JP2007190064A - Artificial vision apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an artificial vision apparatus capable of achieving safe walking by recognizing the presence of traffic signs and traffic signals without overlooking them and visually recognizing characters of various kinds of display even with a small number of electrodes regarding the artificial vision apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The video image of an external world is inputted by a camera 103, the image signal is converted to a nerve stimulation signal by a signal preparation circuit 107, and the signal is transmitted to a retina stimulation electrode array and transmitted to retina cells as electrical stimulation. Simultaneously with that, the presence is transmitted from signals and signs by radio. In the case of detecting them in the artificial vision apparatus, a visual field image signal for which the kinds are superimposed on a camera image is prepared by a signal processor 106, it is converted to the nerve stimulation signal by the signal preparation circuit 107, and the signal is transmitted to the retina stimulation electrode array and transmitted to the retina cells as the electrical stimulation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an artificial vision device.

  Due to retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, there are around 1 million blind patients worldwide. In these patients, although the nerves under the retina are normal, the stimulation of light is not transmitted to the optic nerve due to abnormalities in tissues such as the cornea and the lens, and the patient is blind. Blindness not only impedes social life but also seriously affects patients, so there is an urgent need for treatment techniques.

  As one of the blindness treatment techniques proposed so far, there is one shown in Patent Document 1. An example of an artificial vision device in this conventional example will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional artificial vision device. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes an extracorporeal device attached to the outside of the human body, and reference numeral 802 denotes an intraocular implant device attached to the eyeball. An image of the outside world is taken by a camera 803 that is an imaging device. A video signal captured by the camera 803 is sent to the image processing device 804. The image processing apparatus 804 performs processing such as cutting out only a necessary part of the image, and creates a visual field image to be transmitted to the wearer. The signal generation circuit 805 converts the visual field image into a human retinal stimulation pattern and outputs it as a nerve stimulation signal. The nerve stimulation signal is sent to the intraocular implant device 802 side as a wireless signal such as 802.11b communication by the transmitter 806. In the intraocular implant device 802, the nerve stimulation signal is received by the receiver 807, and this signal is applied as a voltage to each electrode of the retinal stimulation electrode array 808. The retina receives this stimulus and transmits an image to the wearer's brain.
On the other hand, the extracorporeal device 801 includes a battery 809, supplies power to each component of the extracorporeal device 801, and is transmitted to the intraocular implant device 802 side as wireless power by a power transmitter 810 that is, for example, a primary coil. . In the intraocular implant device 802, wireless power is received by a power receiver 811 that is a secondary coil, for example, and supplied to each element of the intraocular implant device 802.
Note that Patent Document 1 also refers to a method of shifting an image cut out by the image cutout unit 805 according to the movement of the eyeball so that the field of view that can be seen by the wearer can be shifted according to the movement of the eyeball. ing.
International Publication No. 02/080828 Pamphlet

Since there are more than 100 million human retinal cells, information from the outside world can be viewed with extremely high resolution. On the other hand, in the conventional configuration, it is difficult to make the number of electrodes of the retinal stimulation electrode array equal to the number of retinal cells, and the number of electrodes practically used in the current technology is about several hundred to several tens of thousands. It is. When the number of electrodes is about several tens of thousands, the image is recognized as an image having about 100 pixels in both vertical and horizontal directions. For this reason, even if the visual acuity is restored by this system, the resolution of the visual acuity is extremely poor and the color cannot be recognized. For this reason, when walking outdoors, it is difficult to recognize traffic signs and traffic lights, and there is a problem that it may fall into a dangerous state because it is overlooked. In addition, since the resolution of the visual acuity is low, there is a problem that it is difficult to read various display characters at a distant place, and desired information cannot be obtained.
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems. Even if the number of electrodes is small, it is possible to recognize the presence without missing a traffic sign or a traffic light, and to realize safe walking. An object of the present invention is to provide an artificial visual device capable of visually recognizing an image.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the artificial vision device of the present invention inputs an imaging unit that captures an image of the outside world and a second signal that is different from the first signal output from the imaging unit. A signal processing unit for generating a visual field image signal, a signal generating unit for converting the visual field image signal into a neural stimulation signal, and an electrode array for transmitting the neural stimulation signal to a retinal cell or an optic nerve. It is a feature.

