Researchers at MIT and Berkeley have developed a new display technology that corrects vision problems, making reading glasses redundant.
The technology will predict how the users’ eyes distort naturally in reaction to the output on screen and correct it beforehand, so the image appears clear.
A sophisticated algorithm in the new technology alters an image based on a user’s glasses prescription, combined with a light filter set in front of the display.
Light from each individual pixel is then changed by the algorithm and passed through a small hole in the filter, so when each ray of light hits the retina, it creates a sharper image.
This technology was tested on an Apple iPod Touch, which was attached to a plastic light filter and an acrylic slab. A DSLR camera was used to simulate far-sightedness and short-sightedness.
Researchers claim that the technology will not only make life easier for people with simple vision problems but also for those who have serious vision problems caused by physical defects that can’t be corrected with glasses or contacts.
The research team says with further development, the technology can be slimmed down to a piece of plastic that can be stuck onto any existing display. Also, the software can be adapted to different operating systems.
Display research is a hot space right now, with various biggies such as Samsung, LG and Nokia pumping money into it. LG recently unveiled a display that can be rolled up like a piece of paper.
