Argus II/ORCAM Device Study

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

Interventions

DEVICE

Argus II Eyeglasses

The Argus II Eyeglasses (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.

DEVICE

ORCAM

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Second Sight Medical Products

  collaborator INDUSTRY

• Mayo Clinic

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Raymond Iezzi · Mayo Clinic

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

DEVICE_FEASIBILITY

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2017-08-31

Primary Completion

2020-10-15

Completion

2020-10-15

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations