System for projecting a pattern of interest onto the retinal region of the human eye

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (80) for projecting an optical pattern of interest onto the retinal region of a human eye, comprising a carrying frame (50) for wear by a patient, a camera (6) for capturing an image, a projector device (1) for projecting a pulsed light beam (4) reflecting a pattern of interest (44) onto the human eye, and a processor device (60) in communication with the camera (6) and the projector device (1), the processor device (1) being adapted to convert an underlying image of the pulsed light beam (4) captured by the camera (6) into the pattern of interest (44), the projector device (1) and the camera (6) being mounted on the carrying frame (50).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for projecting a pattern of interest onto the retina of the human eye, and in particular to a system for projecting a pattern of interest onto a region of the retina of the human eye. [Background technology]

[0002] Retinal dysfunction, particularly caused by degenerative retinal diseases, is a major cause of visual impairment or blindness.

[0003] It is known to modify the retinal region by utilizing retinal implants, or retinal prostheses, in order to at least partially restore a patient's visual function. In this regard, several different types of retinal implants based on different operating principles are known.

[0004] Retinal implants have in common that they are typically placed suprachoroidally, epiretinal, or subretinal in a patient's eye so that they can replace or function as damaged photoreceptors. In this regard, information about the visual scene is captured by a camera and transmitted to an electrode array implanted in the retina.

[0005] Among common retinal implants, implants containing skin-penetrating wires are known. These wires carry the risk of infection and scarring. Therefore, more recent implants use various wireless technologies, for example, by delivering power and visual information via an inductive coil. Furthermore, it is known to deliver power inductively and visual information optically through the pupil, or to deliver both visual information and power optically.

[0006] A particularly useful type of wireless information transfer to a retinal implant is based on projecting a stimulating pattern of infrared light onto the eye: when the direction of gaze is such that a part of the implant is illuminated by a part of the pattern, the implant converts that part of the signal into an electrical current and stimulates the retina accordingly.

[0007] The retinal implant is an array of stimulating electrodes or pixels, each containing one or more photodiodes that capture light delivered by the visual processor and convert it into a stimulating electrical current.

[0008] Several implant arrays can be placed in the subretinal space, typically in or near the foveal region.

[0009] It is known to use projector devices, such as augmented reality goggles, to project light or a light beam, respectively, into a human eye. The projector of the projector device projects a light beam into the human eye, which light beam is much wider than the human pupil, i.e. only a part of the light beam to be transmitted, i.e. the image radiation, is guided through the pupil into the eye and towards the retina.

[0010] In fact, retinal implants based on infrared light projection require a certain irradiance to function properly, and therefore regular augmented reality goggles are unsuitable for use with such designed retinal implants.

[0011] Alternatively, an approach known as optogenetics has been proposed, which involves treating the remaining retinal cells with gene therapy to restore their photosensitive behavior. Optogenetics refers to the combination of genetics and optics to control well-defined events within specific cells of living tissue. Optogenetics involves (i) genetically modifying target cells to make them sensitive to light by expressing an exogenous photoreactive protein in the cell membrane, and (ii) providing a lighting device capable of providing light to the photoreactive protein.

[0012] In the following paragraphs of this patent, a retinal region of a human eye that has been modified to restore photosensitive behavior by implantation of a retinal prosthesis or by optogenetic modification of the human eye will also be referred to as a "modified retinal region." Summary of the Invention

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for projecting a pattern of interest onto the retinal region of the human eye.

[0014] Said object is solved by a system for projecting a pattern of interest onto the retina of the human eye comprising the features of claim 1. Further preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0015] Therefore, a system is proposed for projecting a pattern of interest onto the retinal region of a human eye, said system comprising a carrying frame for being worn by a patient, a camera for capturing an image, a projector device for projecting a pulsed light beam reflecting the pattern of interest onto the human eye, and a processor device in communication with said camera and said projector device, said processor device being adapted to convert the image underlying the pulsed light beam captured by said camera into an optical pattern of interest, said projector device and said camera being mounted on said carrying frame.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to said system, wherein said retinal region of the human eye is a modified retinal region (also referred to herein as a first region of the retina of the human eye).