  Furthermore, in the artificial vision device according to the present invention, the signal processing means has selection means for selecting one of the first and second signals.

  Furthermore, in the artificial vision device according to the present invention, the selection means includes a changeover switch, and selects one of the first and second signals based on the changeover switch. .

  Further, in the artificial vision device according to the present invention, the signal processing means includes a signal superimposing means for superimposing information based on a second signal on the first signal to create the visual field image signal. It is a thing.

  Furthermore, in the artificial vision device of the present invention, the signal processing means includes second signal determination means for determining the presence or absence of the second signal, and the second signal exists based on the second signal determination means. When not, image signal synthesizing means for using the first signal as the visual field image signal is provided.

  Further, in the artificial vision device of the present invention, when the image signal synthesizing unit detects the presence of the second signal by the second signal determining unit, a signal indicating the detection is used as the first signal. The visual field image signal is superimposed to form the visual field image signal.

  According to the artificial vision device of the present invention, when a pedestrian such as a road sign or a traffic light approaches an object to be watched, the existence of the object is reliably transmitted to the sight of the pedestrian wearing the device. Because it can, it will not be a dangerous situation. Further, since various display characters are directly transmitted to the artificial vision device by wireless transmission, it is possible to read various display characters at a distant place. Thus, according to the artificial visual apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to provide an artificial visual apparatus that can recognize necessary information even when the number of electrodes of the retinal stimulation electrode array is relatively small.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the artificial vision device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an artificial vision device in a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an extracorporeal device attached outside the human body, and reference numeral 102 denotes an intraocular implant device attached in the eyeball. An image of the outside world is taken by a camera 103 which is an imaging device. The image sensor of the camera 103 has a length of 640 pixels and a width of 480 pixels, and an image received by the image sensor is sent to the signal processing device 106 as a first signal. On the other hand, it is assumed that a wireless signal indicating the state of a traffic light and the like sent from a traffic infrastructure such as the traffic light 104 is received by the wireless receiver 105 and sent to the signal processing device 106 as a second signal. In the signal processing device 106, a visual field image signal transmitted to the wearer is created by a method described later. The signal creation circuit 107 converts the visual field image signal into a human retinal stimulation pattern and outputs it as a nerve stimulation signal. The nerve stimulation signal is transmitted to the intraocular implant device 102 side by the transmitter 108 as a wireless signal such as 802.11b, for example. In the intraocular implant device 102, a wireless nerve stimulation signal is received by the receiver 109, and this signal is applied to each electrode of the retinal stimulation electrode array 110 as a voltage pulse. The retina receives this stimulus and transmits an image to the wearer's brain.
On the other hand, the extracorporeal device 101 includes a battery 111, supplies power to each component of the extracorporeal device 101, and is transmitted to the intraocular implant device 102 as wireless power by the power transmitter 112, which is a primary coil, for example. . In the intraocular implant device 102, the wireless power is received by the power receiver 113, which is a secondary coil, for example, and supplied to each element of the intraocular implant device 102.
FIG. 3 is an external view of the intraocular implant device 102. The receiver 109 which is an infrared photodiode and the power receiver 113 which is a secondary coil are integrally configured. The nerve stimulation signal received by the receiver 109 and the power received by the power receiver 113 are transmitted to the retinal stimulation electrode array 110 through a signal line formed on the flexible printed board 301. The retinal stimulation electrode array 110 is assumed to have electrodes of vertical 100 pixels × horizontal 100 pixels.
FIG. 4 shows a state in which the intraocular implant device 102 is attached to the eyeball 401 by a surgical operation. The receiver 109 and the power receiver 113 are attached to a position where the pupil is originally located, and are arranged so as to easily receive a nerve stimulation signal and power by radio from the extracorporeal device 101. The flexible printed circuit board 301 is bent along the inner wall of the eyeball, and the retinal stimulation electrode array 110 is attached to a position where the retinal cells are most concentrated on the back of the visual axis. The intraocular implant device 102 is physically fixed with a dedicated nail or the like.
Now, in the signal processing device 106, which is a feature of the present invention, the first signal that is a video signal from the camera and the second signal from other than the camera are used as a visual field image signal transmitted to the wearer. A method for creating a visual field image signal will be described. In this embodiment, as a method of a radio signal transmitted from the traffic light 104 or the like as the second signal, a method in which a signal modulated by a light emitting diode of the traffic light is transmitted is used. This method is a known technique in which when any color of a traffic light is lit, a light emitting diode that is lit in that color is blinked at high speed and information is transmitted by the blinking pattern. . According to this method, the wireless receiver 105 can use an inexpensive device such as a photodiode, which is used for a light receiving unit of a remote controller. This photodiode is arranged so as to be directed in the same direction as the camera 103 and sense an optical signal coming from the field of view of the central portion of the camera 103.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the signal processing device 106 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing contents inside the signal processing device 106. In this figure, at 201, a signal from the wireless receiver 105 is input. When the wearer of this apparatus is sufficiently away from the traffic light 104, no signal is received in the wireless receiver 105 and a high error rate is indicated. Therefore, in 202, it is determined that the error rate is high. Perform the process. In 203, the video signal from the camera 103, which is the first signal, is used as the visual field image signal. However, since the retina stimulation electrode 101 has a resolution of 100 × 100 pixels, the visual field image signal must have a resolution of 100 × 100 pixels, whereas the camera 103 has a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, It is necessary to convert the resolution of a 640 × 480 pixel image into a 100 × 100 pixel resolution image. Here, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that a visual field image signal is generated by cutting out 100 × 100 pixels in the center of an image of 640 × 480 pixels. Of course, as another method, resolution conversion may be performed by interpolation or the like. After the visual field image signal is created in 203, it is output to the signal processing circuit 107 in 207. When the traffic signal 104 is not nearby, these processes are repeated, so that the wearer sees only the image captured by the camera 103.

