Robot-eyes for producing human-like 3D images of the surroundings

Xiaolin Zhang is at the Precision and Intelligence Laboratory, and inventor of ‘active stereo vision systems’, based on a deep understanding of the cooperative movements of human eyes.

“My robot-eyes-system enable the realization of three dimensional visualization of objects,” says Zhang. “We conducted a thorough analysis of binocular movement based on system control engineering.”

Based on this analysis, Zhang developed a robotic system consisting of two CCD cameras with unique peripheral control mechanisms, enabling unsurpassed 3D imaging. The robotic system is capable of maintaining a constant distance with respect to a target—for example a human face—even when the target is moving.

Source: http://www.titech.ac.jp/bulletin/innovation.html

Restoring Sight With Stem Cells Grown on Contact Lenses?

Three patients with severe damage to the corneas of their eyes have achieved dramatic improvements in their vision thanks to contact lenses coated with their own stem cells.

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Artificial corneas

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new kind of artificial cornea, one that's "showing promise" in animal studies and could eliminate the need for cornea transplants completely.

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Bionic eye - Argus II

A 73-year-old British gentleman named Ron may once again be able to discern light thanks to a bionic eye called the Argus II. For 30 years he's been completely blind, but the Argus — which consists of a camera and video processor mounted on a pair of shades sending data to an eye-mounted transceiver — enables him to pick out things such as the white lines painted on a road and match socks.

"...the receiver passes on the data via a tiny cable to an array of electrodes which sit on the retina - the layer of specialised cells that normally respond to light found at the back of the eye. When these electrodes are stimulated they send messages along the optic nerve to the brain, which is able to perceive patterns of light and dark spots corresponding to which electrodes have been stimulated." BBC

Source: BBC with video