[0017] Thereby, information about a visual scene, i.e., an image, can be captured by the camera, and at least one camera image can be used to generate an optical pattern, preferably at least one captured image can be converted into the optical pattern, and then the optical pattern can be transmitted to a first region of the retina of a human eye in the form of a pulsed output light beam irradiated by the projector device. The "optical pattern" is also referred to as "first light signal" in the following.

[0018] According to one particular embodiment, the "modified retinal region" or "first region of the retina" refers to a photosensitive electrode array of a photosensitive retinal implant implanted in the retina of a human eye.

[0019] Thus, information about a visual scene, i.e., an image, can be captured by the camera, and an optical pattern can be generated using at least one camera image. Preferably, at least one captured image is converted into the optical pattern, which can then be transmitted to a photosensitive electrode array of a photosensitive retinal implant implanted in the retina. Thus, the retinal implant can convert the optical pattern of interest into an electric current to stimulate a corresponding first retinal region. That is, since the photosensitive pixels of the retinal implant are powered by converting light into an electric current, no power source is required for the retinal implant. A patient with a retinal implant only needs to be powered by such a system and carry the carrying frame. This can be achieved by irradiating the retinal implant with the optical pattern of interest continuously and / or within predetermined intervals based on the conversion of the currently captured image.

[0020] Alternatively, one optical pattern can be based on several captured images, for example by subtraction of several images.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, the carrying frame is provided in the form of glasses, the lenses of which are transparent or translucent, so that not only the light emitted from the projector device can reach the retina, but also the person wearing the glasses can perceive light inputs by normal vision, i.e. light inputs from the environment, also called ambient light signals. Thus, the scene perceived by a person can be a combination of normal vision and optical patterns.

[0022] According to said preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system capable of: capturing information about a visual scene, i.e., an image, with a camera, generating a first optical signal (i.e., an optical pattern) using at least one camera image, and then transmitting the first optical signal to a first region of a retina of a human eye; and The system is adapted to transmit a second light signal of the environment (i.e. normal vision) to a second area of ​​the retina of the human eye.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, said second region of the retina is not a modified retinal region.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second optical signals are arranged so that there is no crossing between the first and second regions.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the first and second optical signals are arranged such that the second region surrounds the first region.

[0026] According to the present invention, the system is adapted to transmit a second light signal of the environment (i.e., normal vision) to a second region of the retina of the human eye. More specifically, the second light signal is as wide as possible compared to the first light signal. Therefore, the projector device and the camera are mounted on a carrying frame, more specifically on eyeglasses, and even more specifically on the lenses of the eyeglasses, so that the second light signal of the environment (i.e., normal vision) is transmitted as wide as possible to the second region of the retina of the human eye. This goal can be achieved by selecting a specific width and height of the projector device and / or the camera mounted on the carrying frame. By convention, the width is measured laterally and the height is measured in a third direction (vertically). According to a preferred embodiment, the width of the projector device and / or the camera mounted on the carrying frame is less than approximately 70 millimeters, preferably less than approximately 50 millimeters, and even more preferably less than approximately 30 millimeters. According to a preferred embodiment, the height of the projector apparatus and / or camera mounted on the carrying frame is less than about 20 millimeters, preferably less than about 15 millimeters, even more preferably less than about 10 millimeters, and most preferably less than about 5 millimeters. As used herein, the term "about" means within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5%. In certain cases, "about X" means "X."