  Next, even when the wearer has approached the traffic light 104 to some extent, for example, in a situation where two traffic lights crossing the field of view can be seen at the intersection, the treatment is almost the same as when the traffic light is sufficiently far from the traffic light. Become. That is, at 201, a signal from the wireless receiver 105 is input. At this time, a high error rate is indicated because the signal 104 is separated to some extent or signals from a plurality of signals are mixed. The error rate is checked in 202, but here, for example, when the signal reproduction rate is 70% or less, it is determined that the error rate is high, and the processing in 203 is performed. In 203, a visual field image signal is created from the video signal from the camera 103 which is the first signal. Thereafter, in 207, the visual field image signal is output to the signal processing circuit 107.

  Further, when the wearer approaches the traffic light 104 and looks at the traffic light 104, the following occurs. That is, at 201, a signal from the wireless receiver 105 is input. At this time, since the error rate becomes low, when the error rate is checked in 202, the signal reproduction rate becomes 70% or more, and it is determined that the error rate is low. With this determination, the process proceeds to 204. In 204, the contents of the information sent from the traffic light 104 are checked to determine whether the traffic light is currently red, yellow or blue. If it is not currently blue, a visual field image signal is created at 205. When creating a field image signal in 205, first, a field image signal of 100 × 100 is created from the camera image by the same method as in 203. In 205, the color information of the traffic light is superimposed on this image. For example, when the signal is red, there is a method of superimposing a mark “x” on the created visual field image signal, and when the signal is yellow, a method of superimposing a mark “Δ” on the created visual field image signal. In order to draw more attention to the wearer, these X and Δ marks may be blinked and overlapped. In any case, in 205, the camera image is generated by superimposing and displaying the symbolized state of the traffic light as the visual field image signal. The generated visual field image signal is output to the signal processing circuit 107 at 207. On the other hand, if it is determined at 204 that the traffic light 104 is blue, a visual field image signal is created at 206. When creating a field image signal in 206, first, a field image signal of 100 × 100 is created from the camera image by the same method as in 203. In 206, information on how many seconds the traffic light will turn yellow is superimposed on this image. It is assumed that the information regarding the remaining time is sent from the traffic light 104 together with the current color information. The remaining time is displayed as a number of 16 × 16 pixels per digit, superimposed on the corner of the visual field image signal, and this is used as the visual field image signal to be output. The generated visual field image signal is output to the signal processing circuit 107 at 207.

