Abstract: A laptop computer, a system and/or a method for using the same are provided. The laptop computer, the system and/or the method has a monitor, input boards, a base, an intelligent pen and a headset. The monitor has a screen, a magnetic pen guidance system, an on/off switch for the magnetic pen guidance system, a taskbar area, braille signs and compartments for storing the input boards. The input boards may be, for example, a braille board, a standard keyboard, and/or a geometry board. The base may have a receiving surface, permanent input keys, permanent braille keys, speakers and a holder for the intelligent pen. The speakers and/or the headset may provide the user with audio feedback.

Abstract: There is presented a system and method for providing real-time object recognition to a remote user. The system comprises a portable communication device including a camera, at least one client-server host device remote from and accessible by the portable communication device over a network, and a recognition database accessible by the client-server host device or devices. A recognition application residing on the client-server host device or devices is capable of utilizing the recognition database to provide real-time object recognition of visual imagery captured using the portable communication device to the remote user of the portable communication device. In one embodiment, a sighted assistant shares an augmented reality panorama with a visually impaired user of the portable communication device where the panorama is constructed from sensor data from the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for efficient presentation of content over a network to a visually impaired user. Requests for content from a visually impaired user are processed by observing behavior of the user in connection with the requests; determining if the observed behavior constitutes a behavior pattern; and generating one or more rules based on the observed behavior that dynamically restructure content presented on at least one web page such that previously selected portions of the content is presented to the visually impaired user prior to other portions of the content. If one or more rules associated with a visually impaired user are applicable to requested content, wherein the rules are based on previously observed behavior of the user; and the requested content is restructured based on the one or more applicable rules such that previously selected portions of the content is presented to the visually impaired user prior to other portions of the content.

Abstract: A blind aid device including enabling a blind person to activate the blind aid device; capturing one or more images related to a blind person's surrounding environment; detecting moving objects from the one or more images captured; identifying a finite number of spatial relationships related to the moving objects; analyzing the one or more images within the blind aid device to classify the finite number of spatial relationships related to the moving objects corresponding to predefined moving object data; converting select spatial relationship information related to the one or more analyzed images into audible information; relaying select audible information to the blind person; and notifying the blind person of one or more occurrences predetermined by the blind person as actionable occurrences.

Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing image data. The system includes a head borne image source, a controller, an eyepiece lens assembly and a display device. The head borne image source images an object and provides the image data. The controller determines a focus adjustment from a focus position of the head borne image source. The display device receives and displays the image data to a user's eye via the eyepiece lens assembly. A distance between the eyepiece lens assembly and the display device is adjusted based on the focus adjustment responsive to the focus position.

Abstract: A visual aid display apparatus 1 includes, an image capturing section 50 for image capturing of a subject; an image processing section 60 for processing the image, information obtained from the image capturing section 50 so that the image information can be displayed, a display device for displaying the video of image information having been subjected to processing, an ocular optical system for providing video by leading to the eye the light coming from the display device, and a control section 70 for providing control in such a way that the video of the image information having been subjected to image processing can be displayed on the display area of the display section 10. The video of the external world and the image-processed image of the display area A can be viewed simultaneously by an observer on the display section 10.

Abstract: A Vision Thermalization, “VT” light-to-heat transducer, versatile video transformation system, via Biophysics Resonance of forehead cells with thin film transistors infrared “display” (1 k×0.0015 C×640×480 VGA) and alternative image processing methodology thereof to convert, for the sightless and visually impaired, light waves, or TV received signals or 2D/3D video camera signals into infrared patterns of sensible heat waves such as produced by the product of voltage and current in an active matrix of thin film transistors (AM-TFT), typically used with liquid crystal displays, in order to exploit the viper-like thermal vision sensibility of 10 parts/million (0.003 C/305K) and biophysics resonance of thermo regulating amino acids.

Abstract: A reading machine has processing for detecting common text between a pair of individual images. The reading machine combines the text from the pair of images into a file or data structure if common text is detected, and determines if incomplete text phrases are present in the common text. If incomplete text phrases are present, the machine signals a user to move an image input device in a direction to capture more of the text.

Abstract: The task of providing a device which makes it possible for the natural visual faculty of a partially vision-impaired person to be restored or supported as realistically as possible by means of a visual aid or visual prosthesis is achieved with the visual aid according to the invention in that, beyond the pure acquisition of a two-dimensional image, additional information is included in the image processing. For this purpose, a visual aid system is proposed which, during the reproduction of the processed image, visualizes additional information regarding the spatial position and/or specific attributes of objects in the acquired image which is associated with objects in the acquired image.

