Retina implant

US6804560B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen Universitätsklinikum · DE

Inventors

• Wilfried Nisch · Tübingen, DE
• Alfred Stett · Reutlingen, DE
• Markus Schubert · Tübingen, DE
• Michael Graf · Belmont, US
• Heinz-Gerhard Graf · Magstadt, DE
• Hugo Hammerle · Bingen, DE
• Eberhart Zrenner · Bingen, DE
• Martin Stelzle · Reutlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 12, 2004
• Expiry date: May 25, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10F39/803
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A retina implant, comprises a surface and a plurality of pixel elements disposed on the surface for receiving and converting incoming light energy into electric energy. At least one amplifier is provided in the implant, and a plurality of stimulation electrodes supplied via the at least one amplifier as a function of signals received by the pixel elements. At least one light-sensitive reference element is coupled with the at least one amplifier for controlling amplification thereof as a function of light energy impinging on the at least one reference element.