公开(公告)号：US07006873B2

公开(公告)日：2006-02-28

申请号：US10690413

申请日：2003-10-21

申请人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

发明人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/0543 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： A visible and infrared light powered retinal implant is disclosed that is implanted into the subretinal space for electrically inducing formed vision in the eye. The retinal implant includes a stacked microphotodetector arrangement having an image sensing pixel layer and a voltage and current gain adjustment layer for providing variable voltage and current gain to the implant so as to obtain better low light implant performance than the prior art, and to compensate for high retinal stimulation thresholds present in some retinal diseases. A first light filter is positioned on one of the microphotodetectors in each of the image sensing pixels of the implant, and a second light filter is positioned on the other of the microphotodetectors in the image sensing pixel of the implant, each of the microphotodetectors of the pixel to respond to a different wavelength of light to produce a sensation of darkness utilizing the first wavelength, and a sensation of light using the second wavelength, and a third light filter is positioned on a portion of the voltage and current gain adjustment layer that is exposed to light, to allow adjustment of the implant voltage and current gain of the device by use of a third wavelength of light.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种可视和红外光供电的视网膜植入物，其植入视网膜内空间中，用于在眼睛中电诱导形成的视力。 视网膜植入物包括具有图像感测像素层和电压和电流增益调整层的堆叠微光检测器装置，用于向植入物提供可变电压和电流增益，以便获得比现有技术更好的低光注入性能，并且补偿 一些视网膜疾病存在高视网膜刺激阈值。 第一光滤光器位于植入物的每个图像感测像素中的一个微光探测器上，并且第二光滤光器位于植入物的图像感测像素中的另一个微光探测器上，每个微光探测器 像素以响应于不同波长的光以利用第一波长产生暗感，以及使用第二波长的光的感觉，并且第三滤光器位于电压和电流增益调整层的一部分上，该电压和电流增益调整层是 暴露于光，以允许通过使用第三波长的光来调整装置的注入电压和电流增益。

公开(公告)号：US06611716B2

公开(公告)日：2003-08-26

申请号：US09824519

申请日：2001-04-02

申请人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

发明人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

IPC分类号： A61N118

CPC分类号： A61N1/0543 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. The flattened cubic shape of the MMRI-4 will allow one or the other of the two flattened sides to be preferentially directed toward incident light when implanted in the subretinal space. Because both the PiN and NiP configurations are present on each of the flattened sides of the MMRI-4, electric currents which produce the sensation of light from a PiN current, or darkness from a NiP current, can be induced regardless of which the flattened photoactive sides faces incident light. Filter layers disposed on the PiN configuration will allow visible light to induce a PiN current, and filter layers disposed on the NiP configuration will allow infrared light to induce a NiP current. By projecting real or computer controlled visible light images, and computer controlled infrared light images or illumination, simultaneously or in rapid alternation onto the MMRI-4s, the nature of induced retinal images may be modulated and improved. An Adaptive Imaging Retinal Stimulation System (AIRES), with a Projection and Tracking Optical System (PTOS), which may be worn as a headset is used for this purpose, and is also disclosed. Color images may even be induced by programming the stimulating pulse durations and frequencies of the AIRES system. By creating both PiN and NiP currents, in close spatial positions and temporal sequences, electrolysis damage to cellular tissue from prolonged unidirectional electric currents is reduced. MMRI-4s may also be embedded in a flexible, biologically compatible sheet, with its electrodes exposed on both surfaces of the sheet. This sheet is then implanted on the nerve fiber layer surface of the retina, where electrical stimulation can also induce a form of artificial vision.

