A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VISUAL STIMULATION

Abstract

A method and device for visual stimulation, wherein the device comprises at least one light source and at least one light guide to direct light emitted by the at least one light source to at least one light outlet. The device comprises attachment means with which the light outlet is supportable and/or attachable in connection with a skin around an eye of a subject and the device is configured to direct, via the at least one light outlet, light emitted by the at least one light source, towards optically sensitive parts of the eye through the skin and/or tissue around the eye when the attachment means, the light outlet and/or light guide is in use position in connection with the skin around the eye.

Claims

1. A device for visual stimulation, wherein the device comprises at least one light source and at least one light guide to direct light emitted by the at least one light source to at least one light outlet, wherein the device comprises attachment means with which the light outlet is supportable and/or attachable in connection with a skin around an eye of a subject and the device is configured to direct, via the at least one light outlet, light emitted by the at least one light source, towards optically sensitive parts of the eye through the skin and/or tissue around the eye when the attachment means, the light outlet and/or light guide is in use position in connection with the skin around the eye, wherein the light guide and the light outlet are made of materials that do not interfere with imaging in such a way that the device can be used in magnetic imaging environment, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) environment, and wherein the light source is arranged at minimum so far away from the light outlets that the light source and electronics connected to the light source do not cause interference to an imaging apparatus used in imaging.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least two light guides, wherein each light guide is configured to direct light emitted by the at least one light source to a respective light outlet, and wherein the attachment means is configured to support at least one light outlet in connection with skin around each eye of the subject.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one light guide is an optical fiber, optionally a multifilament optical fiber.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the light outlet is formed by the side or end of the light guide or the light outlet is formed by an additional component coupled to the light guide.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the light source is configured to emit essentially continuous light or flashes of light, e.g. Intermittent Photic Stimulation (IPS) light.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment means for attaching the light outlet and/or light guide to the skin and/or tissue of a subject comprises adhesive material.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises at least a frame element that constitutes a wearable device.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to direct light emitted by the at least one light source via the at least one light outlet towards optically sensitive parts of the eye through the skin and/or tissue around the eye so that the light outlet is arranged to be located essentially outside of a visual field of the subject when the attachment means, the light outlet and/or light guide is in use position in connection with the skin around the eye.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment means is configured to support at least the light outlet so that the light outlet is arranged to be located directly on the skin and/or tissue or at a distance from skin and/or the tissue, wherein the distance is between 0 and 50 mm, preferably between 0 and 10 mm, or more preferably between 0 and 5 mm, when the attachment means, the light outlet and/or light guide is in use position in connection with the skin around eye the.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the light outlet is arranged so that essentially no light of the light source is directed directly to the surface of the eye when the attachment means, the light outlet and/or light guide is in use position in connection with the skin around the eye.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the light outlet is arranged so that the light of the light source is directed via light outlet to the eye through the skin and/or tissue around the eye both in eyes open and in eyes closed condition when the attachment means, the light outlet and/or the light guide is in use position in connection the skin around with the eye.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the light guide and the light outlet are made of materials that do not interfere with imaging, e.g. so that the device can be used in magnetic imaging environment such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) environment.

14. A method for visual stimulation, wherein the method comprises obtaining at least one light source obtaining at least one light guide to direct light emitted by the at least one light source to at least one light outlet providing attachment means with which at least the light outlet is supportable and/or attachable in connection with a skin around at least one eye of a subject arranging the attachment means, the light outlet and/or the light guide to use position in connection with the skin around the eye directing, via the at least one light outlet, light emitted by the at least one light source towards optically sensitive parts of the eye through the skin and/or tissue around the eye, wherein the light guide and the light outlet are made of materials that do not interfere with imaging in such a way that the device can be used in magnetic imaging environment, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) environment, and the light source is placed at minimum so far away from the light outlets that the light source and electronics connected to the light source do not cause interference to an imaging apparatus used in imaging.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a stimulation device with the subject,

