Visual Prosthesis Spatial Fitting by Percept Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual prosthesis fitting methods, both manual and automated, face challenges in achieving long-term stability of projected locations of percepts (PLPs), leading to frequent recalibrations and inaccuracies in hand-camera coordination, especially without consistent corrective feedback.
Innovation Solution
An improved spatial fitting and training system that maps projected locations of percepts over time, allowing for continuous correction and recalibration to maintain accurate alignment of visual stimuli with the electrode array, using a combination of physical and electronic adjustments based on real-time data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or automated fitting methods are used for visual prosthesis, then initial spatial alignment can be achieved, but long-term stability of projected locations of percepts deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by tracking the actual projected locations of percepts over time and comparing them with intended locations. This feedback loop enables automatic recalibration to maintain spatial alignment accuracy without requiring frequent manual interventions, thereby resolving the contradiction between initial precision and long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting system transitions from static initial calibration to dynamic continuous adaptation. By monitoring PLP variations over time and automatically adjusting the mapping parameters, the system maintains optimal spatial alignment despite changes in the visual prosthesis performance or patient conditions, thus achieving both precision and stability.
2Measurement precision
If frequent recalibrations are performed to maintain spatial alignment, then pointing accuracy can be maintained, but time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting deviations in projected percept locations and correcting the mapping parameters without external intervention. This self-service capability maintains pointing accuracy continuously while eliminating the time loss associated with manual recalibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of periodic discrete recalibrations, the system implements continuous automatic adjustment of spatial mapping parameters. This continuous useful action ensures pointing accuracy is maintained at all times without the interruptions and time losses associated with frequent manual recalibration sessions.
3Measurement precision
If corrective feedback is provided consistently during fitting, then spatial mapping accuracy improves, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual feedback mechanisms with automated computational algorithms. The spatial mapping accuracy is improved through software-based tracking and correction of projected percept locations, eliminating the need for complex physical adjustment mechanisms or extensive manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved spatial fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. The system of the present invention maps projected locations of percepts, where a person perceives a percept from a visual prosthesis to the intended location of the percepts. The projected location may vary over time. These test results can be used to correct a visual prosthesis or spatially map the visual prosthesis.