Abstract: The present application deals generally with the stimulation of neural tissue by electronic means and specifically with controlling the level of electrical stimulation in order to prevent damage to the neural tissue. Methods presented in the disclosure include detecting current leakage via electrode impedance measurement, electrode capacitance measurement, and testing the electrode response to a test current pulse. Apparatus presented in the disclosure include circuitry and systems capable of performing the methods disclosed.

Abstract: The present application deals generally with the stimulation of neural tissue by electronic means and specifically with controlling the level of electrical stimulation in order to prevent damage to the neural tissue. Methods presented in the disclosure include detecting current leakage via electrode impedance measurement, electrode capacitance measurement, and testing the electrode response to test current pulse. Apparatus presented in the disclosure include circuitry and systems capable of performing the methods disclosed.

Abstract: The artificial percept of light may be created by electrically stimulating the neurons of the retina. While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina. It is advantageous to encourage current to flow through the retina by providing a physically separate and distinct electrode array and return electrode. The high-resolution electrode array and lower-resolution electrode array may be return electrodes for the other, or completely separate return electrodes may be provided.

Abstract: Present invention is a method of improving circadian rhythms in blind people by stimulation the visual neural system. Ideally a retinal prosthesis of the type used to restore vision can be used to restore normal circadian rhythms. Additionally, brightness on the prosthesis can be increased in the morning and decreased in the evening to stimulate normal Circadian rhythms. Alternatively, if a retinal prosthesis is not preferable, the retina can be stimulated externally, during the day and not at night. While such eternal stimulation can not produced artificial vision, it can stimulate normal circadian rhythms.

Abstract: Electronic neural tissue stimulators for controlling the level of electrical stimulation in order to prevent damage to the neural tissue. Methods presented in the disclosure include detecting current leakage via electrode impedance measurement, electrode capacitance measurement, and testing the electrode response to a test current pulse. Apparatus presented in the disclosure include circuitry and systems capable of performing the methods disclosed.

Abstract: While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina. Even if a separate lower-resolution array is implanted internal to the sclera, super-choroidal (between the choroid and sclera) or intra-scleral (between the layers of the sclera), it is easier to make a lower-resolution array in a curved shape.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fitting a visual prosthesis are described. In one of the methods, threshold levels and maximum levels for the electrodes of the prosthesis are determined and a map of brightness to electrode stimulation levels is later formed. A fitting system for a visual prosthesis is also discussed, together with a computer-operated system having a graphical user interface showing visual prosthesis diagnostic screens and visual prosthesis configuration screens.

Abstract: The artificial percept of light may be created by electrically stimulating the neurons of the retina. While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.

Abstract: The present application deals generally with the stimulation of neural tissue by electronic means and specifically with controlling the level of electrical stimulation in order to prevent damage to the neural tissue. Methods presented in the disclosure include detecting current leakage via electrode impedance measurement, electrode capacitance measurement, and testing the electrode response to test current pulse. Apparatus presented in the disclosure include circuitry and systems capable of performing the methods disclosed.