Distance camera having a memory module

#This invention relates to electronic devices for aiding people with low vision.

#Low vision is a general term used to describe lowered visual acuity, and a specific legal term in Canada and the United States used to designate someone with vision of 20/70 or less in the better eye with correction. It can be a result of either congenital or acquired factors. An example of the former is Leber's congenital amaurosis and of the latter age related macular degeneration.

#Some people with low vision can use their residual vision—their remaining sight—to complete daily tasks without relying on alternative methods. The role of a low vision specialist is to maximize the functional level of a patient's vision by optical or non-optical means. Primarily, this is by use of magnification in the form of telescopic systems for distance vision and optical or electronic magnification for near tasks.

#For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative architecture for employing the inventive method.

#FIG. 2 illustrates how an area of interest is divided into multiple areas of focus.

#In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

#The instant invention, hereinafter “the invention,” includes a method of displaying graphic and textual information on an electronic screen to enhance visibility for persons with low vision or who are otherwise visually impaired. The invention employs the use of multiple, communicatively coupled hardware devices under the control of instructions from software designed to implement the invention. A general embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, uses image capture device 10, monitor 20, processing unit 30 and image memory 40. An alternate embodiment also includes user input device 35 and mass memory 45.

#Image capture device 10 is commonly a distance camera, specifically designed for use by persons with low vision, but can be any imaging device capable of capturing an image of textual or graphic information. In a preferred embodiment, capture device 10 is coupled to the invention in a closed-circuit. The signal from capture device 10 is therefore transmitted to a predetermined number of users. The users are directly linked to image capture device 10, although the link may include point-to-point wireless connections. An example of an embodiment employing a single capture device and multiple monitors is a classroom specifically equipped to accommodate a number of users with low vision. In this embodiment, wherein a single image capture device is shared, successive areas of focus are captured from an image of the entire area of interest.