Intraocular Implant Wireless Video Relay for Retinal Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for vision impairment due to corneal damage or disease, such as corneal transplants and artificial corneas, face issues with transplant rejection and surgical complications, and often result in low visual acuity, while individuals with functioning retinas but impaired corneas are left blind.
Innovation Solution
An intraocular system comprising a headset and an implant that captures video of a scene using a camera and wirelessly transmits it to an image formation device, such as a micro-display, to project images onto the retina, enhancing or augmenting visual experience by processing and presenting video streams based on user input and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corneal transplant or artificial cornea is used to treat vision impairment, then the corneal damage is addressed, but transplant rejection and surgical complications occur, and visual acuity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the image formation function from the cornea and relocates it to an intraocular implant. The implant captures images externally and projects them directly onto the retina, bypassing the damaged cornea entirely. This eliminates the need for corneal transplantation and its associated rejection risks while providing clear visual input to the functional retina.
Solution Approach 2:
The intraocular implant acts as an intermediary device between the external visual environment and the retina. It captures optical images through the damaged cornea (or around it), processes them, and projects enhanced images directly onto the retinal surface, mediating the visual pathway and bypassing the corneal barrier.
2Measurement precision
If corneal transplant or artificial cornea is used, then corneal damage is treated, but visual acuity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The implant changes the parameters of the projected images by adjusting brightness, contrast, focus, and magnification to optimize visual acuity. The system can enhance image quality parameters dynamically based on viewing conditions and user needs, providing clear, high-contrast images that maximize the visual capability of the functional retina.
3Measurement precision
If the image formation device presents detailed augmented or enhanced video streams, then visual experience is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements variable processing levels where it can present full augmented/enhanced video streams with all processing features when visual acuity is prioritized, or reduce processing intensity and detail when power conservation is needed. This allows dynamic adjustment between visual quality and power consumption based on user needs and battery status.
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
The system provides improved visual acuity for visually impaired individuals by enhancing or augmenting visual representations, allowing them to perceive scenes similar to those with normal vision, with features like brightness adjustment, object notification, and zooming capabilities, while also optimizing power consumption and user control.
Implementation Method 1
the headset may include a camera that captures video (images) of a scene that is before the person
Implementation Method 2
the implant may then use an image formation device, such as a micro-display, to present the video towards the user's retina
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a headset that is part of an intraocular system that includes an implant that includes an image formation device. The headset captures, by a camera of the headset that is being worn by a user, a first video stream that includes a visual representation of an environment of the headset. The headset determines whether the first video stream is to be enhanced, and responsive to determining that the first video stream is to be enhanced, producing a second video stream that includes an enhanced visual representation of the environment. The headset transmits, via a wireless connection, the second video stream to the implant that is inside an eye of the user, wherein the implant is configured to use the image formation device to present the second video stream.