Retina Prosthesis Dual-Array Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retina prostheses are limited in resolution, unable to recognize colors or complex scenes, restricting the ability of blind patients to quickly recognize and interact with their environment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include a recognition module to interpret image meaning and a meaning transmission module to convert this information into corresponding electrical signals for the retina, enhancing the ability to recognize colors, facial features, specific objects, and spatial positions, thereby improving the recognition of complex scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the existing retina prosthesis uses a microelectrode array with limited channels (60 channels maximum), then the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are reduced, but the resolution and image quality are severely limited, allowing only contour recognition without color or detailed information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the visual information processing into two separate channels: a first microelectrode array for transmitting image contour information and a second microelectrode array for transmitting color information. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized independently, with the first array focused on spatial resolution and the second array on color discrimination, thereby achieving high overall resolution without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional retina prosthesis system where the first microelectrode array handles grayscale/image structure transmission while the second microelectrode array handles color information transmission. Both arrays work together to provide comprehensive visual information, making the system universally capable of transmitting both spatial and chromatic data through a unified implantable device
2Ease of operation
If the retina prosthesis transmits only contour information through electrical pulses, then the ease of operation and signal processing simplicity are improved, but the loss of information increases significantly, as color and detailed scene information cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments visual information into distinct components: spatial contour data transmitted through the first microelectrode array and color data transmitted through the second microelectrode array. This segmentation allows each array to transmit specialized information types efficiently, reducing the complexity of encoding and decoding while minimizing information loss by dedicating specific channels to specific data types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to visual information transmission by introducing a second microelectrode array specifically for color information. This dimensional expansion transforms the system from transmitting only spatial grayscale data to transmitting both spatial and chromatic data, thereby recovering lost visual information without complicating the fundamental electrical pulse transmission mechanism
3Reliability
If the existing retina prosthesis provides only low-resolution contour images, then the reliability and stability of the basic function are maintained, but the adaptability decreases, as blind patients cannot quickly recognize complex scenes or colors in their environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual processing function into two independent but complementary pathways: one for spatial structure recognition (first array) and one for color recognition (second array). This segmentation maintains the reliability of each individual pathway while collectively providing the adaptability needed for complex scene recognition, as each pathway can be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universally adaptable retina prosthesis that can handle multiple types of visual information simultaneously. The dual-array system provides multi-functionality by enabling both contour-based spatial awareness and color-based object identification, allowing blind patients to adapt to various environmental conditions and recognize diverse scenes with improved versatility while maintaining operational reliability
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
Enables blind patients to perceive dual information about images and scene content, expanding their ability to recognize complex environments and improving their quality of life by providing detailed visual information.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical pulse will be emitted from the microelectrode to stimulate the imaging-related retina neuron in the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for image recognition based on a retina prosthesis. The method includes: recognizing meaning of an image captured; and converting the meaning of the image into a corresponding meaning prompt signal and transmitting the meaning prompt signal to a corresponding retina prosthesis electrode in connection with a retina. The method can effectively improve the problem that the existing retina prosthesis cannot recognize colors or complex scenes, enhance the recognition function of the retina prosthesis, and improve the quality of life of blind patients.