Head-worn Visual Enhancement System with Distributed Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assistive technology devices for visual enhancement, such as E-Sight and NuEyes, face issues like overheating, limited battery life, inadequate memory, and lack of real-time processing capabilities, and are not designed for continuous use or individual customization, failing to address the unique needs of users and being unsuitable for public use or international shipping.
Innovation Solution
The Ash 1 system, comprising a head-worn device with integrated cameras, OLED displays, and a smart watch, utilizes a software system called VASICE with Digital Gates for adjustable filters, enabling real-time video processing, extended battery life, and customization based on individual needs, with features like autofocus, contrast control, and magnification, integrated into a single, durable, and user-friendly device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If current assistive technology devices (E-Sight, NuEyes) are used, then visual enhancement is provided, but the devices overheat and have limited battery life (2-4 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the visual enhancement functionality into separate modular components: head-worn device with cameras and OLED displays, smartwatch with processing unit, and wireless communication module. This segmentation distributes heat generation across multiple components rather than concentrating all processing in one device, reducing overheating issues while enabling extended operational duration through distributed power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) as an intermediary between the head-worn device and smartwatch. This allows the head-worn device to offload processing tasks and store visual data wirelessly, reducing its thermal load and enabling extended usage beyond the original battery constraints by utilizing the smartwatch as a remote processing and storage unit.
2Productivity
If current assistive technology devices are used, then magnification and contrast control are provided, but real-time processing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical processing systems with electronic-digital processing. The head-worn device captures video feeds via cameras, transmits them wirelessly to the smartwatch, where digital image processing algorithms perform real-time magnification, contrast adjustment, and other visual enhancements. This electronic substitution enables true real-time processing while managing complexity through software-based solutions rather than complex optical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartwatch serves multiple functions: it acts as a processing unit for real-time image enhancement, a storage device for recorded visual data, a communication hub for wireless data transfer, and a control interface for adjusting device parameters. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated devices, achieving real-time processing without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current assistive technology devices are used, then basic visual enhancement is provided, but individual customization needs are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, adjustable parameters for visual enhancement through software. Users can customize magnification levels, contrast ratios, brightness, and other visual parameters in real-time based on their specific needs and environmental conditions. The system adapts to individual users through programmable settings stored on the smartwatch, allowing each user to configure the device according to their unique visual requirements without hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables individual customization by allowing users to modify multiple software parameters including magnification factor, contrast enhancement level, brightness adjustment, and field of view selection. These parameter changes are controlled through the smartwatch interface and applied in real-time to the visual enhancement processing, providing tailored assistance for each user's specific visual impairment type and severity without increasing physical device complexity.
4Reliability
If current assistive technology devices are used, then visual correction is provided, but they are not designed for continuous operation or public use
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a head-worn device optimized for visual capture and display, and a separate smartwatch for processing and storage, the patent enables continuous operation. Each component can be independently optimized and replaced if needed, improving reliability. The wireless connection between components allows the system to function as a cohesive unit while distributing the burden of continuous operation across multiple power sources and processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of visual scenes captured by the head-worn device cameras, storing them on the smartwatch. This copying mechanism provides redundancy and allows the system to continue operating even if one component experiences issues. The digital copies can be reviewed later, providing backup functionality that enhances reliability for continuous use in public settings.
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 Ash 1 system provides a robust, customizable, and user-friendly visual enhancement solution with extended battery life, real-time processing, and panoramic view, addressing the limitations of existing devices by offering a continuous and adaptable assistive technology suitable for various environments and user needs.
Implementation Method 1
an OLED display mounted in the lens aperture of the frame
Implementation Method 2
at least one Bluetooth 4.0 transceiver encased in the hinge of the temple
Data Source
AI summary
A external visual enhancement and correction system is shown comprising a head-worn device and a watch face, the head-worn device including a frame defining a lens aperture, a temple mounted to the frame by a hinge, a pair of cameras mounted into the frame, at least one battery with connectors and at least one Bluetooth 4.0 transceiver encased in the hinge of the temple, an OLED display mounted in the lens aperture of the frame, and a plurality of charging ports mounted into the frame, the watch face including a top frame having a home button, a touchpad, a computer, a memory, a Bluetooth 4.0 transceiver, and a bottom frame.