Vision Enhancement Device Using Digital Image Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision enhancement devices, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, are limited in their ability to provide flexible and configurable image transformations, including color transformations, magnification, and the integration of invisible frequencies like infrared or ultraviolet, and do not offer a general-purpose solution for altering and enhancing images for colorblind users.
Innovation Solution
An image transforming vision enhancement device that incorporates cameras, displays, and processors to perform various image transformations, such as color mapping, magnification, cropping, rotation, and overlay of graphics or labels, and can embed these components in eyewear or other devices, allowing for customizable image processing and the integration of non-visible frequencies into the visible spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If analog filters and color masks are used in vision enhancement devices, then color filtering capability is provided, but the resulting image becomes darker and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog optical filters with digital image processing algorithms. The device captures images with a camera, processes them digitally to apply color filtering and enhancement, then displays the processed images. This substitution of mechanical/optical filtering with digital processing eliminates the light attenuation problem while maintaining color filtering functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized analog techniques are used in night vision goggles, then non-visible frequencies can be represented, but the system lacks flexibility for multiple image transformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal vision enhancement device that can perform multiple functions: color filtering, magnification, cropping, rotation, scaling, and overlay of graphics. All these transformations are achieved through digital image processing algorithms that can be configured and adjusted, providing adaptability without requiring specialized hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic, programmable image processing algorithms that can be adjusted and reconfigured based on user needs and viewing conditions. The digital processing pipeline allows real-time modification of transformation parameters, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
3Measurement precision
If analog filters are used to remove or attenuate light of particular wavelengths, then color separation is achieved, but the filters cannot add or amplify light for low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive analog filters with active digital image processing. The camera captures the scene, and digital algorithms enhance specific wavelength ranges by adjusting color channels, increasing brightness selectively, and applying contrast enhancement. This allows both precise color separation and light amplification through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies asymmetric processing to different color channels independently. Digital algorithms can enhance specific wavelength ranges (e.g., red, green, or blue channels) while leaving others unchanged or applying different transformations, allowing selective amplification of light in particular spectral regions without affecting the entire image uniformly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If digital processing is implemented in computer and mobile phone systems, then limited color vision assistance is provided, but the system lacks integration into wearable vision devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a complete digital image processing system within wearable eyewear devices. The camera, processor, and display components are nested within the glasses structure, with the processing unit embedded to perform real-time image transformations. This nesting enables portable, wearable implementation of sophisticated digital processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the vision enhancement function into separate modular components: image capture (camera), processing (processor with algorithms), and display (optical display elements in lenses). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates integration into wearable form factors.
Data Source
AI summary
Image transforming vision enhancement device that enhances vision by transforming images provided by one or more cameras into modified images projected on one or more displays. The system may be embedded in glasses, contact lenses, binoculars, or other vision devices, in computer screens, or in components of moving vehicles. Image transformations may include modifying colors to assist colorblind users or to highlight color ranges, mapping invisible frequencies into visible colors, adding labels or graphics, and generating time-varying images with flashing or changing features. Images from multiple cameras may be combined, providing users with panoramic vision from a single device. Low light vision may be enhanced, and excessive glare may be attenuated. The system may magnify images with a variable magnification. User interfaces may be provided to configure and customize the image transformations.