Motion-Pan Vision Aid for Low Vision Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision aids for individuals with low vision face challenges in capturing and displaying magnified images, particularly for those with macular degeneration or motor skill impairments, as they require precise camera movement or surface manipulation, leading to awkward and difficult usage.
Innovation Solution
A portable vision aid device equipped with a motion sensor that captures an initial image and adjusts magnification and panning based on user motion, allowing seamless viewing of magnified images without the need for precise camera control, using a housing with a camera, display, and controller to simulate motion and adjust zoom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is moved relative to the viewing surface to capture images of target portions, then the field of view can be adjusted, but the precision required to position the camera is difficult to achieve, especially for users with motor skill impairments or macular degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera positioning system with a software-based image panning system. Instead of physically moving the camera to adjust the field of view, the system captures a single image and then pans across different portions of that image through software processing. This eliminates the need for precise mechanical camera positioning while maintaining the ability to view different areas of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the entire scene by capturing a single comprehensive image, then generates multiple panned views from this copy. Rather than requiring the camera to physically move to capture different portions, the system creates virtual copies of different regions from the master image, making navigation easier for users with motor impairments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing surface or material is moved relative to the camera using X-Y tables, then different portions can be viewed, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical X-Y tables and physical movement systems by implementing a software-based image panning mechanism. The system processes a single captured image through software to display different portions, completely removing the need for complex mechanical positioning equipment while maintaining the ability to navigate across the entire scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of viewing different portions from the physical movement mechanism and implements it through software image processing. By separating the navigation function from the mechanical positioning system, the patent eliminates the need for complex hardware while preserving the core functionality of exploring different areas of the captured scene.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the field of view of the video camera is adjusted to change the displayed image, then different areas can be viewed, but it becomes very challenging to keep the video camera steady and trained at a particular field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical camera adjustment mechanisms with software-based image panning. Instead of physically moving or rotating the camera to change the field of view, the system processes the captured image through software to display different portions, completely eliminating camera instability issues while maintaining field of view versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual controls are used to adjust magnification and navigate the image, then viewing can be customized, but the operation becomes awkward and difficult for persons with low vision and motor skill impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements motion sensing technology that automatically detects and responds to user movements, allowing the system to navigate and adjust magnification based on the user's natural motion. This self-service approach eliminates the need for precise hand-eye coordination and manual controls, as the device automatically adapts to user intent through motion detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates motion sensors that provide real-time feedback about user movement, allowing the system to automatically adjust the displayed image portion and magnification level. This feedback mechanism enables users with motor impairments to control the device through natural motion, eliminating the need for difficult manual controls while maintaining full customization capability.
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
Enhances user experience by simplifying the process of viewing and navigating magnified images, reducing the complexity of camera control and improving usability for individuals with low vision, allowing comfortable handheld operation and adjustable magnification.
Implementation Method 1
A motion sensor is configured to sense motion of the vision aid device and generate motion information
Data Source
AI summary
A vision aid device comprises a housing, an eyepiece for holding up to an eye and viewing into the vision aid device, a camera mounted within the housing, a controller and memory operably coupled to the camera, a motion sensor operably coupled to the controller and a display operably coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to: activate the camera to capture an electronic image; store the electronic image in the memory; display on the display a magnified image which is a magnified view of the electronic image; and electronically pan the electronic image from the magnified image to display successive magnified images based on motion information generated by the motion sensor, the motion information based on motion of the vision aid device as sensed by the motion sensor.