Head-stabilized, nystagmus-based repositioning apparatus, system and methodology
First Claim
1. A method of enabling assessment and/or treatment of vestibular-function in a human subject, comprising:
- providing a goggle-like frame structure configured for securing to a subject'"'"'s head in a non-relative-motion condition therewith, wherein the frame structure includes an eye-enclosing, ambient light-excluding housing, and further includes one or more tensive bands extending from the housing and configured to securely grip a portion of the subject'"'"'s head;
providing one or more image-capture devices coupled in a non-relative-motion condition with the housing, wherein the one or more image-capture devices is/are configured to obtain, within a darkened environment of the housing, imagery of a visually-observable oculo-vestibular response to a vestibular response-evoking stimulus administered to the subject;
providing circuitry operably coupled with the one or more image-capture devices, the circuitry being configured to convert the imagery to computer-readable vestibular response data; and
providing a computing device specially configured with correlation instructions which, when executed by the computing device, correlate the vestibular response data with subject spatial orientation-indicating data and to display to a user a viewable representation of the correlated data via a display device operably coupled with the computing structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject'"'"'s head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of enabling assessment and/or treatment of vestibular-function in a human subject, comprising:
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providing a goggle-like frame structure configured for securing to a subject'"'"'s head in a non-relative-motion condition therewith, wherein the frame structure includes an eye-enclosing, ambient light-excluding housing, and further includes one or more tensive bands extending from the housing and configured to securely grip a portion of the subject'"'"'s head; providing one or more image-capture devices coupled in a non-relative-motion condition with the housing, wherein the one or more image-capture devices is/are configured to obtain, within a darkened environment of the housing, imagery of a visually-observable oculo-vestibular response to a vestibular response-evoking stimulus administered to the subject; providing circuitry operably coupled with the one or more image-capture devices, the circuitry being configured to convert the imagery to computer-readable vestibular response data; and providing a computing device specially configured with correlation instructions which, when executed by the computing device, correlate the vestibular response data with subject spatial orientation-indicating data and to display to a user a viewable representation of the correlated data via a display device operably coupled with the computing structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification