A viewing device for projecting an optical signal and a method for projecting an optical signal

Abstract

The present invention relates to a viewing device (10) comprising: - a first optical line (16), wherein the first optical line comprises: - a projection system (22) configured to project a light signal onto a first region (23) of the retina (19) of a wearer (12) of the viewing device (10); - a light signal generator (20) that generates a light signal to be projected; and - a waveguide (24) configured to transmit light from the input coupler (24B) to the output coupler (24C), comprising an input coupler (24B) and an output coupler (24C); and optionally, an optical line (18) comprising an optical system (44) configured to project a light signal of the surrounding environment onto a second region (46) of the retina (19) of a second wearer (12), and wherein the optical system (44) comprises a portion of the waveguide (24).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a viewing device and method for projecting an optical signal. Background Technology

[0002] This solution aims to stimulate retinal ganglion cells in the context of optogenetic therapy.

[0003] The retina is composed of photoreceptors, which are highly specialized neurons responsible for the photosensitivity of the retina through phototransformation—that is, converting light into electrical and chemical signals that propagate a cascade of events within the visual system, ultimately representing the world. In the vertebrate retina, phototransformation is initiated by the activation of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive receptor protein.

[0004] Loss or degeneration of photoreceptors, such as in cases of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or macular degeneration (MD), severely impairs, if not completely inhibits, the conversion of visual information into light within the retina. The loss of photoreceptor cells and / or the loss of photoreceptor function are major causes of reduced visual acuity, decreased photosensitivity, and blindness.

[0005] Several therapeutic approaches dedicated to retinal degenerative diseases are currently under development, including gene therapy, stem cell therapy, optogenetics, and retinal prosthetics.

[0006] For example, it has been proposed to restore the photosensitivity of a subject's retina by controlling the activity of defined neural populations without affecting other neurons in the brain through gene and neural engineering techniques known as optogenetics. Unlike traditional gene therapies that aim to bypass genetic defects by replacing or repairing defective genes or correcting protein deficiencies or dysfunctions, optogenetic approaches can be used to empower non-photosensitive retinal cells to respond to light, thereby restoring useful vision to the patient. Unlike retinal chip implants that deliver extracellular electrical stimulation to bipolar or ganglion cells, optogenetic-based therapies stimulate cells from within.

[0007] Optogenetics refers to the combination of genetics and optics to control well-defined events within specific cells of biological tissues. Optogenetics consists of (i) genetically modifying target cells to make them sensitive to light by the expression of exogenous photoresponsive proteins at the cell membrane, and (ii) providing an illumination device capable of providing light to said photoresponsive proteins.

[0008] Examples of exogenous photoresponsive proteins are provided in WO2007024391, WO2008022772, or WO2009127705, which describe the use of opsin genes derived from plant and microbial organisms (e.g., archaea, bacteria, and fungi) encoding photoactivated ion channels and pumps (e.g., channelrhodopsin-2 [ChR2]; halorodopsin [NpHR]) that have been engineered for expression in mammalian neurons and can be genetically targeted to specific neuronal populations using viral vectors. Upon exposure to light of an appropriate wavelength, action potentials are triggered in neurons expressing opsins, thereby conferring photosensitivity to these cells. Similarly, WO2013071231 introduces novel channelrhodopsins (Chronos and Chrimson) that have different activation spectra and different activation spectra from modern technologies (e.g., ChR2 / VChR1), express channels with different activation spectra genetically expressed in different cells using multiple distinct wavelengths of light, and then depolarize different sets of cells in the same tissue by illuminating the tissue with different colored light. The photoresponsive protein disclosed in WO2017187272 is another alternative.

[0009] Optogenetics is a very powerful tool for selective neural activation / inhibition that can be used, for example, to restore neural function in living animals, including humans, particularly in the eyes.

[0010] Nevertheless, it has been found that the selected wavelength of light is close to the optimal wavelength for photoresponsive proteins, and that these photoresponsive proteins have very low sensitivity to light. Therefore, to obtain the minimum level of protein activation by light, the intensity of light received by the target cell or protein must be greater than the minimum value. Consequently, an external device that provides sufficient irradiance at the correct wavelength is essential.