公开(公告)号：US07139612B2

公开(公告)日：2006-11-21

申请号：US10600404

申请日：2003-06-20

申请人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

发明人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/0543 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： An artificial retina device and a retinal stimulation system and method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device includes multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. By projecting real or computer controlled visible light images, and computer controlled infrared light images or illumination, simultaneously or in rapid alternation onto the artificial retina device, the nature of induced retinal images may be modulated and improved. The retinal stimulation system may be worn as a headset. Color images may be induced by programming the stimulating pulse durations and frequencies of the stimulation.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于刺激和调节其功能的人造视网膜装置和视网膜刺激系统和方法。 人造视网膜装置包括多相微光电二极管子单元。 在因视网膜外层损伤而失明的人中，当手术植入视网膜内空间时，多个这样的装置可以允许有用的形成的人造视觉发展。 通过将实际或计算机控制的可见光图像和计算机控制的红外光图像或照明同时或快速交替地投射到人造视网膜装置上，可以调制和改善诱导的视网膜图像的性质。 视网膜刺激系统可以作为耳机佩戴。 可以通过对刺激的刺激脉冲持续时间和频率进行编程来诱导彩色图像。

公开(公告)号：US06230057B1

公开(公告)日：2001-05-08

申请号：US09100336

申请日：1998-03-26

申请人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

发明人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

IPC分类号： A61N118

CPC分类号： A61N1/0543 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. Filter layers disposed on the PiN configuration will allow visible light to induce a PiN current, and filter layers disposed on the NiP configuration will allow infrared light to induce a NiP current. By projecting real or computer controlled visible light images, and computer controlled infrared light images or illumination, simultaneously or in rapid alternation onto the MMRI-4s, the nature of induced retinal images may be modulated and improved. An Adaptive Imaging Retinal Stimulation System (AIRES), with a Projection and Tracking Optical System (PTOS), which may be worn as a headset is used for this purpose, and is also disclosed. Color images may even be induced by programming the stimulating pulse durations and frequencies of the AIRES system.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种人造视网膜装置及其功能的刺激和调节方法。 人造视网膜装置由多个多相微光二极管子单元组成。 在因视网膜外层损伤而失明的人中，当手术植入视网膜内空间时，多个这样的装置可以允许有用的形成的人造视觉发展。 称为MMRI-4的一种装置将光转换成电流以刺激视网膜。 MMRI-4的四个微光二极管子单元被定向为使得MMRI-4的每个扁平侧具有PiN配置中的两个亚基和NiP配置中的两个亚基。 设置在PiN配置上的滤光层将允许可见光诱导PiN电流，并且设置在NiP配置上的滤光层将允许红外光诱导NiP电流。 通过将实际或计算机控制的可见光图像和计算机控制的红外光图像或照明同时或快速交替地投射到MMRI-4上，可以调制和改善诱导的视网膜图像的性质。 使用具有投影和跟踪光学系统（PTOS）的自适应成像视网膜刺激系统（AIRES）可以作为耳机佩戴，并且还被公开。 甚至可以通过编程AIRES系统的刺激脉冲持续时间和频率来诱导彩色图像。

公开(公告)号：US5397350A

公开(公告)日：1995-03-14

申请号：US56672

申请日：1993-05-03

申请人： Alan Y. Chow ,  Vincent Chow

发明人： Alan Y. Chow ,  Vincent Chow

IPC分类号： A61F9/007 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/36 ,  H01L27/146 ,  A61N1/00 ,  A61B17/00 ,  A61F2/14

CPC分类号： A61N1/0543 ,  A61F9/00727 ,  A61F9/08 ,  H01L27/14643 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： Microscopic photoelectric devices with semitransparent surface electrodes are combined with a liquid or other suitable vehicle. Together they are injected into the subretinal space of the eye. The microscopic photoelectric devices transduce incident light into electric current that will stimulate the overlying cellular layers of the retina. In persons suffering from visual disfunction due to outer retinal layer damage, such devices may allow useful formed artificial vision. The preferred independent surface electrode microphotodiodes (ISEMCP's) may be in the shape of microspheres, microdiscs or other microshapes. The ISEMCP's are formed of either PiN or NiP type semiconductors, or a combination of both, in a single unit. These devices will form a dipole when exposed to light due to the electric current generated. A magnetic field applied in the vicinity of the eye may help align the ISEMCP's within the retina so that their photo-active surfaces face the incident light. Alternatively, the ISEMCP's may be embedded and prealigned in a transparent flexible sheet, permeable to nutrients and oxygen, before implantation into the subretinal space. Such sheet will allow passage of biological nutrients and oxygen around the ISEMCP's. This sheet may also dissolve leaving behind ISEMCP units lying separately, or in an arranged pattern produced by a surrounding mesh.

