The purpose of this Phase I SBIR study is to show the feasibility of an eye protection device that adaptively changes in response to varying levels of light intensity. It selectively darkens regions in the user's field of view to improve visual performance over a range of light conditions. The proposed mechanism reduces light intensity in bright regions of the field of view. This is accomplished by varying the amount of attentuation of appropriate elements in a segmented LCD array that is located in front of the user's eye. Light intensity from non-bright areas is not materially affected. Current means of protecting vision are either totally static or else attenuate all light globally by slow chmeical means. The proposed technology is implemented by combining optics, electronics, and processing capabilities in a wearable apparatus. To be effective, this device should be implemented using small, rapidly responding elements in the field of view. This SBIR will investigate development of methods that will increase the number of elements in this LCD array. In addition, it will explore techniques to decrease LCD response time to changes in light intensity. These solutions need to be implemented in a self-contained unit
Keywords: light reduction technology glare control brightness compression technology glare suppression selecti
