Hybrid Fitting System for Visual Prosthesis Electrode Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fitting visual prostheses are either inefficient and prone to errors in automated systems or tedious and error-prone in manual systems, lacking a balanced approach to accurately measure stimulation thresholds for each electrode in a visual prosthesis.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid system combining computer-controlled and manual processes, using a maximum likelihood algorithm to determine stimulation levels and incorporating a hybrid threshold program that adapts between constant stimuli and adaptive methods for efficient and accurate threshold measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated fitting methods are used, then efficiency is improved, but error-proneness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hybrid fitting system that acts as an intermediary between fully automated and fully manual methods. The system uses automated presentation of stimuli and collection of patient responses, but incorporates manual verification steps and hybrid threshold algorithms that combine automated efficiency with human judgment to reduce errors while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the fitting process by implementing a hybrid threshold program that adapts between constant stimuli and adaptive methods. This allows the system to optimize stimulation parameters dynamically, improving both efficiency and reliability by selecting the most appropriate measurement approach for each electrode based on real-time performance metrics.
2Reliability
If manual fitting methods are used, then error rate is reduced, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid fitting system serves as an intermediary that combines the reliability of manual methods with the efficiency of automated methods. It automates the presentation of stimuli and collection of responses (improving efficiency) while incorporating manual verification and hybrid algorithms that reduce error rates associated with purely automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fitting process into distinct phases: automated stimulus presentation and response collection, hybrid threshold algorithm processing, and manual verification steps. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, maintaining high efficiency in data collection while ensuring reliability through targeted manual review of critical measurements.
3Measurement precision
If constant stimuli method is used, then measurement stability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic hybrid threshold program that adapts between constant stimuli and adaptive methods based on real-time measurement conditions. For electrodes requiring high precision, the system uses constant stimuli presentations to ensure measurement stability. For electrodes where quick estimation is sufficient, the system transitions to adaptive methods to reduce time consumption, creating a dynamic measurement strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes measurement parameters dynamically by switching between constant stimuli and adaptive approaches. It monitors measurement progress and adjusts the stimulation protocol accordingly, using constant stimuli when precision is critical and adaptive methods when time is constrained, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement accuracy and time efficiency.
4Productivity
If adaptive method is used, then time efficiency is improved, but measurement stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid threshold program dynamically adjusts the measurement approach based on the specific electrode being tested and the progress of the fitting process. It uses adaptive methods to quickly establish initial thresholds for time efficiency, then transitions to constant stimuli presentations when higher measurement precision is required, creating a dynamic measurement strategy that adapts to each situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary adaptive measurements to quickly establish initial threshold estimates, then uses these preliminary results to guide subsequent constant stimuli presentations for verification. This preliminary action approach allows the system to benefit from the speed of adaptive methods while ensuring measurement stability through follow-up constant stimuli testing of critical electrodes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a reliable and efficient method for determining the necessary stimulation levels for each electrode, improving the accuracy and efficiency of visual prosthesis fitting, reducing errors and enhancing the effectiveness of visual perception for users.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary inductive coil receives power and data from a primary inductive coil
Implementation Method 2
Neural tissue can be artificially stimulated and activated by prosthetic devices that pass pulses of electrical current through electrodes on such a device. The passage of current causes changes in electrical potentials across visual neuronal membranes, which can initiate visual neuron action potentials
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present invention is an improved fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. Fitting a visual prosthesis through automated means is challenging and fitting a visual prosthesis manually is tedious for clinician and patent, and provides great opportunity for error. A hybrid of computer controlled and manual fitting provides effective, efficient and controlled fitting process. The process includes testing a group of electrodes in random order by providing a prompt followed by stimulation and the patient responding if they saw a percept. After each set, a maximum likelihood algorithm is used to determine the next stimulation level, or if further stimulation is needed for each electrode.