Wearable Depth Sensing System for Monocular Vision Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with visual impairments, such as monocular vision or loss of binocular vision, struggle to perceive depth and maintain balance due to limited depth perception and peripheral vision, leading to potential injuries and permanent posture issues.
Innovation Solution
A wearable system comprising sensing and display circuitry that uses cameras and infrared emitters to generate depth data, presenting it as visible indicia or altered object appearances on a transparent lens, and activates peripheral field sensing upon head movement, enhancing depth perception and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional vision correction methods (glasses, contacts, laser surgery) are used, then basic vision problems are addressed, but depth perception and peripheral vision remain severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of depth sensors, image capture devices, and display devices that mediate between the user's limited vision and the environment. The system captures visual information, processes it to extract depth data, and presents enhanced depth information to the user through transparent displays or audible cues, effectively bridging the gap caused by monocular vision limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological depth perception mechanism (binocular vision) with an electronic system that uses image capture devices, processors, and display/audible output devices. Instead of relying on natural stereoscopic vision, the system electronically synthesizes depth information from monocular cues and presents it to the user
2Reliability
If binocular vision is lost, then depth perception capability deteriorates, but balance and postural control are also negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback about depth and spatial information to the user through the display device or audible output. By presenting processed depth information in real-time, the system compensates for the loss of natural binocular feedback mechanisms, enabling the user to maintain better balance and spatial awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary system provides the spatial awareness information that would naturally come from binocular vision, enabling the user to maintain balance and postural control despite the loss of depth perception capability
3Area of stationary object
If monocular vision is employed, then one eye functions independently, but peripheral vision is lost on at least one side of the body
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a new dimension to the user's field of view by presenting processed visual information from multiple angles and depths through the transparent display. This allows the user to perceive information that would normally be in the peripheral or blind field, effectively expanding the usable visual space beyond the anatomical limitations of monocular vision
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 effectively compensates for visual impairments by providing real-time depth information and peripheral vision, improving balance and reducing the risk of injuries by enhancing the user's ability to perceive their surroundings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one infrared emitter and detector pair to sense the depth data
Implementation Method 2
at least one infrared emitter and detector pair to sense the depth data
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a system to compensate for visual impairment. The system may comprise, for example, a frame wearable by a user to which is mounted at least sensing circuitry and display circuitry. The sensing circuitry may sense at least visible data and depth data. Control circuitry may then cause the display circuitry to visibly present the depth to the user based on the visible data and depth data. For example, the display circuitry may present visible indicia indicating depth to appear superimposed on the field of view to indicate different depths in the field of view, or may alter the appearance of objects in the field of view based on the depth of each object. The system may also be capable of sensing a particular trigger event, and in response may initiate sensing and presentation for a peripheral field of view of the user.