A group of Australians researchers from Monash University develops bionic eyes that have no need for the eyepiece system human's.
In an effort to restore sight to the blind, the researchers are working on a system that requires 11 small tiles to be implanted in different parts of the brain and which will receive and process signals related to visual stimuli.
Each tile will contain 43 electrodes that will aim to stimulate the brain with electrical signals in an attempt to create pixel-like light, like those produced by healthy eyes.
These tiles will generate a total of 500 pixels Photo. Healthy eyes can produce 1.000.000 to 2.000.000 pixels.
While the bionic eyes they will not be as healthy, they will make life easier for the blind because they will produce a crude image. Researchers report that the images produced will resemble the images produced by it John Baird's televisor the 1920.
The technology is based on a series of glasses containing a digital camera, an eye movement sensor, a digital processor and a wireless transmitter. The camera will move similarly to a healthy eye, using a sensor through the glasses to detect eye movement and adjust the camera accordingly.
The signal will then be processed and transmitted wirelessly to the tiles located within the brain in order to create a rough image of the data.
Bionic matteι
1. Outside the glasses - digital camera
2. Inside the glasses - eye movement sensor will direct the camera
3. Frame of glasses - digital processor and wireless transmitter
4. Brain implant - small implants under the skull will receive signals wirelessly and instantly stimulate the visual cortex of the brain
The main goal of this technology is to help the blind become more independent and regain a basic visual ability, but that doesn't mean it won't affect even those with perfect vision as the technology will naturally continue to improve. The researchers are currently in the process of finding volunteers who will agree to undergo the experimental procedure.