[0026] FIG. 2 shows the placing and direction of the optical fiber relative to the eye according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a supporting frame according to an exemplary embodiment with the ability to accommodate three optical fibers for each eye,

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a multifilament optic fiber connected to a LED light source according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0029] FIG. 5 shows multifilament optic fibers connected to a supporting frame eyepiece for holding the ends of the multifilament optic fibers with the light outlets close to the eyelid according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a supporting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of an invention, with holes for holding multifilament optic fibers,

[0031] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a stimulation device with the subject, and

[0032] FIG. 8 shows the placing of the attachment means relative to the eye according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a device for visual stimulation, wherein the device comprises at least one light source 102, such as a light emitting diode, and at least one light guide 104. The light guide 104 is configured to direct light emitted by the at least one light source 102 to at least one light outlet 106.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention the light source forms Intermittent photic stimulations (IPS). In one embodiment of the invention the stimulation can be constant or intermittent light

[0035] The device comprises support means or attachment means with which the light outlet 106 is supportable in connection with an eye of a subject 108. When the light outlet 106, light guide 104, and/or attachment means is arranged to be supported in connection with the skin around the eye, the device is in its use position.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention support means may comprise attachment means for attaching the support means and/or the light guide 104 and/or light outlet 106 to the skin and/or tissue of the subject 108.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, in its use position (i.e. when the light outlet light guide, and/or attachment means is arranged to be supported in connection with the eye or the skin around the eye), the device is configured to direct, via the at least one light outlet 106, light emitted by the at least one light source 102 towards the eye of the subject 108 through the skin and/or tissue around the eye, e.g. through eyelid. The light guide 104 may be an optical fiber. The light guide may be a multifiber optical fiber.

[0038] The light outlet 106 may be formed by the side or end of the light guide 104. In one other embodiment, the light outlet may be formed by an additional component coupled to the light guide.

[0039] Yet, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the stimulation device in use position with a subject. The device comprises a light source, and a light guide such as a multifilament optic fiber. The device may also comprise attachment means (not shown) to attach the optic fiber on or in proximity of the eyelid of the subject. Attachment means may comprise adhesive materials such as tape, glue attaching the device to the user. Attachment means or support means may alternatively or in addition comprise a supporting frame as will be described in more detail later.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment there may be two optic fibers, one to provide stimulation to each eye. In this case the optic fibers can be attached to the same light source. Two optic fibers can also be split from one optic fiber using an optical component.

[0041] That is to say, in one embodiment of the invention light guide can be e.g. multifilament optical fiber. In one embodiment of the invention the device can comprise at least two optic fibers and one fiber can provide stimulation to each eye. When multiple light guides, e.g. optical fibers, are used they can be connected to same light source. In one embodiment of the invention two optic fibers can also be split from one optic fiber using an optical component. In one embodiment, when multiple light guides, e.g. optical fibers, are used, they can be connected to separate light sources. In one embodiment of the invention the light outlets are arranged to the ends of the light guide, e.g. optic fiber, and/or at the side of the light guide. Light outlet can be integral part of the light guide or it can be a separate part from the light guide. In one embodiment of the invention separate components can be used to direct light from the light guide to be projected towards the person, comprising light outlets and e.g. optical and mechanical components. It's also possible to use multiple light guides, e.g. optic fibers, and/or light outlets for each eye, e.g. 2-10 or e.g. 3-5.

[0042] The multifilament optic fibers can be placed on the eyelid for diffuse peripheral stimulation of the retina both in the eyes closed and eyes open conditions. With a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user may have eyes open or close them while the device is attached. Thus the device can provide stimulation both in eyes closed and eyes open conditions.

