A Technical seminar on

BRAIN PORT VISION

TECHNOLOGY

PRESENTED BY,
Sk. Reshma
15731A0441
ECE
P.B.R VITS
KAVALI
 CONTENTS
 Introduction
 What is Brain Port Device?
 Discovery of Device
 Why known as tasting device?
 Why only tongue.
 Parts of Device
 Working of Device
 Applications
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Conclusion
 Introduction

The device which sends visual input through tongue in much

the same way that seeing individuals receive visual input
through the eyes is called the Brainport vision device. Brainport
could provide vision-impaired people with limited forms of
sight. To provide tactile vision, Brainport uses a camera to
capture visual data. This technology underlying principle
“Electrotactile stimulation for sensory substitution” An area
of study that involves using encoded electric current to
represesnt s skin, which sends the information to ensory
information and applying that current to the the brain.
 What is Brain Port Device?
An electric lollipop that allows the blind to ‘see’ using their tongue
has been developed by scientist.
 Discovery of Device
 Brain Port is a technology sold by Wicab Inc. where
sensory information can be sent to one’s brain via a signal
from the Brain Port.

 It was initially developed by Paul Bach-y Rita as an aid to

people’s sense of balance, particularly of stroke victims.

 Bach-y-Rita founded Wicab in 1998

 Brain Port Technology has also been developed for use as

visual aid.
 Why known as tasting device?

 Other than normal use of tongue for tasting food, eating,

talking there are also many other uses.

 One of them is for sensing of light. It is called as tasting

because it can taste the light and sense the objects.

 It is this property which is used in BrainPort vision

device.
 Why Only Tongue
 The tongue is more sensitive than other skin areas.

 The tongue was the ideal place to provide information

through tactile stimulation. There is a high level of nerve
endings in the tongue, similar to a finger. And the tongue is
constantly moist, so there is constant electric conductivity.
Parts Of Device
 Parts Of Device

Digital Video Camera

 Brain port vision device consists of a video
camera placed in the pair of glasses.
 Visual data is captured through the camera
(1.5cm in
diameter).
 Signals from the camera are then passed to the
Brain port device along a cable and then to the
lollipop- shaped stick, placed on the tongue.
Cont..
Brain Port Balance
 Power Button: Used to start and stop the brain
balance.
 Control Unit: This unit comprises of a CPU
and Battery CPU is used here to convert the digital
output from the camera into electric pulses. Brain port
balance works with the help of a battery.
 Lollipop shaped stick : It consists of Three Parts,
Electrode Array, Simulation Circuitry,
Accelerometer
 Cont..
Electrode Array :
• The lollipop contains a square grid of 400 electrodes which
pulse according to how much light is in that area of the
picture.

• It converts pictures into electrical pulses and it is placed on

tongue.
 Cont…
Stimulation Circuitry
It consists of
 User Interface: User interface allows selection of
voltage mode.
 Processor: Configures the brain port device.
Accelerometer :
 This experimental device uses an accelerometer to provide
head and body position information to the brain through
electro-tactile stimulation of the tongue.
Working of Device
 Applications

 Provides vestibular or balance information for people

balance disorders.

 Provides directional or navigational information for

people who operate under central command and control
scenarios, such as military and civilian rescue personnel.

 Provides very crude visual information through the tongue

persons who are completely blind.
 Advantages

 Users can operate it independently with a hand-held

controller.

 Device is like normal sunglasses hence it does not

look bad.

 It uses a rechargeable battery like in normal cell

phones.
 Disadvantages
 This technology can’t be adapted to work on senses the brain
doesn’t already have.

 The Brain Port requires training the brain incrementally using

daily practice sessions.

 Not affordable to common People.

 Occasionally it will produce weak metallic taste sensations, a

minor side effect.
 Conclusion

 The BrainPort vision device allows users to directly and

independently perceive the environment in a novel way.

 There is a hope that this device can make a serious difference for
patients whose sight cannot be replaced.

 Thus we hope that blind people can also see this colourful
world by using this brain port device.
 r i e s ?
Q u e
Any