[0011] As an alternative, it has been proposed to restore at least partial vision in these patients using visual prosthesis systems. These systems consist of retinal implants and are useful tools for at least partially reconstructing adequate visual perception and a sense of direction for blind and visually impaired users by utilizing the fact that, even though some retinal tissue has degenerated most of the retina, the majority of the retina remains intact and can still be directly stimulated by light-dependent electrical impulses. Typically, retinal implants are implanted in the patient's eye to induce electrical excitation of the remaining neurons upon light stimulation. Upon stimulation, these remaining neurons transmit the artificially induced electrical impulses through the optic nerve to the visual part of the brain.

[0012] Retinal implants can be broadly divided into two categories: epi-retinal and sub-retinal. Epi-retinal devices are placed on or near the inner surface of the retina, that is, on the lateral side of the retina where it is first exposed to incident light and where the nerve fibers of ganglion cells pass along the path to the optic nerve. Epi-retinal implants typically include a chip containing multiple pixel elements capable of receiving images projected onto the retina by an extraocular device (typically a camera and microelectronic circuitry for decoding incident light) through the eye's lens. This chip converts the images into electrical signals and further transmits these signals as electrical stimulation through multiple stimulating electrodes to stimulate retinal cells adjacent to the chip, thereby reconstructing or improving the vision of visually impaired or partially visually impaired patients. In contrast, sub-retinal devices are placed beneath the retina, between the retina and the underlying retinal pigment epithelium or other deeper tissues. Currently available sub-retinal technology relies on the implantation of a single, rigid, and generally flat chip. It has been further found that it is desirable to be able to implant one or more chips to cover a wide field of view.

[0013] Retinal prostheses and optogenetic therapy rely on two main components. The first component, designed into the retina, provides photosensitivity by delivering changes in the membrane potential of target retinal cells; this is a photo-gated ion channel protein genetically introduced into retinal cells, either as an implant in a retinal prosthetic system or in optogenetic therapy. The second component is required to encode visual information (typically acquired by a camera or photodiode array) and convert it into the input signal needed by the electronic component. In retinal prostheses, the input signal is a current delivered by an active electrode matrix or a pulse of light capable of activating the passive component. In optogenetic gene therapy, the input signal delivered is a pulse of light of appropriate intensity and wavelength required to activate optogenetic proteins in a defined spatiotemporal manner.

[0014] Standard headsets cannot provide the necessary illumination for lighting.

[0015] In particular, known solutions include projectors that project images onto the retina, but in some cases do not allow an insufficient field of view of more than 10°.

[0016] In addition, the heat generated by the necessary powerful light source and control electronics causes a temperature rise that must be maintained within the range set by the ISO 60601-1 standard for medical electrical equipment. The device must also ensure electrical safety (ISO 60601-1) and electromagnetic compatibility (ISO 60601-1-2, ISO 60601-1-9).

[0017] In addition, the temperature rise in front of the eye and the heat transfer of the device are

[0018] It can cause dry eyes and discomfort. Therefore, additional temperature restrictions are required on the part of the device next to the eyes.

[0019] In particular, it is desirable to provide a viewing device that can deliver a wider field of view with sufficient light intensity while maintaining a sufficient level of comfort in terms of temperature for the wearer.

[0020] More specifically, it is desirable to provide a viewing device capable of limiting excessive thermal energy from the light source and control electronics and / or facilitating heat dissipation to prevent the temperature of the lighting device from exceeding the maximum temperature during normal operation and to provide a highly magnified field of view.

[0021] In addition, it is desirable to provide a miniaturized lighting device that humans can wear on a daily basis. The problem to be solved

[0022] Therefore, a viewing device is required that is configured to project an optical signal onto the wearer's eyes, which can obtain an enlarged field of view, be more compact, and provide the wearer with improved comfort and perception. means of solving the problem

[0023] To this end, the present invention proposes a viewing device comprising (i) a projection system configured to project a first light signal onto a first region of the retina of an eye of a viewing device wearer, (ii) a light signal generator that generates the projected first light signal, and (iii) a first optical line comprising an input coupler and an output coupler, wherein the first optical line comprises a waveguide configured to transmit light from the input coupler to the output coupler.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the viewing device further includes a second optical line comprising an optical system configured to project a second ambient light signal (i.e., an ambient light signal) toward a second region of the wearer's eye retina.

[0025] According to additional embodiments of the present invention that are advantageous but not mandatory, a viewing device may incorporate one or more of the following features taken in any combination that is technically permissible.

