Showing papers on "Night vision published in 2015"

Long-Term Effect of Gene Therapy on Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis

Abstract: BackgroundMutations in RPE65 cause Leber’s congenital amaurosis, a progressive retinal degenerative disease that severely impairs sight in children. Gene therapy can result in modest improvements in night vision, but knowledge of its efficacy in humans is limited. MethodsWe performed a phase 1–2 open-label trial involving 12 participants to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gene therapy with a recombinant adeno-associated virus 2/2 (rAAV2/2) vector carrying the RPE65 complementary DNA, and measured visual function over the course of 3 years. Four participants were administered a lower dose of the vector, and 8 were administered a higher dose. In a parallel study in dogs, we investigated the relationship among vector dose, visual function, and electroretinography (ERG) findings. ResultsImprovements in retinal sensitivity were evident, to varying extents, in six participants for up to 3 years, peaking at 6 to 12 months after treatment and then declining. No associated improvement in retinal function was d...

Gekko japonicus genome reveals evolution of adhesive toe pads and tail regeneration

Abstract: Reptiles are the most morphologically and physiologically diverse tetrapods, and have undergone 300 million years of adaptive evolution. Within the reptilian tetrapods, geckos possess several interesting features, including the ability to regenerate autotomized tails and to climb on smooth surfaces. Here we sequence the genome of Gekko japonicus (Schlegel's Japanese Gecko) and investigate genetic elements related to its physiology. We obtain a draft G. japonicus genome sequence of 2.55 Gb and annotated 22,487 genes. Comparative genomic analysis reveals specific gene family expansions or reductions that are associated with the formation of adhesive setae, nocturnal vision and tail regeneration, as well as the diversification of olfactory sensation. The obtained genomic data provide robust genetic evidence of adaptive evolution in reptiles.

Uncooled Carbon Nanotube Photodetectors

Abstract: Photodetectors play key roles in many applications such as remote sensing, night vision, reconnaissance, medical imaging, thermal imaging, and chemical detection. Several properties such as performance, reliability, ease of integration, cost, weight, and form factor are all important in determining the attributes of photodetectors for particular applications. While a number of materials have been used over the past several decades to address photo­detection needs across the electromagnetic spectrum, the advent of nanomaterials opens new possibilities for photodetectors. In particular, carbon-based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene possess unique properties that have recently been explored for photodetectors. Here, the status of the field is reviewed, presenting a broad coverage of the different types of photodetectors that have been realized with CNTs, placing particular emphasis on the types of mechanisms that govern their operation. A comparative summary is presented of the main performance metrics for such detectors, and an outlook for performance improvements.

Sunlight activated long-lasting luminescence from Ba5Si8O21: Eu(2+),Dy(3+) phosphor.

Abstract: Visible-light persistent phosphors are commonly used as self-sustained night vision and fluorescence labeling materials. From the inspiration of the structure of six-membered rings plane in Ba4(Si3O8)2, a similar structure of Ba5Si8O21 is expected that could exhibit more excellent phosphorescence property. In this Article, we report a novel visible long-lasting luminescence phosphor of Eu(2+)/Dy(3+) codoped Ba5Si8O21 for the first time. Ba5Si8O21:Eu(2+),Dy(3+) phosphor could be activated effectively by sunlight or even in severe weather conditions, which is mainly attributed to the broad excitation spectrum (200-455 nm) and highly responds to UV-A and violet-light in the solar spectrum. After activation, Ba5Si8O21:Eu(2+),Dy(3+) emits intense emission at 380-680 nm with persistent phosphorescence beyond 16 h. Moreover, it exhibits excellent and stable phosphorescence even in water, indicating that Ba5Si8O21:Eu(2+),Dy(3+) will be a all-weather material that can be effectively and repeatedly charged by natural daylight in all kinds of open-air environments. Furthermore, the quantum tunneling behavior was illustrated in the afterglow mechanism.

Normal Perceptual Sensitivity Arising From Weakly Reflective Cone Photoreceptors.