[0043] The optic fiber can also be attached on or near other areas around the eye such as the lower eyelid. There can also be several fibers used. For example, in an embodiment three fibers can be used for each eye.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention the device further comprises means for other visual stimulation, e.g. foveal visual stimulation, which can be provided simultaneously with the stimulation directed to the eye via tissue around the eye and formed by the light source.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the eye 110 of the subject, and parts of an embodiment of the stimulation device. The end of an optic fiber 104 may be placed in a location that enables the light to travel through the tissue adjacent to and covering the eye 110. Little or no light is directed directly to the surface of the eye.

[0046] At FIG. 2 (not showing e.g. the light source 102 or the attachment means), the end of the light guide 104 forms the light outlet 106 and the light outlet is arranged to be supported in connection with the eye 110 or in connection with the skin around the eye. Here, a location A is pointed out, which is a location of the light outlet, thereby giving an example of how the light outlet may be arranged to be supported in connection with the eye or in connection with the skin around the eye.

[0047] The location A in FIG. 2 may be a point where the light outlet 106 is in contact or close proximity with the skin and/or tissue of the subject 108.

[0048] The light being directed towards the eye passes through the skin and/or tissue around the eye. Here, it may be understood that the location of the light outlet when the device is in its use position is such that the light may pass through the skin when the subject has their eyes closed and when the subject has their eyes open.

[0049] The light outlet 106, when arranged to be supported in connection with the eye or in connection with the skin around the eye, is preferably located so that it essentially does not obstruct a visual field of the subject 108.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention light outlet is arranged on the area of skin around the eyes so that light can pass through the tissue towards optically sensitive parts of the eye. Light outlet can be arranged so that essentially no light is directed directly to the surface of the eye when the device is positioned on the head of the person, i.e., when in its use position. In one embodiment of the invention, when the device is positioned on the person, light outlet is arranged so that it is located on the eyelid, e.g. in the area between the eye and the eyebrow. Light outlet can be in direct contact with the skin but it's also enough that the light outlet in the proximity of the skin so that the light can enter the eye via the skin and/or tissue. In one embodiment of the invention the light outlet is slightly above the eyelid, such as 0-50 mm, 0-10 mm, or 0-5 mm above the eyelid. The light outlet may form a single entry point or multiple entry points through the eyelid or skin around the eye.

[0051] In one embodiment of the device, the supporting means may comprise a frame element or supporting frame that may constitute a wearable device.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a supporting frame and/or supporting element 300 for attaching the stimulation device to the user or for supporting the device in connection with the eye or in connection with the skin around the eye of a subject.

[0053] The supporting frame may comprise attachment means for attaching the light outlet(s) to or near the eye(s) of the subject or the supporting means may comprise other elements for arranging the light outlet to be supported in connection with the eye or in connection with the skin around the eye.

[0054] A supporting frame for the purpose can be designed to be held in place by physical features of the subject, such as one or several of the head, ears, nose, cheeks. The desired number of optic fibers can be attached to the supporting frame.

[0055] A supporting frame 300 may comprise light outlet coupling points 302 where the light guides 104 and/or light outlets 106 may be coupled to the supporting frame 300.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a multifilament optic fiber connected to a LED light source according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows multifilament optic fibers connected to a supporting frame eyepiece for holding the ends of the multifilament optic fibers with the light outlets close to the eyelid according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows a supporting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of an invention, with holes for holding multifilament optic fibers.

[0059] A part of a wearable device attached to the subject or arranged to be supported in connection with the eye or in connection with the skin around the eye of a subject can be lightweight. This allows for comfortable wearing. This can be beneficial especially when long stimulation sequences are used and allowing the subject to comfortably view other visual stimuli in a test setting, or also perform other tasks while receiving therapeutic IPS. In a preferred embodiment, the device is constructed so that the subject may move their head relatively freely while the stimulator is in place. The required range of motion depends on the use case.

