Showing papers on "Night vision published in 2016"

Fusion of infrared and visible images for night-vision context enhancement

Abstract: Because of the poor lighting conditions at night time, visible images are often fused with corresponding infrared (IR) images for context enhancement of the scenes in night vision. In this paper, we present a novel night-vision context enhancement algorithm through IR and visible image fusion with the guided filter. First, to enhance the visibility of poorly illuminated details in the visible image before the fusion, an adaptive enhancement method is developed by incorporating the processes of dynamic range compression and contrast restoration based on the guided filter. Then, a hybrid multi-scale decomposition based on the guided filter is introduced to inject the IR image information into the visible image through a multi-scale fusion approach. Moreover, a perceptual-based regularization parameter selection method is used to determine the relative amount of the injected IR spectral features by comparing the perceptual saliency of the IR and visible image information. This fusion method can successfully transfer the important IR image information into the fused image, and simultaneously preserve the details and background scenery in the input visible image. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is able to achieve better context enhancement results in night vision.

Use, perceptions, and benefits of automotive technologies among aging drivers.

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). Twelve 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); in-vehicle information systems (navigation assistance, intelligent speed adaptation); and other systems (adaptive cruise control, automatic crash notification, night vision enhancement, adaptive headlight, voice activated control). A comprehensive and systematic search was conducted for each technology to collect related publications. 271 articles were included into the final review. Research findings for each of the 12 technologies are 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. Can advanced in-vehicle technologies help extend the period over which an older adult can drive safely? This report answers this question with an optimistic “yes.” Some of the technologies reviewed in this report have been shown to help older drivers avoid crashes, improve the ease and comfort of driving, and travel to places and at times that they might normally avoid.

Why rods and cones

Abstract: Under twenty-first-century metropolitan conditions, almost all of our vision is mediated by cones and the photopic system, yet cones make up barely 5% of our retinal photoreceptors. This paper looks at reasons why we additionally possess rods and a scotopic system, and asks why rods comprise 95% of our retinal photoreceptors. It considers the ability of rods to reliably signal the arrival of individual photons of light, as well as the ability of the retina to process these single-photon signals, and it discusses the advantages that accrue. Drawbacks in the arrangement, including the very slow dark adaptation of scotopic vision, are also considered. Finally, the timing of the evolution of cone and rod photoreceptors, the retina, and the camera-style eye is summarised.

Low luminance deficit and night vision symptoms in intermediate age-related macular degeneration

Abstract: Background/aims To determine the relationship between self-reported visual difficulties under low luminance conditions (night vision symptoms) and visual function measures in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods One hundred participants with bilateral intermediate AMD were examined in a prospective cross-sectional study with visual function measures including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low luminance visual acuity (LLVA) and microperimetry in both eyes. A 10-item Night Vision Questionnaire (NVQ-10) was then used to determine the degree of self-reported night vision symptoms experienced by each participant. For analyses, low luminance deficit (LLD) was derived as the difference between LLVA and BCVA, and microperimetric mean sensitivity (MS; all points) and central sensitivity (CS; points within the central 1°) were determined. Rasch analysis was used to estimate the person measure of night vision symptoms, and its relationship with visual function parameters was determined. Results NVQ-10 person measures were significantly associated with LLD (β coefficient=0.067, 95% CI 0.005 to 0.130, p=0.034), but not BCVA, LLVA, microperimetric MS or CS (p≥0.090). Participants with the highest degree of self-reported night vision symptoms (fourth quartile of person measure) had significantly worse LLD than those with the least difficulty (first quartile of person measure; p=0.019). Conclusions In individuals with bilateral intermediate AMD, LLD was associated with self-reported night vision symptoms, suggesting that this measure may better capture the visual difficulties experienced by these individuals under low luminance conditions than the conventional measure of photopic visual acuity.