[0027] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the projector unit and / or the camera mounted on the carrying frame are at least partly made of a material that is transparent or translucent, more particularly transparent or translucent to visible light.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the camera and the optics of the projector apparatus are arranged in a line on a carrying frame. According to another preferred embodiment, the carrying frame is provided in the form of glasses, and the camera and the optics of the projector apparatus are arranged in a line on either side of one of the glasses. According to a preferred embodiment, the camera defines one principal axis Z1, and the optics of the projector apparatus defines one principal axis Z2, and the principal axes Z1 and Z2 are aligned longitudinally. In other words, this means that the principal axis Z1 of the camera is aligned with the center of the output light beam emerging from the optics of the projector apparatus. According to the present invention, the term "optics of the projector apparatus" means the optical elements of the projector, which project an output light beam, preferably a pulsed light beam, corresponding to an optical pattern (i.e., a first light signal), onto the modified retinal region of the human eye.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment, the processor unit is provided separately from the carrying frame, and a connecting cable is provided for communication between the processor unit and the camera and projector unit. This allows the processor unit to be attached to the patient, for example, by a clip or a shoulder strap, at a location separate from the carrying frame, thereby relatively reducing the overall weight of the carrying frame including the projector unit and the camera. Preferably, the processor unit is provided in the form of a pocket-type processor. This improves the comfort of the person wearing the carrying frame. Furthermore, since the processor unit is provided separately from the carrying frame, the size and weight of the processor unit are not limited by, for example, the comfort of the carrying frame.

[0030] Alternatively, the processor unit is arranged in a carrying frame, preferably the processor unit is integrated with the projector unit. A system so designed can have a relatively compact design.

[0031] The system preferably further comprises a light source adapted to provide an input light beam, preferably a pulsed input light beam, from which the optical pattern of interest is formed.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the light source is located in the projector device, and such a system design can be relatively compact, since the projector device only needs to be provided with a connecting cable for connecting the projector device to the light source and / or can be substantially empty.

[0033] Alternatively, the light source can be located in the processor unit, which can further reduce the overall weight of the carrying frame compared to systems that locate the light source in the carrying frame.

[0034] It has proven to be advantageous if the light source comprises a laser, a laser diode and / or an LED, preferably an LED matrix, and preferably the light source is adapted to irradiate light having a wavelength in the infrared field and / or coherent or incoherent light.

[0035] Preferably, the system includes a battery for powering the light source, the processor unit, and / or the projector unit, and the battery is preferably provided separately from the carrying frame and is preferably located in the processor unit. Therefore, the battery does not increase the weight of the frame. Furthermore, because the battery can be carried separately from the frame, the volume and / or weight of the battery, i.e., the capacity of the battery, can be larger than that of a battery located in the carrying frame.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the processor device comprises a processor unit adapted to control the pulse duration and / or frequency and / or light intensity of the light beam (corresponding to the first light signal). Thereby, the light beam can be adjusted and / or modulated to meet the requirements for reliable and safe operation of the system. In particular, the light beam can be adjusted for reliable operation of the respective retinal implant implanted in the patient's eye. Furthermore, overstimulation of the remaining healthy photoreceptors of the retina can be avoided by controlling the light beam, in particular the total irradiance and / or irradiation time of the light beam impinging on the retina, as well as overstimulation of the altered retinal region.

[0037] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the processor unit is adapted to control the pulse duration and / or to control the frequency and / or to control the light intensity of the light source, whereby the input light beam can also be controlled, adjusted and / or aligned.

[0038] The system preferably includes a modulating micromirror array, preferably a digital micromirror device, preferably adapted to modulate and split a pulsed input light beam illuminated by a light source into a modulated light pattern of modulated pulsed sub-beams, the orientation of each micromirror of the micromirror array being individually controllable based on a pattern of interest provided by a processor device such that the sub-beams form a pulsed output beam that reflects the pattern of interest, in other words only active micromirrors contribute to forming the output light beam.

[0039] Preferably, the input light beam is directed to the modulating micromirror array by an optical prism, preferably a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​prism.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment, the modulating micromirror array is arranged in a projector device, which provides a robust and reliable design for providing the reflective pattern.

[0041] According to a preferred alternative, the modulating micromirror array is located in the processor device, which can further reduce the overall weight of the projector device and thus the carrying frame including the projector device and the camera. The output beam generated by the micromirror array is preferably directed into an optical fiber or optical cable, which conducts the output light beam illuminated by the modulating micromirror array to the projector device for projecting the optical pattern of interest towards the human eye.

