Method and system for training a visual prosthesis

Abstract

A method for training a visual prosthesis includes presenting a non-visual reference stimulus corresponding to a reference image to a visual prosthesis patient. The visual prosthesis including a plurality of electrodes. Training data sets are generated by presenting a series of stimulation patterns to the patient through the visual prosthesis. Each stimulation pattern in the series, after the first, is determined at least in part on a previous subjective patient selection of a preferred stimulation pattern among stimulation patterns previously presented in the series and a fitness function optimization algorithm. The presented stimulation patterns and the selections of the patient are stored and presented to a neural network off-line to determine a vision solution.

1 . A non-visual stimulus tool for use in training a visual prosthesis comprising:
 a array of components whose relative positions are movable with respect to one another to form a physical relief suitable for use as a reference image to present to a vision impaired patient having the visual prosthesis; and   a training processor coupled to the array of components for controlling the relative positions of the components to generate the training image.