[0026] - The optical signal generator includes an internal total reflection prism (TIR prism) configured to control an incident light beam to a predetermined angle, wherein the angle is preferably between 20° and 40°.

[0027] - The above optical signal generator consists of an internal total reflection prism (TIR prism) with a digital micromirror device (DMD) imager.

[0028] - The first optical line and the second optical line are arranged so that there is no intersection point between the first region and the second region (void).

[0029] - The first optical line and the second optical line are arranged so that the second region surrounds the first region.

[0030] - The main direction of light transmission is defined with respect to the waveguide, and the second optical line and the waveguide are arranged so that the light of the second optical line propagates along a general direction perpendicular to the main direction of light transmission of the waveguide.

[0031] - The above waveguide is made of a translucent material, preferably a transparent material.

[0032] - The first optical line is a folded line.

[0033] - The second optical line is an extended line.

[0034] - An optical signal generator includes a light source.

[0035] - The above optical signal generator includes a light source, and the first optical line includes a collimating lens, an internal total reflection prism (TIR prism), a DMD (digital micromirror device) imager, and a projection lens.

[0036] - The above optical signal generator includes a light source, and the light source is a fiber source.

[0037] - The above light signal generator includes a light source, and the light source is an electroluminescent diode, in particular a light-emitting diode (LED) or an LED derivative (e.g., OLED).

[0038] - The light source of the second light signal is the wearer's surrounding environment.

[0039] - The above viewing device is part of Google, is composed of Google, or is connected to Google.

[0040] - The above viewing device is a device for use in optogenetics.

[0041] - The above viewing device is a virtual reality device.

[0042] - The second optical line above is parallel to the direction of the wearer's eye's gaze.

[0043] - The field of view of the projection system extends between 15° and 25° along the first direction and between 25° and 35° along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0044] The present invention relates to a method for projecting a light signal onto the eye of a wearer of a viewing device comprising: (i) a projection system configured to project a first light signal onto a first region of the retina of the wearer’s eye; (ii) a light signal generator that generates the first light signal to be projected; and (iii) a first optical line comprising an input coupler and an output coupler, wherein the first optical line comprises a waveguide configured to transmit light from the input coupler to the output coupler. According to a preferred embodiment, the viewing device used in the method of the present invention further comprises a second optical line comprising an optical system configured to project a second light signal of the surrounding environment onto a second region of the retina of the wearer’s eye.

[0045] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the method simultaneously comprises the step of projecting a first optical signal onto a first optical line and the step of projecting an ambient light signal onto a second optical line. Effects of the invention

[0046] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a viewing device configured to project a light signal onto the eyes of a wearer, which can obtain an enlarged field of view, is more compact, and provides improved comfort and perception to the wearer. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0047] The present invention will be better understood based on the following description, provided in correspondence with the accompanying drawings as exemplary examples without limiting the purpose of the invention. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a viewing device in a situation where a wearer uses it. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional detailed view of the viewing device of Figure 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0048] A viewing device (10), a wearer (12), and a part of the wearer's (12) surrounding environment (14) are illustrated in FIG. 1. A part of the surrounding environment includes a tree (14A).

[0049] The above viewing device (10) is a device used by the wearer (12) of the device (10) to observe a part (14) of the surrounding environment.

[0050] An example of a specific viewing device (10) is described in more detail in FIG. 2.

[0051] A first direction is defined that is parallel to the axis X and is called "First Direction X". A second direction is defined that is parallel to the axis Y and perpendicular to the axis X, and is referred to as "Second Direction Y". A third direction is defined that is parallel to the Z-axis and perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and is referred to as "Third Direction Z".

[0052] The above viewing device (10) includes two optical lines, namely a first optical line (16) and a second optical line (18).

[0053] The optical line is a set of elements along the optical line that connects a light signal source to the wearer's (12) eye (19).

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light signal is an image.

[0055] The first optical line (16) is a folded line.

[0056] "Folding line" is understood to mean that the elements are arranged in such a way that the light rays along the first optical path have a polygonal chain (16A).

[0057] The first optical line (16) includes an optical signal generator (20), a projection system (22), and a waveguide (24).

[0058] The above light signal generator (20) is configured to generate a first light signal to be projected.

[0059] The above light signal generator (20) includes a light source (26), a collimating lens (28), a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​prism (30), and a digital micromirror device (DMD) with reference numeral 32.

