Visual prosthesis including an improved video processing unit

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9974954-B2
Application number	US-201615156090-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	May 16, 2016
Priority date	May 14, 2015
Publication date	May 22, 2018
Grant date	May 22, 2018

Abstract

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

The invention claimed is:

1. A visual prosthesis comprising:
a camera receiving a video image and sending a video signal to a video processing unit;
a video processing unit converting the video image to stimulation patterns including
a processor circuit altering the video signal according to user input, and
user controls for generating the user input including a programmable slider,

programmable to select a function selected from the group consisting of brightness, gain and sensitivity;
a transmitter receiving stimulation patterns from the video processing unit and sending the wireless signals; and
an implantable portion receiving wireless signals and suitable to stimulate visual neurons.

2. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is a variable resistor with an output connected to an analog digital converter.

3. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is a potentiostat.

4. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control brightness.

5. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control gain.

6. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control sensitivity.

7. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control exposure.

8. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control contrast.

9. The visual prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the programmable slider is programmable to control zoom.

10. A visual prosthesis comprising:
a camera receiving a video image and sending a video signal to a video processing unit;
a video processing unit converting the video image to stimulation patterns including
a processor circuit altering the video signal according to user input,
a housing enclosing the video processing circuitry, and
user controls on the housing for generating the user input including a programmable slider, programmable to select a function selected from the group consisting of brightness, gain and sensitivity;

a transmitter receiving stimulation patterns from the video processing unit and sending the wireless signals; and
an implantable portion receiving wireless signals and suitable to stimulate visual neurons.

11. The visual prosthesis according to claim 10 , wherein the housing includes an inset surrounding the programmable slider.

12. The visual prosthesis according to claim 10 , wherein the housing includes tactile features to assist a blind person in orienting the housing and locate the user controls.

Assignees

• Second Sight Medical Products Inc

Inventors

• Greenberg Robert J
• Roy Arup

Classifications

• A61N1/36046 Primary

  of the eye · CPC title

• A61N1/0543

  Retinal electrodes · CPC title

• A61N1/37247

  User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means · CPC title