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Visually Impaired May Soon Watch TV

Scientists use algorithm to boost contrast for frequencies still visible

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 28, 2008 6:01 PM CST

(Newser) – Macular degeneration, the disease which causes most age-related sight loss, can make it impossible for patients who suffer even only mild sight loss to watch TV. But help is on the way for these people, Technology Review reports, as Harvard researchers have developed an image-processing algorithm which allows the sight-impaired to see fine detail.

The researchers found that many with sight loss specifically lost the ability to discern high-frequency waves in the visual spectrum, so they devised an algorithm to boost contrast in the middle and low frequency ranges. One day, they hope, the algorithm can be incorporated into all TV sets, in the same way the industry has added closed-caption options for the hearing impaired.

A magnified image of an eye with age-related macular degeneration August 6, 2001 in Wheaton, IL. (Getty Images)

Scientists identified two genes responsible for macular degeneration, the gradual deterioration of eyesight in the elderly that can lead to blindness on 24 April 2007.AFP PHOTO/KAREN BLEIER (Getty Images)

A prototype of the microelectromechanical systems-based (MEMS) array that eventually may be inserted onto the retina of a blind patient is shown. The idea, funded by a $9 million, three-year grant from... (Getty Images)

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Visually Impaired May Soon Watch TV

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

television • blindness • macular degeneration • Harvard • sight impaired

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Let the Conan Backlash Begin

Face it, O'Brien's ratings weren't great

Blindness Cure Could Be 1st Human Stem Cell Trial

Biotech firm aims to reverse macular degeneration

Go to Harvard, Study The Wire

Series focuses on different aspects of urban life

Spinach, Eggs Fight Blindness

Nutrients help ward off age-related vision loss

Stem Cell Cure for Blindness in Sight

Fix for macular degeneration could be available in 5 years

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?