Augmented Reality Magnification for Low Vision Users with the Microsoft Hololens and a Finger-Worn Camera.

Recent technical advances have enabled new wearable augmented reality (AR) solutions that can aid people with visual impairments (VI) in their everyday lives. Here, we investigate an AR-based magnification solution that combines a small finger-worn camera with a transparent augmented reality display (the Microsoft Hololens). The image from the camera is processed and projected on the Hololens to magnify visible content below the user's finger such as text and images. Our approach offers: (i) a close-up camera view (similar to a CCTV system) with the portability and processing power of a smartphone magnifier app, (ii) access to content through direct touch, and (iii) flexible placement of the magnified image within the wearer's field of view. We present three proof-of-concept interfaces and plans for a user evaluation.