Logarithmic light intensifier for use with photoreceptor-based implanted retinal prosthetics and those prosthetics

Abstract

Directly modulating a beam of photons onto the retinas of patients who have extreme vision impairment or blindness. Supplying enough imaging energy to retinal prosthetics implanted in the eye which operate by having light (external to the eye) activating photoreceptors, or photoelectrical material. Providing sufficient light amplification and does it logarithmically. Having sufficient output light power, the output light level still remains at a safe level. Providing balanced biphasic stimulation with no net charge injection into the eye. Both optical and electronic magnification for the image is incorporated. It would not be feasible to zoom in on items of particular interest or necessity. Improper threshold amplitudes would obtain uncomfortable maximum thresholds. Proper adjustment for the threshold amplitudes and maximum comfortable thresholds is provided. The extent that the individual stimulation sites in the retina give different color perceptions, upon stimulation, colors of the viewed scene is correlated with specific stimulation sites providing a certain amount of color vision.