The conspicuity of pedestrians at night: a review

Abstract: Drivers' visual limitations are a leading contributor to night-time traffic crashes involving pedestrians. This paper reviews the basic changes in vision that occur at night for young and old visually healthy drivers, as well as those with common ocular pathology. To maximise their safety at night, pedestrians should be conspicuous. That is, beyond being simply visible (detectable as an ambiguous object), they should attract the attention of drivers and be readily perceivable as pedestrians. Research has established that the conspicuity of pedestrians can be optimised by attaching retroreflective markings to the pedestrian's extremities. Doing so highlights the pedestrian's ‘biological motion,’ which facilitates the accurate perception of a person; however, retroreflective markings on the torso (for example, vests) are less effective. Importantly, behavioural evidence indicates that most road users – drivers and pedestrians alike – are not aware of the limitations of night vision. For example, drivers typically ‘overdrive’ the useful range of their headlight beams and under-use their high beam headlight setting. Further, pedestrians overestimate their own conspicuity at night and fail to appreciate the extent to which their own conspicuity depends on their clothing. The widespread misunderstanding of the challenges associated with night driving reflects a lack of awareness of the fundamental limitations of night vision. Educational interventions are needed to ameliorate these dangerous misunderstandings and to improve the safety of all road users at night.

Vehicle monitoring system

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system A comprising at least one video recording devices, digital storage system, and battery power; where the system if positioned within the vehicle V in a manner that prevents unauthorised persons from retrieving the stored data The system may be powered by the vehicles battery (C, fig 3) and integrated into the vehicles electrics via an interior light, or via independent sources such as solar or wind power, and a rechargeable battery The video recording device may be a 360o camera that has night vision capability The system may also record the images from vehicles parking cameras E and data from the vehicles ECU F and on board dashboard computer G The system may have one or more microphones, and include GPS or other location systems

Near-infrared roll-off-free electroluminescence from highly stable diketopyrrolopyrrole light emitting diodes.

Abstract: Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) operating in the near-infrared spectral region are gaining growing relevance for emerging photonic technologies, such as lab-on-chip platforms for medical diagnostics, flexible self-medicated pads for photodynamic therapy, night vision and plastic-based telecommunications. The achievement of efficient near-infrared electroluminescence from solution-processed OLEDs is, however, an open challenge due to the low photoluminescence efficiency of most narrow-energy-gap organic emitters. Diketopyrrolopyrrole-boron complexes are promising candidates to overcome this limitation as they feature extremely high photoluminescence quantum yield in the near-infrared region and high chemical stability. Here, by incorporating suitably functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives emitting at ~760 nm in an active matrix of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) and without using complex light out-coupling or encapsulation strategies, we obtain all-solution-processed NIR-OLEDs with external quantum efficiency as high as 0.5%. Importantly, our test-bed devices show no efficiency roll-off even for high current densities and high operational stability, retaining over 50% of the initial radiant emittance for over 50 hours of continuous operation at 10 mA/cm2, which emphasizes the great applicative potential of the proposed strategy.

Night-Time Vehicle Sensing in Far Infrared Image with Deep Learning

Abstract: The use of night vision systems in vehicles is becoming increasingly common. Several approaches using infrared sensors have been proposed in the literature to detect vehicles in far infrared (FIR) images. However, these systems still have low vehicle detection rates and performance could be improved. This paper presents a novel method to detect vehicles using a far infrared automotive sensor. Firstly, vehicle candidates are generated using a constant threshold from the infrared frame. Contours are then generated by using a local adaptive threshold based on maximum distance, which decreases the number of processing regions for classification and reduces the false positive rate. Finally, vehicle candidates are verified using a deep belief network (DBN) based classifier. The detection rate is 93.9% which is achieved on a database of 5000 images and video streams. This result is approximately a 2.5% improvement on previously reported methods and the false detection rate is also the lowest among them.