摘要翻译： 具有半透明表面电极的显微光电装置与液体或其它合适的载体组合。 一起将它们注入眼睛的视网膜下腔。 微观光电器件将入射光转换成电流，其将刺激视网膜的上层细胞层。 由于外部视网膜层损伤导致视觉障碍的人，这种装置可能允许有用的形成的人造视觉。 优选的独立表面电极微光二极管（ISEMCP）可以是微球，微型盘或其他微形状的形状。 ISEMCP由PiN或NiP型半导体或两者的组合组成，在单个单元中。 当由于产生的电流而暴露于光时，这些器件将形成偶极子。 施加在眼睛附近的磁场可以帮助对准视网膜内的ISEMCP，使得它们的光活性表面面对入射光。 或者，ISEMCP可以在植入视网膜内空间之前嵌入并预先对准在透明柔性片材中，其可渗透营养物质和氧气。 这样的片材将允许ISEMCP周围的生物营养物质和氧气通过。 该片也可以溶解，留下ISEMCP单元分开放置，或以围绕网格产生的排列图案。

公开(公告)号：US5895415A

公开(公告)日：1999-04-20

申请号：US465766

申请日：1995-06-06

申请人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

发明人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

IPC分类号： A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/36 ,  A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/05 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. By projecting real or computer controlled visible light images, and computer controlled infrared light images or illumination, simultaneously or in rapid alternation onto the MMRI-4s, the nature of induced retinal images may be modulated and improved. An Adaptive Imaging Retinal Stimulation System (AIRES), with a Projection and Tracking Optical System (PTOS), which may be worn as a headset is used for this purpose, and is also disclosed. Color images may even be induced by programming the stimulating pulse durations and frequencies of the AIRES system.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种人造视网膜装置及其功能的刺激和调节方法。 人造视网膜装置由多个多相微光二极管子单元组成。 在因视网膜外层损伤而失明的人中，当手术植入视网膜内空间时，多个这样的装置可以允许有用的形成的人造视觉发展。 称为MMRI-4的一种装置将光转换成电流以刺激视网膜。 MMRI-4的四个微光二极管子单元被定向为使得MMRI-4的每个扁平侧具有PiN配置中的两个亚基和NiP配置中的两个亚基。 通过将实际或计算机控制的可见光图像和计算机控制的红外光图像或照明同时或快速交替地投射到MMRI-4上，可以调制和改善诱导的视网膜图像的性质。 使用具有投影和跟踪光学系统（PTOS）的自适应成像视网膜刺激系统（AIRES）可以作为耳机佩戴，并且还被公开。 甚至可以通过编程AIRES系统的刺激脉冲持续时间和频率来诱导彩色图像。

