Abstract: The present invention is a new configuration for the external portion of a visual prosthesis in the form of a visor or glasses, including a frame supported by a user's nose and ears. The video processing unit is adapted to be connected by temple portions of the visor and rest on the user's upper back behind the user's neck, or behind the user's head. Controls for the video processor are on one or both temple portions of the visor.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus including a video capture device for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a stimulation system configured to stimulate subject's neural tissue based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the stimulation system provides a span of visual angle matched to the subject's neural tissue being stimulated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating saliency models are discussed. Saliency models can be applied to visual scenes to generate predictions on which locations in the visual scenes are fixation locations and which locations are nonfixation locations. Saliency models are learned from fixation data on the visual scenes obtained from one or more subjects.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for stimulating living body including a light source unit which irradiates an optical signal for generating an electrical signal; a photovoltaic cell unit which generates an electrical signal using a received optical signal; and an electrode unit which stimulates living body using the electrical signal, wherein the photovoltaic cell unit and the electrode unit are implanted in the living body. The apparatus for stimulating living body may be manufactured in a flexible form, so that it may extend the range of choice for site to be implanted for the apparatus. Further, the adoption of the photovoltaic cell unit avoids the need of surgical operation for the change of battery.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: an input configured to receive information indicative of sensed light locations; memory coupled to the input and storing indicia of receptive fields forming a mosaic, each of the receptive fields corresponding to an electrode, the mosaic including first and receptive fields having first and second shapes that are different, the memory further storing instructions; a processor coupled to the input and the memory and configured to read and execute the instructions to: analyze the information indicative of sensed light locations; determine, for each of respective ones of the sensed light locations, one or more receptive fields that include the corresponding sensed light location; and produce excitation indicia; the apparatus further including an output coupled to the processor and configured to be coupled to a retinal implant and to convey the excitation indicia toward the retinal implant.

Abstract: In a visual prosthesis or other neural stimulator it is advantageous to provide non-overlapping pulses in order to provide independent control of brightness from different electrodes. Non-overlapping pulses on geographically close electrodes avoid electric-field interaction which leads to brightness summation or changes in the shape and area of percepts. It is advantageous to apply pulses to nearby electrodes in a way that the currents do not overlap in time at all. The new finding is that even a small amount of separation in time results in a significant improvement with a time separation as small as 0.225 msec. ‘Nearby’ is defined as within a few millimeters of each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of stimulating visual neurons to create the perception of light. A visual prosthesis electrically stimulating the retina with implanted electrodes exhibits interaction between electrodes stimulated closely together in both space and time. The method of the present invention includes determining a minimum distance at which spatiotemporal interactions occur, determining a minimum time at which spatiotemporal interactions occur, and avoiding stimulation of electrodes within the minimum distance during the minimum time. The minimum are ideally established for each individual patient. Alternatively, approximate minimums have been established by the applicants at 2 mm and 1.8 ?sec.

Abstract: Stimulation inputs are provided to a visual prosthesis implant. The images captured by a video decoder are received and digitized to provide a plurality of video frames; integrity of the video frames is checked, the checked video frames are filtered, and the filtered video frames are converted to stimulation inputs. A similar system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable device (10) is used to emit electrical stimulation signals to surrounding tissue by means of at least one stimulation electrode (17). The device (10) has a sensor unit (26), which generates a useful signal (D) in the form of analogue voltage pulses (73) from externally fed signals, and an output stage (28) which generates the stimulation signals (E) from the useful signal (D). The output stage (28) emits the stimulation signals (E) in, averaged over time, a substantially DC voltage free fashion to an external ground (29), which can be connected to the tissue (64).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a video device suitable to be word on the head of a user in the form of glasses. The glasses frame supports a camera, active electronics and a battery.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for efficient multiplexing of a plurality of electrodes in a nerve stimulator using improved, predetermined, regular, repeatable geometric patterns arranged in a predetermined mosaic to form a desired array. Multiple electrodes within said array are addressed by the nerve stimulator as being a stimulating electrode by an instruction specifying a single identifier, indicating a position within each regular geometric pattern. As such, each electrode within the array, maintaining the specified position within its respective repeatable geometric pattern, becomes a stimulating electrode and is connected to the appropriate electronic circuit for subsequent, potential use in nerve stimulation.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system including: a mechanism generating at least one electrical signal to be applied to a biological tissue that is to stimulated and measuring a response of the biological tissue to each electrical signal; a calculation mechanism estimating, based on each electrical signal and on a corresponding response of the biological tissue, at least one parameter of an electrical model of the biological tissue and its interface with the electrical stimulation system and determining, using the model, at least one parameter of a stimulation pulse to be applied to the biological tissue by the electrical stimulation system; and a mechanism generating a stimulation pulse to be applied to the biological tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of electrically stimulating percepts in a patient with a visual prosthesis, to induce a more controlled perception of light. In particular, the present invention is an improved electrode array to maximize retinal response. The array of the present invention is an array with a center section with no electrode, surrounded by a ring of small high density electrodes. Electrodes beyond to ring are gradually larger and more widely spaced.

