CA2313693A1 - Implantable camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

An implantable personal imaging system is described. The apparatus of the invention functions as a true extension of the mind and body of the user, giving rise to a natural genre of imaging. In a dental embodiment, a picture is captured on mouth movement, for example, when the user smiles possibly for someone else's picture (posing and shooting at the same time). In an occular implant artificial eye embodiment, images are captured from a true Point Of Eye (POE). Additionally, the prosthetic device restores some depth perception.

Description

n\~GI.LCt..~'. ~ , .
Patent Application ~ ~ ~j (~ ~ ~
of W. Steve G. Mann PRO~ha i ~ '. _ _ . ~~~
for IMPLANTABLE CAMERA OR PERSONAL IMAGING SYSTEM
WITH IMPLANTABLE PORTION
of which the following is a specification:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to an apparatus, system, or the like, for being implanted in the body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Humanistic Intelligence (HI) is intelligence that arises in a natural cybernetic way, through having a constancy of user-interface, by way of an "always-ready"
computer system or imaging system.
The wearable computer, and wearable photographic apparatus, invented in the 1970s and early 1980s, is an example of an apparatus that embodies HI. This invention and its realization of HI is described in Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 86, No. 11, and can also be found by Internet searching for keywords such as "eyetap" , "humanistic intelligence" , "wearcam" , and the like.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6063117, "Porous orbital implant structure", Arthur C. Perry, (16418 La Via Feliz, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067-1102) describes a porous structure for implantation into the orbital cavity, as well as a surgical method for installing the implant to obtain rapid ingrowth of vascular and connective tissues.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6033437, "Pegs for orbital implants", Arthur C. Perry describes a motility peg for an orbital implant. The peg is generally placed in vivo. It also ~1~'T'E~ LF!'"~a ~ w ~ ~n('PFF~T'v PROf~r,~~ir_ ;....... :~'uELLE
allows for removable attachment to an artificial eye, typically comprising a convex~~
surface articulating with a concave surface on the artificial eye.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5967772, "Orthodontic anchor system", James B. Gray (715 Shade Tree Ter., Roswell, GA 30075) describes an orthodontic anchor system com-prised of an anchor for attachment (directly or indirectly to) a palate, a member, a tooth or one or more dental implants or subperiosteal implants.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5947723, "Titanium orthodontic appliances", Assigned to GAC International, Mikio Mottate (Ohkuma-machi, JP), Masaaki Orikasa (Ohkuma-machi, JP), and Kikuo Nishi (Haramachi, JP), describe orthodontic appliances of titanium alloy which avoid toxic or allergic reactions.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6077073, "Light emitting diode-array light apparatus", Gregory S. Jacob (9672 Reding Cir., Des Plaines, IL 60016) describes an array of low voltage LEDs in a clear housing conforming to an approximate shape of dentition.
During use the apparatus of the invention emits light for curing adhesives, sealants, whitening or coloring agents, or the like.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6059571, "Method for embedding mark in denture and im-plement for making recess used therefor", Hisashi Kishigam (2-25-21, Shimizugaoka, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, JP) describes a method of embedding a microprocessor inden-tification device a denture, allegedly for management of dentures at a dentist's or dental mechanic's office.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6083248, "World wide patient location and data telemetry system for implantable medical devices", assigned to Medtronic, Inc.
(Minneapolis, MN), David L. Thompson (Fridley, MN), describes an implantable telemetry system with two way communications capability. The system locates a device implanted in an ambulatory patient patient to selectively monitor device function, alter device op-erating parameters and modes, and to communicate with a patient using a transceiver for communicating between the implanted device and an external patient communi-cations device that is worn or kept by the patient in close range. The system includes iNTELI.FCTI.IeI ~PpPERTY
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J U ~. ~ ~ 2000 ~..pRO'~r~'~~ic,.:., -. ~:i~;TUEt~
a communication link with a medical support network, global posi~~i'g'S~'2~~°'~~' receiver, and a patient activated link.
In Canadian Patent 2249976, WEARABLE CAMERA SYSTEM WITH VIEWFINDER
MEANS Nov. 2 , 1999 (filed Oct. 15, 1998), Mann (the inventor in the present ap-plication) describes an EyeTap (TM) device for providing a Point Of Eye (POE) imaging system that is preferably responsive to rays of light that would otherwise pass through the center of projection of a lens of an eye of the wearer of the EyeTap device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a light sensitive element, light sensor, or the like, for being implanted in the body together with a processor for reading out quantities of light, or quantities that are in some way responsive to quantities of light.
In this disclosure, the term "implanted" includes an apparatus such as an occular implant, an artificial eye, a denture, mouthguard, or the like, that is inserted into the body where it could remain in the body after removal of clothing, or the like, and in which insertion does not necessarily require cutting the body open in surgery, or the like.
In a typical embodiment of the invention, there are two or three components:
~ a power source;
~ an implantable apparatus having a power receiver and picture sender; and ~ a picture receiver.
The power source for the implantable apparatus may be derived, at least partially, from the body itself, or it may be wholly supplied externally, possibly with only a local power storage or filter capacitor internally.