Full-field electroretinogram in autism spectrum disorder

Abstract: To explore early findings that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have reduced scotopic ERG b-wave amplitudes. Light-adapted (LA) and dark-adapted (DA) ERGs were produced by a range of flash strengths that included and extended the ISCEV standard from two subject groups: a high-functioning ASD group N = 11 and a Control group N = 15 for DA and N = 14 for LA ERGs who were matched for mean age and range. Flash strengths ranged from DA −4.0 to 2.3 log phot cd s m−2 and LA −0.5 to 1.0 log phot cd s m−2, and Naka-Rushton curves were fitted to DA b-wave amplitude over the first growth limb (−4.0 to −1.0 log phot cd s m−2). The derived parameters (V max, K m and n) were compared between groups. Scotopic 15-Hz flicker ERGs (14.93 Hz) were recorded to 10 flash strengths presented in ascending order from −3.0 to 0.5 log Td s to assess the slow and fast rod pathways, respectively. LA 30-Hz flicker ERGs, oscillatory potentials (OPs) and the responses to prolonged 120-ms ON–OFF stimuli were also recorded. The ISCEV LA b-wave amplitude produced by 0.5 log phot cd s m−2 was lower in the ASD group (p 0.08) to the single flash stimuli, but there was a significant difference in the distribution for the LA b-wave amplitudes (corrected p = 0.006). The prolonged 120-ms ON responses were smaller in the ASD group (corrected p = 0.003), but the OFF response amplitude (p > 0.6) and ON and OFF times to peaks (p > 0.4) were similar between groups. The LA OPs showed an earlier bifurcation of OP2 in the younger ASD participants; however, no other differences were apparent in the OPs or 30-Hz flicker waveforms. DA b-wave amplitudes fell below the control 5th centile of the controls for some individuals including four ASD participants (36 %) at the 1.5 log phot cd s m−2 flash strength and two (18 %) ASD participants at the lower −2 log phot cd s m−2 flash strength. However, across the 13 flash strengths, there were no significant group differences for b-wave amplitude’s growth (repeated measures ANOVA p = 0.83). Nor were there any significant differences between the groups for the Naka-Rushton parameters (p > 0.09). No group differences were observed in the 15-Hz scotopic flicker phase or amplitude (p > 0.1), DA ERG a-wave amplitude or time to peak (p > 26). The DA b-wave time to peak at 0.5 log phot cd s m−2 was longer in the ASD group (p = 0.04). Under LA conditions, the b-wave is reduced across the ASD group, along with the ON response of the prolonged flash ERG. Some ASD individuals also show subnormal DA ERG b-wave amplitudes. These exploratory findings suggest there is altered cone-ON bipolar signalling in ASD.

Direct Evidence for Daily Plasticity of Electrical Coupling between Rod Photoreceptors in the Mammalian Retina.

Abstract: Rod photoreceptors are electrically coupled through gap junctions. Coupling is a key determinant of their light response properties, but whether rod electrical coupling is dynamically regulated remains elusive and controversial. Here, we have obtained direct measurements of the conductance between adjacent rods in mouse retina and present evidence that rod electrical coupling strength is dependent on the time of day, the lighting conditions, and the mouse strain. Specifically, we show in CBA/Ca mice that under circadian conditions, the rod junctional conductance has a median value of 98 pS during the subjective day and of 493 pS during the subjective night. In C57BL/6 mice, the median junctional conductance between dark-adapted rods is ∼140 pS, regardless of the time in the circadian cycle. Adaptation to bright light decreases the rod junctional conductance to ∼0 pS, regardless of the time of day or the mouse strain. Together, these results establish the high degree of plasticity of rod electrical coupling over the course of the day. Estimates of the rod coupling strength will provide a foundation for further investigations of rod interactions and the role of rod coupling in the ability of the visual system to anticipate, assimilate, and respond to the daily changes in ambient light intensity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Many cells in the CNS communicate via gap junctions, or electrical synapses, the regulation of which remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the strength of electrical coupling between rod photoreceptors of the retina is regulated by the time of day and the lighting conditions. This mechanism may help us understand some key aspects of day and night vision as well as some visual malfunctions.

Structural role of the T94I rhodopsin mutation in congenital stationary night blindness.