[0042] The connecting cable is preferably adapted to transmit data between the processor unit and the projector unit, and / or preferably adapted to provide power from the processor unit to the camera and / or the projector unit, and / or preferably adapted to transmit light from the processor unit to the projector unit, preferably the connecting cable comprises an electrical cable and / or an optical fiber or light cable. The connecting cable is preferably adapted to transmit camera image data and / or patterning data and / or data related to control of the micromirror array.

[0043] The modulating micromirror array is preferably positioned adjacent to a prism, preferably a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​prism, and the input light beam is directed by the prism to the modulating micromirror array and / or the output light beam is directed to a projector device, preferably a lens unit of the projector device.

[0044] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the light source is arranged in the processor unit, and the connecting cable comprises an electrical cable and an optical fiber or cable, the optical fiber or cable providing the connection between the light source and the projector apparatus. Thus, both the input light beam and the control commands for controlling the alignment device and / or the modulating micromirror array can be generated in the processor unit and are directed to the projector apparatus via the connecting cable.

[0045] Preferably, the projector apparatus includes a battery or accumulator for powering the electrical components of the system, which allows one to carry the system around without the need for an additional connection to a fixed power source.

[0046] The safety of the system can be further increased if the connecting cable and / or the projector device include an optional light safety interlock loop, preferably a laser safety interlock loop, since accidental exposure of someone to a hazardous laser can be prevented via the light safety interlock loop. Preferably, the light safety interlock loop includes or is connected to a switch that is adapted to disable light emitted from the light source, light conduction through the connecting cable, and / or light projection by the projector device if the loop is open due to, for example, a break or defect in a light conducting element, such as an optical fiber or optical cable, that conducts the light emitted by the light source.

[0047] For maximum safety and efficiency, the optical safety interlock loop may preferably be configured to automatically shut off the light beam if a malfunction is detected.

[0048] The projector device may further include optional optical elements for projecting a light beam corresponding to the optical pattern (i.e., the first light signal) from outside the human eye at the pupil, and preferably these optical elements are configured such that the exit pupil diameter of the light beam is set to be smaller than the pupil diameter of the eye, the latter being achieved by setting the exit pupil diameter to 3 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less, particularly preferably 0.5 mm or less, and particularly preferably the exit pupil diameter is set to 1 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.25 mm, and / or the optical system includes an adjustment unit for adjusting the exit pupil diameter based on the pupil diameter and / or monitored values ​​of ambient light intensity detected via the optional sensor unit.

[0049] According to another preferred embodiment, the system comprises an alignment device for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the projector apparatus relative to the carrying frame, preferably the alignment device being formed so that the projector apparatus can be moved in a number of movement directions, particularly preferably in five movement directions, relative to the carrying frame.

[0050] According to a further preferred embodiment, the system includes an eye tracking mechanism for monitoring the position and / or angle of the eye, and an alignment device configured to automatically align the projector device (i.e., the main axis Z2) with the visual axis, preferably the alignment device is motorized and / or the alignment device includes a tilting mirror and / or a piezoelectric motor and / or a coupling feedback mechanism for automatically aligning the projector device with the visual axis.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, the camera is integrated with the projector device, and preferably the camera and the output beam of the projector device are aligned with each other.

[0052] It has proven to be advantageous if the carrying frame comprises an eyeglass frame, and / or if the frame comprises a headband, and / or if the frame comprises a head ring and / or a flexible band.

[0053] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the processor device may include one or more electronic boards, a connecting cable, preferably a port for removable connection to a plug or socket, and / or a user interface preferably including an on / off button and / or buttons allowing the patient to change the sensory versus environmental constraints, e.g., image processing mode, brightness, zoom and / or audio volume level and / or LEDs.

[0054] Further, the processor unit may include any port, e.g., a USB port, to allow connection to an external device, e.g., a PC, and / or the processor unit includes a wireless communication unit, preferably configured for communication via WiFi, WLAN, Bluetooth, or ZigBee, preferably the wireless communication unit is configured for secure communication, preferably including encryption and / or security protocols.