In embodiments where the power is supplied, at least in part, externally, the user wears a device that transmits power to the implant, either to run it, or to charge up its internal storage system.
In the preferred embodiment, a higher level of power is supplied externally to charge the implantable apparatus, overnight and a lesser level of power is supplied to the implantable device from a wearable apparatus during daily operation.
Preferably a high power charger charges both the wearable apparatus and the implantable ap-paratus, and a low power charger in the wearable apparatus continues to charge the implantable apparatus during daily use.
There are some situations where it is desired that the implant continue to run when separated from the wearable apparatus. For example, in using the invention as a Personal Safety Device (PSD) for crime reduction, it is preferable that the device continue to operate despite theft of clothing and personal belongings. In this way, there is better chance of capturing and identifying the perpetrator of the theft. A
vicious attack, rape, or theft of clothing, could therefore be punished by catching the perpetrator, and further using image data as evidence in a courtroom, for the prosecution of criminal activity.
In some embodiments, the implantable device is housed in dental apparatus such as orthodontics, a mouthguard, dentures, dental work, or the like, where the image sensor and associated optics are typically aimed out through a gap in the front teeth, and image capture is triggered by opening the mouth. In other embodiments, the apparatus takes the form of an occular implant, artificial eye, or the like, such that it may be used to capture Point Of Eye (POE) documentary of sporting events such as summer Olympics freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, IM, etc., from the perspective of a participant, which could not otherwise be captured by traditional wearable computing apparatus of the wearable wireless webcam or EyeTap (TM) variety, as described in IEEE Proceedings of ISWC-98, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 19-20, 1998 or by an Internet search on keywords "wearcam" and "eyetap" .