公开(公告)号：US06389317B1

公开(公告)日：2002-05-14

申请号：US09539399

申请日：2000-03-31

申请人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

发明人： Vincent Chow ,  Alan Y. Chow

IPC分类号： A61N118

CPC分类号： A61N1/0543 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： A visible and infrared light powered retinal implant is disclosed that is implanted into the subretinal space for electrically inducing formed vision in the eye. The retinal implant includes a stacked microphotodetector arrangement having an image sensing pixel layer and a voltage and current gain adjustment layer for providing variable voltage and current gain to the implant so as to obtain better low light implant performance than the prior art, and to compensate for high retinal stimulation thresholds present in some retinal diseases. A first light filter is positioned on one of the microphotodetectors in each of the image sensing pixels of the implant, and a second light filter is positioned on the other of the microphotodetectors in the image sensing pixel of the implant, each of the microphotodetectors of the pixel to respond to a different wavelength of light to produce a sensation of darkness utilizing the first wavelength, and a sensation of light using the second wavelength, and a third light filter is positioned on a portion of the voltage and current gain adjustment layer that is exposed to light, to allow adjustment of the implant voltage and current gain of the device by use of a third wavelength of light.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种可视和红外光供电的视网膜植入物，其植入视网膜内空间中，用于在眼睛中电诱导形成的视力。 视网膜植入物包括具有图像感测像素层和电压和电流增益调整层的堆叠微光检测器装置，用于向植入物提供可变电压和电流增益，以便获得比现有技术更好的低光注入性能，并且补偿 一些视网膜疾病存在高视网膜刺激阈值。 第一光滤光器位于植入物的每个图像感测像素中的一个微光探测器上，并且第二光滤光器位于植入物的图像感测像素中的另一个微光探测器上，每个微光探测器 像素以响应于不同波长的光以利用第一波长产生暗感，以及使用第二波长的光的感觉，并且第三滤光器位于电压和电流增益调整层的一部分上，该电压和电流增益调整层是 暴露于光，以允许通过使用第三波长的光来调整装置的注入电压和电流增益。

公开(公告)号：US5556423A

公开(公告)日：1996-09-17

申请号：US230504

申请日：1994-04-20

申请人： Alan Y. Chow ,  Vincent Chow

发明人： Alan Y. Chow ,  Vincent Chow

IPC分类号： A61F9/00 ,  A61F2/16 ,  A61F9/007 ,  A61F9/08 ,  A61N1/36 ,  H01L27/146 ,  A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/0543 ,  A61F9/00727 ,  A61F9/08 ,  H01L27/14643 ,  A61N1/36046

摘要： Microscopic photodiode devices with semi-transparent surface electrodes are combined with a liquid or other suitable vehicle. Together they are injected into the subretinal space of the eye. The purpose of these microphotodiode photovoltaic devices is to transduce incident light into electric current which stimulate the overlying cellular layers of the retina. In persons suffering from visual dysfunction due to outer retinal layer damage, such devices may allow useful formed artificial vision. These independent surface electrode microphotodiodes (ISEMCPs) may be in the shape of micro-spheres, micro-cylinders or other micro-shapes. An off-center embedded ferromagnetic layer will confer magnetic susceptibility to the ISEMCPs. A magnetic field applied in the vicinity of the eye will align the ISEMCPs within the subretinal space directing their photoactive surface toward incident light. Alternatively ISEMCPs may be embedded, prealigned, in a transparent flexible sheet permeable to nutrients and oxygen before implantation into the subretinal space. Such a sheet will allow passage of biological nutrients and oxygen around the ISEMCPs. This sheet may also dissolve leaving behind ISEMCP units lying separately, or in an arranged pattern produced by a surrounding mesh. ISEMCPs may be of the PiN or NiP type or a combination of both in a single unit. An electric capacitor layer may also be incorporated into the ISEMCP device (ISEMCP-C) to allow charge storage during exposure to light and charge release in darkness producing an opposite polarity current. This last modification will allow the generation of hyperpolarizing currents in light and depolarizing currents in darkness which is necessary to produce formed vision of light and dark images.