[0060] In some cases, you can find the phrase DMD imager for element 32.

[0061] According to the example of FIG. 2, the light path of the first optical line (16) follows the path of the elements (26, 28, 30, 32, 30).

[0062] The light source (26) includes a light-emitting element (34) configured to generate light.

[0063] The light generated is selected according to the use of the viewing device of the present invention. For example, if a person wearing a retinal implant with a photodiode uses the viewing device, the light-emitting element will be tuned to generate a light intensity that stimulates the photodiode of the implant. Similarly, if a person benefiting from optogenetic therapy uses the viewing device, the light-emitting element will be tuned to provide a light intensity at a wavelength specific to this use that stimulates the treatment area.

[0064] Accordingly, the light-emitting element (34) is selected for a spectral range and / or intensity corresponding to a particularly anticipated application. The light-emitting element (34) may be, for example, a laser source or a non-coherent light source.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting element (34) is a non-coherent light source.

[0066] For example, the light-emitting element (34) includes an electroluminescent diode, more specifically a light-emitting diode (LED) or an LED derivative (e.g., an OLED).

[0067] In a specific example, the light source (26) also includes an optical fiber (36) for transmitting light to a light-emitting element (34).

[0068] More precisely, and as a specific example, the light source (26) is an electroluminescent diode (not shown) followed by an optical fiber (36).

[0069] That is, the light source (26) is a fiber LED.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting element (34) is configured to provide light of a wavelength capable of depolarizing a cell containing a photoactivated ion channel polypeptide. Exemplary light wavelengths that can be used to depolarize a cell expressing a photoactivated ion channel polypeptide include at least about 365 nm, 385 nm, 405 nm, 425 nm, 445 nm, 465 nm, 485 nm, 505 nm, 525 nm, 545 nm, 565 nm, 585 nm; 590 nm, 605 nm, 625 nm, 645 nm, 665 nm, 685 nm; and 700 nm (including all wavelengths in between). In a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting element (34) is configured to provide light intensity in the range of 365 nm to 700 nm, preferably 530 nm to 640 nm, preferably 580 nm to 630 nm, preferably 530 nm to 610 nm, more specifically, the light wavelength is in the range of about 595 nm.

[0071] As used in the present invention, when used in relation to a numerical amount, the term "about" means plus or minus 10% of that numerical amount.

[0072] The above-mentioned collimating lens (28) is configured to collimate the incident light ray (31) coming from the light source (26).

[0073] The rays (31) coming from the above collimating lens (28) are substantially parallel to each other along the first direction (X).

[0074] For example, the collimating lens (28) has a focal length selected in the range of 2 millimeters (mm) and 20 mm, more specifically in the range of 3 mm and 18 mm, and more particularly the collimating lens (28) has a focal length of about 5.9 mm.

[0075] Total Internal Reflection prisms are often named TIR prisms, using the abbreviation for Total Internal Reflection. TIR prisms are well known in the industry.

[0076] The TIR prism (30) is configured to adjust the incident light (31) beam to an angle α, and is referred to as the "steering angle α".

[0077] The above TIR prism (30) includes an incident surface (30A), an exit surface (30B), a reflection surface (30C), an incident prism (301), and an output prism (302).

[0078] The above incident surface (30A) receives incident light rays.

[0079] The light beam is output to the TIR prism (30) by the emission surface (30B).

[0080] The incident plane (30A) and the exit plane (30B) are, for example, perpendicular to each other.

[0081] The steering angle (α) is the angle between the ray of light coming from the prism (301) and the normal to the digital micromirror device (32).

[0082] The steering angle (α) above is configured, for example, between 20° and 40°.

[0083] By definition, α included between values ​​A and B means, on the one hand, that α is higher than or equal to value A and α is inferior to or equal to value B.

[0084] In a specific embodiment, the steering angle (α) is equal to 24°.

[0085] The above incident surface (30A) belongs to the input prism (301) and the exit surface (30B) belongs to the output prism (302).

[0086] The above reflective surface (30C) belongs to the input prism (301).

[0087] The above input prism (301) and output prism (302) have complementary aspects.

[0088] A small gap (40) is defined between the input prism (301) and the output prism (302). The small gap (40) is defined between their complementary sides.

[0089] The above digital micromirror device (32) is often named DMD using the abbreviation for Digital Micromirror Device.

