Head-Mounted Display Visual Model Correction for Blindness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for compensating visual defects, such as macular degeneration, are ineffective and cumbersome, failing to adequately restore vision in patients with irreversible field of vision-related blindness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a database, model controller, display controller, and display unit that establishes a visual model for a patient, defines correction boundaries, generates a retinal map, and applies image corrections based on this map to present a corrected image to the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If previous devices increase intensity or contrast of patient's sight, then visibility is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical hardware systems with a computational image processing approach. A camera captures the scene, a processor applies digital corrections based on the patient's visual defect map, and a display presents the corrected image. This substitutes bulky optical intensity-enhancement devices with lightweight electronic imaging and software-based correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the visual scene through camera imaging, then applies corrections to this copy rather than directly modifying the optical path. The corrected digital image is then displayed to the patient, eliminating the need for complex optical systems that would otherwise be required to enhance the actual light path.
2Measurement precision
If magnification of image is increased, then visibility of details is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical magnification optics with digital image processing techniques. The camera captures the image at normal magnification, then software algorithms enhance detail visibility through digital zoom, sharpening, and selective enhancement based on the patient's functional vision areas. This eliminates bulky magnifying lenses and telescopic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from spatial magnification (physical enlargement of optical paths) to digital dimension enhancement (pixel-level processing and computational enlargement). By working in the digital domain rather than the optical domain, the system achieves magnification without proportional increases in physical device size.
3Reliability
If corrective measures are applied to damaged vision areas, then vision quality is improved, but invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera and display system as an intermediary between the patient and the visual scene. Rather than directly intervening in the eye's optical path or retinal structures through invasive procedures, the system captures the scene, processes it computationally, and presents the corrected version, thereby avoiding surgical or implantable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical or surgical correction methods with non-invasive computational imaging. Instead of physically altering the eye's structure or inserting corrective devices into the visual pathway, the system uses software-based image processing to compensate for visual defects, eliminating surgical risks and recovery periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of at-home monitoring of eye conditions using a head mounted display that is capable of establishing a visual model associated with a patient. The visual model may include data related to a quality of the patient's vision. The patient may use the system to establish a visual model periodically, such as daily, and the system may compare the visual model to previous visual models and send an alert to the patient's physician if changes meeting a given criteria are detected. This may allow the physician to immediately take steps to save the patient's eyesight where a delay in treatment may result in vision loss.