[0055] Additionally, the processor unit may preferably include a housing for housing at least some of the other components of the processor unit. Preferably, the housing provides protection from at least dust and water, and preferably complies with at least IP22.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the processor unit may preferably include a housing for housing at least some of the other components of the processor unit. Preferably, the housing provides protection from at least dust and water, and preferably complies with at least IP22.

[0057] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus includes a port for removable connection to a connecting cable.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the carrying frame includes lenses, preferably positioned in the frame to cover the eyes when a person wears the frame. The lenses are preferably shaded, preferably tinted. The provision of the shaded lenses allows for a natural enlargement of the pupil diameter by reducing ambient light hitting the pupil, thus facilitating alignment by the alignment device.

[0059] The present disclosure will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective side view of a system for projecting an optical pattern of interest onto a human eye according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the general operating principle for projecting an optical pattern of interest onto a photosensitive retinal implant in the human eye. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a system for projecting an optical pattern of interest onto the human eye, according to another preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective side view of a detail of a carrying frame according to another preferred embodiment.

[0061] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals and may not be described repeatedly to avoid redundancy.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective side view of a system 80 for projecting an optical pattern of interest onto the retina of a human eye according to a preferred embodiment. The system 80 includes a carrying frame 50, which substantially has the form of an eyeglass frame and can be worn by a patient with a photosensitive retinal implant or a genetically modified retinal region. The system 80 further includes a projector apparatus 1 adapted to project a pulsed output light beam reflecting the optical pattern of interest onto the human eye, and a camera 6 for capturing an image. According to this preferred embodiment, the camera 6 is integrated with and / or aligned with the projector apparatus 1. It should be noted that in the following, the term "projector apparatus" can refer to a combination of the projector apparatus and a camera present in the system. The projector apparatus 1 is attached to the carrying frame 50 via a fixing portion 5.

[0063] The projector apparatus 1 communicates with the processor apparatus 60 via a connection cable 70. The processor apparatus 60 is disposed separately from the carrying frame 50 and the projector apparatus 1.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the projector device 1 comprises an integrated light source (not shown in this figure) that emits coherent laser light in a near-infrared field, in this exemplary embodiment at a wavelength of 880 nm. Alternatively, the light may comprise any other wavelength suitable for interaction with the respective photosensitive retinal implant or genetically modified retinal cells.

[0065] According to another preferred embodiment, the light source is provided in the form of an LED emitting incoherent light, preferably in the near infrared field.

[0066] The projector apparatus 1 further comprises a modulating micromirror array 3 (see Fig. 2) which, according to this preferred embodiment, is provided in the form of a digital micromirror device. The modulating micromirror array 3 is adapted to modulate and split a pulsed input light beam emitted by a light source into a modulated light pattern consisting of modulated pulsed sub-beams, as will be explained in more detail with respect to Fig. 2.

[0067] The processor unit 60 communicates with the camera 6 and the projector unit 1 via a cable 70. The processor unit 60 is further adapted to convert the image captured by the camera 6 and serving as the basis for the pulsed output light beam emitted by the projector unit 1 into a pattern of interest (also referred to herein as an optical pattern).

[0068] Thus, via the light source, a collimated high-power input light beam is generated, which is directed by the TIR prism and strikes the active area of ​​the modulation micromirror array 3 (Figure 2), where the active area consists of those micromirrors of the micromirror array 3 where the modulated sub-beams that form the pattern are redirected by the TIR prism and directed through a final lens to form an output beam that enters the projector device 1 towards the eye.

[0069] In other words, the processor unit 60 creates the optical pattern of interest using the image captured by the camera 6. The processor unit 60 assigns micromirrors of the micromirror array 3 to one or more pixels of the pattern of interest and controls the orientation of each micromirror so that the reflected sub-beams that make up the output beam reflect the optical pattern of interest.

[0070] 2 illustrates a general operating principle for projecting an optical pattern of interest 44 onto a photosensitive retinal implant 90 in a human eye, as described above. A light source 22 provides a pulsed input light beam 20 that is directed to a modulating micromirror array 3 that includes a plurality of micromirrors 30 that can be individually controlled by a processor unit 60 such that the orientation of each of the micromirrors 30 can be individually adjusted. Alternatively, the micromirrors 30 can be controlled and / or adjusted in subgroups.