Moreover, the POE embodiment of the invention captures a true Point Of Eye, and not just a Point Of View (POV) as might be captured by a headworn camera.
l~Moreover, although both the POE embodiment of the invention and the EyeTap (TM) camera both capture a true Point Of Eye, in the sense that the eye itself is, in effect, the camera in both cases, the present invention carries this effect one step further, by including the eyelids and eyelashes, as seen from within the eye, in the view. Thus, through appropriate optics, a natural inside-the-eye view is established.
Additionally, using a CrossEyeTap (TM) system, in which the POE camera sends a picture over to a display in view of the other eye, a natural looking occular prosthesis evolves.
In particular, loss of an eye due to trauma, disease, or the like, has negative impact on the ability to do that requires depth perception, such as is desired in leisure activities of gaming (e.g. tennis, volleyball, and the like) as well as job-related activities). Moreover, the negative impact on self-image arising from poor aiming of an artificial eye, during conversation or the like, has an adverse effect on self confidence and self esteem.
The CrossEyeTap system may be embodied in the invention in order to give a more lifelike quality to the artificial eye. Even if image capture is not needed, there is thus benefit to merely monitoring the output of the artificial eye in the normal eye. Thus by sending the output of the artifial eye into the normal eye, there arises a feedback mechanism wherein the artificial eye comes to life again as a lifelike input into the visual system. As the brain adapts to this new way of seeing, the artificial eye takes on a new life to greatly improve the self esteem and self confidence of the wearer. Simply knowing that the other eye is not "dead" provides a good deal of such self confidence. Monitoring its output continues to build not only the self esteem, but also the movement control of the eye, such that the vergence of gaze returns.
By displaying the material distinctly (e.g. in red, or in processed video) on the other eye, a feedback system evolves to control the artificial eye. Moreover, the additonal POE information visible to the normal eye helps in regaining greater sense of depth perception.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of examples which in no way are meant to limit the scope of the invention, but, rather, these examples will serve to illustrate the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1A illustrates the implantable and external portions of the personal imaging system.
FIG. 1B illustrates the implantable portion of the personal imaging system.
FIG. 2 illustrates a dental embodiment.
FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section of the eye portion of an eye embodiment.
FIG. 3B illustrates the components of the eye portion an eye embodiment.
FIG. 4A illustrates an artificial iris of an artificial eye implemented with two durable glass conductive ITO (indium-tin oxide) coatings having transmissivity in the visible region of light.
FIG. 4B illustrates an electromagnetically powered artificial iris of an artificial eye.
FIG. 4C illustrates a photonically powered artificial iris of an artificial eye.
FIG. 5 shows a crosseye embodiment in which an aremac for viewing by a first eye is responsive to an output of an artificial eye.
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment with a stereo depth processor for being responsive to rays of light passing into both eyes, an output of the stereo depth processor for being viewed by one eye.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention shall now be described with reference to the preferred em-bodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the description is not to limit the invention only to the particular embodiments shown but rather to cover all alterations, modifications and equivalent arrangements possible within the scope of the appended claims.
In all aspects of the present invention, references to "light sensor" mean any device to measure, quantify, or be responsive to light, in either continuous or discrete steps.
References to "processor" , or "computer" shall include sequential instruction, par allel instruction, and special purpose architectures such as digital signal processing hardware, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices, Programmable Interface Controllers (PICs), as well as analog signal processing de-vices, digital or analog or other camera control units (CCUs), and the like.
When it is said that object "A" is "borne" by object "B", this shall include the possibilities that A is attached to B, that A is bonded onto the surface of B, that A
is embedded inside B, that A is part of B, that A is built into B, or that A
is B.
FIG. lA shows a personal imaging system. With reference to Fig lA, an im-plantable portion 115 is powered by at least one of:
~ an externally stored power source 124;
~ an external power source 125;
~ an internally generated power source 126; or ~ an internally stored power source 127, each of which is denoted in dashed lines since it will not necessarily be present in all embodiments of the invention. If present in a particular embodiment, externally stored power source 124 preferably takes the form of a body worn battery pack which also powers a body worn computer system. If present in a particular embodiment, external power source 125 wirelessly sends power to implantable portion 115.
In the preferred embodiments, the sending of power is by inductive coupling. An internally generated power source 126 may also be present, in the form of a source that de-rives power from body muscle movement, from the environment (as received light, or received electromagnetic energy possibly in the absence of a specific source 125 thereof), or the like.
Implantable portion 115 may also be powered by an internally stored power source 127. Source 127 may be a primary battery, but in the preferred embodiments it is a secondary (e.g. rechareable) source deriving charge from either sources 125 or 126 depending on which is present.
External power source 125 may be mainly for charging source 127, or it may be mainly for powering portion 115, or for both charging and powering portion 115. In the case of charging, source 127 may take the form of an inductive coil in a pillow for sleeping, to charge portion 115 overnight.
Source 125 may also be built into eyeglasses worn near the portion 115, to operate it, or to charge it. Source 125 may provide a combination of operation and charging, and source 125 may also be split into parts, e.g. a source 125 in eyeglasses as well as a source 125 in a pillow, etc., so that a user of the apparatus may have more than one external power source 125.
