Patent ID: 11397465

Abstract:
In a see-through waveguide-based HMD device configured to display holographic virtual images within a field of view (FOV) of a device user, a glint-based eye tracker illumination system provides infrared (IR) point sources at known locations having a predetermined angular distribution using optical components—including input and output couplers and diffusers—on a waveguide that is located in front of the user's eyes. An input coupler couples light from an IR source into the illumination system waveguide which is propagated to one or more output couplers. Separate diffuser elements aligned with the output couplers distribute the out-coupled IR light into a deterministic range of divergent angles to function as point sources for eye tracker glints. Various illustrative illumination system waveguide architectures are disclosed in which the optical components can be disposed on the same or opposite sides of the waveguide in dual-layered and dual-sided arrangements.