Visual Prosthesis Power Management via Telemetry Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual prostheses are bulky and inefficient in providing adequate simulated vision to the visually impaired, and there is a need for a method to limit power consumption in these devices to enhance their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising a camera, a video processing unit, and a retinal stimulation system that captures video images, converts them into stimulation patterns, and transmits power and data only when the device is in use, with error detection and telemetry feedback mechanisms to ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual prosthesis devices continuously transmit power and data to the retinal stimulation system, then reliable artificial vision is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by transmitting power and data only during specific operational periods rather than continuously. The controller pauses transmission when the subject is not wearing the visual prosthesis or when the retinal stimulation system is not in use, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability during active use periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the retinal stimulation system transmits back telemetry to the controller to indicate its operational status. This feedback allows the controller to intelligently manage power transmission, ensuring power is sent only when needed based on real-time system state information
2Ease of operation
If the visual prosthesis device is made compact to reduce bulk, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual prosthesis system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a wearable portion containing the camera and video processing unit, and an implantable portion containing the retinal stimulation system. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to provide the overall system capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless transmission interface between the wearable and implantable portions. This intermediary communication channel eliminates the need for direct physical connection, simplifying the mechanical interface while enabling data and power transfer between the separated system components
3Reliability
If error detection mechanisms are added to ensure safe operation, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback-based error detection where the retinal stimulation system sends back telemetry signals to the controller indicating its operational status and any detected errors. This feedback mechanism enables reliable monitoring and control without requiring complex error detection circuits within the implantable device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by having the retinal stimulation system perform self-diagnostic checks and report its status before receiving new commands. This preliminary verification prevents errors from propagating through the system, ensuring safe operation without requiring extensive error correction mechanisms
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 provides efficient power management and effective stimulation of neural tissue, enabling reliable artificial vision for the visually impaired while minimizing power consumption and ensuring device safety.
Implementation Method 1
a camera for capturing a video image
Implementation Method 2
Neural tissue can be artificially stimulated and activated by prosthetic devices that pass pulses of electrical current through electrodes on such a device. The passage of current causes changes in electrical potentials across visual neuronal membranes, which can initiate visual neuron action potentials
Data Source
AI summary
A visual prosthesis apparatus and a method for limiting power consumption in a visual prosthesis apparatus. The visual prosthesis apparatus comprises a camera for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the camera, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a retinal stimulation system configured to stop stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eye based on the stimulation patterns when an error is detected in a forward telemetry received from the video processing unit.