Abstract: Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) has provided valuable insight about retinal structure at the cellular level in many diseases. Consequently, clinical interest in using AOSLO imaging to examine disease is likely to continue growing.1 Although AOSLO has been employed to image numerous retinal structures, it is most commonly used to visualize cone photoreceptors because of their intrinsic ability to reflect incoming light.2 In retinal disease, cones may be dysmorphic, atrophied, or missing from the mosaic. These factors will contribute to poor reflectance and possibly increased cone spacing in AOSLO images, both of which are metrics commonly used to gauge disease progression. For instance, patients with type 1 diabetes, glaucoma, and Stargardt disease all showed a decrease of cone density,3–5 while patients with acute macular retinopathy and severe head trauma showed a reduction in cone reflectivity.6,7 These retinopathies represent a small sample of the potential diseases that may cause cone photoreceptors to appear abnormal in adaptive optics imaging.8–20 Consequently, it is important to establish how cone reflectivity is related to functional light sensitivity. The intrinsic waveguiding properties of cones are well established,21 and depend upon the normally cylindrical shape of the inner and outer segments. If retinal diseases cause either of the segments to become atrophic or dysmorphic, the cones are likely to appear dark within an AOSLO image. However, in normal retinas, it has been reported that there are occasional cones that exhibit unusually low reflectance.22–24 These cones appear as a dark space within an otherwise regular mosaic, much in the same way that a diseased cone might. It is important to realize that in all subjects imaged with AOSLO, regardless of disease state, cone reflectivity in AOSLO images varies considerably from moment to moment, as well as from day to day. This variation in reflectivity is not completely understood and may arise from multiple factors, including natural morphological variation within cells, refractive index changes associated with photocurrent dynamics, and the coherence properties of the imaging light.22,25–27 Consistent with the earlier reports, we have observed cones within AOSLO images that exhibit low reflectivity in the perifoveal region. Given that these poorly reflective cones exist in pathological and nonpathological states, this raises the question of whether persistently dark cones in normal subjects represent dysfunctional photoreceptors. If so, dark cones may serve as a useful harbinger of retinal disease at the earliest stages. Here we sought to determine the light sensitivity of persistently dark cones found in the retinas of normal subjects. To do so, selected dark cones were first imaged longitudinally using an AOSLO system in a laboratory setting, in order to see how the reflectivity of the cones changed over time scales longer than a single imaging session. Second, the dark cones were targeted for psychophysical testing, where a cone-sized stimulus was delivered to selected cones in the retinal mosaic and increment thresholds were determined.28 Finally, we examined whether there was any relationship between cone reflectivity and the perceptual thresholds measured with such microstimulation.

Micro-channel plates and vacuum detectors

Abstract: A micro-channel plate is an array of miniature electron multipliers that are each acting as a continuous dynode chain. The compact channel structure results in high spatial and time resolutions and robustness to magnetic fields. Micro-channel plates have been originally developed for night vision applications and integrated as an amplification element in image intensifiers. These devices show single-photon sensitivity with very low noise and have been used as such for scintillating fiber tracker readout in high-energy physics experiments. Given their very short transit time spread, micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes are also being used in time-of-flight and particle identification detectors. The present paper will cover the history of the micro-channel plate development, basic features, and some of their applications. Emphasis will be put on various new manufacturing processes that have been developed over the last few years, and that result in a significant improvement in terms of efficiency, noise, and lifetime performance.

Gene Therapy for Choroideremia Using an Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) Vector

Abstract: Choroideremia is an outer retinal degeneration with a characteristic clinical appearance that was first described in the nineteenth century. The disorder begins with reduction of night vision and gradually progresses to blindness by middle age. The appearance of the fundus in sufferers is recognizable by the characteristic pale color caused by the loss of the outer retina, retinal-pigmented epithelium, and choroidal vessels, leading to exposure of the underlying sclera. Choroideremia shows X-linked recessive inheritance and the choroideremia gene (CHM) was one of the first to be identified by positional cloning in 1990. Subsequent identification and characterization of the CHM gene, which encodes Rab escort protein 1 (REP1), has led to better comprehension of the disease and enabled advances in genetic diagnosis. Despite several decades of work to understand the exact pathogenesis, no established treatments currently exist to stop or even slow the progression of retinal degeneration in choroideremia. Encouragingly, several specific molecular and clinical features make choroideremia an ideal candidate for treatment with gene therapy. This work describes the considerations and challenges in the development of a new clinical trial using adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding the CHM gene.

