title: Progress towards a high-resolution retinal prosthesis.
abstract: Simulations of artificial vision suggest that 1000 electrodes may be required to restore vision to individuals with diseases of the outer retina. In order to achieve such an implant, new technology is needed, since the state-of-the-art implantable neural stimulator has at most 22 contacts with neural tissue. Considerable progress has been made towards that goal with the development of image processing, microelectronics, and polymer based electrodes and interconnects. An image processing system has been realized that is capable of real-time implementation of image decimation and filtering (for example, edge detection). Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) have been designed and tested to demonstrate closed loop power control and efficient microstimulation. A novel packaging process has been developed that is capable of simultaneously forming a receiver coil, interconnects, and stimulating electrodes.
authors.affiliation: Doheny Retina Institute, Doheny Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weiland
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Humayun
authors.forename: Wentai
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Damien
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rodger
authors.forename: Yu-Chong
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tarbell