Abstract: Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is an inherited and non-progressive retinal dysfunction. Here, we present the crystal structure of CSNB-causing T94I2.61 rhodopsin in the active conformation at 2.3 A resolution. The introduced hydrophobic side chain prolongs the lifetime of the G protein activating metarhodopsin-II state by establishing a direct van der Waals contact with K2967.43, the site of retinal attachment. This is in stark contrast to the light-activated state of the CSNB-causing G90D2.57 mutation, where the charged mutation forms a salt bridge with K2967.43 To find the common denominator between these two functional modifications, we combined our structural data with a kinetic biochemical analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. Our results indicate that both the charged G90D2.57 and the hydrophobic T94I2.61 mutation alter the dark state by weakening the interaction between the Schiff base (SB) and its counterion E1133.28 We propose that this interference with the tight regulation of the dim light photoreceptor rhodopsin increases background noise in the visual system and causes the loss of night vision characteristic for CSNB patients.

InGaAs Nanomembrane/Si van der Waals Heterojunction Photodiodes with Broadband and High Photoresponsivity

Abstract: Development of broadband photodetectors is of great importance for applications in high-capacity optical communication, night vision, and biomedical imaging systems. While heterostructured photodetectors can expand light detection range, fabrication of heterostructures via epitaxial growth or wafer bonding still faces significant challenges because of problems such as lattice and thermal mismatches. Here, a transfer printing technique is used for the heterogeneous integration of InGaAs nanomembranes on silicon semiconductors and thus the formation of van der Waals heterojunction photodiodes, which can enhance the spectral response and photoresponsivity of Si photodiodes. Transfer-printed InGaAs nanomembrane/Si heterojunction photodiode exhibits a high rectification ratio (7.73 × 104 at ±3 V) and low leakage current (7.44 × 10–5 A/cm2 at −3 V) in a dark state. In particular, the photodiode shows high photoresponsivities (7.52 and 2.2 A W–1 at a reverse bias of −3 V and zero bias, respectively) in the broad...

Night-Time Vehicle Detection Algorithm Based on Visual Saliency and Deep Learning

Abstract: Night vision systems get more and more attention in the field of automotive active safety field. In this area, a number of researchers have proposed far-infrared sensor based night-time vehicle detection algorithm. However, existing algorithms have low performance in some indicators such as the detection rate and processing time. To solve this problem, we propose a far-infrared image vehicle detection algorithm based on visual saliency and deep learning. Firstly, most of the nonvehicle pixels will be removed with visual saliency computation. Then, vehicle candidate will be generated by using prior information such as camera parameters and vehicle size. Finally, classifier trained with deep belief networks will be applied to verify the candidates generated in last step. The proposed algorithm is tested in around 6000 images and achieves detection rate of 92.3% and processing time of 25 Hz which is better than existing methods.

Vision-targeted health related quality of life in older adults: patient-reported visibility problems in low luminance activities are more likely to decline than daytime activities

Abstract: Commonly used vision-targeted health-related quality of life questionnaires almost exclusively focus items on vision under daytime conditions. Older adults even when in good eye health frequently report experiencing vision problems at night and under low environmental light levels, and psychophysical studies also document these visibility problems. Here we compare the progression of self-reported low luminance visibility problems and self-reported visibility problems under daytime conditions in older adults. Trained interviewers administered two questionnaires to older adults in normal eye health: the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire – 25 (NEI VFQ-25) where items are almost entirely focused on difficulties in daytime activities, and the Low Luminance Questionnaire (LLQ) where items are focused on difficulties seeing at night and under low luminance conditions. The following visual functions were also measured: visual acuity, low luminance visual acuity, low luminance deficit, contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity in the macula, and rod-mediated dark adaptation. The protocol was repeated 3 years later. Scores on the NEI VFQ-25 composite and its subscales were unchanged between baseline and 3-year follow-up, whereas scores on the LLQ composite and 5 of 6 subscales significantly decreased (corresponding to less functionality) at the 3-year follow-up. Participants were more likely to display a ≥ 5 point decrease on the LLQ composite than on the NEI VFQ-25 over 3 years. Visual functional tests were largely unrelated to changes in NEI VFQ-25 and LLQ scores from baseline to follow-up. Older adults’ vision-targeted quality of life as measured by questionnaire is more likely to exhibit a practically significant decrease over 3 years using a questionnaire that focused on low luminance activities (LLQ) than one focused on daytime activities (NEI VFQ-25). That the results of visual functional testing did not correspond to older adults’ decline in self-reported problems in low luminance activities emphasizes the importance of questionnaires in understanding visual difficulties from the patients’ own perspective.