Optical diffusers with enhanced properties based on novel polysiloxane@CeO2@PMMA fillers

Abstract: Multifunctional optical diffusers based on hybrid polysiloxane@CeO2@PMMA microspheres were successfully prepared by UV curing process. The novel diffusing microspheres can be synthesized via facile one-pot method, and their structure was characterized by FT-IR, TEM, SEM, XRD, and TGA. The diffusers based on polysiloxane@CeO2@PMMA were found to have better properties such as heat resistance, mechanical, UV-shielding, fluorescence, and anti-aging ability compared to the diffusers using organic diffusing microspheres. Moreover, the new diffuser exhibited a strong NIR absorption, which had a potential application in absorbing materials and night vision LCD monitor products. In addition, a good diffusing effect was achieved using the new diffuser, and the light-diffusing mechanism was also illustrated. Moreover, the anti-aging ability of diffusers can be gradually improved with the increasing concentration of polysiloxane@CeO2@PMMA fillers. The novel diffusers based on polysiloxane@CeO2@PMMA possessed a stronger resistance to UV aging compared to moist-heat aging. Hence, this study firstly introduced hybrid microspheres to optical diffusers, which can be used for preparing different multifunctional diffusing materials such as touch-panel functions, monitors, military projectors, and novel LCDs.

Night vision goggle-induced neck pain in military helicopter aircrew: a literature review

Abstract: Neck pain occurs at a significant rate in the military helicopter community. It is often attributed to the use of night vision goggles (NVG) and to a number of additional factors such as anthropometrics, posture, vibration, mission length, physical fitness, and helmet fit or load. A number of research studies have addressed many aspects of this epidemic, but an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the literature is not currently available. This paper reviews the spinal anatomy in general and then summarizes what is known about the incidence and prevalence of neck injuries, how the operational environments and equipment may contribute to these injuries, and what can be done to address them from a prevention and/or rehabilitation perspective. Harrison MF, Coffey B, Albert WJ, Fischer SL. Night vision goggle-induced neck pain in military helicopter aircrew: a literature review.

Influence of gating and of the gate shape on the penetration capacity of range-gated active imaging in scattering environments

Abstract: Range-gated active imaging is a well-known technique used for night vision or for vision enhancement in scattering environments. A lot of papers have been published, in which the performance enhancement of range gating has been demonstrated. However, there are no studies which systematically investigate and quantify the real gain brought by range gating, in comparison with a classical imaging system, in controlled smoke densities. In this paper, a systematic investigation of the performance enhancement of range-gated viewing is presented in comparison with a color camera representing the human vision. The influence of range gating and of the gate shape is studied. We have been able to demonstrate that a short-wave infrared (SWIR) range-gated active imaging system can enhance by a factor of 6.9 the penetration depth in dense smoke. On the other hand, we have shown that the combination of a short pulse with a short integration time gives better contrasted images in dense scattering media.

A novel image fusion framework for night-vision navigation and surveillance

Abstract: The night-vision image fusion plays a critical role in detecting targets and obstructions in low light or total darkness, which has great importance for pedestrian recognition, vehicle navigation, surveillance and monitoring applications. The central idea is to fuse low-light visible and infrared imagery into a single output. In this paper, we describe a new fusion framework for spatially registered visual and infrared images. The proposed framework utilizes the properties of fractal dimension and phase congruency in the non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain. The proposed framework applies multiscale NSCT on visual and IR images to get low- and high-frequency bands. The varied frequency bands of the transformed images are then fused while exploiting their characteristics. Finally, the inverse NSCT is performed to get the fused image. The performance of the proposed framework is validated by extensive experiments on different scene imaginary, where the definite advantages are demonstrated subjectively and objectively.

