Hybrid Fitting for a Visual Prosthesis

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method of brightness fitting for a visual prosthesis comprising:
a. providing an external video processor and an implantable visual neural stimulator including an array of electrodes suitable to contact visual neural tissue; b. testing the implanted visual neural stimulator to verify function and matching to the external video processor; c. activating a prompt; d. activating a signal at a level on a selected electrode within a subset of the array of electrodes; e. receiving a response from a subject indicating a visual perception; f. recording the response; g. repeating the steps b through e for each electrode in the subset; h. determining if a predetermined minimum of electrodes in the subset elicited responses; and i. repeating steps b through e on simultaneous groups of electrodes if the predetermined minimum of electrodes did not elicit a response.