Abstract: An assistance system for visually handicapped persons with visual impair in a part of their visual field aims at providing a technical solution for these persons, informing them actively about objects or movements in the visually impaired side, by way of body-worn sensors.

Abstract: A reading device includes a computing device and an image input device coupled to the computing device for capturing low resolution images and high resolution images. The reading machine also includes a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium. The medium is in communication with the computing device and includes instructions to operate in a plurality of modes to optimize performance for specific uses of the reading device and process low and high resolution images during operation of at least one of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for enhancing a field of vision of a user with a visual impairment to help the user to navigate safely in the surroundings. The apparatus includes a body, at least one video device coupled to the body for recording a visual image of a physical environment surrounding the user, at least one monitor coupled to the body, a processor which receives signals from the at least one video device and operatively controls the at least one monitor to display the visual image recorded by the at least one video device, and a tunnel vision finder to determine the user's actual vision size. The method includes the step of determining the user's actual vision size, acquiring a visual image of a physical environment surrounding the user, processing the visual image, and displaying the visual image in the user's actual vision.

Abstract: A video magnifier includes a body including a base, a table on which an object to be read is placed, the table being disposed on the base, a video camera disposed over the table, an illumination lamp illuminating the object placed on the table and a pointer irradiating a part of the object photographed by the video camera, and a monitor television displaying a video image delivered from the video camera. In the video magnifier, in synchronization with irradiation of the photographed part of the object by the pointer, an illuminance of the illumination lamp is rendered lower than an illuminance of the pointer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for amblyopia and ocular deviation correction are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for amblyopia correction, the system includes, an image processing unit to identify a set of image parameters and, when, in operation, the image processing unit modifies a source visual content based on one or more of the set of image parameters to generate visual content and a visualization unit coupled to the image processing unit operable to receive visual content from the image processing unit, the visualization unit having a screen, when, in operation, the screen displays the visual content.

Abstract: A portable reading machine that operates in several modes and performs image preprocessing to prior to optical character recognition. The portable reading machine receives a low resolution image and a high resolution image of a scene and processing the low resolution image to recognize a user-initiated gesture using a gesturing item that indicates a command from the user to the reading machine and the high resolution image to recognize text in the image of the scene, according to the command from the user to the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aiding a visually impaired or blind person to detect, identify and avoid objects in the field of vision of the surroundings. The apparatus includes electro-optical devices to detect and identify objects, a control unit, which receives and processes information from the devices and a vocal representation unit to receive instructions from the control unit for purpose of audibly describing the objects to the person in the field of vision, thereby enabling the person to cope and proceed safely in the surroundings. The method for aiding a visually impaired person to detect, identify and objects in the field of vision surroundings includes the steps of receiving visual images of the objects, receiving range information concerning the objects, processing the image information, and audibly describing to the person the objects in the field of vision, thereby enabling the person to cope with, and proceed in his surroundings.

Abstract: A device for use by a deafblind person is disclosed. The device comprises a first key for manually inputting a series of words in the form of a code, a second key for manually inputting an action to be performed by the device, a third key for manually inputting a user preference, and a fourth key for manually inputting communication instructions. The device further has an internal processor programmed to carry out communication functions and search and guide functions. The device has various safety and security functions for pedestrians or persons in transit. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an electronic cane known as an eCane. Also disclosed is a system for allowing a deafblind person to enjoy television programs.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for capturing environmental image data and providing tactile feedback about the visual environment to a user. One or more image sensing devices are mounted on various appendages of a user and are used to sense the environment. The image data is sent to a computer vision system where it is processed in order to identify specific objects within the environment. When the computer vision system makes such an identification it may send a signal to a haptic stimulator mounted on a user's appendage or may be used to control an object in the environment.

Abstract: A computer based process for providing a visually impaired subject with multi-modal (local, remote, human-aided, computer-aided), multi-sensory (hearing, touch), information about the subject's physical environment is disclosed, involving identifying at least one guide; identifying at least one subject; establishing a communication connection between the guide and the subject; capturing information about the at least one subject's physical environment; presenting the information about the at least one subject's physical environment to the at least one guide; capturing the guide's response to the at least one subject's physical environment; and communicating the guide's response to the at least one subject. The system may involve a guide computer, a user mounted information collection system for receiving visual signals, audio input signals, and a user mounted information dispensing system for dispensing a haptic signal and an audio output signal.

