Interactive neural training device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for assisting in the evaluation and rehabilitation of an individual having a neurological impairment, comprising:
- (a) a touch pad having a plurality of primary touch sensitive keys arranged in a matrix;
(b) a secondary touch sensitive key positioned in the approximate center of each primary touch sensitive key;
(c) a visual stimulus emitting source positioned in the approximate center of each said secondary touch sensitive key upon which user tactile response is to be directed;
(d) a microprocessor and memory for storing executable programming; and
(e) programming associated with said microprocessor for carrying out the operations of(i) providing visual stimuli to a user,(ii) monitoring position and timing of user tactile feedback in response to said visual stimuli, and lowering registered positional accuracy of tactile feedback in response to detecting user contact with the primary touch sensitive key when responding to the visual stimuli on said secondary touch-sensitive key, and from which incorrect tactile feedback is distinguished in response to detecting user contact outside of either the secondary or primary touch sensitive key,(iii) controlling presentation of said visual stimuli to the user and for processing said tactile feedback.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for rehabilitating patients and assessing tactile skills in response to visual stimuli generated from a portable neural training device. The device generates a visual output to elicit tactile response (hand movement) from the patient. The device preferably automatically adjusts the difficulty of a session in response to demonstrated patient skill level (i.e. combination of correct responses, speed, and accuracy of responses). The invention evaluates and challenges the patient to control tactile response, overcome visual perception difficulties, or practice simple multi-tasking or reasoning skills. The invention also provides information which is valuable to those administering the rehabilitation program or assessing patient skill and/or progress. By way of example the neural training device is described with an embodiment having discrete fixed keys and an embodiment utilizing a touch sensitive display screen.
135 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An apparatus for assisting in the evaluation and rehabilitation of an individual having a neurological impairment, comprising:
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(a) a touch pad having a plurality of primary touch sensitive keys arranged in a matrix; (b) a secondary touch sensitive key positioned in the approximate center of each primary touch sensitive key; (c) a visual stimulus emitting source positioned in the approximate center of each said secondary touch sensitive key upon which user tactile response is to be directed; (d) a microprocessor and memory for storing executable programming; and (e) programming associated with said microprocessor for carrying out the operations of (i) providing visual stimuli to a user, (ii) monitoring position and timing of user tactile feedback in response to said visual stimuli, and lowering registered positional accuracy of tactile feedback in response to detecting user contact with the primary touch sensitive key when responding to the visual stimuli on said secondary touch-sensitive key, and from which incorrect tactile feedback is distinguished in response to detecting user contact outside of either the secondary or primary touch sensitive key, (iii) controlling presentation of said visual stimuli to the user and for processing said tactile feedback. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification