This innovation is a system that augments human vision through a technique called “Sensing Super-position” using a Visual Instrument Sensory Organ Replacement (VISOR) device. The VISOR device translates visual and other sensors (i.e., thermal) into sounds to enable very difficult sensing tasks.
Three-dimensional spatial brightness and multi-spectral maps of a sensed image are processed using real-time image processing techniques (e.g. histogram normalization) and transformed into a two-dimensional map of an audio signal as a function of frequency and time. Because the human hearing system is capable of learning to process and interpret extremely complicated and rapidly changing auditory patterns, the translation of images into sounds reduces the risk of accidentally filtering out important clues.
The VISOR device was developed to augment the current state-of-the-art head-mounted (helmet) display systems. It provides the ability to sense beyond the human visible light range, to increase human sensing resolution, to use wider angle visual perception, and to improve the ability to sense distances. It also allows compensation for movement by the human or changes in the scene being viewed.
This work was done by David A. Maluf of Ames Research Center.
Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed to
the Ames Technology Partnerships Division at 1-855-NASA-BIZ (1-855-6272-249) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
ARC-15578-2
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Visual Image Sensor Organ Replacement
(reference ARC-15578-2) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Visual Image Sensor Organ Replacement, identified as ARC-15578-2, published by NASA's Ames Research Center. It is part of the NASA Tech Briefs, which aim to disseminate information about aerospace-related developments that have potential applications beyond their original context, including technological, scientific, and commercial uses.
The Visual Image Sensor Organ Replacement represents an innovative advancement in sensor technology, likely designed to enhance or replace traditional imaging systems. While specific technical details about the sensor's functionality and applications are not provided in the excerpts, the document suggests that the technology could have significant implications for various fields, including medical imaging, robotics, and other areas where visual data acquisition is critical.
The Technical Support Package is intended to support the Commercial Technology Program of NASA, which focuses on fostering partnerships and collaborations that can leverage NASA's research for commercial benefits. The document emphasizes the importance of making such technological advancements accessible to a wider audience, thereby encouraging innovation and development in related sectors.
For those seeking further information or assistance regarding this technology, the document provides contact details for the Technology Partnerships Division at NASA Ames Research Center. This division is responsible for facilitating collaborations and partnerships that can help translate NASA's research into practical applications.
Additionally, the document includes a disclaimer stating that the United States Government and its representatives do not assume liability for the use of the information contained within the document, nor do they guarantee that such use will be free from privately owned rights. This notice underscores the importance of conducting due diligence when utilizing the information for commercial or research purposes.
In summary, the Technical Support Package for the Visual Image Sensor Organ Replacement serves as a resource for understanding a significant technological advancement from NASA, highlighting its potential applications and encouraging further exploration and collaboration in the field of imaging technology.