Abstract: An LED package used as a light source in a backlight assembly for an LCD includes a substrate, a plurality of light scattering protrusions on the upper surface of the substrate, LEDs separated from each other by designated intervals and arranged in a line on the substrate, and a molding portion, for sealing the upper surface of the substrate including the LEDs, and having an upper surface including two cylindrical surface sections. Each of the cylindrical surface sections has a curvature for totally reflecting light emitted from the LEDs.

Abstract: A method of presenting text found on a substantially planar object. The method comprises positioning the substantially planar object for imaging; capturing an image from the substantially planar object; converting the image to a digital text; associating a media type with the text found on the substantially planar object; organizing the digital text according to the media type; and converting the digital text to an output format.

Abstract: A system for presenting text found on an object. The system comprises an object manipulation subsystem configured to position the substantially planar object for imaging; an imaging module configured to capture an image of the substantially planar object; a text capture module configured to capture text from the image of the substantially planar object; an Optical Character Recognition (“OCR”) component configured to convert the text to a digital text; a material context component configured to associate a media type with the text found on the substantially planar object; and an output module configured to convert the digital text to an output format, wherein the system is configured to organize the digital text according to the media type before converting the digital text to an output format.

Abstract: In a system (10) and a method for interpreting visual information and transmitting it to a human being through tactile influence of sensorial organs in its body, the system has a sensor module (12) capturing visual information; a control module (14), interpreting the captured information and controlling a tactile actuator module (16) in accordance with the interpreted information. An actuator module (16) transmits the interpreted information to a human being by electro-mechanically influencing sensorial organs in the skin of the human being, thereby creating an image in its brain. An image is corresponding to the visual information transmitted through the electro-mechanical actuator module (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for identifying surrounding environment by means of image processing, so as to be used by blind people or unmanned vehicles. The said apparatus comprises an input device, which includes at least one CCD or CMOS means for capturing images, a processing device, which could be a micro processing unit such as a notebook computer, DSP or other embedded system, and an output device, such as a speech earphone. The processing device applies hue analysis and geometric analysis to identify traffic signals and markings.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for adjusting real time video to compensate for color blindness. A video system includes a decoder that receives and decodes a video signal into original color signals. A processor receives the original color signals and outputs color signals that are adjusted for compensating for a selected one of a number of precharacterized types of color blindness. A screen receives the adjusted color signals and displays images adjusted from the original to compensate for the selected type of color blindness. The adjusted signals are derived from the original signals by one color gamut adjustment for each type of color blindness. The color gamut adjustments are generated by characterizing at least the known, major color deficiencies, and then generating color gamut transforms to fit more range of actual color contrast within the range of perception of the color blind. Each transform is stored in a memory as a lookup table, and looked up by the processor.

Abstract: A method enabling a person to visualize images including encoding spatial information relating to a feature or features contained within an image into the form of one or more musical sequences, and playing the musical sequence or sequences to the person.

Abstract: The present invention is a fully functional hand held computer having a see through display. An external viewing arrangement, such as a monocular scope, is used to view the operator's immediate surroundings. Optical images from the scope are superimposed with digital images from a miniature computer display. The resultant image allows the operator to look through the device and view his surrounding while simultaneously viewing and operating the software based applications. The entire device is held like a pair of binoculars and mouse like controls are located adjacent the operator's gripping position.

Abstract: A method for displaying a digital color image to a visually impaired person, includes the steps of: measuring the visual response of the person and specifying a set of enhancement profiles relating to the person's color and spatial frequency visual perception, adjusting the color content of the digital color image in response to a color content enhancement profile; adjusting the spatial frequency content of the image in response to a spatial frequency profile; adjusting the contrast of the image in response to a contrast adjustment profile; and displaying the adjusted digital image to the person.

Abstract: A tactile display reads out information corresponding to at least a portion of an image appearing on a computer screen comprising a 2-dimensional array of pixels. The tactile display comprises a plurality of tactile output elements arranged in a 2-dimensional array. Each of the plurality of output elements corresponds to at least one pixel of the computer screen and is movable, in response to an input representative of a value of a property of the at least one pixel, to a predetermined one of a plurality of discrete, tactilely-recognizable positions. The positions of the plurality of tactile output elements provide a tactilely-recognizable pattern representative of said information.

