A simple adaptor could transform TV viewing and gaming for colour-blind people – thanks to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).
The innovative Eye2TV adapter, launched today by UEA spin-out companySpectral Edge, enhances video content – making it easier for colour-blind people to distinguish between red and green and making on-screen objects more visible.
The new adapter works with video sources such as cable or satellite set top boxes, DVD players or games consoles.
It is initially available via aKickstartercampaign, and the company hopes to raise £100,000 through pre-order sales and donations from supporters in order to bring the adapter to market.
Around four per cent of the world’s population suffers from colour-blindness.
Their viewing experience is particularly affected when watching particular content types. For example, it can be difficult to tell sports teams apart, particularly if one is playing in red and the other in green, while programmes about wildlife, cookery and art are severely impacted.
Playing video games which feature predominantly red or green characters and those with subtle colour differences between good guys and monsters is also difficult.
Colour-deficient people may find it difficult to tell the teams apart
The Eye2TV adaptor works with any HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) video source, such as a DVD player, games console or set top box. It connects between the video source and the display, which can be an HD TV or monitor with an HDMI input.
How the Eye2TV adaptor will look when installed
The video is then enhanced on a frame-by-frame basis through Spectral Edge’s patented Eyeteq image enhancement technology, offering a dramatically improved viewing experience.
Based on research from UEA’sSchool of Computer Sciences, Eyeteq uses mathematical perception models to modify image colours. Uniquely, Eye2TV does this with minimal impact on the image seen by those who do not have colour blindness – enabling both to watch the same screen together.
The picture quality can be adjusted via remote control to suit the unique colour-vision of the individual viewer. And an iOS and Android app will also be developed.
Christopher Cytera, managing director of Spectral Edge, said: “The inability to enjoy watching TV or to play video games alongside friends and family is a major frustration to those suffering from colour-blindness, significantly impacting their quality of life.
“Our image enhancement technology is proven to solve this major accessibility issue, and the Eye2TV adapter is poised to transform how colour-blind people, and their families, watch TV and video content.
“By launching the project on Kickstarter we can accelerate bringing our technology to the consumer electronics market, giving those with colour-blindness the chance to become early adopters and improve their viewing experience.”
Provided that adequate funds are raised by the deadline June 13, Eye2TV will be developed in 2015, for production and shipment worldwide by March 2016. To find out more, advance purchase an adapter or to make a pledge visit theirKickstarterpage.
