Retinal Prosthesis Digital Core for High-Density Pixel Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial retinas face challenges with non-planar retinal tissue compatibility, electrode interference, and complex circuitry issues, particularly with increasing pixel density and image resolution, which affect user comfort and visual experience.
Innovation Solution
An artificial retinal prosthesis with a digital core that utilizes a pixel array and processing unit, incorporating an ADC, digital core with ANN, and DAC to optimize neural stimulation levels by calculating electrical stimulation waveforms based on image data and neighboring pixel inputs, enhancing image resolution and user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixel electrodes is increased to improve image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but circuit complexity and signal processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog circuitry with a digital processing system. A digital signal processor (DSP) or microprocessor receives analog signals from pixel electrodes, converts them to digital signals via ADC, processes them digitally, and outputs stimulation signals via DAC. This substitution of mechanical/analog systems with digital processing reduces circuit complexity while maintaining high image resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single digital processing unit that handles multiple functions: signal acquisition from multiple pixel electrodes, analog-to-digital conversion, image processing, stimulation waveform generation, and digital-to-analog conversion. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated circuits for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If more pixel electrodes are added to improve image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex signal processing circuitry with digital signal processing. Analog signals from multiple pixel electrodes are converted to digital signals by an ADC (analog-to-digital converter), then processed by a digital signal processor or microprocessor. This digital approach simplifies the handling of multiple signals compared to analog processing, reducing signal processing complexity while supporting high pixel density for improved image resolution.
3Ease of manufacture
If planar chip electrodes are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but electrode interference increases and image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar (flat) electrode arrangements to a curved or three-dimensional electrode configuration. The electrode array is arranged in a curved pattern that follows the retinal surface topology, reducing interference between adjacent electrodes while maintaining manufacturability through flexible substrate techniques. This curved arrangement improves image resolution by reducing electrode crosstalk while still allowing for standardized manufacturing 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 digital core efficiently processes large data volumes to optimize neural stimulation patterns, improving image resolution and user comfort by reducing electrode interference and complex circuitry issues, thereby enhancing the visual experience.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pixels comprises a photosensor to receive image
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial prosthesis is disclosed, which comprises a pixel array, a correlated double sampling unit, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital core, and a digital-to-analog converter. The digital core is configured to perform a calculation of electrical stimulation waveform of each of the pixels by using a processing function of an ANN. As such, the neural stimulation levels for artificial vision can be optimized.