Sources 126 and 127, if either or both are present in a particular embodiment, are implanted in the body.
Implantable portion 115 sends picture information to a picture receiver 1408.
Picture receiver 1408 is optinally powered by source 125, by its own source, or by a combination of source 125 and its own source. A wireless link 140L carries picture information from portion 115 to receiver 1408.
An optional display 140D shows the user a displayed output of his or her im-plantable portion 115.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, source 125 and receiver 1408 are housed in a single housing 140H worn by the user. Additionally, if present, display 140D is preferably located in the same housing 140H.
FIG. 1B shows the implantable portion 115 of the personal imaging system that was previously shown in Fig. lA. A power receiver 120 receives power from one or more sources (125, 126, 127 of Fig. lA). In a preferred embodiment, power receiver 120 receives power electromagnetically, and is denoted as power receiver 120A.
In other embodiments power receiver 120 is located in a light sensitive system 130, and in this location, the power receiver is denoted 120B. Power receiver 120B, if present, receives its power from a light sensor 131 which is preferably also an imaging array.
In the case of power receiver 120A, power is said to come from an external power source (125 of Fig. lA), wheras in the case of power receiver 120B, power is said to come from an internally generated power source (126 of Fig. lA) in which source 126 may be considered to be sensor 131.
Power connections 121 convey power from either source 120A by way of connec-dons 121A, or source 120B by way of connections 121B. Power is conveyed to a light sensitive system 130 as well as a picture transmitter 140. Optionally a controller 150 accepts input 160 from the user 100. Preferably the implantable portion (115 of Fig. lA) is in the head 110 of user 100.
Sensor 131 is responsive to light, and supplies picture signals to processor 132, which provides a picture signal to picture transmitter 140. Optics for sensor 131 is not shown, and is either implicit, explicit, or may be manifest as, for example, the lens of an artificial eye.
FIG. 2 shows a dental embodiment of the implantable portion 115 of Fig. lA. A
retainer, denture, or other similar dental element 200 attaches to teeth 201, either by friction fit, by dental implant, or by attaching a place where teeth are absent, if teeth are wholly, or partially absent.
A power receiver 220A receives power electromagnetically from turns of wire in a pickup coil 220B. This power is conveyed by connections 121A to a light sensitive system 230. The light sensitive system 230 contains an image sensor. An aperture 130A may be formed by a crack in two front teeth, giving rise to a pinhole camera.
In a preferred embodiment, an additonal lens system with aperture stop in the region of the gap in the front teeth is used for aperture 130A.
Connections 134 convey picture signals to a processor and transmitter 240, having a dipole antenna made from lengths of conducative material 240A. An input by way of terminals 260 allows the apparatus to be controlled by the toungue.
Terminals 260 are connected to the processor portion of processor and transmitter 240.
Terminals 260 are preferably located at the back of the mouth, so that they are not accidentally activated, and to conceal the movement of the tongue.
Alternatively, muscle sensors activate taking a picture when the user smiles, as this causes the mouth to open. This feature may provide reciprocity: in smiling for a camera the user can also take a picture of the photographer.
In another preferred embodiment, a smile activated camera system is realized by light sensing (when sufficient or complete light enters in aperture 130A), such that a picture is automatically taken when there is complete input of an entire picture frame.
A small electrical stimulus is preferably produced by processor and transmitter 240 so that the user can taste the status of the image capture, both to remind the user that a picture was taken, as well as to provide additional information.
The additional information can denote how much hard drive space is left on a body worn computer receiving the images, as well as the number of viewers on a "hit counter" on a WWW page viewing the output of the camera. These features prefer that picture receiver 1408 and picture transmitter 140 are both transceivers.
Preferably they are both data packet transceivers, for communication to a body worn computer that servers as a repeater and Internet gateway as well as local storage and exposure indication. Exposure indication is calculated in processor and transmitter 240, or may also be supplied by a remote expert viewing the picture information. The remote expert guide to exposure may also include head orientation and composition information conveyed back by taste (e.g. voltages applied inside where they can be tasted by the tongue).
Small voltages like 6 volts are easy to taste, to about a 1 volt precision, so that the voltage can also be used to indicate exposure and other related information.
Voltage profiles across the apparatus can also convey spatialization and composition information.
FIG. 3A shows an eye implant version of the implantable portion 115 that was shown in Fig. lA. A lens 311 of an artificial eye 310 focuses light on a motility peg 330. The motility peg 330 contains a light sensitive system as shown in Fig.
1B, with sensor array and processor. Connections 331 bring picture information to processor and transmitter 332. Preferably these connections are such that the motility peg can be installed after the orbital implant 300 is installed and attachment has occurred (e.g. a few months after orbital implant 300 is installed).
The method of installation comprises the steps of:
~ installing orbital implant 300 in the eye socket of the recipient;
~ allowing implant 300 to attach itself to tissue (muscle tissue, etc.);
~ after sufficient elapsed time for attachment, locating an appropriate optical axis center on implant 300;
~ drilling implant 300;
~ inserting motility peg 330 such as to form connections 331 thereto;
~ applying artificial eye 310.
Prior to installation, orbital implant 300 preferably already contains processor and transmitter 332 as well as pickup coil 320B for supplying power to rectifier 320A.
Rectifier 320A has connections 321A to processor and transmitter 332, as well as connections 321B to the region where motility peg 330 will be later installed.
Since the exact location of motility peg 330 may depend on how implant 300 adheres to tissue, connections 331 preferably span a region of space to accept a drill hole from a variety of possible directions, and preferably also are resistant to damage from drilling.
