Visual Prosthesis Percept Control via Amplitude and Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual prostheses with multiple electrodes face challenges in adjusting each electrode for optimal size, brightness, and shape of percepts without patient interaction, as individual responses vary significantly across the retina, making manual adjustment cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that independently adjust the amplitude and frequency of pulsed electrical signals applied to electrodes in a visual prosthesis to control the size and brightness of percepts, using a model derived from measuring the effects of amplitude and frequency on percept size and brightness, allowing for controlled stimulation without patient interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of each electrode is performed to optimize percept size, brightness, and shape, then individualized percept quality is improved, but the time and complexity of the fitting process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic electrode adjustment using computational models and algorithms that independently optimize stimulation parameters for each electrode based on measured percept characteristics, eliminating the need for manual clinician adjustment and patient interaction during the fitting process
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates optimal stimulation parameters using computational models before actual use, allowing the prosthesis to be pre-fitted with optimized settings that can be automatically applied without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment sessions
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of each electrode is performed to optimize stimulation parameters, then percept quality is improved, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment procedures with automated computational algorithms and electronic control systems that calculate and apply optimal stimulation parameters, transforming a complex manual process into an automated computational task
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces computational models and algorithms as intermediaries between the electrode array and the patient, automatically translating desired percept outcomes into specific stimulation parameters without requiring direct manual manipulation of each electrode
3Illumination intensity
If stimulation amplitude is increased to improve percept brightness, then brightness is improved, but percept size also increases which may reduce spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system independently optimizes stimulation amplitude and frequency parameters to achieve desired percept characteristics, using computational models to determine the specific combination of parameters that maximizes brightness while maintaining acceptable spatial resolution for each electrode
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
Enables flexible and efficient adjustment of percept size and brightness across multiple electrodes, improving the resolution and contrast of visual representations for patients, while maintaining system stability and safety by optimizing stimulation patterns based on computational models.
Implementation Method 1
Neural tissue can be artificially stimulated and activated by prosthetic devices that pass pulses of electrical current through electrodes on the prosthetic devices. The passage of current causes changes in electrical potentials across visual neuronal membranes, which can initiate visual neuron action potentials.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of electrically stimulating percepts in a patient with a visual prosthesis are discussed. Changes in amplitude of stimulation increase both the perceived brightness and the perceived size of the precept. Changes in frequency of stimulation change the perceived brightness without altering the perceived size of the percept. Hence, a source image may be mapped to a combination of amplitude and frequency that best induces the desired image.