Abstract: Nanoscale photovoltaic devices fabricated from nanoscale waveguides that receive, propagate, and convert incident light into electrical neural signals, and methods of using these photovoltaic devices for visual perception are disclosed herein. A visual neuroprosthetic device includes an array of nanoscale waveguides each nanoscale waveguide in the array having a photovoltaic material located between an internal conductor and an external conductor, wherein each nanoscale waveguide receives, propagates, and converts incident light into electrical neural signals.

Abstract: An improved structure of an artificial electronic retina is disclosed, which includes an array of a plurality of photoelectric units, and each photoelectric unit includes one electronic photosensitive element, one microelectrode, and one electronic circuit, wherein the microelectrode is disposed on and electrically connected to the electronic photosensitive element, and the electronic circuit is disposed on a circumference of the electronic photosensitive element. A layer of a light-permeable conductive material is disposed on and electrically connected to the electronic photosensitive element, wherein the layer of the light-permeable conductive material is also electrically connected to the microelectrode. Therefore, the input and output power of the electronic photosensitive element can be increased without reducing the photosensitive area of the electronic photosensitive element. Even the area of the microelectrode can be reduced in order to increase the photosensitive area.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording neural response to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording neural response in the vicinity of the input stimulus. By alternating stimulation and recording at gradually increasing levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus including a video capture device for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a stimulation system configured to stimulate subject's neural tissue based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the stimulation system provides a span of visual angle matched to the subject's neural tissue being stimulated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to utilization of one or more arrays that are placed under the choroid. In this approach, an array is placed under the choroid. To achieve this, a scleral incision can be made without cutting the underlying choroid or retina. The array can then be inserted into the space between the sclera and choroid and is pushed to the desired place. It is possible to make several of such scleral incisions in each quadrant of the eye to insert arrays of similar or different shapes into the subchoroidal space. Following insertion of the electrode array the scleral wound may be sutured around the cable to make the array and the eye more stable.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided comprising a substrate having a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of electrodes located at or adjacent the distal end of the substrate. The distal end of the substrate is configured for insertion, via an incision, between first and second tissue layers, such as the sclera and choroid in the eye. The prosthesis tapers in thickness towards the distal end and has a substantially curved provide profile at least on one surface so that the prosthesis can be inserted into position without needing a guide and without causing damage to the tissue or the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an electrode interface unit located at or adjacent the proximal end of the substrate which locates between the tissue layers. An anchor portion can be provided that extends from the substrate into the incision.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of neural stimulation and more specifically an improved method of providing flexible video/image possessing in a visual prosthesis by providing downloadable video filters. In a visual prosthesis, the input video image will, for the foreseeable future, be higher resolution than the output stimulation of the retina, optic nerve or visual cortex. This is due to limits of electrode array technology and the rapid advancement of video camera technology. It is therefore, advantageous to apply video processing algorithms (filters) to help provide the most useful information to the lower resolution electrode array. Different filters are more effective in different environments and for different subjects. Furthermore, filters will continue to improve over time. Examples of situation dependent filters include reverse image, contrast increasing, edge detection, segmentation using chromatic information and motion detection.

