Computer aids for visual neuroprosthetic devices

Abstract

Given that vision is the sense providing most information to the human being, any affection related to it significantly reduces the quality of life of the patients. Computing is showing to be a promising approach to provide therapies for patients suffering from low vision or even blindness. We describe some specific tools based on software and hardware solutions oriented to the development of this kind of aids. We present a system performing bioinspired image processing on a portable equipment, including a neuromorphic coding module that generates spike event patterns corresponding to information obtained from the processed images. These events drive a computer-controlled platform for neural stimulation of the visual cortex, intended for eliciting the perception of patterns of phosphenes in the visual field of blind subjects. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.