Stromal surface topography-guided custom ablation as a repair tool for corneal irregular astigmatism.

Abstract: Purpose To illustrate the concept of using a stromal surface topography-guided procedure for therapeutic repair after a complication following primary laser refractive surgery. Methods One case example of therapeutic retreatment for short nasal flap after primary LASIK performed in September 2000 is presented. The Artemis very high-frequency digital ultrasound arc-scanner (Arc-Scan, Inc., Morrison, CO) was used to obtain layered corneal thickness including epithelial thickness profile. Corneal front surface elevation was measured with the Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb, Salt Lake City, UT). Stromal surface height was then calculated by subtracting epithelial thickness data from corneal front surface elevation data and used to calculate the ablation profile applied to the eye. The treatment was performed using the Ultralink system (ArcScan, Inc.), linking the ultrasound corneal thickness data with the Technolas 217c laser (Bausch & Lomb). Postoperative data were available at 30 days and 13 years. Results One month after treatment, the epithelial thickness map demonstrated that the difference in thickness between the thinnest and thickest points located 2.5-mm nasally was reduced by 26 µm (from 56 to 30 µm). The axial difference map demonstrated an increase in corneal curvature of approximately 4 diopters where the cornea was the flattest nasally, thereby reducing the corneal asymmetry. The anterior elevation map also showed a reduced depression nasally. The patient reported significant improvement of her night vision. Conclusions This case example of stromal surface topography-guided treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in the irregularity of the stromal surface and an improvement in the topography, and the visual quality. Stromal surface topography-guided ablation might become the tool of the future for therapeutic repairs because it offers advantages over the current alternative of transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy.

Arduino controlled war field spy robot using night vision wireless camera and Android application

Abstract: The main objective behind developing this robot is for the surveillance of human activities in the war field or border regions in order to reduce infiltrations from the enemy side The robot consists of night vision wireless camera which can transmit videos of the war field in order to prevent any damage and loss to human life Military people have a huge risk on their lives while entering an unknown territory The robot will serve as an appropriate machine for the defense sector to reduce the loss of human life and will also prevent illegal activities It will help all the military people and armed forces to know the condition of the territory before entering it

Night-time pedestrian classification with histograms of oriented gradients-local binary patterns vectors

Abstract: The use of night vision systems in vehicles is becoming increasingly common, not just in luxury cars but also in the more cost sensitive sectors. Numerous approaches using infrared sensors have been proposed in the literature to detect and classify pedestrians in low visibility situations. However, the performance of these systems is limited by the capability of the classifier. This paper presents a novel method of classifying pedestrians in far-infrared automotive imagery. Regions of interest are segmented from the infrared frame using seeded region growing. A novel method of filtering the region growing results based on the location and size of the bounding box within the frame is described. This results in a smaller number of regions of interest for classification, leading to a reduced false positive rate. Histograms of oriented gradient features and local binary pattern features are extracted from the regions of interest and concatenated to form a feature for classification. Pedestrians are tracked with a Kalman filter to increase detection rates and system robustness. Detection rates of 98%, and false positive rates of 1% have been achieved on a database of 2000 images and streams of video; this is a 3% improvement on previously reported detection rates.

Keeping Older Adults Driving Safely: A Research Synthesis of Advanced In-Vehicle Technologies, A LongROAD Study

Abstract: Advanced in-vehicle technologies have been proposed as a potential way to keep older adults driving for as long as they can safely do so, by taking into account the common declines in functional abilities experienced by older adults. The purpose of this report was to synthesize the knowledge about older drivers and advanced in-vehicle technologies, focusing on three areas: use (how older drivers use these technologies), perception (what they think about the technologies), and outcomes (the safety and/or comfort benefits of the technologies). Sixteen technologies were selected for review and grouped into three categories: crash avoidance systems (lane departure warning, curve speed warning, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, parking assistance, intersection assistance, merging assistance); in-vehicle information systems (navigation assistance, congestion warning, intelligent speed adaptation); and other systems (adaptive cruise control, automatic crash notification, night vision enhancement, adaptive headlight, voice activated control, drowsiness/fatigue warning). A comprehensive and systematic search was conducted for each technology to collect related publications. 298 articles were included into the final review. Research findings for each of the 16 technologies were synthesized in relation to how older adults use and think about the technologies as well as potential benefits. These results are presented separately for each technology. The paper also addressees training, education, and research needs.