[0090] DMDs are well known in the art. A DMD consists of a mirror array (e.g., a 608x684 array or a 912x1140 array) capable of switching regularly (e.g., every 0.35 milliseconds (ms)) between two separate angular positions named ON and OFF, where the ON position reflects light coming toward a target. Processed events are encoded by setting the corresponding mirror to ON.

[0091] A digital micromirror device (32) is arranged in the optical path of a ray of light reflected by the reflective surface (30C) of an input prism (301) and adapted to reflect at least a portion of the ray of light toward an output prism (302).

[0092] The digital micromirror device (32) enables or disables a specific number of pixels to form a light signal to be projected.

[0093] The digital micromirror device (32) includes a plurality of mirrors forming a micromirror array.

[0094] Each mirror has at least two positions.

[0095] In the first position, the mirror reflects a light beam toward the output prism (302) so that the light is transmitted to the output prism (302) and exits from the exit surface (30B).

[0096] In the second position, the mirror reflects the light rays in such a way that light is not emitted from the emission surface (30B).

[0097] The projection system (22) is configured to project a first light signal onto a first region (23) of the retina (19A) of the eye (19) of the wearer (12) of the viewing device (10).

[0098] In this example, the projection system (22) is a projection lens (42).

[0099] The field of view of the projection system is extended from 15° to 25° along a first direction and from 25° to 35° along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0100] The above waveguide (24) includes a main body (24A), an input coupler (24B), and an output coupler (24C).

[0101] The waveguide (24) is configured to transmit light from the input coupler (24B) to the output coupler (24C).

[0102] According to a preferred embodiment, all or part of the body (24A) of the waveguide (24) is made of a translucent material.

[0103] In the following description, the term "translucent" refers to a light-transmitting material having a light transmittance of 5% to 100%.

[0104] More preferably, all or part of the main body (24A) is made of a transparent material.

[0105] The term "transparent" refers to a light-transmitting body having a light transmittance of more than 95%, for example, close to 100%. In particular, such a "transparent" body transmits light through refraction, allowing objects to be seen clearly.

[0106] The light of the above waveguide (24) consists of electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 500 nanometers (nm) and 700 nm.

[0107] In addition, the main body (24A) of the waveguide is a parallelepiped.

[0108] In the example of FIG. 2, a main direction for the waveguide (24) is defined by the length of the main body (24A) of the waveguide (24). This main direction is the main direction for light transmission by the waveguide (24).

[0109] The inner surface (24D) and the outer surface (24E) are defined with respect to the main body. The inner surface (24D) and the outer surface (24E) are perpendicular to the second direction (Y).

[0110] The inner surface (24D) is intended to face the projector system (22) of the viewing device and the wearer's eyes (19) when the viewing device is worn.

[0111] The above outer surface (24E) is intended to face part of the surrounding environment (14).

[0112] In a specific example of FIG. 2, the main direction follows the first direction X.

[0113] The input coupler (24B) and output coupler (24C) are placed on the inner surface (24D) of the main body (24A).

[0114] For example, the input coupler (24B) is arranged at one end of the inner side (24D), and the output coupler (24C) is arranged at the other end of the inner side (24D) along the main direction.

[0115] The input coupler (24B) is facing the projection lens (42).

[0116] The input coupler (24B) forms an incident area of ​​the waveguide (24), allowing a light beam exiting the projector system (22) to enter.

[0117] These input couplers (24B) include surface treatment of a portion of the inner surface (24D) of the main body (24A).

[0118] The above input coupler (24B) is made of a thin film of polymer.

[0119] By definition, a thin film is a film with a thickness of 10 micrometers (μm) or less.

[0120] By definition, an object is made of polymer when the content of the material of the object in the polymer is 80% or more.

[0121] According to a specific embodiment, the polymer is silver halide.

[0122] The output coupler (24C) is directed toward the wearer's (12) eyes (19).

[0123] The output coupler (24C) forms an output region of the waveguide (24).

[0124] The output coupler (24C) includes a surface treatment of a portion of the inner surface (24D) of the main body (24A).

[0125] The output coupler (24C) is made of a thin film of polymer.

[0126] The second optical line (18) is a spread line.

[0127] It is understood that the elements of the second optical line (18) are aligned such that, by the unfolded line that is not folded, the light ray along the second optical line (18) has a substantially straight path (18A) compared to the path of the light ray along the first optical line (16).

