Abstract: A system and method for providing indoor situational awareness and navigational aid for the visually impaired user, is disclosed. The processor may receive input data. The processor may enhance the image based upon the angle and the depth information. The processor may determine “directional saliency”, “saliency at rest” and “saliency in motion” of the enhanced image of the scene to provide situational awareness and generate a virtual graph with a grid of nodes. The processor may probe each node in order to check whether or not the point corresponding to said node is on a floor and determine the shortest path to a destination in the virtual graph by only considering the points on the floor. The processor may convert the description of the shortest path and the scene into one or more of audio or Braille text instruction to the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronic display assembly includes a sensor array located on one side of a circuit board and an electronic display array located on an opposite side of the circuit board from the sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of sensor pixel units. Each sensor pixel unit includes a plurality of sensor pixels. The electronic display array includes a plurality of display pixel units. Each display pixel unit includes a plurality of display pixels. Each particular one of the plurality of sensor pixel units is mapped to a corresponding one of the plurality of display pixel units such that display pixels of each particular one of the plurality of display pixel units display light corresponding to light captured by sensor pixels of its mapped sensor pixel unit.

Abstract: Certain configurations are described of methods and systems that can be used to image three-dimensional objects such as biological cells, biological tissues or biological organisms. The methods and systems can image the three-dimensional objects at reduced imaging times and with reduced data volumes.

Abstract: Certain configurations are described of methods and systems that can be used to image three-dimensional objects such as biological cells, biological tissues or biological organisms. The methods and systems can image the three-dimensional objects at reduced imaging times and with reduced data volumes.

Abstract: A binocular display system comprises: a binocular image pickup system that includes a right eye-use image pickup optical system and a left eye-use image pickup optical system; a binocular display system that includes a right eye-use display unit which displays image information picked up by the right eye-use image pickup optical system, and a left eye-use display unit which displays image information picked up by the left eye-use image pickup optical system; and a correlating means that correlates the binocular image pickup system and the binocular image display system. In addition, a binocular display device comprises an image processing unit that processes the image information obtained by the binocular image pickup system. The image processing unit can enlarge an image and display the same on the binocular display system, and correct the movement of the displayed image when at least a prescribed amount of enlargement is carried out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable magnifier camera with both storage and deployed configurations. In the storage configuration, the entire assembly can be carried via an associated handle. The camera is designed to rest on a desktop, or other planar surface, in the deployed configuration. When deployed, a housing and camera arm are positioned in a cantilevered arrangement over top of an object to be viewed. A camera housing, with an associated camera, is pivotally connected to the camera arm and is positioned over the object upon the camera being placed into a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a system for implementing 3D information of contents includes: a main display device that outputs 2D planar information; and a tangible interface device that reference position, which are 2D coordinate values on a display panel of the main display device, to the basis display device, receiving 3D contents according to height information for the reference position from the main display device or a specific storage device and outputs the 3D contents to a content display unit, and adjust the height of the content display unit to be matched with the height information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video magnifier. In particular, the disclosure relates to a desktop video magnifier that is design to be portable. The magnifier includes a high definition camera that is mounted upon a flexible arm. The camera arm swivels and pivots to allow the user to properly position the camera over the object to be viewed. The device is supported by a stand and a base. The stand includes a handle with a trough. The flexible arm is dimensioned to be received within the trough with the device in the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A viewing aid includes a camera, a viewing surface within a field of view of the camera, a memory, a display, and software programmed to track a tracking element within the field of view. Viewing material is placed on the viewing surface. The camera, viewing surface, and material all remain substantially stationary. The camera captures and stores an initial image of the material in the memory. The software then tracks the location of a tracking element within the field of view then maps the location to a portion of the initial image in memory using an X-Y coordinate system, and/or identifies character elements of the material adjacent the tracking element then maps the character elements to corresponding character elements of the initial image in memory. An enhanced image is then displayed on the display corresponding to the mapped portion of the initial image.

