# Enhanced Imaging for Visual Prostheses

> **NIH NIH SB1** · ADVANCED MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION · 2022 · $731,134

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The proposed project relates to the commercialization of a promising new thermal/visual imaging system to be
used as an input modality to visual prostheses and other low vision aids. Visual prostheses, including Second
Sight's Argus® II retinal prosthesis, which restores partial vision to people blinded by diseases such as retinitis
pigmentosa and macular degeneration, and Second Sight's Orion® visual cortical prosthesis, which restores
partial vision to people blinded by diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, glaucoma,
diabetic retinopathy, eye injury/trauma, optic nerve disease etc., use cameras or other sensors to provide
electrical stimulation directly to the retina or visual cortex of the user to elicit visual perception. Unfortunately,
ordinary light and color information is difficult for wearers to effectively process in many important tasks with
the limited perceived spatial resolution of the prostheses and other low vision aids. Current compensation
techniques in reduced resolution systems apply enhancement, magnification, and panning of visible light
imagery, and these techniques have utility. However, as we have convincingly demonstrated in phases I and II
of the SBIR-supported development project, other types of imaging more naturally align with the limited
resolution of visual prostheses in important tasks such as people finding and mobility. In this proposed CRP
project, we will advance the phase II developed production-prototype system into commercial production and
complete all required verification and validation testing to achieve FDA approval. Completed production
systems will be distributed to prosthesis recipients who will undergo training in their use and then be allowed to
evaluate the system in their home and community environment. Through these evaluations the end utility of the
system in real-world use will be evaluated.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10483085
- **Project number:** 2SB1EY024498-04A1
- **Recipient organization:** ADVANCED MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Gregory John Seifert
- **Activity code:** SB1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $731,134
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2014-05-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10483085

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10483085, Enhanced Imaging for Visual Prostheses (2SB1EY024498-04A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10483085. Licensed CC0.

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