Vision Augmentation System Using Binocular Spectral Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The human eye's limited number of cone cell types restricts spectral sensitivity, leading to visual limitations such as metamerism, where different spectra appear as the same color, and existing hyperspectral or multispectral camera systems are complex and impractical for many applications due to their reliance on the human visual system's limitations.
Innovation Solution
A vision augmentation system using two eyepieces with different spectral transmission characteristics to encode additional spectral information into the LMS tristimulus channels, effectively simulating additional cone types by presenting different spectral ranges to each eye, allowing for the perception of meta-colors without obscuring existing color information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hyperspectral or multispectral camera systems are used to provide higher resolution sampling of light spectra, then spectral discrimination is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral information by presenting different spectral ranges to each eye through separate eyepieces. The first eyepiece transmits light with first spectral characteristics while the second eyepiece transmits light with second spectral characteristics, dividing the spectral analysis task across multiple simple optical paths rather than using a single complex hyperspectral system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to color perception by utilizing binocular vision to encode spectral information. Instead of relying solely on the three cone types in each eye, the system uses the additional dimension of inter-ocular spectral differences to create meta-colors that convey spectral information without requiring complex imaging hardware.
2Loss of information
If false color is added to normal three-color images to convey multi-spectral information, then spectral information is conveyed, but existing color information is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments spectral information across two separate visual channels (eyes) rather than overlaying it on a single image. Each eye receives a different spectral representation, allowing both original color information and spectral information to coexist without obscuration, as the spectral data is encoded in the differences between the two eyes' perceptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system encodes spectral information in the inter-ocular dimension rather than adding it as a separate color layer. By presenting different spectral ranges to each eye, the brain perceives spectral differences as meta-colors that exist in addition to, rather than replacement of, normal color perception.
3Device complexity
If the human eye uses only three cone cell types, then device complexity is minimized, but spectral discrimination is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively segments the spectral sensitivity function across multiple eyes rather than requiring multiple cone types within a single eye. By having each eye respond to different spectral ranges, the system achieves enhanced spectral discrimination using only the three natural cone types, avoiding the need for additional photoreceptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of inter-ocular spectral differences to the traditional intr-ocular color perception. This additional dimension enables the brain to distinguish spectral information that would otherwise be indistinguishable to the three-cone system, effectively increasing spectral discrimination capability without biological modification.
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 improved spectral discrimination and color perception by simulating additional cone types, allowing the brain to distinguish metameric colors and providing enhanced spectral information without the need for complex electronics or power sources, making it suitable for practical applications like agriculture and surveillance.
Implementation Method 1
A vision augmentation system uses a first eyepiece that transmits light with first spectral characteristics to a viewer's eye
Implementation Method 2
A second eyepiece transmits light with second spectral characteristics to the viewer's eye
Data Source
AI summary
The functional effect of having additional color-sensing cone types in the human eye is implemented by an encoding of some spectral information differently for the left and right eyes. This different encoding for identical features seen by the left and right eyes is interpreted as a perceptively different feature by the human brain, allowing additional spectral information to be conveyed through the limited tristimulus sensitivity of the human eye.