A Generalized Image Processing Application for the Enhancement of Images for the Visually Impaired

Research into digital image enhancement in the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo and its effects on low vision subjects’ spatial perception has led to the creation of an image processing tool called ImageLab. This tool has been designed to provide image processing functions in a sufficiently general fashion to enable it to be used for research into the efficacy of various digital image enhancement effects in improving perception in people with low vision and with vision losses due to normal aging. This paper describes work currently in progress and a tool which provides functions of general interest to those in vision research. The tool and effects of different image processing algorithms on colour images are described.