Abstract: A method, device and system for stimulating visual tissue, typically in the retina or visual cortex, to achieve an artificial percept of light or image. The method includes providing stimulating electrodes suitable for placement in proximity to the visual tissue and generating a series of short-duration stimulation signals having a duration of less than about 0.5 milliseconds each. The short-duration stimulation signals are applied through the stimulating electrodes with varying frequencies that are substantially matched to a spiking range of frequencies of at least one ganglion cell for perceiving brightness or image.

Abstract: An implantable device including a first electrically non-conductive substrate with a plurality of electrically conductive vias. The device also includes a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the first substrate using conductive bumps, the circuit being electrically connected to at least a subset of the of the electrically conductive vias. Another flip-chip driver circuit is attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps while a second electrically non-conductive substrate is attached to the flip-chip driver circuit, also using conductive bumps. Discrete passives are attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate and a cover is bonded to the first substrate. The cover, the first substrate, and the electrically conductive vias form a hermetic package.

Abstract: Visual feedback systems and methods implementing the system are disclosed that use computer generated images of lost limbs to display visual images of the limb being used in activities on a display unit providing visual feedback of the use of the missing limb to the brain to ameliorate, reduce, treat or eliminate phantom limb pain.

Abstract: A critical element of a retinal prosthesis is the stimulating electrode array, which is placed in close proximity to the retina. It is via this interface that a retinal prosthesis electrically stimulates nerve cells to produce the perception of light. The impedance load seen by the current driver consists of the tissue resistance and the complex electrode impedance. The results show that the tissue resistance of the retina is significantly greater than that of the vitreous humor in the eye. Circuit models of the electrode-retina interface are used to parameterize the different contributors to the overall impedance.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. Fitting a visual prosthesis through automated means is challenging and fitting a visual prosthesis manually is tedious for clinician and patent, and provides great opportunity for error. A hybrid of computer controlled and manual fitting provides effective, efficient and controlled fitting process. The process includes testing a group of electrodes in random order by providing a prompt followed by stimulation and the patient responding if they saw a percept. After each set, a maximum likelihood algorithm is used to determine the next stimulation level, or if further stimulation is needed for each electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a visual prosthesis including a visor with an embedded camera and an optical filter to limit light entering the lens of the camera. This invention will allow use of custom filters to limit light intensity or certain light frequencies sent to the camera of the visual prosthesis in a variety of brightness conditions which will remove glare. It will allow modification of the color of the light sent to camera of the visual prosthesis to respond to different environments.

Abstract: Here we present the first model that quantitatively predicts the apparent spatial position and shape of percepts elicited by retinal electrical stimulation in humans based on the known anatomy of the retina. This model successfully predicts both the shape of percepts elicited by single electrode stimulation and the shape and relative positions of percepts elicited by multiple electrode stimulation. Model fits to behavioral data show that sensitivity to electrical stimulation is not confined to the axon initial segment, but does fall off rapidly with the distance between stimulation and the initial segment. Using the model, it is possible to compensate, preferably with a look up table, to match percepts to a desired image.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-destructive method of inspecting a bond, particularly a braze bond, in a hermetic package. The invention involves a unique hermetic package design adapted for ultrasonic inspection and a method of inspecting the package. This package and non-destructive inspection process are particularly useful in implantable neural stimulators such as visual prostheses.

Abstract: A sensory substitution device (SSD) for providing a person with neural signals responsive to features of an environment, the SSD comprising: at least one camera that acquires an image of the environment; and at least one corneal neural stimulator that stimulates nerve endings in the cornea of an eye of the person to generate neural signals responsive to the image that propagate to the person's brain.

Abstract: A retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by using a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved package and configuration for an implantable retinal prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis of the present invention includes an electrode array suitable to be mounted in close proximity to a retina, an electronics package and inductive receiving coil mounted next to each other on a strap surrounding the sclera so that the height above the sclera of the prosthesis is minimized.