[0071] As previously described, the micromirror array 3 modulates the input light beam 20 to form a first optical signal or output beam 4 corresponding to the optical pattern. The orientations of the micromirrors 30 are individually adjusted by control commands from the processor unit 60 so that the optical pattern of interest 44 projected onto the retinal implant 90 can be reflected by multiple sub-beams 40.

[0072] In this regard, the optical pattern of interest 44 is based on the content or image captured by the camera 6, which has been processed by the processor unit 60 into a digital pattern of pixels.

[0073] Therefore, the first light signal or output beam 4 substantially reflects the optical pattern of interest 44. When the output beam 4 hits the retinal implant 90, only the relevant parts of the retinal implant 90 are illuminated by the output beam 4, or in particular the sub-beams 40. The sub-beams 40 reflect the optical pattern of interest 44 at the retinal implant 90. As a result, only the relevant photosensitive diodes of the retinal implant 90 convert light into electrical current. These are positioned at the projected optical pattern of interest 44. Therefore, a person with the retinal implant 90 can perceive the optical pattern of interest 44.

[0074] The carrying frame 50 includes optional ear pads 52 that are displaceable along temples 53 of the frame 50 so that the carrying frame 50 can adjust to a person's head size and / or other morphological characteristics, such as the position and shape of the ears. The optional ear pads 52 can be configured to prevent movement of the frame 50 relative to the ears of a person wearing the frame 50. Thus, the ear pads 52 can function as ear stops.

[0075] The projector device 1 is placed on the left side of the carrying frame 50 so that light is projected onto the left eye of a patient wearing the carrying frame 50. The counterweight 51 is placed on the side of the frame 50 opposite to the side on which the projector device 1 is placed so that the lateral weight distribution of the carrying frame 50 is balanced.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the projector apparatus 1 can be positioned on the right side of the carrying frame 50 so that light is projected onto the right eye of a patient wearing the carrying frame 50. Preferably, the projector apparatus 1 is identical in both left and right configurations, and preferably the first projector apparatus 1 is mounted with a 180° rotational difference relative to the second projector apparatus 1.

[0077] 3 shows a system 80 for projecting an optical pattern of interest onto the retina of a human eye according to another preferred embodiment. The system 80 substantially corresponds to the system shown in FIG. 1, except that in this embodiment, the light source is located within the processor unit 60. Accordingly, the connection cable 70 includes an electrical cable 71 for providing power and control commands to the projector unit 1 and the camera 6, a camera stream from the camera 6 to the processor unit 60, and an optical fiber 72 for transmitting light emitted by the light source from the processor unit 60 to the projector unit 1. In other words, the connection cable 70 is a hybrid cable that provides both electrical conduction and optical conduction. In other words, both electrical information and optical information are transmitted through the connection cable 70.

[0078] Furthermore, the connecting cable 70 includes a laser safety interlock loop (not shown) that can detect damage to the connecting cable 70. If the laser safety interlock loop is open, for example due to damage to the optical fiber 72, a switch (not shown) located in the processor device 60 will interrupt the connection between the light source located in the processor device 60 and the connecting cable 70.

[0079] 4 shows a schematic perspective side view of a detail of a carrying frame 50 according to another preferred embodiment. The projector apparatus 1 includes an alignment device 8, by means of which the position and orientation of the output light beam 4 can be adjusted relative to the carrying frame 50, i.e., relative to the human eye of a patient wearing the carrying frame 50.

[0080] The alignment device 8 is formed so that the optical system 2 through which the light beam 4 exits the projector device 1 can be moved in five directions of movement 10, 11 relative to the fixed part 5.

[0081] The three directions of movement are longitudinal directions 10, 10', 10", and optionally, each longitudinal direction is oriented substantially perpendicular to the other longitudinal directions. In this exemplary embodiment, the first longitudinal direction of movement 10 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the human head, the second longitudinal direction of movement 10" corresponds to the transverse axis of the human head, and the third longitudinal direction of movement 10' corresponds to the sagittal axis of the human head. The remaining two directions of movement are rotational directions 11, 11'.