[0128] In particular, the second optical line (18) is parallel to the direction of sight of the wearer's eye (19). For example, the second optical line is parallel to the second direction (Y).

[0129] The second optical line (18) includes an optical system (44) configured to project / transmit a second light signal of the surrounding environment to a second region (46) of the retina (19A) of the wearer's eye.

[0130] According to a particular embodiment, the optical system (44) is part of the waveguide (24) indicated by 25. It may be more independent from the waveguide (24). Alternatively, the second optical line (18) reaches the wearer's eye directly from the surrounding environment.

[0131] The limit of this part (25) of the above waveguide (24) is defined by the optical field of view of the wearer (12).

[0132] More precisely, the above part (25) is the intersection point of the wearer's (12) field of view and the waveguide.

[0133] The above part (25) includes an output coupler (24C).

[0134] The second optical line (18) and waveguide (24) are arranged so that light from the second optical line (18) propagates along a general direction perpendicular to the main direction of the waveguide (24). For example, the general direction follows the second direction Y.

[0135] Two optical lines (16, 18) are arranged so that there is no intersection (void) between the first region (23) and the second region (46) of the retina (19A). The space between the first region (23) and the second region (46) is called the "void region (48)".

[0136] Alternatively, or in combination with the previous arrangement, two optical lines (16, 18) are arranged so that the second region (46) surrounds the first region (23).

[0137] According to a particular embodiment, the viewing device (10) includes at least one lens for correcting vision defects, such as eyeglass lenses, for example. Such a lens for correcting vision defects is preferably positioned in the optical line (16) between the output coupler (24C) and the wearer's eye and / or in the optical line (18) in front of the wearer's eye.

[0138] According to a particular embodiment, the viewing device (10) includes at least one optical filter, for example, a color optical filter. Such a filter may be positioned along an optical line (16) (for example, between the collimating lens (28) and the internal total reflection prism (30), and / or between the internal total reflection prism (30) and the digital micromirror device (32), and / or between the DMD and the projection lens (42), and / or between the projection lens and the waveguide (24)) and / or along an optical line (18).

[0139] Now, the operation of the viewing device (10) is described by referring to the method of projecting a light signal into the wearer's eyes.

[0140] According to a special embodiment, the viewing device (10) is in the form of a pair of glasses.

[0141] This method includes a providing step, a positioning step, and two projection steps.

[0142] During the providing phase, the viewing device (10) is provided to the wearer (12).

[0143] As a specific example, an ophthalmologist provides a viewing device (10) to the wearer (12).

[0144] In the positioning stage, the wearer brings the viewing device and positions it on their head in front of their eyes.

[0145] For example, the viewing device (10) includes a fixing band, and the wearer (12) uses the fixing band to secure the viewing device (10) to the head.

[0146] The two stages of projection are achieved simultaneously.

[0147] According to the first projection step, the first light signal is projected onto the first region (23) of the retina (19A) by the first optical line (16).

[0148] The first light signal to be projected is generated by a light signal generator (20).

[0149] More precisely, the incident light (31) generated from the fiber LED (26) is transmitted to the TIR prism (30).

[0150] The light beam (31) is reflected toward the micromirror device (32) by the reflective surface (30C) of the input prism (30).

[0151] In a function of the micromirror position of the micromirror device (32), the light beam is divided into selected parts, and the light signal to be projected and the discarded parts are reproduced.

[0152] The selected portion is projected through the output prism (302).

[0153] The light rays coming from the projection surface (30B) are transmitted through the projection lens (42).

[0154] The light ray exiting the projected lens (42) is transmitted to the waveguide (24) through the input coupler (24B).

[0155] The main body (24A) of the above waveguide (24) transmits the light beam to the output coupler (24C), thereby allowing the light beam to exit the waveguide (24).

[0156] The light ray exiting the output coupler is projected onto the first region (23) of the wearer's (12) retina.

[0157] At the same time, the method includes a second stage of projection.

[0158] According to the second projection step, an ambient light signal (i.e., the second light signal) is projected onto the second optical line (18).

[0159] A ray from the surroundings passes through the main body (24A) of the waveguide (24) and reaches the second region (46) of the retina (19A).

[0160] Light rays from the surrounding environment are transmitted into the main body (24A) by the outer surface (24E), pass through the main body (24A) and exit the waveguide by the output coupler (24C), and are projected onto the second region (46) of the retina (19A).