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Abstract: A computer program for rendering a magnified graphic user interface (GUI) establishes an initial magnification level for the graphic user interface and the pointing indicia. The GUI and the pointing indicia are magnified in synchronization until the magnification convergence point is reached. At magnification levels above the convergence point, magnification of the GUI and the pointing indicia becomes decoupled, and only GUI is magnified while the pointing indicia remain at the convergence magnification level. If the GUI magnification level falls below the convergence point, the magnification of GUI and the pointing indicia is recoupled and magnification becomes synchronized. Floor and ceiling magnification values for the pointing indicia may also be established.

Abstract: A method of using a scanning microscope to rapidly form a digital image of an area. The method includes performing an initial set of scans to form a guide pixel set for the area and using the guide pixel set to identify regions representing structures of interest in the area. Then, performing additional scans of the regions representing structures of interest, to gather further data to further evaluate pixels in the regions, and not scanning elsewhere in the area.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a photoelectric conversion element; a contour enhancing section that detects an edge component in a picked-up image subjected to the photoelectric conversion, thereby generating a contour enhancement signal; an electronic zoom region determining section that determines an electronic zoom region in the picked-up image based on a strength of the contour enhancement signal; an instruction section that provides an instruction for enlargement/reduction of the image; a parameter setting section that sets a zoom parameter for an electronic zoom section according to the instruction provided by the instruction section; and the electronic zoom section that performs an electronic zoom of the picked-up image for the electronic zoom region determined, according to the parameter set by the parameter setting section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium is accessible to the processor and bears instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to receive input representing visual, audio and/or cognitive capabilities of a first person and at least in part based on the input, configure at least a first setting on a first audio video output device. The instructions also cause the processor to present a first audio video presentation on the first audio video output device in accordance with the first setting, and concurrently with presenting the first audio video presentation on the first audio video output device, present the first audio video presentation on a companion audio video output device located in a common space with the first audio video output device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: An interactive display system including a wireless pointing device, and positioning circuitry capable of determining absolute and relative positions of the display at which the pointing device is aimed. The pointing device captures images displayed by the computer, including one or more human-imperceptible positioning targets. The positioning targets are presented as patterned modulation of the intensity (e.g., variation in pixel intensity) in a display frame of the visual payload, followed by the opposite modulation in a successive frame. At least two captured image frames are subtracted from one another to recover the positioning target in the captured visual data and to remove the displayed image payload. Motion of the pointing device between the two frames is detected by relative motion sensors, and used to align the positions of the positioning targets in the captured images for those frames to improve the fidelity of the recovered positioning target following the subtraction.

Abstract: An image signal correction apparatus includes: a frame memory configured to hold input image signals corresponding to a predetermined number of frames; a difference calculation unit configured to calculate a difference signal between an input image signal and each of the image signals held in the frame memory; a filter unit configured to pass a difference signal having a value equal to or smaller than a threshold value; and a control unit configured to change the threshold value of the filter unit in accordance with the value of the difference signal calculated in the difference calculation unit.

Abstract: In a processor of a wireless image transmission system that transmits, by radio communication, an image signal obtained by converting an image obtained by an endoscope apparatus, a communication state detection unit monitors a communication state of radio communication. An editing unit edits the image signal according to a mode in which the endoscope apparatus obtains an image when the deterioration of a communication state is detected by the communication state detection unit. A transmission unit transmits the image signal output from the editing unit to a receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the display of a visual material, in particular an aid system for the visually impaired, comprising a camera to depict the visual material and a screen for controlled display of the material. The system also comprises a control unit, comprised of a user interface set up to communicate one or more commands to the system, where the commands include indication of at least one unique position for the visual material, and a communication part to communicate instructions to a camera, said instructions comprise given positions for the visual material, and where the camera comprises a control part that controls the camera to provide an image of the chosen visual material at the given positions.