  According to the above method, in the normal state, the wearer recognizes the image captured by the camera as it is, but when the signal is watched, the wearer can surely know the state of the signal. In addition, additional information sent from the traffic light such as the remaining time of the green light can be obtained, and when the remaining time is short, it is possible to judge to stop crossing.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an artificial vision device in the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between FIG. 5 and FIG. 1 is that the traffic signal 104 is a sign 501, the wireless receiver that receives the signal is 502, and the function inside the signal processing device 502 is changed to cope with this, Only a switch 504 for inputting to the signal processing device 502 is added, and the other parts are the same as those in FIG. Therefore, here, the description will be focused on the operation when the signal from the sign 501 is received.

  Here, the sign 501 may be related to pedestrian safety such as a road sign or a signboard under construction, or may be related to convenience such as a bus or train timetable. In any case, it is assumed that the sign 501 performs radio signal transmission together with normal visual display for a healthy person. Here, it is assumed that the wireless system is effective for an area having a radius of about 10 m by, for example, 802.11b, and the type of the sign and the display content are transmitted as character data on the wireless signal. . In the following description, the case where the sign 501 is a bus stop and the timetable is sent wirelessly will be described as an example.

  First, when the wearer of this apparatus is sufficiently away from the sign 501, the second signal does not enter the wireless receiver 502, so that the signal processing apparatus 503 displays the image of the camera 103 as in the first embodiment. The visual field image signal is generated, and the wearer recognizes only the image of the camera 103. At this time, the signal processing device 503 ignores the switch 504 and always uses the image of the camera 103 as the visual field image signal. Next, when the wearer approaches the sign 501 and the wireless receiver 502 captures the wireless signal from the sign 501 with a low error rate that is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the signal processing device 503 is connected to the camera 103. A visual field image signal is created by superimposing the detected sign type (in this example, a bus stop) on the image. FIG. 6 shows the created visual field image signal. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes the entire visual field image signal, and all parts other than the display 602 are images taken by the camera 103. A display 602 indicates the type of sign sent from the sign 501, and is displayed by the signal processing device 503 superimposed on the image of the camera 103. By blinking the display 602, it is easier to draw the wearer's attention. In this field of view, a sign 501 that transmits information wirelessly is included in the portion 603, but even if it is not in the field of view, 602 is displayed. Note that after the wearer recognizes the presence of the sign 501, the display 602 obstructs the field of view and is desirably deleted. Therefore, for example, the display 602 is displayed only for 3 seconds after the display is started, and thereafter, the superimposition of the display 602 is stopped, and the visual field image signal is generated only by the video imaged by the camera 103.

  On the other hand, when the wearer presses the switch 504 in the state where the sign 501 is present, the signal processing device 503 detects this, and the visual field image signal displaying the bus timetable received from the wireless receiver 502 as characters. Create At this time, the image from the camera 103 is ignored, and the character is clearly expressed by displaying it with a bright character on a dark background. In addition, since the resolution of the visual field image signal is low, only a part of the bus timetable is displayed with large characters, and the entire time table is displayed by scrolling. When the wearer releases the switch, the signal processing device 503 again creates the visual field image signal shown in FIG. In this case, if the switch has been pressed for 2 seconds or more, for example, the presence of the bus stop has already been recognized and the bus timetable has been confirmed. The visual field image signal may be created only from the captured video, but if the switch is pressed for a short time, for example, 2 seconds or less, this means that it is necessary to reconfirm the type of sign that is nearby. Suppose that the display 602 is superimposed again for 3 seconds. When the wearer presses the switch 504 again, the bus timetable is displayed again from the beginning.

  Here, it is effective to use the movement of the eyelid as the switch 504. For this purpose, a visual sensor may be arranged toward the eyelid in the extracorporeal device 101 to visually recognize the opening and closing of the eyelid, and this may be used as a switch output, or an optical sensor may be arranged in the intraocular implant device 102. The presence or absence of the light received by this may be transmitted wirelessly to the extracorporeal device 101, and this may be used as a switch output. By using the movement of the eyelid as the switch 504, the outside world can be visually seen by the image taken by the camera 103 when the wearer opens the eyelid, and when the eyelid is closed, the timetable of the bus etc. Information will be seen. This makes it possible to avoid the danger of moving in a state in which the outside world is not visible, using the natural behavior of human beings that do not move with eyes closed.

