Sony has created a camera for the low vision. Cameras such as the A7RV and the A7S III from Sony integrate a very high level autofocus, thanks also to artificial intelligence functions, capable of recognizing subjects even in difficult conditions (e.g. partially covered by glasses, masks, helmets, etc.) and a further and completely different push in the camera sector comes with the DSC-HX99 RNV camera kit, designed for people with visual impairments.
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The system consists of two components: a point-and-shoot device and a viewfinder with a laser projection system for the retina. The camera is a Cybershot DSC-HX99; Introduced in 2018, the HX99 boasts an 18.2-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, optical stabilization that reduces camera shake by relying on a gyroscope and a special algorithm, and a wide zoom range from 24mm wide angle to 720mm telephoto.
As for the viewfinder, it is the Retissa Neoviewer of the Japanese QD Laser; this is able to project the digital image from the camera directly onto the user’s retina. Sony explains that the system does not work with all types of vision-related problems but the visually impaired able to take advantage of this technology allows them to view faces, read signs, take photos and shoot videos.
Retissa Neoviewer’s retinal laser projection is a completely new technology that has been put into practice for the first time in the world,” explained Dr. Mitsuru Sugawara, president and CEO of QD Laser.
In the USA, the HX99RNV kit will cost $600 and will arrive in the summer. In a sign of support for the visually impaired community, Sony says it will shoulder the “most” part of the device’s manufacturing costs. The kit will only be available through the Sony company and will limit the purchase to one person. The manufacturer also plans to work with American and Japanese schools to provide the device to visually impaired people.