[0161] The above waveguide (24) will allow the optical signal generator (20) to be positioned away from the wearer's field of vision while maintaining the patient's peripheral vision intact.

[0162] Using a fiber LED (26) together with the above-mentioned reflective prism (30) also makes it possible to move the LED away from the projection system, thereby reducing the heating problem for the wearer (12).

[0163] Additionally, the second optical signal projected through the second optical line (18) completes the optical signal projected through the first optical line to reconstruct part of the surrounding environment.

[0164] Additionally, thanks to the second optical line (18), it is ensured that a second light signal is projected onto a second region (46) of the retina (19A) that does not overlap with the first region (23) of the retina (19A).

[0165] In addition, the viewing device (10) of the present invention can obtain a device independent of pupil size, particularly when the pupil size has a diameter of 3 millimeters (mm) or more.

[0166] The above viewing device (10) also allows the necessary irradiance to be delivered to the retina (19A) of the wearer (12).

[0167] The above viewing device (10) is also compact. In particular, since the first optical line (16) is a folded line, it is possible to bring the elements of the first optical line (16) closer to the waveguide (24).

[0168] Therefore, the dimensions of the viewing device along the second direction are reduced compared to the known viewing device.

[0169] This viewing device also provides the wearer with a field of view of 20° x 30° due to the use of the entire device (10) and, in particular, the TIR prism (30) with the digital micromirror device (32).

[0170] The above viewing device (10) does not obstruct the patient's field of vision.

[0171] According to a specific embodiment, the projection system (22) and / or light signal generator (20) is mounted on the frame of a pair of glasses.

[0172] The above viewing device (10) can be used in the field of vision recovery using a vision prosthesis such as a retinal implant.

[0173] According to a specific embodiment, the viewing device (10) is a device suitable for optogenetics.

[0174] The viewing device (10) defined above may be used for a subject (i.e., a wearer) who suffers from photoreceptor loss or degeneration, such as in cases of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or macular degeneration (MD). As mentioned above, such affection reduces visual acuity, reduces light sensitivity, or causes blindness in part of the subject's field of vision.

[0175] As explained above, some therapies consist of stimulating transfected cells of the retina and / or retinal implants with light.

[0176] The first region (23) of the retina intended to project a light signal having the first optical line (16) comprises cells, more specifically retinal cells, that have been genetically modified to express a photo-gated ion channel protein for optogenetic therapy.

[0177] According to a specific embodiment, the photo-gated ion channel protein is selected from the group consisting of Chrimson, ChrimsonR (WO2013 / 71231), ChrimsonR-tdT (WO2017 / 187272), Catch, Channelrhodopsin (US20140121265, US89) and derivatives thereof.

[0178] The first region (23) of the retina, on which a light signal having the first optical line (16) is projected, includes a retinal implant to be stimulated.

[0179] The retinal region is stimulated by light signals from the surrounding environment, more specifically, by light rays that reproduce images.

[0180] The projected light signal reconstructs the field of vision lost due to photoreceptor loss or the degeneration of the subject's gaze direction function.

[0181] The light ray that stimulates a part of the retina with the light ray obtained from the first optical line is obtained by the method described above.

[0182] In a detailed embodiment, the ambient light signal projected onto the second optical line (18), more specifically the image, corresponds to the portion of the ambient environment that completes the image, more specifically the light signal projected onto the first line, in a manner that allows the wearer to see the reconstructed light signal of the ambient environment, more specifically the image.

[0183] In addition, the first region (23) of the retina is stimulated by the required optical properties regardless of pupil size.

[0184] In such cases, it should be noted that the threshold values ​​(maximum and minimum) of light intensity are given by phototoxicity standards and are further analyzed in the literature related to the application of light stimulation for ophthalmic or optogenetic therapy (Yan et al. 2016; Delori, Webb, and Sliney 2007; Sliney et al. 2005). For example, in the case of light with a wavelength of 595 nm,

[0185] o The maximum light intensity of the retina is 7 mW / mm 2 (ISO 15004-2 2007, ISO 62471 2006), and

[0186] o The maximum light intensity in the cornea (anterior segment) is 32 mW for a 1 mm diameter disk (ISO 15004-2 2007).

[0187] In addition, considering the luminance dose restriction, the retinal radiant exposure limit is 6.6 J·cm for 48 hours. -2 is (luminance dose limit, ANSI Z136.1 2014).