[0082] In this exemplary embodiment, the first rotation direction 11' is oriented so that the pantoscopic angle of the optical system 2 relative to the eye can be adjusted, and the second rotation direction 11 is oriented so that the wrap angle of the optical system 2 relative to the eye can be adjusted.

[0083] To provide the directions of movement 10, 10', 10", 11 and 11', the alignment device 8 comprises a number of kinematic pairs, which are shown in a general form, since kinematic pairs are known per se. The directions of longitudinal movement 10, 10', 10" are provided by prismatic joints. In particular, one of the prismatic joints is arranged adjacent to the fixed part 5. This prismatic joint provides linear movement in the direction of longitudinal movement 10. A second prismatic joint is arranged adjacent to the first prismatic joint and provides movement along the direction of longitudinal movement 10'. Adjacent to that is arranged a first revolute joint, which provides rotation in the direction of rotation 11. Furthermore, a further prismatic joint is provided to enable movement in the direction of longitudinal movement 10". Furthermore, a further revolute joint is provided to provide rotation in the direction of rotation 11'.

[0084] Furthermore, the alignment device 8 comprises a plurality of locking units (not shown), each of which is assigned to a respective kinematic pair for locking or releasing the movement in a respective direction of movement. The locking units are known per se and can be implemented, for example, in the form of locking screws or surfaces with a high coefficient of friction.

[0085] Preferably, the carrying frame includes a rigid design to ensure robust positioning. Alternatively, the carrying frame includes at least a rigid portion to ensure robust and repeatable placement in front of the eye, while other portions of the frame, e.g., the temples, can be more flexible to accommodate various patient head sizes and other morphological adjustments while maintaining robust positioning.

[0086] 4, the main axis Z1 of the camera 6 is aligned with the main axis Z2 of the optical system 2, i.e., aligned with the center 42 of the output light beam 4. According to this exemplary embodiment, the main axis Z2 is arranged concentrically with the main axis Z1. In other words, the camera 6 and the optical system 2 are arranged linearly on opposite sides of the projector apparatus 1.

[0087] Frame 50 further includes, according to this embodiment, an optional shaded, here tinted, lens 54. The provision of tinted lens 54 reduces ambient light entering the pupil, naturally increasing the pupil diameter and facilitating alignment with the alignment device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Projector equipment 2 Optical system Z2 optical axis 5 Fixed part 6. Camera The main axis of the Z1 camera 8 Alignment device 10 Longitudinal movement direction 11 Rotation direction 20 Input light beam 22 Light source 3 Micromirror array 30 Micromirrors 4 output beams 40 Sub Beam 42 Center of the light beam 44 Patterns of Interest 50 frames 51 Counterweight 52 ear pads 53 Temple 54 Lens 60 Processor Unit 70 Connection Cable 71 Electrical Cable 72 Optical Fiber 80 Systems 90 Retinal Implant

Claims

1. 1. A system (80) for projecting an optical pattern of interest onto a modified retinal region of a human eye, comprising: a carrying frame (50) for the patient to wear; a camera (6) for capturing images; a projector device (1) for projecting a pulsed light beam (4) reflecting a pattern of interest (44) onto a human eye; a processor device (60) in communication with the camera (6) and the projector device (1); the processor unit (60) is adapted to convert an underlying image of the pulsed light beam (4) captured by the camera (6) into the pattern of interest (44); The projector device (1) and the camera (6) are attached to the carrying frame (50), Further, the projector device (1) includes a light source (22), the light source (22) being disposed in the projector device (1); an alignment device (8) for adjusting the position and orientation of the projector device (1) relative to the carrying frame (50); The system (80) is characterized in that the alignment device (8) is configured so that the projector device (1) can move in a plurality of movement directions (10, 11) relative to the carrying frame (50).

2. 2. The system (80) of claim 1, wherein the processor unit (60) is provided separately from the carrying frame (50), and a connecting cable (70) is provided for communication between the processor unit (60) and the camera (6) and the projector unit (1).