FIG. 3B shows the components, as supplied to the installer. There are three components to be installed in the following order:
~ orbital implant 300;
~ motility peg 330;
~ artificial eye 310.
FIG. 4A shows an artificial iris. The depth of focus of lens 311 (Fig. 3A and 3B) is preferably variable, and responsive to light to arise in a true eye view in which depth of focus increases in bright light.
Alternatively it is desired to control the depth of focus away from what would naturally occur, or from a fixed depth of focus. For example, it might be desired to increase depth of focus to see the eyelashes for effect, especially since the blinking of the eye will a provide good cinematographic effect of a true first person perspective.
Accordingly, photochromic materials for the former case, or electrochromic mate-rials for the latter case, may be used to create an artificial iris.
The iris of Fig. 4A is the electrochromic variety with a processor 400 in an arti-ficial eye 310. Artificial eye 310 also has a ground connection 411 to a layer 410 of durable glass with a conductive ITO (indium-tin oxide) coating having transmissiv-ity in the visible region, and typically having resistivity in the range of 10 to 10,000 ohms/square.
A first coating of layer 410 is separated from coatings of concentric layers 420, 430, etc., by an insulating layer. The insulating layer contains the portion of the artificial eye that is to be controlled or switched. The transparency of the various concentric rings are thus individually controlled by way of connections 421, 431, etc., to processor 400. Thus processor 400, receiving control information wirelessly from within the orbital implant, may control the depth of field and the amount of light admitted by lens 311.
Connections 421, 431, etc., are preferably of copper with a red enamel, and erratic shape, so as to have the appearance of blood vessels in the eye.
FIG. 4B shows an electromagnetically powered artificial eye, and answers the question as to how the artificial eye will receive power. Power is received from source 125, 126, or 127 (of Fig. lA). This power may come directly from the outside, or from orbital implant 300, or from a combination of these sources, or indirectly from outside, through the orbital implant, resending thereto, or a combination thereof.
Power is received by way of windings 400 which also preferably have an appearance of blood vessels in the eye, by way of erratic winding and red enamel on fine copper wire. These windings power the iris connections at two iris input sections 450 and 451.
FIG. 4C depicts a photonically powered embodiment of the artificial eye, in which a solar cell comprised of plate regions 480 and 481 powers the input sections 450 and 451 through connections 441. Again connections 441 preferably are of red enamelled fine copper wire.
FIG. 5 depicts a crosseye embodiment in which implant 300 is responsive to rays of light in a cone of light bounded by rays 510 and 520. light within this region contributes to a picture signal sent by way of link 140L to a picture processor and picture receiver 532 housed in housing 140H together with an aremac 540D which displays the picture information to left eye 500.
An aremac is a device for displaying picture information to an eye. An aremac is to flatbed scanner as a camera is to a projector. A camera maps the 3D world to a 2D image. A scanner maps the 2D world (e.g. the page of a book, or a newspaper article being scanned) to a 2D image. A projector takes a 2D image and sends it out into a 2D world. An aremac takes a 2D image and sends it out into a possibly world, e.g. the eye in which distance of focus may be arbitrary. Thus an aremac is a display device that preferably has some depth of field control. An ordinary display is a special case of an aremac, but the notion of an aremac also includes devices that image into the eye, such as blurry information displays and laser eye input devices.
The etymology of the word "aremac" derives from spelling the word "camera"
backwards.
Preferably a diverter 516 comprising either a mirror or beamsplitter or similar reflective optical element diverts light from aremac 540D into eye 500.
Preferably diverter 516 is curved with the concave side facing the eye 500 and aremac 540D. With regards to the transmissivity of diverter 516 there are two preferred embodiments:
~ a first embodiment in which diverter 516 has a partially silvered portion that eye 500 can see around and, to some extent, through; and ~ a second embodiment in which an aremac is concealed in an eyepatch 540P, possibly without the use of a diverter.
FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment with a crosseyetap camera used with an artificial eye. Implant 300 sends a signal to depth processor 635 by way of link 140L.
Depth processor 635 also receives an input from the viewpoint of the other eye, by way of an eyetap camera for the other eye. This eyetap camera is comprised of diverter 616, optics 632; and sensor array 631.
Depth processor 635 then computes depth information based on the inputs from the two cameras.
Optionally, depth processor 635 may supply a picture signal to aremac 140, in which the picture signal is responsive to depth information calculated from the two cameras. In this case, aremac 140D is seen in the back side of diverter 616.
A key inventive concept of the apparatus of Fig. 6 is the use of two devices that behave in a cameralike way. One device, an eye implant, is responsive to rays of light passing through the center of a lens of an artificial eye, whereas the other is responsive to rays of light passing through another point, in this case, the other point being the center of the lens of the other eye, giving rise to an auxiliary camera tapping the real eye 600.
This is the preferred embodiment in which the first camera is implant 300 and the auxiliary camera is on eye 600. Other embodiments are possible. For example, the auxiliary camera may be headworn, or eyeglass worn, and might, for example, be in the nosebridge of a pair of eyeglasses, rather than necessarily being effectively at eye 600.
From the foregoing description, it will thus be evident that the present invention provides a design for a personal imaging system with at least an implantable portion.
As various changes can be made in the above embodiments and operating methods without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Variations or modifications to the design and construction of this invention, within the scope of the invention, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure herein. Such variations or modifications, if within the spirit of this invention, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing upon this invention.

