IrisVision, a medtech company based in California, have developed a low-cost visual aid system for people with low vision. The system currently harnesses the power of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone mounted in a Samsung Gear VR headset. The phone captures the scene using the smartphone’s camera, then remaps the scene to enhance its visibility for those with low vision. This scene enhancement is performed using multiple algorithms developed for various eye conditions.
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The system allows for a wide field of view and users can vary the color contrast and brightness of the image. One function allows users to telescopically zoom in on a specific feature in a scene, while keeping the overall scene in context. Users can also dynamically adjust the zoomed area and magnification. The system includes various reading modes, both high contrast black letters on white or inverse, making text more readable.
The company aimed to develop a system that is much more affordable and accessible than many of the specialized systems available for visually impaired people. Currently, the system retails for $2500 in the United States.
“Therapeutic virtual reality is transforming how we manage difficult to treat medical conditions, including severely impaired vision due to macular degeneration. Working with IrisVision, Samsung is deploying its GearVR headset, paired with IrisVision’s clinically-validated virtual reality platform to enable the visually disabled to once again see faces and read small print. It does this by digitally-enhancing and magnifying the images in real-time in the wearer’s field of view,” said Dr. David Rhew, Chief Medical Officer & VP and GM of Enterprise (B2B) Healthcare at Samsung Electronics America.
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Source: medgadget