Abstract: A zoom lens array, including a liquid crystal layer, a first strip electrode, and a second strip electrode, is provided. The liquid crystal layer has a plurality of zoom regions. The first strip electrode is disposed on an upper side of the liquid crystal layer and located at the boundary between the zoom regions. The second strip electrode is disposed on a lower side of the liquid crystal layer and located at the boundary between the zoom regions. The first strip electrode and the second strip electrode are alternatively arranged. Moreover, a switchable two and three dimensional display with the above zoom lens array is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing data to a user in the form of perceived light signals caused by transcutaneous stimulation of the user's optic nerve. User output data, suitably representing data collected, generated, or processed by a data processing device, is used to generate user output data. The user output data is converted to representations corresponding to light signals, and control functions are performed to cause generation of electrical impulses which, when applied to the skin of a user, stimulate the optic nerve of the user so as to cause the user to perceive the light signals.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording neural response to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording neural response in the vicinity of the input stimulus. By alternating stimulation and recording at gradually increasing levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is a visor for retinal stimulation of visually impaired subjects. The visor comprises a frame, an external coil, a camera and a mounting system. A connector allows the external coil to be positioned along a first direction. A sliding device allows the external coil to be positioned along a second direction. Positioning of the visor on a subject's nose allows the external coil to be positioned along a third direction. Positioning of the external coil along the first, second or third direction is useful to maximize coupling RF coupling between the external coil and an internal coil implanted on a subject wearing the visor.

Abstract: An interface for neuronal photoactivation includes a semiconducting polymer material, the semiconducting polymer material being excitable by luminous radiation for photovoltaically generating an electric signal. The semiconducting polymer material forms a substrate for neuronal cell adhesion.

Abstract: An implantable electrode having a strong, adherent surface coating of iridium oxide or titanium nitride on a platinum surface, where the platinum surface has a surface area of at least five times that of a smooth shiny platinum surface of the same geometry. The iridium oxide coating may be formed on platinum by a physical deposition process, such as sputtering. A gradient coating of iridium oxide ranging in composition from pure platinum to pure iridium oxide is produced by sputtering.

Abstract: A device for neuronal therapies comprising a high frequency and/or very high frequency generator (1) functioning by means of coils (11), and associated with two main electrodes (2), which are respectively configured by a core (21) of insulating material with the front end (22) in point form and surrounded by a flexible insulating tubular body (23) extended on the point end (22) of the electrode for separate and safe positioning thereof with respect to the eyes of the patient on which said electrodes (2) are placed in a use operation, in order to cause stimulation of the nervous system and improvement of neuronal transmission by means of the circulation of high frequency currents. Both electrodes (2) are associated with at least one element for support (3) and positioning over the eyes of the patient, based on an element for fastening (4) to the head or a cabin (6).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for interacting with targeted tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises a central control module, a satellite module, and a lead. The satellite module comprises a processor, a communication module, a switching module, a memory, a sense amp, and a A/D converter. The apparatus is adapted for subcutaneous implantation. The central control module is coupled to the satellite module. The lead is coupled to the satellite module. A programming word comprising information to be sent to the satellite module is provided. The programming word is converted into identifiable groups of pulses corresponding to bits of the programming word. The identifiable groups of pulses are sent to the satellite module. The identifiable groups of pulses are converted to information for providing a therapy to the patient. The energy from the identifiable groups of pulses is stored to power the satellite module.