The molecular origin and evolution of dim-light vision in mammals

Abstract: The nocturnal origin of mammals is a longstanding hypothesis that is considered instrumental for the evolution of endothermy, a potential key innovation in this successful clade. This hypothesis is primarily based on indirect anatomical inference from fossils. Here, we reconstruct the evolutionary history of rhodopsin--the vertebrate visual pigment mediating the first step in phototransduction at low-light levels--via codon-based model tests for selection, combined with gene resurrection methods that allow for the study of ancient proteins. Rhodopsin coding sequences were reconstructed for three key nodes: Amniota, Mammalia, and Theria. When expressed in vitro, all sequences generated stable visual pigments with λMAX values similar to the well-studied bovine rhodopsin. Retinal release rates of mammalian and therian ancestral rhodopsins, measured via fluorescence spectroscopy, were significantly slower than those of the amniote ancestor, indicating altered molecular function possibly related to nocturnality. Positive selection along the therian branch suggests adaptive evolution in rhodopsin concurrent with therian ecological diversification events during the Mesozoic that allowed for an exploration of the environment at varying light levels.

Glare by Light Emitting Diode (LED) vehicle traffic signals

Abstract: In this paper we analyze devices for traffic signals (traffic lights) with light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The traditional measurements of luminous intensity were complemented with the luminance analysis of the devices, evaluated for diverse angular fields. Besides, a subjective glare evaluation is presented. In the experience, signals with LEDs directly visible and signals with refractors are compared. Both signals were introduced in the visual field of 30 observers within a perceptive scene that simulated night vision conditions for a driver. The observers were later inquired about the experienced perturbation or discomfort sensation. The obtained results show a significant increase in the punctual luminance as well as an evident perturbation and discomfort for the observers. This effect together with the relatively high degree of coherence of the color lights could result in new kinds of glares not considered in the current standards.

Automobile drive simulation system based on flexible transparent OLED and control method thereof

Abstract: The invention discloses an automobile drive simulation system based on a flexible transparent OLED and a control method of the automobile drive simulation system According to the technologies of the automobile drive simulation system, display of basic vehicle information (including an automobile speed, an engine rotation speed, a cooling water temperature, a battery charge state and the like), augmented virtual reality navigation, pedestrian sensing, front vehicle anti-collision early warning, lane departure early warning, high-light-sensitivity night vision assisting, and vehicle-mounted communication display are involved The devices of the automobile drive simulation system comprise a flexible transparent OLED display screen, a micro-processor, a camera, a sensor, a GPS chip, a laser millimeter-wave radar, a 3G network chip, a communication and electric power hardness and the like The automobile drive simulation system is placed on a windshield in front of a driver, can effectively overcome the defects that an automobile head up display system is large in size and contains a small amount of display information and the like, effectively avoids the potential safety hazards which may be caused when the driver checks a central display screen and diverts attention, enables information to be more visual and easier to read, achieves stronger feeling of reality, provides more abundant information and is lower in energy consumption

Improvement in vision: a new goal for treatment of hereditary retinal degenerations