  In the above example, the character information sent from the sign 501 is superimposed on the visual field image signal as the display 602. However, in this state, advertisements and the like are transmitted wirelessly by the same means as the sign 501 and forced to the wearer. May cause problems such as In order to avoid such a situation, the sign 501 transmits an authentication code in addition to the character information, and the signal processing apparatus 503 uses a valid sign only when the sent authentication code is valid. The superposition shown above is performed.

  FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an artificial vision device in the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 5 is that the sign 501 is a device 701 having a video output such as a PC, and this is converted into a signal processing device 703 in the extracorporeal device 101 via the external interface 702 by a wired video signal. In order to cope with this, only the function inside the signal processing device 703 has been changed, and the other parts are the same as in FIG. Therefore, here, the description will be focused on the operation when a signal from the PC 701 or the like is received.

  Here, the PC 701 is a device having a video output such as a personal computer or a video, and outputs a monitor output signal in the case of a personal computer and an NTSC signal in the case of video. The external interface 702 is a connector for connecting these signals. When the 701 is a personal computer, for example, it is a monitor connector, and when the 701 is a video, it is a coaxial connector that receives NTSC.

  First, when no connector is connected to the external interface 702, and when no video signal is output from the PC 701 even if the connector is connected, the signal processing device 703 views the image of the camera 103 as a field of view. Since it is created as an image signal, the wearer recognizes only the image of the camera 103. At this time, the signal processing device 703 ignores the switch 504 and always uses the image of the camera 103 as the visual field image signal.

  Next, when a connector is connected to the external interface 702 and a video signal is output from the PC 701, the signal processing device 703 checks the switch 504, and when the switch 504 is OFF, The image of the camera 103 is created as a visual field image signal in the same manner as described above, but when the switch 504 is ON, a video signal from the PC 701 or the like is created as a visual field image signal. As a result, the wearer can see the outside world with the camera 103 as usual when the switch is OFF, but can directly see the output image of the PC 701 when the switch is ON. By looking directly at the output image of the PC 701, the angle of view fits the entire field of view and the clear image is not affected by outside light, etc., compared to viewing the screen of the PC 701 via the camera 103. become able to.

  Also in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, it is effective to use the opening and closing of the eyelid as the switch 103. When the eyelid is closed, the output image of the PC 701 can be directly seen, and when the eyelid is opened, the external image from the camera 103 can be seen, so that the image of the PC 701 is closed. Even if you are watching the video, you can see the outside world as soon as you open your eyes.

  The artificial visual device according to the present invention is useful as an artificial visual device that is practical by the existing technology because it allows the wearer to recognize external information as necessary even when a retinal stimulation electrode with a low resolution is used. is there.

Functional block diagram of the artificial vision device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Processing flowchart of signal processing circuit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Outline drawing of intraocular implant device in Example 1 of the present invention The image figure of the ocular implantation apparatus installation state in Example 1 of this invention Functional block diagram of the artificial vision device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention The figure which shows the visual field image signal of the artificial vision apparatus in Example 2 of this invention. Functional block diagram of the artificial vision device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Functional block diagram of a conventional artificial vision device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Extracorporeal device worn outside the human body 102 Intraocular implant device worn in the eyeball 103 Camera 104 Traffic light 105 Wireless receiver 106 Signal processing device 107 Signal generation circuit 108 Wireless transmitter 109 Wireless receiver 110 Retina stimulation electrode array 111 Battery DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 112 Power transmitter 113 Power receiver 201 Signal input process 202 Error rate comparison judgment 203 Field-of-view image signal creation process by camera image 204 Signal color judgment 205 Field-of-view image signal creation process with signal color superimposed on camera image 206 Remaining in camera image Field-of-view image signal generation processing 207 that overlaps time 207 Field-of-view image signal output processing 301 Flexible printed circuit board 401 Out-of-eye shape 501 Wireless transmission indicator 502 Wireless receiver 503 Signal processing device 504 Switch 601 Field-of-view image signal 602 Overlay display 603 Bus stop 701 Video output device such as PC 702 External interface 703 Signal processing device 801 Extracorporeal device worn outside the human body 802 Intraocular implant device worn inside the eyeball 803 Camera 804 Image processing device 805 Image clipping means 806 Signal generation circuit 807 Wireless transmitter 808 Wireless receiver 809 Retina stimulation electrode array 810 Battery 811 Power transmitter 812 Power receiver

