Smart glasses dim bright objects but don’t affect other things in view

Researchers at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology in Japan have developed smart glasses with a camera and LCD screens that can adjust the brightness of the brightest parts of a scene while leaving dimmer areas unchanged. These glasses aim to help people with photophobia, who experience discomfort or pain from intense light. Unlike traditional sunglasses that can make darker areas difficult to see, the transparent LCD screens in these glasses selectively reduce light from the brightest parts of the scene while maintaining the overall view. The glasses achieve this by feeding input from a camera through a small computer that runs an algorithm to balance the image and adjust the amount of light passing through each pixel of the LCD screens based on the computer’s output.

The development of these smart glasses is a significant advancement in addressing the needs of people who suffer from photophobia. Photophobia is a condition where the eyes are sensitive to light, which can lead to headaches, nausea, and other discomforts. The traditional treatment for photophobia has been to wear sunglasses or avoid bright environments altogether. However, this can significantly impact a person’s daily life and limit their activities.

The new smart glasses provide a solution that can allow people with photophobia to engage in daily activities without experiencing discomfort. By selectively dimming the brightest areas of a scene, the glasses enable the wearer to see more comfortably while maintaining a clear view of the surrounding environment.

The use of transparent LCD screens in these glasses also represents a significant technological breakthrough. The ability to selectively adjust the amount of light passing through each pixel of the screen opens up possibilities for various applications, including augmented reality and virtual reality. Additionally, the small computer that runs the image-balancing algorithm can be integrated into the glasses, making them lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Overall, the development of these smart glasses is an exciting advancement in the field of assistive technology. They have the potential to improve the quality of life for many people who suffer from photophobia and pave the way for future innovations in wearable technology.

Reference: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2369302-smart-glasses-dim-bright-objects-but-dont-affect-other-things-in-view/