Claims (21)

1. An implantable imaging system comprising:
~ a light sensitive system for implanting in a body;
~ a power source for implanting in said body;
~ a picture signal transmitter for implanting in said body, said light sensitive system receiving power from said power source, said picture signal transmitter receiving an input from said light sensitive system.

2. The implantable imaging system of claim 1 further including a picture receiver for receiving pictures from said picture signal transmitter.

3. The implantable imaging system of claim 2 further including an aremac for display of said pictures to a user of said implantable imaging system.

4. The implantable imaging system of claim 1 where said power source is at least one of:
~ an external power source;
~ an internally generated power source;
~ an internally stored power source.

5. The implantable imaging system of claim 1 where said light sensitive system is a CMOS imaging sensor array.

6. The implantable imaging system of claim 1 where said power source receiver is an inductive pickup coil and rectification circuit.

7. The implantable imaging system of claim 1 where said light sensitive system is a CMOS imaging sensor array.

8. The implantable imaging system of claim 1 where said picture signal transmitter is a video transmitter.

9. The implantable imaging system of claim 1 where said implantable imaging system is for implanting in the head of said body.

10. The implantable imaging system of claim 9 where said implantable imaging system is a dental implant.

11. The implantable imaging system of claim 10 where said implantable imaging system includes tongue operated control.

12. The implantable imaging system of claim 10 where said implantable imaging system has two modes of operation, said two modes of operation comprising:
~ a first mode of operation, said first mode of operation for being selected when a mouth of said head is sufficiently open to allow said light sensitive system to acquire picture information; and ~ a second mode of operation, said second mode of operation for being selected when said mouth is not sufficiently open to allow said light sensitive system to acquire picture information; and ~ selection means for selecting between said two modes of operation.

13. The implantable imaging system of claim 9 where said implantable imaging system is for placement within an eye socket.

14. The implantable imaging system of claim 13, comprising: an occular implant; a motility peg; and an artificial eye, said artificial eye including a, lens for a light sensor in said motility peg.

15. The implantable imaging system of claim 13, including an orbital implant having means for a future electrical connection with a motility peg.

16. The implantable imaging system of claim 13, comprising: an occular implant;
a motility peg; and an artificial eye, said occular implant containing a power source receiver.

17. The implantable imaging system of claim 16, said power source receiver including an inductive pickup coil.

18. A crosseye camera comprising:
~ an eye implant having a light sensitive system and a picture signal transmuter;
~ a picture receiver for receiving a picture signal from said picture signal transmitter;
~ an aremac responsive to an output of said picture receiver.

19. A crosseye camera comprising:
~ an eye implant, said eye implant including a light sensor and a picture signal sender;
~ a picture pickup for getting a picture signal from said picture signal sender;
~ means for displaying at least one picture picked up from said picture pickup.

20. A crosseyetap camera comprising:
~ an eye implant having a light sensitive system and a picture signal transmuter;
~ a picture receiver for receiving a picture signal from said picture signal transmitter;
~ an auxiliary camera, said auxiliary camera having an effective center of projection different than the center of projection of said eye implant.

an aremac responsive to an output of said picture receiver and said auxiliary camera.

21. A procedure for installing an eye implant personal imaging system, said procedure comprising the steps of:
~ installing an orbital implant in the eye socket of the recipient;
~ allowing said implant to attach itself to tissue;
~ after sufficient elapsed time for attachment, locating an appropriate optical axis center on said implant;
~ making an opening in said implant;
~ inserting a motility peg in said opening, said motility peg establishing at least two electrical connections with said implant.