Abstract: An S.A.P. receiver is provided which does not require a conventional television set to obtain the S.A.P. audio. A tuner is coupled to an S.A.P. decoder and the audio program is output to the user. Thus blind and sight-impaired persons can receive S.A.P. programming without having to purchase a complete television receiver that relies on a user's ability to see alphanumeric on-screen menus.

Abstract: Device for enlarged display of text or images present on an object (3), onto an external screen (20). The device comprises: a housing (2) that can be put on an object; a mirror (6) mounted within the housing (2), a camera (7) of the CCD type following the mirror, comprising firstly a focussing member (8) in the form of a sliding part being movable according to a line (10) extending almost parallel to the bottom plane (4) of the housing and being rotable simultaneously with the sliding movement, and secondly a camera housing (9) coupled to said focussing member (8) by means of threading, which housing can not be rotated but can only be moved in the direction of the axis, in which the signals of the camera (7) are transmitted, possibly through a computer, to a display (20).

Abstract: Apparatus, and associated methods, for transforming an image. The apparatus includes an aiming device to be aimed at an original stationary image, a transforming device which transforms the image into a revised image, and a displaying device which displays the revised image. The revised image may be related linguistically or pictographically to the original stationary image, or the revised image includes a label assigned to at least one pictographic property of the original stationary image. Uses of the apparatus include, but are not limited to, translating text from one language to another, simplifying text within the same language and labelling text with one or more pictographic icons. The apparatus can include glasses or goggles that are worn by a user and in which an image, corresponding to the revised image, is projected or displayed on at least one lens area.

Abstract: A video providing apparatus comprises a video projector, a helmet-shaped head mounting tool, a mirror, a mirror supporting bar, an image pick-up device, and a signal cable. The video projector feeds video light (a bundle of parallel light beams) to the center of the eye of a viewer, for example, by a light condenser device. The video light is directly projected on the retina without being affected by the lens function in the crystalline lens of the eye by Maxwellian view. Accordingly, clear enlarged video can be fed to a person who has a serious disorder or the like in the focus adjusting function of the crystalline lens, to assist the person in reading or the like.

Abstract: A method and equipment for displaying a computer generated color image on which a color transformation is carried out so that a person with normal color vision is able to perceive the colors in a way which corresponds to the perception of a person with abnormal color vision. Use is made of this in order, on the basis of the user's own perception, or on the basis of an expert system, to adjust colors such that these comply with a preset distinguishability criterion which is matched to the ability of the particular target group of users, including users with normal color vision, to distinguish colors.

Abstract: An audio system that may include a flight-worthy electronics package that connects into the airborne electronics of a passenger aircraft, and to that aircraft's passenger system. The audio system may provide passengers with a variety of audio information. The audio information may include a variety of information tailored to phases of the flight plan of the aircraft. Thus, during takeoff, the system may describe the flight plan of the aircraft, whereas during descent, the system may alternately describe the distance to destination and time to destination. Other information that may be described, as desired, may include ground speed, outside air temperature, altitude, time or distance to a point of interest, and points of interest of the area that the aircraft is flying over at any particular moment. The audio system may cause these sequences of descriptions to recite automatically as determined by the preprogramming of the system. Passengers may also be provided with audio destination information.

Abstract: An image processing device compensates an original image for helping deteriorated human vision characteristics and displays the compensated image. Declines in a spectral sensitivity characteristic is compensated for by multiplying a brightness value of the original image by an inverse characteristic 1/A of a relative spectral sensitivity characteristic A in reference to a predetermined spectral sensitivity characteristic of a standard person. The first compensated image q(x,y) for defocus, or declines in accommodation characteristic, is obtained by a convolution integral of an original input image f(x,y) and a function j(x,y). The second compensated image m(x,y) for declines in sensitivity to cut-off frequency is obtained by a convolution integral of an original input image q(x,y) and the function p(x,y). The j and the p vary utilizing a radius of a blurred image and the cut-off frequency as a parameter, respectively.

Abstract: An optical-input print reading device with voice output for people with impaired or no vision in which the user provides input to the system from hand gestures. Images of the text to be read, on which the user performs finger- and hand-based gestural commands, are input to a computer, which decodes the text images into their symbolic meanings through optical character recognition, and further tracks the location and movement of the hand and fingers in order to interpret the gestural movements into their command meaning. In order to allow the user to select text and align printed material, feedback is provided to the user through audible and tactile means. Through a speech synthesizer, the text is spoken audibly. For users with residual vision, visual feedback of magnified and image enhanced text is provided. Multiple cameras of the same or different field of view can improve performance.