Abstract: A system for mounting a needle shield to a syringe. The system includes a syringe nest and a gripper having a gripping position and a release position. The gripper is movable between an aligned position and a spaced position. A shaker has a shaker axis that is generally coaxial with the syringe axis. The shaker is movable along the shaker axis. An inspection camera is positioned proximate the syringe axis and defines a line of sight. The syringe nest, gripper, shaker and cap plunger are generally aligned along the syringe axis in a placing configuration wherein the gripper is in the gripping position holding the needle shield. The gripper is in the spaced position and the distal end of the cap plunger is in engagement with the needle shield in a final cap mounting configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus connectable to a pair of glasses provides information to a user by processing images captured from the environment of the user. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support configured for mounting on the pair of glasses and a sensory unit. The sensory unit includes a housing configured for selective attachment to the support and an image sensor contained within the housing. The support and the housing are configured to enable selective aiming of the image sensor to establish a set aiming direction relative to the pair of glasses. The support and the housing are configured to cooperate with each other such that each time the sensory unit is attached to the support, the image sensor assumes the set aiming direction without need for directional calibration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnifier for use by blind or low vision users. The magnifier includes a camera, such as a CMOS image sensor, that displays enlarged images upon a screen for easy viewing. The magnifier further includes a handle that is pivotally interconnected to a housing to allow for handheld use in a variety of different configurations.

Abstract: A photographing device to photograph an object includes a displaying unit to display an image acquired from the object, an image recording unit to record the image, an enlarged image generating unit to extract a portion or whole of the image displayed on the displaying unit to generate an enlarged image from the image, and a display control unit to display the enlarged image instead of the image on the displaying unit or in an overlapped manner with the image before capturing the image into the image recording unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image magnifying apparatus which automatically brings a target into focus using a diopter lens depending on whether the target is at a short distance or at a long distance. The orientation of a camera and short- or long-distance focusing of a camera lens can be automatically controlled to provide a clear image to a user, whereby even a user with low vision, a blind user, an aged user, a hand tremor user, etc. can easily use the apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention provides lighting suitable for user environment, thus providing a clear image to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A apparatus and method are provided for processing images. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture real time images from an environment of a user. The apparatus also includes a mobile power source, and at least one processor device configured to process, at an initial resolution, images to determine existence of a trigger, and access rules associating image context with image capture resolution to enable images of a first context to be processed at a lower capture resolution than images of a second context. The processor device analyzes at least one first image, selects a first image capture resolution rule, and applies the first image capture resolution rule to a subsequent captured image. The processor device analyzes at least one second image, selects a second image capture resolution rule, and applies the second image capture resolution rule to a second subsequent captured image.

Abstract: Low vision device for recording an object whereon text and/or at least one picture are visible and for displaying the recorded object on a screen, provided with a light sensitive sensor for recording the object and providing recording signals representing the recorded object, processing means for processing the recording signals into video signals and a screen which, in use, is provided with the video signals for displaying an image of the recorded object on the screen, wherein the processing means is arranged for recognizing, based on the recording signals connected parts of text and/or at least one picture on the object, wherein the screen is arranged as a touch screen, wherein the processing means are arranged to show markers on the screen in the displayed image of the object, wherein each recognized connected part of text and/or at least one picture is associated with at least one of the displayed markers and wherein the device is arranged such that a recognized connected part of text and/or at least one

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Abstract: A magnification system which allows viewing a magnified representation of an object is provided. The magnification system includes two main components: a handheld device and a base station. The handheld device is provided with a camera module, a processing unit and, optionally, a display unit. The base station has a frame structure and, optionally, a monitor. The frame structure includes a cradle for receiving the handheld device. The handheld device can function as a stand-alone device and can be carried around for use outside of the home or office or, generally, away from the base station, or it can be mounted on the base station where images of documents or other objects disposed on a workspace of the frame structure can be acquired by the camera module of the handheld device and shown on the monitor through the processing unit.