Novel predator recognition by Allenby's gerbil (Gerbillus andersoni allenbyi ): do gerbils learn to respond to a snake that can “see” in the dark?

Abstract: Unlike desert rodents from North America, Allenby's gerbil (Gerbillus andersoni allenbyi) from the Negev Desert, Israel has evolved with snakes that do not have heat-sensitive sensory pits that enhance night vision. Does this history affect their ability to assess and respond to a snake that has this ability? As a test, we exposed gerbils to risk of predation from various predators, including snakes, owls, and foxes. The snakes included the Saharan horned viper (Cerastes cerastes) and the sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes). The former snake lacks sensory pits and shares a common evolutionary history with the gerbil. The latter snake, while convergent evolutionarily on the horned viper, has sensory pits and no prior history with the gerbil. The gerbils exploited depletable resource patches similarly, regardless of snake species and moon phase. While the gerbils did not respond to the novel snake as a greater threat than their familiar horned viper, the gerbils were cognizant that the novel predator...

Ge 0.975 Sn 0.025 320 × 256 imager chip for 1.6-1.9 μm infrared vision

Abstract: We report the experimental fabrication and testing of a GeSn-based 320×256 image sensor focal plane array operating at −15°C in the 1.6–1.9 μm spectral range. For image readout, the 2D pixel array of Ge/GeSn/Ge p-i-n heterophotodiodes was flip-chip bonded to a customized silicon CMOS readout integrated circuit. The resulting camera chip was operated using back-side illumination. Successful imaging of a tungsten-filament light bulb was attained with observation of gray-scale “hot spot” infrared features not seen using a visible-light camera. The Ge wafer used in the present imaging array will be replaced in future tests by a germanium-on-silicon wafer offering thin-film Ge upon Si or on SiO2/Si. This is expected to increase the infrared responsivity obtained in back-side illumination, and it will allow an imager in a Si-based foundry to be manufactured. Our experiments are a significant step toward the realization of group IV near-mid-infrared imaging systems, such as those for night vision.

Crippling and Nocturnal Biases in a Study of Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) Collisions with a Transmission Line

Abstract: . Collisions with power lines are a widely documented cause of avian mortality. Estimating total mortalities from counts of carcasses is usually accomplished by quantifying biasing factors, but neither crippling nor nocturnal biases are well understood. From 4 March through 13 April 2009, data were collected on Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) collisions involving a 69-kV transmission line crossing the Platte River in Nebraska, USA, at a major migration stopover area. The line was marked with devices designed to increase visibility to Sandhill Cranes, and thus reduce collisions. Numbers of carcasses detected via traditional searches that involved walking slowly in a zigzag pattern beneath the line were compared to numbers of collisions visually observed through binoculars and night vision spotting scopes and numbers of collisions detected by electronic Bird Strike Indicators (BSI). Seventeen carcasses were found during traditional surveys, 117 collisions were observed visually, and 321 collisions ...

Sensor-level privacy for thermal cameras

Abstract: As cameras turn ubiquitous, balancing privacy and utility becomes crucial. To achieve both, we enforce privacy at the sensor level, as incident photons are converted into an electrical signal and then digitized into image measurements. We present sensor protocols and accompanying algorithms that degrade facial information for thermal sensors, where there is usually a clear distinction between humans and the scene. By manipulating the sensor processes of gain, digitization, exposure time, and bias voltage, we are able to provide privacy during the actual image formation process and the original face data is never directly captured or stored. We show privacy-preserving thermal imaging applications such as temperature segmentation, night vision, gesture recognition and HDR imaging.

Changes in pupil size following panretinal retinal photocoagulation: conventional laser vs pattern scan laser (PASCAL).