Abstract: A method of conveying information to a nervous system of a person has the steps of disintegrating an initial information into separate streams; coding each of the streams as a sequence of signals; transmitting the signals of each of the streams to separate fixed areas of a tactile sensitivity of a person which areas together form a total information zone; and cyclically changing a function of coding to ensure integration of a perceived information by a person, within limits of the cycle by choosing parameters of the function and a law changing the function in time.

Abstract: In a braille recognition system according to the present invention, light is obliquely irradiated onto the surface of a document in braille, and its reflected light is received by imaging means, to obtain a gray image. An image corresponding to a pattern of projected points on the document in braille is obtained on the basis of the obtained gray image. An image is then cut in braille units from the image corresponding to the pattern of projected points. A braille code is generated for each cut image in the braille unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing described television services includes a receiver for receiving description data corresponding to an audiovisual program; a text-to-speech converter for converting the description data into a speech signal corresponding to the description data; a memory device for receiving and storing the speech signal and a corresponding time code from the audiovisual program; a mixing circuit for retrieving the speech signal from the memory device and mixing the retrieved speech signal with the audio track of the audiovisual program to produce a combined audio signal; and a transmitter for simultaneously providing the combined speech signal and the audiovisual program to a viewer. The apparatus provides the combined speech signal to the viewer via the SAP channel. The apparatus may also include a translator for translating the description data into a foreign language prior to converting the description data into the speech signal.

Abstract: An apparatus enables the blind and the severely visually handicapped to recognize images by way of the tongue. Optical image information, in the form of video images, is processed electronically and transferred as an image representation to flat monitor matrix which is worn in the oral cavity in the tactile region of the tongue. Electrical current density, temperature or relief images are used to create the representations, whereby the images can be scanned by the tongue and recognized. High image resolution is attainable over the matrix region, and the tip of the tongue can be concentrated on any image detail, thus approximating sharp vision perceived by the normal eye.

Abstract: A device for converting the visual and/or auditory into tactile representations includes imaging equipment for converting light and/or sounds, including spoken text, into electrical signals, processing equipment for processing the electrical signals, and a tactile display for converting processed electrical signals into tactile images. The tactile images are felt by the user enabling them to obtain visual or auditory information by touch about the world around them that would otherwise be obtained through vision and/or hearing.

Abstract: An optical display device to allow a person or a device to physically sense various images. The device includes an image sensor having at least one image input portion adapted to be directed at a scene in which images are to be viewed, a circuit optically coupled to the image sensor to convert the images viewed by the input portion into amplified coherent light energy beam, and a photosensitive display device in optical communication with the coherent light energy beam for producing a physically recognizable display of the viewed scene.

Abstract: There is disclosed an omnipresent sound system for use by a listener in an artificial reality system which operates to couple sound with the presented objects such that as the sound moves with respect to the user, the user will have the perception of the changing sound both in pitch and in volume. The sound system is comprised of a series of piezoelectric elements spaced apart around a user's head. The system is designed to program each element individually so as to create the illusion of omnipresent three-dimensional sound in conjunction with images presented to the listener, which images define an artificial environment.

Abstract: Color image enhancement apparatus comprising apparatus for receiving signals representing a color image, image processing apparatus, employing the received signals, for image processing of the high spatial frequency chromatic components of a color image, and apparatus for providing a color image from the output of said image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A video camera including a stopped down lens diameter. An opaque material with a small aperture size is placed over the camera lens. The small aperture allows the user to vary the image size of the object to be viewed by moving the camera toward or away from the object. At the same time the blur circle diameter is maintained within acceptable user limits.

Abstract: A spectacle mounted display is used in conjunction with a digitally enhanced imager for capturing, enhancing and projecting images to improve readability by individuals with impaired vision. The individual wears mirrored spectacles connected to a digitally enhanced imager to selectively enhanced contract, spatial frequency and wave length with or without enlargement.

Abstract: A video camera including a stopped down lens diameter. An opaque material with a small aperture size is placed over the camera lens. The small aperture allows the user to vary the image size of the object to be viewed by moving the camera toward or away from the object. At the same time the blur circle diameter is maintained within acceptable user limits.