Retinal Prosthesis Pixel Timing for Reliable Color Perception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial retinas with low pixel counts and limited color perception capabilities fail to provide effective color visual perception, and existing time mode stimulation schemes are unreliable for achieving color vision.

Innovation Solution

An artificial retinal prosthesis using spatiotemporal electrical stimulation with synchronized lighted and dark periods for main and auxiliary pixel units to induce color perception, mimicking the Fechner Color effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If time mode stimulation scheme is used to induce color perception, then color vision capability is improved, but reliability and universality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor vision capabilityVSAvoidreliability of color perception

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a temporal modulation scheme where pixel units are activated in alternating lighted and dark periods. This periodic stimulation pattern (repeating cycles of on/off states) induces color perception through temporal contrast, transforming a static stimulation approach into a dynamic periodic one that reliably generates color vision in the artificial retina system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If pixel units are increased to improve image resolution, then visual quality is improved, but color perception capability remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcolor perception capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static pixel activation to dynamic temporal modulation. Pixel units are not merely increased in number but are dynamically controlled through alternating lighted and dark periods, creating time-varying stimulation patterns that enable color perception. This dynamic approach allows existing high-resolution pixel arrays to gain color functionality without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by adding the temporal dimension to spatial pixel arrangement. Instead of relying solely on spatial distribution of pixels for resolution, the invention introduces temporal modulation (lighted/dark periods) as an additional dimension. This transforms the stimulation paradigm from purely spatial to spatio-temporal, enabling color perception while preserving high spatial resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If conventional artificial retinas are upgraded to show color images, then visual experience is improved, but practical reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual experience qualityVSAvoidpractical operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing synchronized control between main and auxiliary pixel units. The auxiliary pixel units provide reference stimulation that feeds back into the overall perception system, allowing the artificial retina to self-regulate and maintain reliable color perception. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent performance across different viewing conditions and enhances practical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 spatiotemporal electrical stimulation synchronizes pixel units to create color perception, providing RGB color vision by alternating lighted and dark periods, enhancing visual experience.

Implementation Method 1

The spatiotemporal electrical stimulation synchronizes pixel units to create color perception, providing RGB color vision by alternating lighted and dark periods, enhancing visual experience.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFechner Color effect:

Data Source

PatentUS20250381401A1Method and device for inducing the perception of color in a visual prosthesis

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 IRIDIUM MEDICAL TECH

AI summary

An artificial retinal prosthesis is disclosed for electrically stimulating a retina of an eye by spatiotemporal electrical stimulation to provide color visual perception. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of pixel group units, each including a main pixel unit and at least one auxiliary pixel unit. The main and auxiliary pixel units are driven according to different sequences of cycles, each cycle comprising a dark period followed by a lighted period, such that the pixel units intermittently output lighted pulses. During the lighted periods, the main pixel unit is nominally turned on for at least one lighted duration except for an off duration while the auxiliary pixel units are continuously turned on for the entire lighted period. During the dark periods, both the main pixel unit and the auxiliary pixel units are continuously turned off for the entire dark period.