Abstract: PurposeTo evaluate and compare the possible changes in pupil size subsequent to panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) via conventional laser and pattern scan laser (PASCAL).Patients and methodsForty eyes of 40 patients with diabetic retinopathy were included. 20 eyes had a PRP via conventional laser and formed Group 1. 20 eyes had a PRP via PASCAL laser and formed Group 2. The participants underwent standard ophthalmologic examination at baseline. Automated infrared pupillometry were performed at baseline and month 1.ResultsThe mean pupillary measurements (mm) for Group 1 (in the order photopic, mesopic, and scotopic conditions) were 2.88±0.34, 3.38±0.40, and 3.95±0.38, and changed to 3.64±0.42, 4.18±0.42, and 4.58±0.48, respectively. There was significant increase in pupil size at month 1 (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.00, respectively). For Group 2, they were 2.90±0.38, 3.43±0.36, and 3.90±0.40, and changed to 3.18±0.42, 3.74±0.36, and 4.10±0.38, respectively. There was significant increase in pupil size at month 1 (P=0.018, P=0.014, and P=0.014, respectively). The pupil size increased significantly in both groups in all illumination conditions.ConclusionWe have demonstrated via automated infrared pupillary measurements that PRP may significantly increase pupil size whether it is performed with conventional laser or PASCAL laser.

Night vision pedestrian detection based on adaptive preprocessing using near infrared camera

Abstract: Performance of computer vision algorithm for pedestrian detection decrease in case of night vision system. Since intensity of luminance at night is extremely low compare to daytime, even human visibility cannot recognize object properly at night. Most recent generation of night vision system have researched using near infrared camera to settle the problem, but it still have poor visibility and application. This paper describes a night vision pedestrian detection for AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) system using near infrared camera. ACF (Aggregated Channel Features) and AdaBoost algorithm are employed to discriminate pedestrians reflected by infrared. Most significant contribution of this paper is adaptive preprocessing to enhance contrast of pedestrians. Implementation have been done on both desktop and embedded board. With improved pedestrian detection performance, our approach allow drivers to avoid potential collisions effectively.

Comparison of the Optical Quality between Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and Femtosecond Laser LASIK

Abstract: Purpose. To investigate the visual quality after SMILE and Femto-LASIK. Methods. About 123 eyes from 63 patients were enrolled in this study. The parameters were measured preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively using Sirius System. Results. The MTF curve increase slightly from low to high frequency at 3 mm and 6 mm pupil diameter after SMILE surgery (P 0.05) at 3 mm pupil diameter at vertical and horizontal meridian. However, significant difference was found in MTF at low to mediate frequency at 6 mm pupil diameter at vertical meridian at 1 week postoperatively (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Both SMILE and Femto-LASIK show a great improvement in optical quality at small diameter. It was found that SMILE shows better optical quality than Femto-LASIK at larger pupil diameter, which might be good for the night vision.

Scotopic vision in the monkey is modulated by the G protein-coupled receptor 55.

Abstract: The endogenous cannabinoid system plays important roles in the retina of mice and monkeys via their classic CB1 and CB2 receptors. We have previously reported that the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), a putative cannabinoid receptor, is exclusively expressed in rod photoreceptors in the monkey retina, suggesting its possible role in scotopic vision. To test this hypothesis, we recorded full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) after the intravitreal injection of the GPR55 agonist lysophosphatidylglucoside (LPG) or the selective GPR55 antagonist CID16020046 (CID), under light- and dark-adapted conditions. Thirteen vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) were used in this study: four controls (injected with the vehicle dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO), four injected with LPG and five with CID. We analyzed amplitudes and latencies of the a-wave (photoreceptor responses) and the b-wave (rod and cone system responses) of the ERG. Our results showed that after injection of LPG, the amplitude of the scotopic b-wave was significantly higher, whereas after the injection of CID, it was significantly decreased, compared to the vehicle (DMSO). On the other hand, the a-wave amplitude, and the a-wave and b-wave latencies, of the scotopic ERG responses were not significantly affected by the injection of either compound. Furthermore, the photopic ERG waveforms were not affected by either drug. These results support the hypothesis that GPR55 plays an instrumental role in mediating scotopic vision.

