Stereoscopic Distance Filtering Plus Thermal Imaging Glasses Design

The authors present the development of eyewear that incorporates stereoscopic and thermal imaging cameras for the purpose of highlighting objects/views of interest. Image processing algorithms that simplify complex elements in a scene have the ability to improve the utility of blind and low vision aids. Thermal imaging can be used to highlight important objects such as people or animals, while stereoscopic imaging can be used to filter background imagery beyond a certain distance. The methods used have been successful in providing utility to retinal prosthesis users. The stereoscopic camera systems involved strict requirements on the relative orientation of the cameras for calibrated distance filtering. A mechanical design is presented that fixes the relative camera locations on a 3D printed titanium structure that can float in the frame to maintain orientations even when the eyewear is flexed during wearing. Clinical Relevance - The design presented has utility in improving perceived spatial resolution in implantable retinal prostheses, implantable visual cortical prostheses, direct-vision prostheses, and wearable low vision aids.