SLSMA Retinal Projection via Microlens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for targeting specific areas of the retina surface are invasive and difficult to implement, particularly for therapeutic and diagnostic applications, as they often require direct interface with neurons or chemical injection, which are not practical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A surgically implanted device with a microlens array and light generation panel that projects images onto specific areas of the retina based on a stored mapping, using wireless communication and AI optimization, allowing precise targeting of healthy retina areas to reduce or eliminate scotomas caused by damaged areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct interface with retinal neurons or chemical injection is used to target specific areas of the retina, then therapeutic and diagnostic precision is improved, but surgical invasiveness and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (imaging system + light generation panel + microlens array) that mediates between the external world and the retinal surface. This optical intermediary allows precise retinal targeting without direct neural interface, resolving the contradiction by providing a non-invasive path to achieve precise retinal stimulation through optical projection rather than direct electrical or chemical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/surgical direct interface methods with an optical system. Instead of mechanically contacting or chemically injecting into retinal neurons, the system uses light generation and optical projection to achieve retinal targeting, substituting a non-invasive optical mechanism for invasive mechanical approaches
2Measurement precision
If a stored mapping is used to determine the projected area on the retina, then targeting precision is improved, but device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mapping of the retinal surface characteristics and stores this mapping data in the device before actual therapeutic use. This preliminary characterization of the individual patient's retina allows the system to automatically determine precise projection areas without requiring complex real-time adjustments during treatment, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high precision
3Volume of moving object
If the imaging system, control circuitry, light generation panel, and microlens array are integrated in a chip stack, then device miniaturization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (imaging system, control circuitry, light generation panel, and microlens array) into a single integrated chip stack. This consolidation achieves miniaturization suitable for ocular implantation while the modular chip architecture facilitates standardized manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between small size and manufacturability
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 device provides a less invasive solution for mapping and treating retinal damage by projecting images onto healthy areas, improving visual function and reducing scotomas, making it more accessible for broader medical application.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array and light generation panel that are configured to generate and project an image onto a retina of the eye
Implementation Method 2
the microlens array comprises an array of optical lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A surgically implanted ocular optical array that can be used in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications is described. A device configured to be implanted in an eye includes: an imaging system that receives visible light incoming to the eye; and a light generation panel and a microlens array that are configured to generate and project an image onto a retina of the eye in which the device is implanted, the image being based on the light received by the imaging system