Apple inc. (20240184118). Infrared Coatings for Gaze Tracking Systems simplified abstract

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Infrared Coatings for Gaze Tracking Systems

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Brian S. Lau of Seattle WA (US)

Michael J. Oudenhoven of San Francisco CA (US)

Cameron A. Harder of San Francisco CA (US)

Infrared Coatings for Gaze Tracking Systems - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240184118 titled 'Infrared Coatings for Gaze Tracking Systems

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a head-mounted device with near-eye displays and gaze tracking components to track a user's gaze. The device includes an optical system with a waveguide and optional lenses to guide images to the user's eyes, as well as infrared emitters and sensors for gaze tracking. To reduce interference from environmental infrared light, the optical system includes infrared-reflective and infrared-absorptive coatings.

  • Near-eye displays and gaze tracking components
  • Optical system with waveguide and optional lenses
  • Infrared emitters and sensors for gaze tracking
  • Infrared-reflective and infrared-absorptive coatings to reduce interference
  • Reduction of environmental infrared light reaching gaze tracking components
  • Reduction of thermal load on internal components

Potential Applications

The technology could be used in virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, and other wearable devices that require accurate gaze tracking and display capabilities.

Problems Solved

The technology solves the problem of interference from environmental infrared light affecting the accuracy of gaze tracking in head-mounted devices. It also addresses the issue of thermal load on internal components due to excessive infrared light.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved accuracy in gaze tracking, enhanced display performance, and increased comfort for users wearing head-mounted devices for extended periods.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be applied in industries such as gaming, healthcare, education, and training, where accurate gaze tracking and immersive displays are essential for user experience.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be existing head-mounted devices with gaze tracking capabilities but without the specific infrared-reflective and infrared-absorptive coatings to reduce interference from environmental infrared light.

Unanswered Questions

How does the technology impact the overall design and weight of the head-mounted device?

The patent application does not provide details on how the additional coatings and components may affect the overall design and weight of the head-mounted device.

Are there any limitations to the accuracy of gaze tracking with this technology?

The patent application does not mention any potential limitations or challenges in achieving accurate gaze tracking with the proposed technology.


Original Abstract Submitted

a head-mounted device may include near-eye displays and gaze tracking components to track a user's gaze. the head-mounted device may include an optical system, including a waveguide and optional lenses to guide images produced by display modules to an eye box. the gaze tracking components may include infrared emitters that emit infrared light toward the user's eyes and infrared sensors that detect infrared light that has been reflected from the user's eyes. to reduce interference with the gaze tracking components from environmental infrared light, the optical system may include an infrared-reflective coating and an infrared-absorptive coating. the infrared-reflective and infrared-absorptive coatings may be formed on the optional lenses or on other transparent structures in the optical system. together, the infrared-reflective and infrared-absorptive coatings may reduce an amount of environmental infrared light that reaches the gaze tracking components and reduce a thermal load on internal components within the head-mounted device.