Visual prosthesis including an improved video processing unit

US10786670B2 · US · B2

Patent metadata
FieldValue
Publication numberUS-10786670-B2
Application numberUS-201815967393-A
CountryUS
Kind codeB2
Filing dateApr 30, 2018
Priority dateMay 14, 2015
Publication dateSep 29, 2020
Grant dateSep 29, 2020

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  1. Title

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  2. Abstract

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  3. Assignees and inventors

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  4. Key dates

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  5. First independent claim

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Abstract

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The present invention is an improved visual prosthesis including a video processing unit with user controls optimized for use by blind individuals. The controls include easily identifiable shapes. The controls are programmable to provide improved usability with a simple tactile interface.

First claim

Opening claim text (preview).

The invention claimed is: 1. A visual prosthesis comprising: a camera receiving a video image and sending a video signal; a video processing unit, receiving the video signal and converting the video signal to stimulation patterns including a processor circuit altering the video signal according to user input, a housing enclosing the circuit, an indented portion in the housing configured to be identified by touch, a programmable slider within the indented portion for providing user input, the programmable slider programmable to control brightness; a transmitter receiving stimulation patterns from the video processing unit and sending the wireless signals; and an implantable portion receiving the wireless signals and suitable to stimulate visual neurons. 2. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the indented portion includes a beveled indentation. 3. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the indented portion is oval in shape. 4. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the housing includes tactile features in assist a blind person in orienting the housing and locate the user controls. 5. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is a variable resistor with an output connected to an analog digital converter. 6. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is a potentiostat. 7. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control gain. 8. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control sensitivity. 9. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control exposure. 10. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control contrast. 11. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control zoom.

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Frequently asked questions

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What does patent US10786670B2 cover?
The present invention is an improved visual prosthesis including a video processing unit with user controls optimized for use by blind individuals. The controls include easily identifiable shapes. The controls are programmable to provide improved usability with a simple tactile interface.
Who is the assignee on this patent?
Second Sight Medical Products Inc
What technology area does this patent fall under?
Primary CPC classification A61N1/36046. Mapped technology areas include Human Necessities.
When was this patent published?
Publication date Tue Sep 29 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) (B2). Legal status and post-grant events are not shown on this page.
What related patents are in patentsdb?
We list 2 related publications on this page (citations in our corpus or others sharing the same primary CPC).