Wearable Visual Augmentation System for Retinal Defect Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with visual impairments or defects face challenges in enhancing their visual acuity, particularly in low light conditions or with retinal damage, as existing devices are bulky, limited in application, and not suitable for non-military uses.
Innovation Solution
A wearable system comprising a pair of glasses with attached cameras and displays, a processor, and eye-tracking sensors that captures images, modifies them in real-time to avoid retinal damage areas, and applies enhancements such as magnification, edge enhancement, and color remapping, allowing users to control image modifications for optimal viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image intensity amplifiers or mechanical image magnifiers are used to augment visual field quality, then visual acuity is improved, but the devices become big and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (image capture, processing, display, and eye-tracking) into a single integrated wearable device. The camera, processor, display, and eye-tracking sensors are merged into one system worn on the user's body, eliminating the need for separate bulky devices while maintaining visual acuity enhancement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical image magnifiers with a digital processing system. Instead of using mechanical lenses and optical components to magnify images, the system uses a camera to capture images and a processor to digitally enhance and remap them, significantly reducing the mechanical complexity and size of the device.
2Measurement precision
If image intensity amplifiers are used to augment visual field quality, then visual acuity is improved, but the application scope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal device that can handle multiple visual impairment conditions through software configuration. The system can address retinal defects, low vision, and other visual challenges by remapping images to functional areas of the retina, making it applicable to a wide range of users with different visual needs rather than being limited to specific conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic image processing that adapts to the user's specific visual needs. The system uses eye-tracking sensors to monitor eye movements in real-time and dynamically remaps images to compensate for retinal defects, allowing the device to adapt to different users and different viewing conditions rather than being static.
3Measurement precision
If existing augmentation devices are used, then some visual enhancement is achieved, but they are not appropriate for non-military uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the device to make it suitable for civilian use. The system processes images at video rates (30 frames per second or higher), providing smooth real-time visualization appropriate for everyday activities. The wearable form factor and hands-free operation make it suitable for non-military applications such as reading, walking, and daily tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements hands-free operation through eye-tracking control, allowing users to navigate and control the device without manual input. The system automatically tracks eye movements and adjusts the display accordingly, enabling users with visual impairments to operate the device independently without requiring manual controls or assistance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method of augmenting sight in an individual. The method comprises obtaining an image of a scene using a camera carried by the individual; transmitting the obtained image to a processor carried by the individual; selecting an image modification to be applied to the image by the processor; operating upon the image to create a modified image using either analog or digital imaging techniques, and displaying the modified image on a display device worn by the individual. The invention also relates to an apparatus augmenting sight in an individual. The apparatus comprises a camera, carried by the individual, for obtaining an image of a scene viewed by the individual; a display carried by the individual; an image modification input device carried by the individual; and a processor, carried by the individual. The processor modifies the image and displays the modified image on the display carried by the individual.