Methods and Systems for Lingual Movement to Manipulate an Object
First Claim
1. An intra-oral system, comprising:
- an elastomeric mouthpiece comprising a bulb, the bulb having a plurality of air cells embedded therein configured to respond to pressure applied by the tongue of an individual;
a plurality of air tubes, each air tube having a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end of each of the air tubes being in substantially sealed fluid communication with a corresponding air cell;
a plurality of transducers for converting changes in air pressure within the air cells to electrical signals, wherein each transducer is in substantially sealed fluid communication with the proximal end of a corresponding air tube;
a processor for processing the electrical signals, wherein the electrical signals are modulated to generate a pressure profile from the air cells, the pressure profile representing a magnitude of pressure within air cells, a direction of pressure, a duration of pressure, or combinations thereof; and
a display in operative electrical communication with the processor, the display having a visual output to move an object in accordance with the pressure profile.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An intra-oral system is disclosed for assisting an individual in developing intra-oral muscle control and strength. The system may also be used to enable an individual having limited use of the upper extremities to control an electrical apparatus such as a wheelchair, a bed or a light fixture. The intra-oral system includes a mouthpiece having a plurality of air cells embedded therein. The air cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the tongue of an individual. Movement of the tongue over and against the air cells causes an object to be moved over a display. In one embodiment, the object is moved through an obstacle course or over a simulated track as part of a therapeutic regimen. In another embodiment, a character or icon on the display is selected and activated to manipulate an electrical apparatus. Methods for moving an electrical apparatus using a mouthpiece controlled through lingual movement are also provided.
36 Citations
53 Claims
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1. An intra-oral system, comprising:
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an elastomeric mouthpiece comprising a bulb, the bulb having a plurality of air cells embedded therein configured to respond to pressure applied by the tongue of an individual; a plurality of air tubes, each air tube having a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end of each of the air tubes being in substantially sealed fluid communication with a corresponding air cell; a plurality of transducers for converting changes in air pressure within the air cells to electrical signals, wherein each transducer is in substantially sealed fluid communication with the proximal end of a corresponding air tube; a processor for processing the electrical signals, wherein the electrical signals are modulated to generate a pressure profile from the air cells, the pressure profile representing a magnitude of pressure within air cells, a direction of pressure, a duration of pressure, or combinations thereof; and a display in operative electrical communication with the processor, the display having a visual output to move an object in accordance with the pressure profile. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for improving oral motor skills of a patient, comprising:
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providing an intra-oral therapeutic system, the intra-oral therapeutic system comprising; an elastomeric mouthpiece comprising a bulb, the bulb having a plurality of air cells embedded therein for receiving pressure applied by the tongue of a patient, a plurality of air tubes, each air tube having a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end of each of the air tubes being in substantially sealed fluid communication with a corresponding air cell, a plurality of transducers for converting changes in air pressure within the air cells to electrical signals, each transducer being in sealed fluid communication with the proximal end of a corresponding air tube; and a processor for processing the electrical signals, wherein the electrical signals are modulated to generate a pressure profile from the air cells, the pressure profile representing a magnitude of pressure with the air cells, a direction of pressure, a duration of pressure, or combinations thereof; placing the plurality of air tubes in fluid communication with the corresponding plurality of transducers; placing the processor in operative electrical communication with a display, the display having a visual output; and by means of lingual manipulation, causing an object on the display to move in accordance with the pressure profile. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A method for manipulating an electrical apparatus using lingual musculature, comprising:
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providing an intra-oral system comprising; an elastomeric mouthpiece comprising a bulb, the bulb having a plurality of air cells embedded therein for receiving pressure applied by the tongue of a user, a plurality of air tubes, each air tube having a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end of each of the air tubes being in substantially sealed fluid communication with a corresponding air cell, a plurality of transducers for converting changes in air pressure within the air cells to electrical signals, each transducer being in sealed fluid communication with the proximal end of a corresponding air tube; and a processor for processing the electrical signals, wherein the electrical signals are modulated to generate a pressure profile from the air cells, the pressure profile representing a magnitude of pressure within the air cells, a direction of pressure, a duration of pressure, or combinations thereof; placing the plurality of air tubes in fluid communication with the corresponding plurality of transducers; placing the processor in operative electrical communication with a display, the display having a visual output; causing an object on the display to move in accordance with the pressure profile; selecting a symbol on the display; and clicking on the symbol on the display. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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Specification