2
at least one diffusive optical element disposed on the light-guiding component so as to be positioned forward one of the user's eyes when the frame is worn by the user, wherein the at least one diffusive optical element is configured to diffusively couple light from the at least one illumination source out of the light-guiding component
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted display system is configured to project light to an eye of a user wearing the head-mounted display system to display content in a vision field of said user. The head-mounted display system comprises at least one diffusive optical element, at least one out-coupling optical element, at least one mask comprising at least one mask opening, at least one illumination in-coupling optical element configured to in-couple light from at least one illumination source into a light-guiding component, an image projector configured to in-couple an image and an at least one illumination source is configured to in-couple light into at least one illumination in-coupling optical element, an eyepiece, a curved light-guiding component, a light-guiding component comprising a portion of a frame, and/or two light-guiding components disposed on opposite sides of at least one out-coupling optical element.