High Resolution Vision Prosthesis Systems: Research after 15 Years

Abstract

Using an article by R. Fish, published a decade ago, as a point of departure, the authors propose that no significant advances in high resolution devices in vision substitution systems have been made since then. They claim that this lack of progress is a consequence of researchers failing to exploit the implications in certain of the theoretical insights on perception. They suggest alternative theoretical approaches which may help to move the work forward, as well as presenting new design criteria. Tactile substitution systems are proposed in preference to cortical implant work, and electrocutaneous transfer is offered in preference to vibrotactile techniques, which are seen as the major reason for the very limited resolution achieved by existing approaches.