A method and apparatus for improving visual acuity when providing a visual
image from a "high" resolution input device to a "low" resolution output
device. The described invention is of particular use when the output
device is an array of electrodes as part of a retinal prosthesis used to
restore vision to a visually-impaired patient. In that various
limitations may, within the foreseeable future, limit the density of such
an electrode array (and thus the resolution of the output image), the
present invention teaches techniques to assign processed pixel subsets of
a higher resolution image to a single electrode. By varying the pixel
subsets, e.g., by jittering, and/or altering the processing criteria, the
perceived visual acuity may be further improved. Alternatively and
additionally, such processing may be further extended to drive
neighboring electrodes in combination to thus stimulate virtual electrode
sites and thus further enhance visual acuity.