Bionic scope: wearable system for visual extension triggered by bioelectrical signal

Abstract

Visual extension has been an essential issue because the visual information accounts for a large part of sensory information which human processes. There are some instruments which are used to watch distant, objects or people, such as a monocle, a binocular, and a telescope. When we use these instruments, we firstly take a general view without them and adjust magnification and focus of them. These operations are complicated and occupy the user's hands. Therefore, a visual extension device that is capable of being used easily without hands is extremely useful. A system developed in the previous work recognizes the movement of the user's eyelid and operating devices by using it [Hideaki et al. 2013]. However, a camera is placed in front of the eye, and that obstructs the field of view. In addition, image recognition needs much calculation cost and it is difficult to be processed in a small computer. When human intends to move his/her muscles, bioelectrical signal (BES) leaks out on the surface of skin. The BES can be measured by small and thin electrodes attached to the surface of the skin. By using the BES, user's operational intentions can be detected promptly without obstructing the user's field of view. Moreover, using BES sensors can reduce electrical power, and contribute to downsizing systems.