Patent US 5,267,331

The invention consists of an apparatus and method for creating high resolution, high contrast images to enhance the functional vision of visually impaired individuals. The apparatus includes an image scanning device, a digital image enhancement device and a high resolution monitor. Video images are enhanced in real time by converting an analog input signal to a digital output. The digital output is processed in a contrast selection device, stored in high speed memory, reformed into an output image and displayed on the high resolution monitor using high scan rates. The enhancement of images containing text substantially eliminates "grey" transitions between the text and the background to improve resolution. By increasing the contrast between the text and the background as well as user selectable enlargement and character spacing by magnifying or scaling of the digital video data, the functional vision of visually impaired individuals is improved.