Artificial Retinal Prosthesis Using Pixel-Group Timing for Color Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial retinas provide limited color visual perception and there is a lack of effective systems that can reliably achieve color vision after practical operations.
Innovation Solution
An artificial retinal prosthesis using spatiotemporal electrical stimulation with pixel group units, comprising main and surrounding pixel units, to stimulate retinal cells synchronously with different time sequences and distributions, mimicking the Fechner Color effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional artificial retinas use simple pixel electrodes for stimulation, then the device structure remains simple, but color visual perception cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel electrode is divided into multiple sub-electrodes (e.g., red, green, blue sub-electrodes) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different wavelengths of light to be simulated by selectively activating specific sub-electrodes, enabling color perception while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporal modulation of electrode stimulation with specific duty cycles (e.g., 20%-80% active period) to create color perception. By periodically activating electrodes in different patterns and durations, the system simulates different color sensations based on the Fechner color effect, achieving color vision without complex hardware modifications.
2Device complexity
If pixel electrodes are stimulated simultaneously, then the control system remains simple, but color perception cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
Different pixel electrodes are stimulated at different time points within each frame period, creating temporal separation of stimulation signals. This time-division multiplexing approach allows the control system to differentiate between various color channels by their timing patterns, enabling accurate color perception while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation patterns dynamically change across different time points and frames, with each pixel electrode having unique activation timing and duty cycle characteristics. This dynamic stimulation strategy enables the system to encode color information in the temporal domain, achieving color differentiation without requiring complex spatial arrangements.
3Ease of manufacture
If all pixel electrodes have the same stimulation pattern, then the manufacturing process remains simple, but color differentiation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall stimulation framework remains uniform and easy to manufacture, each pixel electrode is assigned specific local characteristics such as unique duty cycles (e.g., 20%-80% active period), different sub-electrode configurations, and specific temporal patterns. These localized variations enable color differentiation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized production processes.
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 system provides patients with a true perception of RGB color vision by synchronously stimulating retinal cells with spatiotemporal electrical patterns, enhancing color perception.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pixel group units comprises a main pixel unit and at least one surrounding pixel unit adjacent to the main pixel unit, which are configured to receive an external visual image entering eyes of the user
Implementation Method 2
The main pixel unit and the surrounding pixel unit respectively outputs an electrical stimulation waveform according to a first stimulation cycle and a second stimulation cycle respectively to retinal cells of the user for inducing a color perception
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial retinal prosthesis is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of pixel group units to output a spatiotemporal electrical stimulation for inducing color perception. Each of the pixel group units comprises a main pixel unit and at least one surrounding pixel unit. The main pixel unit and the surrounding pixel unit respectively outputs an electrical stimulation waveform according to a first stimulation cycle and a second stimulation cycle. Both of the first stimulation cycle and the second stimulation cycle have a first-half duration and a second-half duration. The first-half duration of the first stimulation cycle has inactive period greater than 20% and less than 80% and the rest of the first stimulation cycle is active period. The second-half duration of the first stimulation cycle is inactive period. The first-half duration of the second stimulation cycle is active period and the second-half duration of the second stimulation cycle is inactive period.