Optogenetic Light Control via Spatial Intensity Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for restoring vision in individuals with retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration, do not provide optimal comfort and perception, as they often require high light intensities that can be uncomfortable and are not adaptable to the specific needs of the eye's anatomy and disease conditions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for controlling a device that projects a light beam onto the eye, which adjusts the radiant power to ensure safe and efficient illumination by varying the light intensity spatially, using a filtering process based on the gaze direction, eye anatomy, and disease parameters to optimize image projection and light delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high light intensity is used to activate photoreactive proteins in optogenetic therapy, then minimum level of protein activation is achieved, but discomfort and phototoxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein activation levelVSAvoidphototoxicity and discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining different maximum light intensities for different portions of the light beam based on the specific anatomy of the eye. Each portion of the eye receives light intensity tailored to its local characteristics, ensuring sufficient activation without excessive phototoxicity in any specific region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by adjusting the light intensity in real-time based on pupil size measurements. The system dynamically adapts the radiant power of the light source to match the current state of the eye, optimizing the balance between activation efficacy and safety margins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed light intensity is used in current solutions, then device control is simplified, but adaptability to specific eye anatomy and disease conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidadaptability to eye anatomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by measuring the pupil size and using this information to adjust the light intensity. The system continuously monitors eye characteristics and adapts the illumination parameters accordingly, enabling personalized treatment without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically determining appropriate light intensities based on measured pupil size and eye anatomy. The device serves itself by adapting to the user's specific conditions without requiring external intervention or complex programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method provides improved comfort and perception by ensuring that the light dose remains below safety thresholds while efficiently illuminating the eye, allowing for better vision restoration and reduced phototoxicity, enabling users to explore a larger visual field using eye movements.

Implementation Method 1

providing illuminating device able to provide light to said photoreactive proteins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the conversion of light into electrical and chemical signals that propagate a cascade of events within the visual system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhototransduction: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

device adapted for projecting a light beam on at least a part of an eye of a wearer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection and focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3765150B1Method for controlling an optogenetic device using a command law for the radiant power of a light source and associated devices
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 GENSIGHT BIOLOGICS
  • EP3765150B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3765150B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3765150B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention concerns a computer implemented method for controlling a device (40) adapted for projecting a light beam on at least a part of an eye of a wearer, the device (40) having an optical module comprising a light source (52), a pupil being defined for the part of the eye, the method comprising a step of providing the size of the pupil, determining a command law of the radiant power of the light source (52), the command law being determined on the provided pupil size, and sending the determined command law to the light source (52), wherein a maximum light intensity and a minimum light intensity are defined for the part of the eye and, at the step of determining, the command law further depends from at least one parameter selected in the group of the maximum light intensity and a minimum light intensity, each one of the maximum light intensity and the minimum light intensity varying spatially in the part of the eye.