Dr. Abhishek Mandal, PhD

Scientific Advisor, OCULAR Interface

An OCULAR Interface Exclusive

Keywords: Biosensor, Eyecare, Integration, Biosensors application

AI-Enhanced Bionic Vision Systems: Revolutionising Sight Restoration and Enhancement

In recent years, bionic vision systems have emerged as a beacon of hope for individuals suffering from blindness, promising to replace the functionality of a part or whole of the eye to restore and enhance eyesight. Artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to enhancing the functions of bionic vision systems, making them more efficient. This article explores the transformative potential of AI in bionic vision systems, focusing on real-time visual data processing, personalised vision optimisation, neural interfaces, and the ethical implications of advanced visual augmentation technologies.

Artificial Intelligence in Real-Time Visual Data Processing

AI has enabled bionic visual systems to process data in real-time, overcoming the speed and accuracy limitations of traditional visual aids by leveraging algorithms to analyse and interpret visual information. AI utilises deep learning, especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to process and analyse data, edge computing to process the visual data in real-time by reducing latency and bandwidth usage since it enables computations to be performed closer to the source, and algorithms such as You Only Look Once (YOLO) and MobileNet-SSD to detect and track objects in real-time. ^(1,2,3) AI-enhanced bionic vision systems improve the clarity of images, adjust to different lighting conditions, and predict object movement, providing a better visual experience for those with visual impairments. An example of an AI-driven bionic vision system is the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System. ⁽⁴⁾

Personalised Vision Optimisation

AI helps personalise bionic vision systems to meet individual needs through machine learning, deep learning for medical imaging, adopting bioinspired adaptive mechanisms, and integrating human-centred design principles. For instance, AI can adjust contrast, brightness, and focus based on user feedback and daily usage patterns. ⁽⁵⁾

Neural Interfaces and Artificial Intelligence Integration

Neural Interfaces are advanced technologies designed to establish a direct communication link between the nervous system and the visual prosthesis. When integrated with AI, neural interfaces restore or enhance vision by either stimulating or decoding neural signals, allowing individuals with visual impairments to perceive visual information.

Ethical Implications of Advanced Visual Augmentation Technologies

AI systems in bionic visions can violate individuals’ privacy since they may collect and process personal data without adequate consent and the risk of algorithmic bias can also result in discrimination against minority groups. Furthermore, users and stakeholders need to understand AI’s decision-making process to trust and effectively use these technologies. There is also concern about the safety and reliability of these AI-enhanced bionic systems, calling for potential errors to be resolved and ensuring they operate under various conditions. ⁽⁶⁾

Conclusion

AI is and will continue to transform bionic vision systems by offering new possibilities for restoring and enhancing sight, from real-time visual data processing to personalised vision optimisation, and neural interface integration. However, the concerns around privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, safety, and reliability must be addressed. The future of AI-enhanced bionic vision systems lies in the collaboration between AI researchers, medical professionals, and ethicists to ensure vision restoration and enhancement are accessible, safe, and beneficial to all.

References

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2. Cob-Parro, A., Losada-Gutiérrez, C., Romera, M., Vicente, A., & Muñoz, I. (2021). Smart Video Surveillance System Based on Edge Computing. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21092958.
3. Öztürkoğlu, M. (2023). Predicting Various Architectural Styles Using Computer Vision Methods. Mimarlık Bilimleri ve Uygulamaları Dergisi (MBUD). https://doi.org/10.30785/mbud.1334044.
4. Shaw, J. (2016, September 1). Bionic Vision. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/bionic-vision
5. Dodda, A., Jayachandran, D., Radhakrishnan, S., Pannone, A., Zhang, Y., Trainor, N., Redwing, J., & Das, S. (2022). Bioinspired and Low-Power 2D Machine Vision with Adaptive Machine Learning and Forgetting. ACS Nano. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c02906.
6. Naik, N., Hameed, B., Shetty, D., Swain, D., Shah, M., Paul, R., Aggarwal, K., Ibrahim, S., Patil, V., Smriti, K., Shetty, S., Rai, B., Chłosta, P., & Somani, B. (2022). Legal and Ethical Consideration in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Who Takes Responsibility? Frontiers in Surgery, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.862322.