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Still More Bionic Eyes

Posted by michael on from the bionic-eyes-are-smiling dept.

jeno writes "An Australian-invented 'bionic eye' device is about to begin human trials. The device consists of a silicon chip inserted into the eye, which is designed to act like a retina -- receiving images captured by a pair of glasses worn by the user."

5 of 161 comments (clear)

  1. Boggles the Mind! by __aadhrk6380 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Something like this, if it works, is awesome! To lose your sight, and then regain it? Just like the VISA commercial, priceless!

    The use of interfacing devices to intercept neural signals from the brain is incredible! It has already been done (to an extent) aurally. Rush Limbaugh totally lost his hearing, yet benefitted from an implant (cochlear).

    As to what it could be, and where it could go? Who cares? If I was on the receiving end, I sure wouldn't be paying too much attention to the options!

    I would just be looking at my family and being thankful for the chance to do it!

  2. How many FPS ? by Vertigo01 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The article fails to mention how many frames per second (if that's the appropriate term) this technology would deliver... even 10x10 pixels would be helpful if delivered at 30 - 40 FPS, but almost worse than useless if delivered at 2 FPS...

    1. Re:How many FPS ? by Scott+Baio · · Score: 1, Insightful
      NTSC television broadcasts are at 30 fps, whereas most motion pictures are filmed and shown at 16 fps. This is why many videos made from filmed movies actually contain the same content on almost every pair of frames. Broadcasts that were originally shot on video (like, for instance, "Charles in Charge"), contain original content on all 30 frames each second.

      It's quite a bargain to buy videos and DVDs of you favorite old TV shows, like "Happy Days," and "Joanie Loves Chachi," considering that you get two episodes per tape, with all those frames of unique content for a little less than you'd pay for a theatrical movie released to video.

  3. Re:Even though its 10X10 by OzRoy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This would still be a huge improvement over total blindness.

    You also have to remember that the brain is extremely flexable and it will be able to learn to recognise shapes even at this low resolution. You would learn to cope very well. You just wouldn't be able to read probably.

    You are used to seeing things at a normal human resolution. Imagine you are a hawk with the ability to see a mouse 100 meters below you. You are then shown human eyesite. You wouldn't be able to recognise anything either. But you would adapt.

  4. Re:nice idea and ultimate spyware by darqchild · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'm not american, so I'm not entirely sure about this. But my impression of the Patriot Act, is that it creates an unofficial police state.

    Doesn't the FBI now has the ability to detain anybody, indefinitely, without the right to a trial, or access to a laywer?

    The whole bloody thing is a giant witch hunt. I could point a finger at anybody, say that they're a terrorist, and the FBI can essentially lock them up forever without a trial.

    That sounds like a police state to me

    --
    What? Me? Worry?