Utility of Visual Pattern Recognition Technology in Retinal Prosthesis Patients: the ARGUSII/ORCAM Device Study

This study is being done to determine if wearable text-to-speech (TTS) and visual pattern recognition (VPR) technology can be used to extend the capabilities of the Argus II to allow patients to read and recognize faces and objects.

The Argus II retinal prosthesis can restore rudimentary forms of vision to patients with bare light-perception vision. Using the prosthesis, patients can identify obstacles, handles, switches, eating utensils and demonstrate improved navigation when used in conjunction with other ambulation-assist tools. Current limits in the resolution of the device prevent useful reading or face recognition. The FDA has approved the Argus II as a humanitarian device.

Present-day wearable text-to-speech converters are also capable of object and face recognition. Such systems have been developed to assist with these tasks in patients with severe low-vision. ORCAM is a commercially-available eyeglass-mounted visual pattern recognition system capable of converting photographs of text to speech. It is comprised of a camera, a small belt-worn computer, pattern recognition software and a small audio transducer. ORCAM can acquire the image of a sheet of paper and read the text to the user through a small speaker adjacent to the ear. In addition, ORCAM can be trained to recognize faces and speak the name of the individual to the user. ORCAM can also be used to recognize everyday products after being programmed.