3. The system (80) of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the light source comprises a laser, a laser diode, and / or an LED.

4. The system (80) of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the light source comprises an LED matrix.

5. 3. A system (80) according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the light source is adapted to emit light having a wavelength in the infrared field and / or coherent or incoherent light.

6. 6. The system (80) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor device (60) comprises a processor unit adapted to control the pulse duration and / or frequency and / or light intensity of the pulsed light beam and / or light source.

7. 7. The system (80) of claim 1, further comprising a modulation micromirror array (3) for modulating and splitting the pulsed input light beam (20) illuminated by the light source into a modulated light pattern of modulated pulsed sub-beams (40), wherein the orientation of each micromirror (30) of the modulation micromirror array (3) is individually controllable or controlled by subgroups based on the pattern of interest (44), and the pulsed sub-beams form the pulsed light beam (4) that reflects the pattern of interest (44).

8. The system (80) of any of claims 1 to 6, comprising a digital micromirror device.

9. 8. The system (80) of claim 7, wherein the pulsed input light beam (20) is directed to the modulating micromirror array (3) by an optical prism.

10. 8. The system (80) of claim 7, wherein the pulsed input light beam (20) is directed to the modulating micromirror array (3) by a total internal reflection prism.

11. 8. The system (80) of claim 7, wherein the modulating micromirror array (3) is located in the projector device (1), or the modulating micromirror array (3) is located in the processor device (60).

12. The processor unit (60) is provided separately from the carrying frame (50), and a connection cable (70) is provided for communication between the processor unit (60) and the camera (6) and the projector unit (1); 12. A system (80) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the connection cable (70) is adapted to transmit data between the processor device (60) and the projector device (1), and / or to transmit camera data, and / or the connection cable (70) is adapted to supply power from the processor device to the camera (6) and / or the projector device (1), and / or the connection cable (70) is adapted to transmit light from the processor device (60) to the projector device (1).

13. The processor unit (60) is provided separately from the carrying frame (50), and a connection cable (70) is provided for communication between the processor unit (60) and the camera (6) and the projector unit (1); A system (80) according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the connecting cable (70) comprises an electrical cable (71) and / or an optical fiber (72) or a light cable.

14. The system (80) of claim 13, wherein the connection cable (70) includes the electrical cable (71) and the optical fiber (72) or the optical cable, and the optical fiber (72) or the optical cable connects the light source (22) and the projector device (1).

15. 15. The system (80) of claim 14, wherein the connecting cable (70) and / or the projector device (1) includes an optical safety interlock loop.

16. 16. The system (80) of claim 15, wherein the connecting cable (70) and / or the projector device (1) comprises a laser safety interlock loop.

17. 17. A system (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the projector device (1) comprises an optical system (2) for projecting the pulsed light beam (4) at the pupil of a human eye from outside the eye.

18. 18. The system (80) of claim 17, wherein the optical system (2) is configured such that the exit pupil diameter of the pulsed light beam (4) is set smaller than the pupil diameter of the eye.

19. 19. A system (80) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment device (8) is configured to allow the projector device (1) to move in five directions of movement relative to the carrying frame (50).

20. The system (80) of claim 1, wherein the carrying frame (50) comprises an eyeglass frame, and / or the carrying frame comprises a headband, and / or the carrying frame comprises a head ring and / or a flexible band.

21. 21. The system (80) of any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising an eye tracking mechanism for monitoring eye position and / or angle, wherein the alignment device (8) is configured to automatically align the projector device (1) with a central visual axis.

22. 22. The system (80) of claim 21, wherein the alignment device (8) is motorized and / or the alignment device (8) includes a tilting mirror and / or a piezoelectric motor and / or a coupling feedback mechanism for automatically aligning the projector device (1) with the central viewing axis.

23. 23. The system (80) of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the carrying frame (50) includes a lens (54).

24. 24. The system (80) of claim 23, wherein the lens (54) is shaded.

25. 24. The system (80) of claim 23, wherein the lens (54) is tinted.

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