Abstract: Introduction: Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have long been considered untreatable and incurable. Recently, one form of early-onset autosomal recessive IRD, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by mutations in RPE65 (retinal pigment epithelium-specific protein 65 kDa) gene, has responded with some improvement of vision to gene augmentation therapy and oral retinoid administration. This early success now requires refinement of such therapeutics to fully realize the impact of these major scientific and clinical advances. Areas covered: Progress toward human therapy for RPE65-LCA is detailed from the understanding of molecular mechanisms to preclinical proof-of-concept research to clinical trials. Unexpected positive and complicating results in the patients receiving treatment are explained. Logical next steps to advance the clinical value of the therapeutics are suggested. Expert opinion: The first molecularly based early-phase therapies for an IRD are remarkably successful in that vision has improved and adverse events are mainly associated with surgical delivery to the subretinal space. Yet, there are features of the gene augmentation therapeutic response, such as slowed kinetics of night vision, lack of foveal cone function improvement and relentlessly progressive retinal degeneration despite therapy, that still require research attention.

Functional Outcome and Patient Satisfaction after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis for Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate subjective quality of vision and patient satisfaction after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and myopic astigmatism. Patients and Methods: A self-administered patient questionnaire consisting 29 items was prospectively administered to LASIK patients at the Yemen Magrabi Hospital. Seven scales covering specific aspects of the quality of vision were formulated including; global satisfaction; quality of uncorrected and corrected vision; quality of night vision; glare; daytime driving and; night driving. Main outcome measures were responses to individual questions and scale scores and correlations with clinical parameters. The scoring scale ranged from 1 (dissatisfied) to 3 (very satisfied) and was stratified in the following manner: 1-1.65 = dissatisfied; 1.66-2.33 = satisfied and; 2.33-3 = very satisfied. Data at 6 months postoperatively are reported. Results: This study sample was comprised of 200 patients (122 females: 78 males) ranging in age from 18 to 46 years old. The preoperative myopic sphere was − 3.50 ± 1.70 D and myopic astigmatism was 0.90 ± 0.82 D. There were 96% of eyes within ± 1.00 D of the targeted correction. Postoperatively, the uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 99% of eyes. The mean score for the overall satisfaction was 2.64 ± 0.8. A total of 98.5% of patients was satisfied or very satisfied with their surgery, 98.5% considered their main goal for surgery was achieved. Satisfaction with uncorrected vision was 2.5 ± 0.50. The main score for glare was 1.98 ± 0.7 at night. Night driving was rated more difficult preoperatively by 6.2%, whereas 79% had less difficulty driving at night. Conclusion: Patient satisfaction with uncorrected vision after LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism appears to be excellent and is related to the residual refractive error postoperatively.

Pedestrian detection in low resolution night vision images

Abstract: This paper presents a test of pedestrian detection in low resolution night vision infrared images. An image feature extractor based on histograms of oriented gradients followed by a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier are evaluated, optimized and used. Tests performed on three different night vision infrared datasets show that the classification quality of the proposed method is very high even in very low resolutions of images. In practice, large frame size for analysis not always improves the classification effectiveness, but always requires more time for processing.

Age-dependent visual exploration during simulated day- and night driving on a motorway: a cross-sectional study

Abstract: Background Central and peripheral vision is needed for object detection. Previous research has shown that visual target detection is affected by age. In addition, light conditions also influence visual exploration. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age and different light conditions on visual exploration behavior and on driving performance during simulated driving.

Effects of different levels of refractive blur on nighttime pedestrian visibility

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of different levels of refractive blur and driver age on nighttime pedestrian recognition and determine whether clothing that has been shown to improve pedestrian conspicuity is robust to the effects of blur. METHODS: Nighttime pedestrian recognition was measured for 24 visually normal participants (12 younger mean = 24.9 ± 4.5 years and 12 older adults mean = 77.6 ± 5.7 years) for three levels of binocular blur (+0.50 diopter [D], +1.00 D, +2.00 D) compared with baseline (optimal refractive correction). Pedestrians walked in place on a closed road circuit and wore one of three clothing conditions: everyday clothing, a retro-reflective vest, and retro-reflective tape positioned on the extremities in a configuration that conveyed biological motion (known as "biomotion"); the order of conditions was randomized among participants. Pedestrian recognition distances were recorded for each blur and pedestrian clothing combination while participants drove an instrumented vehicle around a closed road course. RESULTS: The recognition distances for pedestrians were significantly reduced (P CONCLUSIONS: In summary, even small amounts of blur had a significant detrimental effect on nighttime pedestrian recognition. Biomotion retro-reflective clothing was effective, even under moderately degraded visibility conditions, for both young and older drivers. Language: en

