Camera module and image processor device aids visually impaired

Developed to assist the visually impaired, the OrCam device— which consists of a camera module and digital image processor—clips onto a user’s glasses and analyzes and interprets a given scene before the device aurally describes it to the user.

The OrCam consists of a VX6953CB camera module and the STV0987 image processor from ST. Five MPixel VX6953CB camera modules feature ¼" CMOS image sensors with 1.4 µm x 1.4 µm pixel size and achieve a frame rate of 15 fps at full resolution. In addition, it features pixel defect correction, extended depth of field, and dual HD (1080p30 and 720p30) video formats.

STV0987 image processors support two MIPI-compliant sensors of up to 8 MPixel size, with one sensor streaming at a time, and also performs advanced image correction and enhancement. Built-in features include a face detection and tracking algorithm, video stabilization and digital zoom. In addition, the STV0987 features an automatic contrast stretch, color reconstruction, sharpness enhancement, programmable gamma correction, image rotation/mirroring/flip for the viewfinder.

The STV0987 and VX6953CB work together to read a scene or text in different lighting conditions and on a variety of surfaces, including newspapers and signs. The device then analyzes and interprets a given scene and aurally describes it to the user. In addition, the camera comes with a pre-stored library of objects which a user can add to over time.

Users are able to read, recognize people, recognize objects, and navigate—all by pointing a finger, according to the OrCam website.

View more information on OrCam.
View more information on ST.
View a press release.

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