Applications of augmented‐vision head‐mounted systems in vision rehabilitation

Abstract

Vision loss typically affects either the wide peripheral vision (important for mobility), or central vision (important for seeing details). Traditional optical visual aids usually recover the lost visual function, but at a high cost for the remaining visual function. We have developed a novel concept of vision-multiplexing using augmented vision head-mounted display systems to address vision loss. Two applications are discussed in this paper. In the first, minified edge images from a head-mounted video camera are presented on a see-through display providing visual field expansion for people with peripheral vision loss, while still enabling the full resolution of the residual central vision to be maintained. The concept has been applied in daytime and nighttime devices. A series of studies suggested that the system could help with visual search, obstacle avoidance, and nighttime mobility. Subjects were positive in their ratings of device cosmetics and ergonomics. The second application is for people with central vision loss. Using an on-axis aligned camera and display system, central visibility is enhanced with 1:1 scale edge images, while still enabling the wide field of the unimpaired peripheral vision to be maintained. The registration error of the system was found to be low in laboratory testing.

Low vision rehabilitation: current perspectives

“…17,18 Thus, people with tunnel vision are helped by adding an image of the surrounding area on the head-up display in order to be able to maintain central resolution while exploring the remaining visual field. 19,20 The head-mounted display can also help people with impairment of central vision by magnifying the contrast on the screen; several head-mounted display devices with this function have been designed, including the Low Vision Enhancement System, 21 Jordy, Flipperport, and NuVision. 22 However, although these head-mounted display devices are able to improve the patient's visual acuity, they are not suitable for use with a mobile, because the enlarged image makes it difficult walking while wearing a device.…”

SpareEye

“…In [11], the authors use edge detection to display obstacle information on a pair of glasses, intended to use for patients with tunnel vision. With the upcoming availability of Google Glass [4], more research might be conducted in this area for private everyday use, as used, e.g., by aviators [13].…”

Ar in VR: Simulating Infrared Augmented Vision

“…One subset of AR applications that has recently gained interest is vision augmentation through optical see-through head mounted displays (OST HMD). It has already been used for numerous vision enhancements, such as vision correction [1] and night vision [2]. One particular application of image fusion in AR is thermal imaging [3,4], already employed for firefighting [5,6], military, and police organizations.…”

“…Previous studies on coloration and fusion techniques [7,8] were limited to static images and were not designed to operate in dynamic lighting conditions or in an AR setting. 1 Code can be found at https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/255390/files/ In the case of firefighting, it is of critical importance to study these factors and classify their effects on task performance. However, it is challenging to conduct controlled comparative studies due to reproducibility issues that arise from the ever-changing real world background and the danger of using untested methods in a fire situation.…”