Abstract: A method for controlling heat dissipated from a prosthetic retinal device is described. A heat transfer device employs the Peltier heat transfer effect to cool the surface of the retinal device that faces the retina by dissipating/transferring collected heat away from the retina and towards the iris or front of the eye. According to one embodiment, a heat pump is formed in a second substrate on the retinal device. The heat pump is controlled by a temperature sense device that activates the heat pump, when a first predetermined temperature limit is exceeded. The temperature sense device deactivates the heat pump, when a temperature of the retinal device drops below a second predetermined temperature. According to another embodiment, a supply current of the retinal device may pass through the heat pump and a direction of heat transfer by the heat pump can be reversed, when the first predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an improved configuration mounting necessary components within and surrounding the eye. The present invention better allows for the implantation of electronics within the delicate eye structure. The invention provides for less height of the part external to the eye by mounting a receiver coil around an electronics package.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of improving the contrast of electrical neural stimulation and expanding the dynamic range for brightness, and specifically a method of improving the contrast of an image supplied to the retina, or visual cortex, through a visual prosthesis. The background brightness for a blind subject is often not perfectly black, but a dark gray or brown. When stimulating visual neurons in the retina, low current stimulation tends to create a dark percept, the perception of a phosphene darker than the background brightness level perceived in the un-stimulated state. The human retina contains neurons that signal light increments (“on” cells) and neurons that signal light decrements (“off” cells). In a healthy retina, the on cells tend to fire in response to an increase in light above the background level, while the off cells tend to fire in response to a decrease in light below the background level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retinal stimulation are shown. The method comprises varied parameters, including frequency, pulse width, and pattern of pulse trains to determine a stimulation pattern and neural perception threshold, and creating a model based on the neural perception thresholds to optimize patterns of neural stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of improving the contrast of electrical neural stimulation and expanding the dynamic range for brightness, and specifically a method of improving the contrast of an image supplied to the retina, or visual cortex, through a visual prosthesis. The background brightness for a blind subject is often not perfectly black, but a dark gray or brown. When stimulating visual neurons in the retina, low current stimulation tends to create a dark percept, the perception of a phosphene darker than the background brightness level perceived in the un-stimulated state. The human retina contains neurons that signal light increments (“on” cells) and neurons that signal light decrements (“off” cells). In a healthy retina, the on cells tend to fire in response to an increase in light above the background level, while the off cells tend to fire in response to a decrease in light below the background level.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a prosthesis using a brain imager that images a localized portion of the brain are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The brain imager provides motor cortex activation data by illuminating the motor cortex with near infrared light (NIR) and detecting the spectral changes of the NIR light as passes through the brain. These spectral changes can be correlated with brain activity related to limbic control and may be provided to a neural network, for example, a fuzzy neural network that maps brain activity data to limbic control data. The limbic control data may then be used to control a prosthetic limb. Other embodiments of the invention include fiber optics that provide light to and receive light from the surface of the scalp through hair.

Abstract: A detection method for detecting a QRS wave is disclosed. An electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is provided. The ECG signal is enhanced to generate a processed signal. A first crest of the processed signal is determined. Each crest following the first crest is defined as a second crest. The level of each second crest is higher than a first threshold value. The result of defining the second crest is utilized to determine whether the QRS wave has occurred and approached a first crest.

Abstract: Applicant has proposed a combination of the subretinal and epiretinal methods by placing the electronics external to the eye, entering the eye through the pars plana and the piercing the retina (retinotomy) from inside the eye to stimulate subreintally. The present invention is an improved electrode array for subretinal stimulation. A hard polymer such as polyimide is biocompatible and strong for supporting an electrode array and supporting traces in a thin flex circuit array. In the present invention applicant takes advantage of the sharp nature of thin polyimide making a point on the end of the electrode array. This allows the flexible circuit electrode array to be both electrode array and surgical tool to cut the retinal and slide the array under the retina in a single action.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with an external non-visible light source is provided. The apparatus comprises an intraocular device configured for implantation in a human eye, and comprising an energy receiver. The energy receiver is configured to receive light emitted from the external non-visible light source, and extract energy from the emitted light for powering the intraocular device. The intraocular device is configured to regulate a parameter of operation of the intraocular device based on a modulation of the light emitted by the external non-visible light source and received by the energy receiver. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A retinal implant can include an array of photoreceptors adapted for positioning in the eye. Each photoreceptor can include a core, for example a carbon nanostructure, and a shell. The shell can include a light-responsive layer, and in many cases, the light-responsive layer can be formed of two semiconductor layers forming a heterojunction. The photoreceptors can be adapted to generate an electric field in response to incident light so as to stimulate a retinal neuron in its vicinity. The photoreceptors can be micron-sized or nano-sized, and can be arranged in densities similar to the density of rods and cones in the human eye. In one embodiment, an exemplary sensor for an imaging device can include a plurality of photosensors disposed on a substrate. Each photosensor can include a carbon nanostructure, a light-responsive layer coating at least a portion of the carbon nanostructure.