Real time two way communication approach for hearing impaired and dumb person based on image processing

Abstract: In the recent years, there has been rapid increase in the number of deaf and dumb victims due to birth defects, accidents and oral diseases. Since deaf and dumb people cannot communicate with normal person so they have to depend on some sort of visual communication. Gesture shows an expressive movement of body parts such as physical movements of head, face, arms, hand or body which convey some message. Gesture recognition is the mathematical interpretation of a human motion by a computing device. Sign language provide best communication platform for the hearing impaired and dumb person to communicate with normal person. The objective of this research is to develop a real time system for hand gesture recognition which recognize hand gestures, features of hands such as peak calculation and angle calculation and then convert gesture images into voice and vice versa. To implement this system we use a simple night vision web-cam with 20 megapixel intensity. The ideas consisted of designing and implement a system using artificial intelligence, image processing and data mining concepts to take input as hand gestures and generate recognizable outputs in the form of text and voice with 91% accuracy.

Developed augmented-reality intelligent helmet based on infrared night vision

Abstract: The invention develops an intelligent helmet which is provided with portable intelligent glasses and an infrared night-vision device. The intelligent helmet has GPS locating and gyroscope posture detecting functions and can be used for displaying temperature and position information of an object observed by the human eyes at night, and temperature information of the reality object seen by the human eyes can be displayed. Along with moving of the position and the view of a wearer, temperature information content of corresponding land features can be loaded and displayed in real time. A semi-transparent pseudo-color image is used for carrying out displaying, and corresponding temperature values and direction information are provided.

Unilateral cancer-associated retinopathy: a case report.

Abstract: We write to report a rare case of unilateral cancer-associated retinopathy previously undocumented in the literature. Cancer-associated retinopathy is an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome. It is characterised by retinal antigen autoantibodies causing rod and cone dysfunction and abnormal electroretinography findings with consequent progressive visual loss.Our patient, known to have a primary cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, presented with unilateral blurred vision as well as a disturbance in colour and night vision. Electroretinography findings of reduced a and b waves in the right eye, together with a fundoscopic appearance of a mottled retinal pigment epithelium, attenuated blood vessels and optic disc pallor were consistent with unilateral cancer-associated retinopathy. Posterior subtenon injections of triamcinolone were administered to control active disease. With periocular steroid injections, at 4 years, our patient's visual acuity remained relatively stable and her condition persisted strictly unilaterally. Cancer-associated retinopathy may be the first presenting sign of an underlying malignancy or may indicate its recurrence. Moreover, in patients with a diagnosed gynaecological malignancy, visual symptoms could reflect cancer-associated retinopathy. In our patient visual symptoms came secondary to the diagnosis of cancer.

Enhanced oil spill detection sensors in low-light environments

Abstract: Although advances have been made in oil spill remote detection, many electro-optic sensors do not provide real-time images, do not work well under degraded visual environments, nor provide a measure of extreme oil thickness in marine environments. A joint program now exists between BSEE and NVESD that addresses these capability gaps in remote sensing of oil spills. Laboratory experiments, calibration techniques, and field tests were performed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Santa Barbara, California; and the Ohmsett Test Facility in Leonardo, New Jersey. Weathered crude oils were studied spectroscopically and characterized with LWIR, and low-light-level visible/NIR, and SWIR cameras. We designed and fabricated an oil emulsion thickness calibration cell for spectroscopic analysis and ground truth, field measurements. Digital night vision cameras provided real-time, wide-dynamic-range imagery, and were able to detect and recognize oil from full sun to partial moon light. The LWIR camera provided quantitative oil analysis (identification) for >1 mm thick crude oils both day and night. Two filtered, co-registered, SWIR cameras were used to determine whether oil thickness could be measured in real time. Spectroscopic results revealed that oil emulsions vary with location and weathered state and some oils (e.g., ANS and Santa Barbara seeps) do not show the spectral rich features from archived Deep Water Horizon hyperspectral data. Multi-sensor imagery collected during the 2015 USCG Airborne Oil Spill Remote Sensing and Reporting Exercise and the design of a compact, multiband imager are discussed.