Conformal and other image warpings for reading with field defect

Certain visual functions, such as reading, are dependent on the high resolution capability of the central visual field. When that area becomes dysfunctional the tasks become difficult or impossible. We have proposed an image warping prosthesis, in which the structure of the image that would otherwise be unseen owing to the scotoma is moved outward and onto portions of the retina that still function. Previously we used normally sighted volunteers with fixated foveation, synthetic scotomas, a limited form of image warping, and externally controlled reading saccades. Their reading rate showed improvement in a significant number of instances. In the next stage, we are prepared to use volunteers with actual, not synthesized, scotomas. The results will be used to design realistic prostheses. Different warpings may better help other visual tasks such as facial recognition. Some of the image warpings designed for reading are shown here and our rationale for considering them are given.

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