Augmented Vision for Central Scotoma and Peripheral Field Loss

Electronic aids for the visually impaired using head mounted display devices were proposed by many and a few attempts at implementation have even made it to the market. Existing products provided mostly magnification and standard video contrast control. These products had only limited success and are usually not recommended for use in mobility. Other prototype devices provided image enhancement and light amplification for night vision. The limited success of these approaches has been attributed to the limited field of view of most devices and to difficulties adapting to high magnification vision for constant use in mobility (visual vestibular conflict). I propose a novel concept of augmented vision, which is based on a new method of enhancement and the use of open peripheral-view, see-through display devices. This concept could be used for both enhancement for central scotoma and field expansion for peripheral loss.