[0060] The device is small in size which makes it possible to use together with various types of neuroimaging systems which may occupy large volumes of the area in proximity of the head of the subject. The small size also allows for various therapeutic techniques to be applied while the stimulator is in place, without each interfering with the other.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a stimulation device with the subject and FIG. 8 shows the placing of the attachment means relative to the eye according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 otherwise correspond FIGS. 1 and 2 but in these FIG. 7 and attachment means 112 is presented which attaches the light guide and/or the light outlet in connection to the skin around the eye, e.g. eyelid, so that the light of the light source is directed via the light outlet to inside the eye through skin when the attachment means are in use position.

[0062] In example embodiments presented in FIGS. 7 and 8 a light outlet is supported and/or attached in connection with skin around the eye of a subject 108. Attachment means or support means 112 are used for attaching the light guide 104 and/or light outlet 106 in connection with the eye or in connection with the skin around the eye of a subject 108.

[0063] The attachment means used in the solution of the invention may also comprise or include one or several strings or bands. In a preferred embodiment the one or several strings or bands can be made of flexible material.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention the attachment means can comprise a frame which helps in keeping the attachment means, the light outlet and/or light guide in use position in connection with the skin around the eye.

[0065] In the solution of the invention the attachment means can comprise at least one of the following: adhesive material, tape, frame, string, band. These attachment means can be combined such that the attachment means are capable to support and/or attach the light outlet in connection with the skin around the eye of the subject.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, light source is placed at minimum so far away from the light outlets that the light source and electronics connected to the light source doesn't cause interference to the imaging apparatus used in imaging.

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention the materials of light guide and light outlet are such that they don't cause interference for imaging. This way the device can be used in magnetoencephalography (MEG) environment.

[0068] Different types of light sources and light guides can be used for different embodiments of the invention.

[0069] For clinic use the light source can be accurate and set in a separate room to minimize electromagnetic interference.

[0070] For use for example in a home or healthcare setting, or in a portable setting where there are not high demands for low interference, the light source can be small and in closer proximity to the subject. In a portable embodiment, the light source can also be carried by the subject for example in a pocket or a purse or as a wearable device.

[0071] A benefit is that the same or very similar device can be used in clinical imaging settings for example to test a response to a treatment stimulus pattern, and then the same or very similar device can be used in a healthcare or home setting for administering recurring stimulus. Parts of the device can also be substituted, for example a different light source used in the clinical setting.

[0072] Embodiments of the stimulation device present novel possibilities for quantifying cortical excitability noninvasively in EEG, MEG, fMRI, and nTMS studies.

[0073] Another embodiment can be used for diffuse peripheral IPS through the eyelid in normal everyday activities for neuromodulatory purposes. In this embodiment the components and construction do not necessarily need to be compatible with functional neuroimaging methods.

[0074] Embodiments of the invention include devices for delivering retinal photic stimulation, constant or intermittent, using multifilament optical fibers for diffuse visual stimulation using small single entry point or multiple entry points through the eyelid both in eyes open and eyes closed condition without obstructing the visual field.

[0075] Quantification methods to evaluate the elicited photic response may include functional neuroimaging modalities, e.g, EEG, MEG, fMRI, MRS, and nTMS.

[0076] Embodiments of the device can be used in e.g. neuromodulation, rehabilitation, and treatment in healthy population and diseased, e.g., in neurodegenerative diseases.

[0077] Various benefits can be achieved by embodiments of the invention. The stimulation device may be used in functional neuroimaging environments as well as other environments sensitive to interference.

[0078] Another benefit of the invention is the possibility of foveal visual stimulation combined with simultaneous diffuse IPS stimulation in the peripheral vision.

[0079] Embodiments of the stimulation device enable novel possibilities to produce similar diffuse photic stimulation in the peripheral vision both in eyes open and eyes closed conditions.

[0080] Novel possibilities to use independent stochastic diffuse photic stimulation sequences to one or two eyes simultaneously or interleaved manner.

[0081] Embodiments of the invention do not obstruct vision and can be combined with visual stimulation.