摘要翻译： 具有半透明表面电极的微观光电二极管装置与液体或其它合适的载体组合。 一起将它们注入眼睛的视网膜下腔。 这些微光二极管光伏器件的目的是将入射光转换成电流，其刺激视网膜的上覆细胞层。 由于外部视网膜层损伤导致视觉功能障碍的患者，这种装置可能允许有用的形成的人造视觉。 这些独立的表面电极微光二极管（ISEMCP）可以是微球，微圆柱体或其它微观形状的形状。 偏心的嵌入式铁磁层将赋予ISEMCP磁敏感性。 施加在眼睛附近的磁场将使视网膜内空间内的ISEMCP对准其光活性表面朝向入射光。 或者，ISEMCP可以嵌入，预对准，在植入到视网膜下空间内的可渗透营养物和氧气的透明柔性片中。 这样的片材将允许ISEMCPs周围的生物营养物质和氧气通过。 该片也可以溶解，留下ISEMCP单元分开放置，或以围绕网格产生的排列图案。 ISEMCP可以是PiN或NiP类型或两者在一个单元中的组合。 也可以将电容器层结合到ISEMCP器件（ISEMCP-C）中，以在曝光期间进行电荷存储，并在黑暗中产生电荷释放，产生相反的极性电流。 这最后一个修改将允许在黑暗中的光和去极化电流中产生超极化电流，这是产生形成的光和暗图像的视觉所必需的。

公开(公告)号：US20100121231A1

公开(公告)日：2010-05-13

申请号：US12576891

申请日：2009-10-09

申请人： Alan Y. Chow ,  George Y. McLean ,  Vincent Y. Chow ,  Jay Cech ,  Christopher M. Bonner ,  Vladimir Gelfandbein

发明人： Alan Y. Chow ,  George Y. McLean ,  Vincent Y. Chow ,  Jay Cech ,  Christopher M. Bonner ,  Vladimir Gelfandbein

IPC分类号： A61F9/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/36046 ,  A61H5/00 ,  A61N1/0543 ,  A61N2/06 ,  A61N2/12

摘要： Mechanically activated objects or devices for use in treating degenerative retinal diseases are provided. Such devices apply mechanical forces to tissues of an eye to effectuate treatment and are configured for chronic implantation (thereby applying chronic stimulation/irritation) in or on the eye. The devices may be configured for contact with a retina of the eye, preferably positioned in a subretinal space. Various embodiments comprise a moving member configured for chronic contact with at least a portion of the eye, which moving member is activated by an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may be distally located relative to the moving member. Alternatively, the moving member may be supported by a body member that, optionally, also supports the actuator.

摘要翻译： 提供用于治疗退行性视网膜疾病的机械活化物体或装置。 这样的装置将机械力施加到眼睛的组织以实现治疗，并且被配置为在眼睛中或眼睛上进行慢性植入（从而施加慢性刺激/刺激）。 所述装置可以被配置为与眼睛的视网膜接触，优选地定位在视网膜下空间中。 各种实施例包括构造成用于与眼睛的至少一部分慢性接触的移动构件，该移动构件由致动器致动。 在一些实施例中，致动器可以相对于移动构件向远侧定位。 或者，移动构件可以由主体构件支撑，其可选地还支撑致动器。

公开(公告)号：US06574022B2

公开(公告)日：2003-06-03

申请号：US09812214

申请日：2001-03-19

申请人： Alan Y. Chow ,  Vincent Y. Chow

发明人： Alan Y. Chow ,  Vincent Y. Chow

IPC分类号： H04B1000

CPC分类号： H04B10/69 ,  G02B6/4202 ,  G02B6/4206 ,  H04B10/6911

摘要： An optical signal receiver for rapid and error free translation of optical signals into electrical signals is disclosed. The receiver is coupled to a light source. The light source is amplified and then split into two segments. One of the segments is delayed by a specific amount of time. Both segments are optically coupled to a photo detector. Each photo detector is coupled in parallel and are connected by two output terminals. When the voltage output by each photo detector is equal, the output terminals are balanced and will not have any voltage. The circuit will provide a voltage output on the terminal only on differential photocurrents sensed by the detector elements. The quiescent magnitude of the voltage output is a function of the value of the reverse bias voltage applied by the two voltage sources.