Modeling of image perception and discrimination by the visually impaired

An Image Transceiver based- Goggle has been under development at the Ben Gurion University and the Holon Institute. The device, aimed at Low-Vision Aid applications [1], is based on a unique LCOS-CMOS Image Transceiver Device (ITD), which is capable of combining both functions of imaging and Display in a single chip. The head mounted Goggle will allow the capture of ambient scenery, performing the necessary image enhancement and processing, as well as its redirection to the healthy part of the patient's retina. In this presentation we will report on the modeling of the imaging, Image Perception and discrimination capabilities of the visually impaired. The first part of the study is based on modeling the spatial frequency response and contrast sensitivity analyzing the two main cases of central and peripheral vision losses. Studies of the effects of both the Retinal Eccentricity and illumination-levels on the low vision's spatial frequency response will be described. The second part of the modeling incorporates the use of an image discrimination model to assess the ability of the visually impaired using the low vision model outlined above, to discriminate between two nearly- identical images.