IP Library Granted Patent US 12,468,156
Granted Patent B2
US 12,468,156 · App. 18/178,503 · Granted Nov 11, 2025

System to detect add-on prescription lenses to VR HMDs with eye tracking

Inventor: Jeff Stafford (San Mateo, CA)
Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
G02B27/0172G02C7/027G06F3/013
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,468,156
App. No.
18/178,503
Granted
Nov 11, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A person's prescription lens holder that is configured to fit on an HMD is configured for modifying eye tracking glint reflections to detect the presence of the prescription lens holder and thus alert the playback system that a prescription lens is in use and may distort the projected video, requiring correction. In addition or alternatively, a computer readable code may be disposed on the holder for facilitating look up of the prescription parameters to enable correction of the video presentation to account for the prescription lens.

Claims (31)

1 . An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor configured to:

receive signals from at least one light sensor in a head-mounted device (HMD) representing glints reflected from an eye of a person wearing the HMD; and

based at least in part on the signals, output an indication that a prescription lens holder is disposed in the HMD.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to output the indication based at least in part on an absence of at least one glint.

3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to output the indication based at least in part on a modification of at least one glint from a baseline appearance.

4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the modification comprises a shape that is different from a shape of the baseline appearance.

5 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the modification comprises a size that is different from a size of the baseline appearance.

6 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the modification comprises a computer readable code.

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the indication comprises presenting a user interface (UI) to prompt entry of prescription information.

8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the indication comprises providing prescription information obtained from the signals to a display engine to alter presentation of video on the HMD according to the prescription information.

9 . An apparatus comprising:

at least one prescription lens; and

at least one holder comprising an inner periphery for holding the lens and, extending from the inner periphery, a lip configured to engage a lens of a head mounted display (HMD), wherein the holder comprises plural holes for allowing light from respective light sources to pass through the holder to an eye of a wearer of the HMD.

10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the HMD comprises N eye tracking light sources and the plural holes number no more than N−1.

11 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the HMD comprises N eye tracking light sources and the plural holes number N, at least a first one of the plural holes being sized differently than at least a second one of the plural holes.

12 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the HMD comprises N eye tracking light sources and the plural holes number N, at least a first one of the plural holes being shaped differently than at least a second one of the plural holes.

13 . The apparatus of claim 9 , comprising at least one object disposed in at least one of the plural holes and configured to produce a machine-readable code.

14 . An apparatus comprising:

at least one prescription lens; and

at least one holder comprising an inner periphery for holding the lens and, extending from the inner periphery, a lip configured to engage a lens of a head mounted display (HMD), wherein the holder comprises at least one substrate configured to produce at least one machine readable code.

15 . A method comprising:

illuminating from a head-mounted device (HMD) to cause at least one eye of a wearer of the HMD to reflect light as glints; and

modifying at least one glint to detect a prescription lens insert attachment on the HMD.

16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the modifying comprises blocking light from at least one light source using the insert.

17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the modifying comprises altering light from at least one light source using at least one optical device in the insert.

18 . The method of claim 15 , comprising:

detecting a user identification code (UIC) based on a physical setting on the prescription lens insert;

using the UIC, identifying at least one prescription parameter; and

using the at least one prescription parameter, changing at least one virtual reality rendering and/or optical distortion correction in the HMD.

19 . The method of claim 15 , comprising detecting a computer readable code on the insert that represents at least one prescription parameter, the computer readable code being on a substrate engaged with the insert.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 7, 2023
From: STAFFORD, JEFF
To: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Reel/Frame 062905/0213 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20240295735A1 · Sep 5, 2024
References Cited (8)
US 11269406B1 · Sztuk · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20180180893A1 · Gupta · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20230004008A1 · Samec et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 20230309821A1 · Aferzon · 2023 [cited by examiner]
“Eyeglass Prescription Explained”, Perfect Eyeglasses Guide, retrieved from https://www.perfect-eyeglasses-guide.com/eyeglass-prescription.html. [cited by applicant]
Hwang, Alex D, and Eli Peli. “Stereoscopic 3D Optic Flow Distortions Caused by Mismatches between Image Acquisition and Display Parameters.” The Journal of imaging science and technology vol. 63,6 (2019): 604121-604127.… [cited by applicant]
“International Search Report and Written Opinion”, dated May 17, 2024, from teh counterpart PCT application PCT/US24/11336. [cited by applicant]
Ramsden, “Using stem cells to model lvlERTK deficient retinitis pigmentosa”, University College, London, Oct. 31, 2016, Retrieved from the internet entire document. [cited by applicant]