[0188] According to another specific example, the above viewing device is suitable for a virtual reality device. A head-mounted display is used, for example, for augmented reality, virtual reality, or movie displays.

[0189] In such cases, the light signal projected by the second optical line (18) generally has no specific connection with the surrounding environment.

[0190] The viewing device and method disclosed in relation to the above viewing device (10) can be used in virtual reality or optogenetic applications. Explanation of the symbols

[0191] 10: Viewing device 12: Wearer 16: 1st optical line 18: 2nd optical line 19: Eye 20: Optical signal generator 23: Zone 1 46: Zone 2

Claims

Claim 1 A viewing device (10), wherein the viewing device comprises: - a first optical line (16), wherein the first optical line comprises: - a projection system (22) configured to project a first light signal onto a first region (23) of the retina (19) of the wearer (12) of the viewing device (10); - a light signal generator (20) that generates a first light signal to be projected; and - an input coupler (24B) and an output coupler (24C), wherein the input coupler (24B) and the output coupler (24C) comprise a waveguide (24) configured to transmit light from the input coupler (24B) to the output coupler (24C); wherein the input coupler (24B) and the output coupler (24C) are formed of a polymer having a thickness of less than 10 micrometers. Claim 2 A viewing device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a second optical line (18) including an optical system (44) configured to project a light signal of the surrounding environment onto a second region (46) of the retina (19) of the wearer (12). Claim 3 A viewing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide (24) is translucent. Claim 4 In claim 1, the light signal generator (20) comprises an internal total reflection prism (30) configured to control an incident light ray (30) by an angle (α), a viewing device (10). Claim 5 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in paragraph 4, the angle (α) is included between 20° and 40°. Claim 6 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the two optical lines (16, 18) are arranged such that there is no intersection (void) between the first region (23) and the second region (46). Claim 7 A viewing device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the two optical lines (16, 18) are arranged such that the second region (46) surrounds the first region (23). Claim 8 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the main direction of light transmission (X) is defined for the waveguide (24), and the second optical line (18) and the waveguide (24) are arranged so that the light of the second optical line (18) propagates along a general direction (Y) perpendicular to the main direction of light transmission (X) of the waveguide (24). Claim 9 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the first optical line (16) is a folded line. Claim 10 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the second optical line (18) is a spread line. Claim 11 In claim 9, the viewing device (10) is characterized in that the light signal generator (20) comprises a light source (26), a first optical line (16), a collimating lens (28), an internal total reflection prism (30), a digital micromirror device (32), and a projection lens (42). Claim 12 A viewing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the light signal generator (20) includes a light source (26), and the light source (26) is at least one of a fiber light source and an electroluminescent diode. Claim 13 In claim 1, the viewing device (10) is characterized as being a device for optogenetic use. Claim 14 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in paragraph 1, the viewing device is a virtual reality device. Claim 15 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the second optical line (18) is parallel to the direction of gaze of the wearer's (12) eye (19). Claim 16 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 15, the field of view of the projection system (22) is 15° to 25° along the first direction (X) and 25° to 35° along the second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X). Claim 17 A method for projecting a light signal onto the eye of a wearer of a viewing device (10) comprising a first optical line (16), wherein the first optical line (16) comprises: a projection system (22) configured to project a first light signal onto a first region (23) of the retina (19) of the wearer (12) of the viewing device (10); a light signal generator (20) that generates a first light signal to be projected; and a waveguide (24) comprising an input coupler (24B) and an output coupler (24C), wherein the waveguide (24) is configured to transmit light from the input coupler (24B) to the output coupler (24C); wherein the input coupler (24B) and the output coupler (24C) are formed of a polymer having a thickness of less than 10 micrometers. Claim 18 A method for projecting a light signal according to claim 17, wherein the viewing device (10) further comprises a second optical line (18) including an optical system (44) configured to project a light signal of the surrounding environment onto a second region (46) of the retina (19) of the wearer (12), and wherein the method comprises simultaneously the step of projecting a light signal through the first optical line (16) and the step of projecting a light signal of the surrounding environment through the second optical line (18). Claim 19 A viewing device (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the waveguide (24) is transparent. Claim 20 A viewing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the retina comprises a retinal cell or retinal implant that is genetically modified to express a photo-gated / closed ion channel protein. Claim 21 delete

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