Retinal Prosthesis Electrode Array Segmentation Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retinal prostheses face challenges in mimicking natural visual function with high resolution and dynamic range while minimizing electrical power consumption due to space and physiological constraints, leading to inefficiencies in electrical circuits and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A retinal prosthesis device with an array of electrodes and integrated light-sensing elements, conversion circuits, and a common voltage reconstruction circuit that generates pulses based on light intensity differences, minimizing power consumption by deactivating electrodes when voltage drops and using efficient processing circuitry to maintain visual function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If retinal prostheses use high resolution and high dynamic range to mimic natural visual function, then visual performance is improved, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independently controllable groups that can be activated in alternating time periods. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high resolution capability when needed while reducing power consumption by activating only subsets of electrodes at any given time, thus resolving the contradiction between visual performance and power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis employs periodic alternating activation of different electrode groups rather than continuous operation. By switching between active and inactive periods for different electrode subsets, the system maintains visual functionality while significantly reducing average power consumption, addressing the energy-performance tradeoff.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retinal prostheses maintain high dynamic range for light intensity detection, then visual sensitivity is improved, but circuit efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which electrode groups are active based on operational requirements and power availability. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the prosthesis to adapt its dynamic range and sensitivity characteristics while maintaining circuit efficiency by avoiding continuous full-power operation of all circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis changes operational parameters such as active electrode subsets and time-period allocations based on power conditions and visual requirements. This parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain high dynamic range capability when needed while improving circuit efficiency under power-constrained conditions.
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 solution enhances the performance and reduces power consumption of retinal prostheses by efficiently stimulating neurons with minimal energy waste, maintaining visual function even with reduced power availability, and mimicking biological light sensing responses.
Implementation Method 1
Light-sensing elements in a second array are configured to output respective signals in response to light that is incident on the elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device includes an array of electrodes (26), configured for implantation in contact with tissue in an eye (22) of a living subject. Driver circuitry (46) is configured to drive the electrodes (26) in an alternating pattern, such that different groups of the electrodes are driven to stimulate the tissue during different, predetermined respective time periods. A power sensor (132), may be coupled to deactivate a first group of the electrodes when the available electrical power drops below a predetermined threshold, while a second group of the electrodes remains active. Other embodiments are also described.