Claims (24)

Imaging means for capturing images of the outside world;
A signal processing means for generating a visual field image signal by inputting a second signal different from the first signal output from the imaging means;
A signal generating means for converting the visual field image signal into a nerve stimulation signal;
An electrode array for transmitting the nerve stimulation signal to retinal cells or the optic nerve;
Artificial vision device with. The artificial vision device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing means includes selection means for selecting one of the first and second signals. The artificial visual device according to claim 2, wherein the selection unit includes a changeover switch, and selects one of the first and second signals based on the changeover switch. The artificial vision device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit includes a signal superimposing unit that superimposes information based on a second signal on the first signal to generate the visual field image signal. The signal processing means includes second signal determining means for determining the presence or absence of the second signal, and based on the second signal determining means, when the second signal does not exist, the first signal is displayed in the visual field. 2. The artificial vision device according to claim 1, further comprising image signal synthesizing means for making an image signal. When the second signal determining unit detects the presence of the second signal, the image signal synthesizing unit superimposes a signal indicating the detection on the first signal to form the visual field image signal. Item 6. The artificial vision device according to Item 5. 2. The artificial vision device according to claim 1, further comprising receiving means for receiving the second signal transmitted wirelessly. The artificial visual device according to claim 7, wherein the second signal is a sign information signal sent from a road sign. The artificial visual device according to claim 7, wherein the second signal is signal information transmitted from a traffic signal. The signal processing means superimposes the information of the second signal on the first signal to generate the visual field image signal when the second signal is received with an intensity greater than a predetermined value. The artificial vision device according to claim 7, further comprising means. The image synthesizing unit generates the visual field image signal by superimposing the information of the second signal on the first signal, and stores the information of the second signal for a first time given in advance. The artificial vision device according to claim 10, wherein superimposing and thereafter superimposing the information of the second signal are stopped during a second time given in advance. The artificial vision device according to claim 11, wherein the image synthesizing unit repeats superposition of the first signal and the second signal a predetermined number of times. The signal processing means detects an error rate of the second signal, and superimposes the information of the second signal on the first signal only when the error rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The artificial vision device according to claim 7, further comprising an image synthesizing unit for generating the image. The signal processing means uses an eyelid as the changeover switch, outputs the first signal as the visual field image signal when the eyelid is opened, and uses the second signal when the eyelid is closed. The artificial vision device according to claim 3, wherein the visual field image is created. The artificial vision device according to claim 14, wherein a sensor for detecting light is disposed in the eyeball, and opening / closing of the eyelid is detected by a change in light amount. The artificial vision device according to claim 14, wherein the second signal is character information. 15. The artificial vision device according to claim 14, wherein the character information sent wirelessly is displayed in a time-sharing manner and used as the visual field image signal. 18. The artificial vision device according to claim 17, wherein when the eyelid is once opened and the eyelid is closed again, the character is displayed again from the beginning. The artificial vision device according to claim 7 and 16, further comprising an authentication function for a signal transmitted by radio. The artificial vision device according to claim 7, wherein the second signal is transmitted by radio having directivity. 21. The artificial vision device according to claim 20, wherein the directional radio is optical communication. The artificial vision device according to claim 21, wherein the directional radio performs communication by blinking a light emitting diode used for a traffic light at high speed. The signal superimposing means superimposes information based on a second signal on the first signal for a predetermined time to form the visual field image signal, and after the predetermined time ends, The artificial vision device according to claim 4, wherein only the above-mentioned signal is a visual field image signal. The signal superimposing means includes a switch, and when the switch is closed and opened, the visual field image signal is superimposed again on the first signal with information based on the second signal for a predetermined time. 24. The artificial vision device according to claim 23, wherein after the predetermined time is over, only the first signal is used as a visual field image signal.

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