Abstract: An adaptive projector to project an image from a digital device may include an adaptive socket to cooperate with the digital device, a image sensor to sense a image from the digital device and a projector screen to project the image from the digital device. The adaptive socket may be adaptable to remove and replace the digital device.

Abstract: Vision assistive device and user interface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a vision assistive device includes a housing having a base for positioning the housing on a surface; one or more imaging units disposed along a top portion of the housing, each imaging unit being angled downward so a central axis of the imaging unit forms an acute angle with the surface so the imaging unit captures a target image from a target object; and a control system accommodated within the housing, the control system being connected to the one or more imaging units to process the target image captured by each imaging unit and to output the target image to a user.

Abstract: A method of interacting with a television screen using a remote control having a viewing screen. The method includes the following: (1) displaying a boundary-identifier, on the viewing screen that is substantially transparent, to specify the boundary of an effective input-area; (2) detecting one or more positions being touched on the viewing screen after the boundary-identifier is displayed on the viewing screen; and (3) determining at least one mapped position on the television screen, wherein the at least one mapped position is mapped from a position among the one or more touching positions on the viewing screen of the remote control under a mapping operative to map one of an irregular quadrilateral and a trapezoid to a rectangular.

Abstract: The number of seams between magnified images in a created virtual slide is reduced to make the virtual slide clear and sharp. Provided is a microscope apparatus including an objective lens that collects light from a sample on a slide; a focus position detecting section that detects a focus position of the objective lens with respect to the sample; a focus state adjustment section that adjusts a focus state with respect to the sample based on a detection result from the focus position detecting section; and a magnified-image acquisition section that acquires a magnified image of each part of the sample, in which, if the focus position detected by the focus position detecting section is changed by more than a predetermined threshold with respect to a focus state in which an adjacent magnified image was obtained, the focus state adjustment section limits the adjustment in the focus state to the predetermined threshold or less.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a special light image acquisition section that acquires an image including an object image that includes information in a specific wavelength band as a special light image, an attention area detection section that detects an attention area based on a feature quantity of each pixel of the special light image, a disappearance determination section that determines whether or not the attention area has disappeared from a display target area based on a detection result for the attention area, the display target area being an area displayed on an output section, a guide information generation section that generates guide information about the attention area that has disappeared based on a determination result of the disappearance determination section, and an output control section that controls output of information including the guide information generated by the guide information generation section.

Abstract: A portable magnifier camera with an associated display housing, base and handle. The camera can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations, including: a first closed configuration wherein the display and base are in facing relation; a second opened configuration wherein the display is angled with respect to the base; and a third hand-held configuration wherein a handle is pivoted outwardly to permit a user to hold the camera relative to a distant object. The angle of the camera adjusts automatically in each configuration to ensure that the camera's light of slight is perpendicular to the object plane. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

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: A device and method for scanning an object on a working surface, the device comprising: a body located adjacent to the working surface; two or more cameras mounted on the body at a location elevated adjacently above the working surface for capturing images of the object on the working surface, the two or more cameras being angled such that their range of image captures overlap and the common overlapping region of the range of image captures of the two or more cameras corresponds with the size of the working surface, the two or more cameras being spaced apart such that each of the two or more cameras captures a different angle of the common overlapping region; and a processing unit capable of correcting skewed images of the working surface captured by the two or more cameras and capable of converting the images captured by the two or more cameras into a three dimensional image.

