Modular AR Glasses With Eye Tracking for Low-Vision Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality glasses fail to effectively assist visually impaired individuals with conditions like Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Optic Nerve atrophy, Optic Neuropathy, and Ocular Albinism, limiting their usability for legally blind and low vision people.
Innovation Solution
Development of a modular augmented reality system comprising smart frames and digital lenses, equipped with components such as LCD displays, eye tracking sensors, cameras, lidar modules, and LEDs, designed to enhance visual performance and provide interactive experiences for visually impaired users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional augmented reality glasses are used, then interactive experience of real-world environment is provided, but they fail to work for legally blind and low vision people with various eye conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key parameters including display resolution (4K per eye), brightness output (1000 nits), and field of view (40 degrees) to specifically address the needs of visually impaired users with various conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the display into high-resolution regions of interest that can be dynamically adjusted based on the user's specific vision condition, allowing different parts of the visual field to be optimized for different visual needs
2Measurement precision
If high resolution display is implemented to assist visually impaired users, then visual performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested optical elements including waveguides, diffractive optical elements, and reflective surfaces that are integrated within the frame structure, allowing complex optical functions to be embedded in a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediate optical components such as waveguides and diffractive elements that mediate between the high-resolution display and the user's eye, enabling complex display functions while maintaining a wearable form factor
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and components are added to enhance functionality for visually impaired users, then visual assistance capability is improved, but weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions including display, eye tracking, environmental sensing, and communication into a single integrated frame structure, reducing overall weight compared to separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, optical element mounting, sensor housing, and communication antenna integration, eliminating the need for separate components
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 system improves visual performance and interaction for legally blind and low vision individuals by adapting to their specific conditions, offering customizable features and enhanced reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element coupled to a reflective surface and configured to diffract light from the display into a plurality of orders
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide configured to receive light from the diffractive optical element and transmit the light to an eye of a user
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to mixed reality, and more particularly to augmented reality systems and methods for the visually impaired. In one embodiment, an augmented-reality electronic glass apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a smart frame, comprising: a printed circuit board, a light emitting diode, a battery, and a communication module with integrated antenna; and a digital lens, comprising: a liquid crystal device display, a lens assembly, a magnetic stackable optic, an eye tracking system, a camera module, a lidar module, wherein the digital lens is magnetically attached to the smart frame.