[0082] Embodiments are potential tools for neuromodulation and quantifying cortical excitability.

[0083] Embodiments are compatible with functional neuroimaging methods.

[0084] Embodiments have the potential for gamma frequency entrainment to attenuate amyloid load and modify microglia.

[0085] An embodiment of the invention is a visual stimulation device for use in neuroimaging, wherein the stimulation device comprises means for transmitting light and directing it to the skin around the eye of the subject.

[0086] In an embodiment the stimulation device is at least partially constructed of materials that are suitable for magnetic imaging environments. In addition the device can be constructed in a way that no interference such as electric currents are present in the magnetic imaging environment.

[0087] Embodiments of the device may use a light guide such as an optic fiber to bring light from a light source to be projected to the subject through light outlets. The light outlets may be located on or in proximity of the skin of the subject.

[0088] The distance of the light guide or optic fiber may be relatively small for uses such as placing the light source to be carried by the user or placed on a table.

[0089] In neuroimaging settings for example, the distance can be long to permit placing the light source in the area outside of the imaging area.

[0090] In an embodiment the device is used for intermittent photic stimulation during is neuroimaging.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment the device can be fitted on the eyelid, in the area between the eye and the eyebrow as shown in FIG. 2. The device may be arranged to be able to provide the stimulation in both eyes open and eyes closed condition. Preferably this can be achieved without moving the device. The device may be arranged such that when used in eyes open condition the device does not obstruct the visual field of the subject or obstructs it only minimally. The device may be attached by various means such as using adhesive materials, or a supporting frame. A supporting frame for the purpose can be designed to be held in place by physical features of the subject, such as the head, ears, nose, cheeks.

[0092] In an embodiment the device has light outlets from where the light is directed towards the subject. In an embodiment the light outlets are the ends of the optic fibers. In an embodiment the light outlets are the side of the optic fiber. In an embodiment, separate components are used to direct light from the light guide to be projected towards the user, comprising light outlets and optical and mechanical components.

[0093] In an embodiment, the light outlet is directly on the eyelid.

[0094] In another embodiment, the light outlet is slightly above the eyelid, such as 0-50 mm, preferably 0-10 mm, preferably 0-5 mm.

[0095] In an embodiment, the optical fiber may be of a type that is open from the side. In this case the fiber would be attached to the similar position as otherwise but in a direction that facilitates the propagation of light towards the eyelid and from there towards the eye.

[0096] Endpieces for optical fibers can also be used and designed for changing the spreading of the light as well as the physical appearance and fit of the device for the subject.

[0097] In an embodiment the device comprises one optic fiber and one light outlet for each eye. The device may also comprise several optic fibers and/or light outlets for each eye, such as 2-10, 3-5. In this way the light can be distributed on a larger area.

[0098] Optic elements may be used to change the area of the light outlet or the direction of light to achieve the desired direction, intensity, beam size and characteristics of the light, for example to spread the light to a larger area.

[0099] An embodiment of the invention is the use of one or more optical fibers for providing intermittent photic stimulation.

[0100] An embodiment of the invention is a method for providing visual stimulation, wherein light is provided from light outlets on or in close proximity of the eyelids. In an embodiment the method also includes providing a light source and connecting it to the light outlets via a waveguide. In this embodiment of the method the light source can be located outside of a neuroimaging area while the light outlets are within the neuroimaging area.

[0101] In an embodiment, the IPS stimulator provides diffuse photic stimulation, constant and intermittent, to the retina of the eye in eyes open and eyes closed conditions. The device is safe to use and compatible with psychophysical experiments and functional neuroimaging methods, e.g., EEG, MEG, fMRI, MRS, and nTMS. It can also be used to provide neuromodulatory stimulation.

[0102] The invention has been explained above with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, and several advantages of the invention have been demonstrated. It is clear that the invention is not only restricted to these embodiments, but comprises all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of inventive thought and the following patent claims.

[0103] The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.