Retinal Electromagnetic Stimulation for Restoring Color Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioelectronic retinal prostheses provide only monochromatic vision, lacking chromatic information, making it difficult for the blind or visually impaired to distinguish objects and navigate their surroundings effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that modulates electromagnetic stimulation based on detected colors using a visualization device, such as a camera, to stimulate the retina with specific frequencies, enabling perception of color through frequency modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bioelectronic retinal prostheses are used to restore vision in blind or visually impaired people, then some aspect of vision is restored, but the vision is monochromatic and lacks chromatic information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the frequency of electromagnetic stimulation to encode color information. Different stimulation frequencies correspond to different colors, allowing the retinal prosthesis to convey chromatic information through frequency modulation while maintaining reliable vision restoration through established electromagnetic stimulation methods
2Loss of information
If electromagnetic stimulation parameters are varied based on detected color to enhance color perception, then color perception is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single electromagnetic stimulation device that performs multiple functions: it provides both vision restoration and color perception enhancement. The device modulates stimulation frequency based on detected color information, allowing one device to convey both spatial and chromatic information without requiring separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the frequency of electromagnetic stimulation according to detected color. This allows the device to encode color information in the stimulation parameter itself, eliminating the need for additional hardware components and reducing overall device complexity while still providing enhanced color perception
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
Enhances color perception in the blind or visually impaired, facilitating object recognition, orientation, and mobility by providing color content information without increasing spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
A method of causing or enhancing the perception of color in a blind or visually impaired person may comprise: varying a parameter of electromagnetic stimulation of an electromagnetic stimulation device, associated with an eye of the blind or visually impaired person
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for causing or enhancing the perception of color in a blind or visually impaired person. The system may comprise: an electromagnetic stimulation device associated with the blind or visually impaired person; and a visualization device for receiving an image and detecting a color of an object in the image, wherein the electromagnetic stimulation device is configured to stimulate the blind or visually impaired person based on a parameter of electromagnetic stimulation that varies based on the color detected by the visualization device. The method may comprise: varying a parameter of electromagnetic stimulation of an electromagnetic stimulation device, associated with an eye of the blind or visually impaired person, based on which color is detected by a visualization device that is used in conjunction with the electromagnetic stimulation device; and stimulating the eye with the electromagnetic stimulation device according to the parameter of electromagnetic stimulation.