Tetradymite layer assisted heteroepitaxial growth and applications

Abstract: A multilayer stack including a substrate, an active layer, and a tetradymite buffer layer positioned between the substrate and the active layer is disclosed. A method for fabricating a multilayer stack including a substrate, a tetradymite buffer layer and an active layer is also disclosed. Use of such stacks may be in photovoltaics, solar cells, light emitting diodes, and night vision arrays, among other applications.

Hydrogel Inlay for Presbyopia: Objective and Subjective Visual Outcomes.

Abstract: PURPOSE To evaluate changes in visual performance and ocular optical quality after implantation of a corneal hydrogel inlay as a treatment for presbyopia. METHODS A Raindrop Near Vision Inlay (ReVision Optics, Lake Forest, CA) was implanted monocularly on the stromal bed of a femtosecond laser-assisted generated corneal flap of non-dominant eyes of 22 patients with emmetropic presbyopia (preoperative spherical equivalent range: -0.50 to 1.00 diopters). Efficacy was determined by measuring near and distance visual acuities and ocular aberrations, and satisfaction was assessed by a patient questionnaire. RESULTS The preoperative monocular uncorrected near visual acuity of the inlay inserted eye was 20/129 ± 1 Snellen (range: 20/135 to 20/61 Snellen) and improved to 20/35 ± 2 Snellen (range: 20/61 to 20/20 Snellen) (P < .01) at 6 months postoperatively. The monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity of the eye receiving the inlay was 20/25 ± 2 Snellen (range: 20/50 to 20/20 Snellen) preoperatively and 20/25 ± 1 Snellen (range: 20/50 to 20/20 Snellen) at 6 months postoperatively (P =.257). According to the questionnaire responses, 82% of patients were satisfied. This was despite near glasses needs remaining in 13.6% of the cohort and the presence of glare and a decrease in night vision in approximately 40% of patients. The primary spherical aberration coefficient Z4(0) changed from positive to negative values in all patients (P < .01). However, the point spread function showed no significant change. CONCLUSIONS Hydrogel corneal inlays improve uncorrected near visual acuity in patients with presbyopia with only moderate effect on visual quality. However, the satisfaction with this therapy was relatively lower in these Korean patients than that reported previously in Western patients.

An Augmented-Reality night vision enhancement application for see-through glasses

Abstract: Nyctalopia, millions of people all over the world suffering from which, brings much trouble to the patients. The available night vision systems are poor in user experience but cost much. In this paper we design and implement an Augmented-Reality night vision enhancement application for see-through glasses. According to our model proposed for the night blindness, fast and efficient algorithms are used for both night vision enhancement and display calibration. The processed images are much brighter and aligned to the real world. The results in different daily life scenes are presented, indicating huge convenience the application will bring to the nyctalopia patients.

Automobile and anti-collision pre-warning system for same

Abstract: The invention provides an automobile and an anti-collision pre-warning system for the same The anti-collision pre-warning system comprises an information acquisition device, a central processor and an alarm device The information acquisition device is in communication connection with the central processor and the alarm device respectively, the central processor with a work indicating lamp is in communication connection with the alarm device, and the alarm device is provided with a display screen, a buzzer and function keys The display screen is used for displaying alarm images, the buzzer is used for making alarm sound, the function keys are used for starting or stopping corresponding functions and include a power key, an automatic parking key and a night vision function key used for starting or stopping a fatigue detection function On the premise that utilization of initial appearance and initial functions of the automobile is undamaged, an effective pre-warning mechanism is provided for potential dangers in a driving process of the automobile, and accordingly traffic accidents can be avoided, personal safety is guaranteed, and property loss is reduced