Abstract: A method for interpolation includes receiving an input image having a plurality of pixels. The edge direction proximate a first pixel of the input image is estimated using a first technique from a plurality of discrete potential directions. An edge direction is selected based upon the estimating the edge direction proximate the first pixel of the input image using a second technique. The pixels proximate the first pixel are interpolated based upon the selected edge direction. The pixels proximate the first pixel are interpolated based upon another technique. An output image is determined pixels having more pixels than the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: In a system and method of producing time-synchronous textual descriptions of stage directions in live or pre-recorded productions to provide assistive program descriptions to visually-impaired consumers, a processor may parse stage directions from a production script and synchronize the parsed stage directions with closed captioning streams. The method may include viewing a live or pre-recorded production, creating textual descriptions of the stage directions using a stenography system, and outputting the textual descriptions to a separate output stream than that of dialogue descriptions. In addition, the method may include creating audio descriptions of the stage directions, and converting the audio descriptions to textual descriptions of the stage directions using a voice-recognition system. Further, the method may include distributing the synchronized stage directions, and receiving and decoding the synchronized stage directions using a text-based system.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide parallel to serial conversion apparatuses that includes a bit-swapping circuit that generates bit-swapped parallel data by swapping bits of input parallel data, and a parallel to serial conversion circuit that acquires M1 and M2 bits of the bit-swapped parallel data in a first and a second mode, respectively. The parallel to serial conversion circuit generates serial data by arranging the acquired bits of the bit-swapped parallel data in a first specified order in the first mode and in a second specified order in the second mode The bit-swapping circuit swaps the bits of the input parallel data such that the parallel to serial conversion circuit acquires 1st to M1-th and 1st to M2-th bits of the input parallel data in the first and second modes, respectively, and arranges the acquired bits of the input parallel data in the same order.

Abstract: A magnifying method is provided in which a mobile communication device is configured to: decrease an active resolution of an imaging module of the mobile communication device while imaging an item; process the decreased active resolution being output by the imaging module to produce a magnified image of the portion of the item; increase a scaling factor of the magnified image to further magnify the magnified image; and output frames for displaying a magnified version of the portion of the item.

Abstract: A microscope for virtual-slide creating system has a stage for holding the specimen, a transmitted-light illumination optical system for illuminating the specimen with transmitted light, an objective, a tube lens and an image capture unit. The objective is configured as a dry system of infinity-corrected type with an object-side numerical aperture of 0.8 or greater and a focal length for d-line rays in a range from 8 to 20 mm. The tube lens has a focal length in a range from 160 to 280 mm. The image capture surface of the image capture unit has a long side of 12 mm or longer and a pixel size (?m) satisfying the following condition: a (?m)?(0.61×0.59 (?/m))/NA? where a is the pixel size, and NA? is an image-side numerical aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnifier for use by blind or low vision users. The magnifier includes a camera, such as a CMOS image sensor, that displays enlarged images upon a screen for easy viewing. The magnifier further includes a handle that is pivotally interconnected to a housing to allow for handheld use in a variety of different configurations.

Abstract: An endoscope adapter including a light emitting diode includes: a detachable portion to be attached to an adapter attaching portion provided on a distal end portion of an insertion portion, the insertion portion including inside thereof at least one image-forming optical system; an adapter main body including an adapter side observation optical system whose optical axis is coincident with an optical axis of the image-forming optical system; a contact pin which enables power supply to the light emitting diode to be turned on when the detachable portion is attached to the adapter attaching portion; and a resistor arranged in a space formed in the endoscope adapter to determine a type of the endoscope adapter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable magnifier camera that can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations. At least four distinct viewing configurations are provided: a reading mode wherein the camera rests flatly upon the viewed object; a writing mode wherein the camera rests at an angle upon the viewed object; a hand-held mode wherein the user holds the camera relative to a distant object; and an inspection mode wherein the user holds the viewed object relative to the camera. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.

Abstract: An interactive display system including a wireless pointing device including a camera or other video capture system. The pointing device captures images displayed by the computer, including one or more human-imperceptible positioning targets. The positioning targets are presented as patterned modulation of the intensity (e.g., variation in pixel intensity) in a display frame of the visual payload, followed by the opposite modulation in a successive frame. At least two captured image frames are subtracted from one another to recover the positioning target in the captured visual data and to remove the displayed image payload. The location, size, and orientation of the recovered positioning target identify the aiming point of the remote pointing device relative to the display. Another embodiment uses temporal sequencing of positioning targets (either human-perceptible or human-imperceptible) to position the pointing device.