Retinal Pattern Projection Using Pointing-Guided Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retinal implants and optogenetic modifications face challenges in accurately projecting and aligning an optical pattern of interest onto a predefined retinal area, leading to confusion and potential dazzling due to misalignment and low resolution, especially when the field of view exceeds the size of the light beam and retinal implant.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera, projector device, and processor that aligns a predefined retinal area with a pointing element, using image processing and hand-eye coordination to facilitate the projection of a pattern of interest by adjusting the camera and light beam based on detected pointing elements, such as fingers or digital pencils, to ensure proper alignment and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the field of view of the camera is made larger to capture more visual information, then the quantity of information increases, but the alignment precision between the light beam and the retinal implant decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the visual information by detecting a pointing element (such as a finger or digital pencil) in the captured image and identifying a predefined region adjacent to it. Only the portion of the image within this predefined region is converted into the light beam pattern, effectively segmenting the large field of view into a smaller, relevant area that maintains alignment precision while still providing useful visual information.
2Manufacturing precision
If the size of the light beam is reduced to match the retinal implant area, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the quantity of visual information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the camera's large field of view and the retinal implant's limited area. It detects the pointing element, identifies the predefined region, and converts only that specific portion into the light beam pattern. This intermediary processing step allows the system to maintain precise alignment with the retinal implant while still providing a meaningful amount of visual information from the larger captured image.
3Measurement precision
If the resolution of the retinal implant is increased to improve pattern identification, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential visual information from the captured image by focusing on the predefined region adjacent to the detected pointing element. This extraction approach provides sufficient pattern identification resolution for the patient's needs without requiring a high-resolution retinal implant, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while still achieving the goal of clear pattern 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 the patient's ability to focus on and identify the pattern of interest by optimizing alignment and resolution, reducing confusion and improving visual clarity through intuitive hand movements and visual feedback, even in cases of partial or full vision loss.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel has one or several photodiodes that capture the light delivered from a visual processor and converts it into electrical current for stimulation
Implementation Method 2
The light beam may be output e.g. in the infrared range, thereby ensuring that areas of the retina that have not been modified or have not been adapted with an implant are not affected by the projected light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for projecting an optical pattern of interest into a human eye in a selective manner. In particular, the invention relates to a system for supporting the identification of an optical pattern of interest and to project said pattern of interest onto a predefined retinal area of the human eye. Accordingly, a system (10) for projecting an optical pattern of interest (28) onto a predefined retinal area (22) of a human eye is suggested, comprising a camera (12) for capturing an image, a projector device (14) for projecting a light beam (20) into a human eye based on an inputted signal, and a processor (16) being in communication with the camera (12) and the projector device (14), the processor (16) being adapted to convert a portion of the captured image into a corresponding signal and to output said signal to the projector device (14). According to the invention, the processor (16) is further adapted to detect a presence of a pointing element (34) in the captured image and to convert the portion of the captured image corresponding to a predefined region (30) of the image relative to the detected pointing element (34) and comprising at least in part the pattern of interest (28).