INTERACTIVE GAZE ANALYSIS KIT FOR THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF NEURODEGENERATIVE PATHOLOGIES

Abstract

Disclosed is an interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies essentially composed of a video camera with framing on the eyes of the patient and a screen both connected to a calculation unit through which the user is shown images specifically designed for being able to observe the presence of micronystagmus, the reaction times following an optical stimulations and measure the light sensitivity threshold, through which the diagnosis can be found. Since the test is particularly sensitive to the level of brightness to which the patient is subjected, it is necessary to have the presence of a dark tunnel through which the patient can look at the screen, an infrared, visible spectrum or infrared and visible spectrum lighting system, an image analysis software and input-output peripheral devices for allowing the interaction both with the doctor and with the patient. Other related embodiments are described.

Claims

1. An interactive gaze analysis kit for observing details of the functioning of a patient's visual apparatus, said system comprising: A) a video camera adapted to frame the eyes of the patient and to record images for subsequent processing; B) a screen adapted to show the patient test images which stimulate the movements of the visual apparatus; C) either i) a dark tunnel adapted to ensure complete darkness, preventing the passage of external light; with an opening for the face adapted to allow the patient to position his/her face with the gaze directed towards the tunnel interior, and with an input opening adapted to house said screen directed towards the face of the patient; or ii) a dark box adapted to ensure complete darkness, preventing the passage of external light; with an opening for the face adapted to allow the patient to position his/her face with the gaze directed towards the box interior, wherein the box comprises said screen directed towards the face of the patient; D) an infrared, visible spectrum, or infrared and visible spectrum lighting system, adapted to illuminate the scene for the filming by means of said video camera; and E) an input peripheral device dedicated to the patient adapted to allow the user to respond to questions regarding the images shown; said system of components thus being adapted to allow observing details of the functioning of the patient's visual apparatus.

2. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, further comprising feature F): a calculation system adapted to perform all the computation functions regarding the collection and analysis of the observed data.

3. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, further comprising feature G): a display and at least an input peripheral device dedicated for use by medical personnel, adapted to allow managing the test and displaying the results and the movement of the eyes of the user recorded by means of said video camera in real time.

4. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein the screen is integrated with at least a linear polarizing filter adapted to modulate the quantity of light exiting from said screen.

5. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein the screen is an LCD screen with LED backlighting.

6. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, further comprising a dark tunnel adapted to ensure complete darkness, preventing the passage of external light; with an opening for the face adapted to allow the patient to position his/her face with the gaze directed towards the tunnel interior, and with an input opening adapted to house said screen directed towards the face of the patient.

7. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, further comprising an infrared lighting system, adapted to illuminate the scene for the filming by means of said video camera, provided with filter adapted to screen the visible light.

8. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein the interactive gaze analysis kit allows an automated interaction with the user by means of the use of earphones through which the user can hear pre-recorded instructions, allowing a single doctor to coordinate the activity of multiple devices simultaneously.

9. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein the described components have limited, modular size so as to allow an easy transportation of the apparatus.

10. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein the power supply of all the components of the system is attained by means of a battery so as to be able to use the device when moving or generally free of direct electrical power supply constraints.

11. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein said input and output peripheral devices are attained by means of a touchscreen for use by health personnel.

12. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein said opening for use by the patient possesses an automatic sterilization system and is also height-adjustable.

13. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein said opening for use by the patient is height-adjustable.

14. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, further comprising, as additional instrumentation for the environments in which the test is carried out, a suffused red-light lighting system adapted to leave unaltered the night vision of the patient.

15. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 2, wherein said polarizing filter can be controlled by means of said system of calculation, by means of an electronic actuator.

16. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1 which, further by means of the aid of a software of the system, is adapted to detect from the images recorded by said video camera the presence of micronystagmus, the reaction times following optical stimulations and measure the light sensitivity threshold, which overallsubject to medical opinioncan allow an early diagnosis of a plurality of neurodegenerative pathologies.

17. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 1, wherein said lighting system is a visible spectrum or an infrared and visible spectrum lighting system, and said video camera, is provided with a filter adapted to screen visible light when infrared illumination is used.

18. A method for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, comprising providing the interactive gaze analysis kit of claim 1, and applying the kit to perform gaze analysis on a patient in need thereof.

19. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 2, further comprising feature G): a display and at least an input peripheral device dedicated for use by medical personnel, adapted to allow managing the test and displaying the results and the movement of the eyes of the user recorded by means of said video camera in real time.

20. The interactive gaze analysis kit according to claim 19, wherein the screen is integrated with at least a linear polarizing filter adapted to modulate the quantity of light exiting from said screen.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] The invention will be described hereinbelow in at least a preferred embodiment by way of a non-limiting example with the aid of the enclosed figures, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows the main elements constituting said system of gaze analysis for the purpose of early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies. Said elements comprise: a video camera 100 adapted to record, with detail, every single movement of the eye of the patient, a LCD screen with LED backlighting 101 integrated with a linear polarizing filter 102 and a dark tunnel 103 adapted to ensure a complete darkness, preventing the passage i.e ingress of external light with an opening for the face that is height-adjustable 104 and which possesses an automatic sterilization system 600 and an input opening 105 adapted to house said screen 106 directed towards the face of the patient. The doctor interface also comprises a display 113 and at least an input peripheral device 114 dedicated to use by the medical personnel adapted to allow a constant monitoring. While the patient interface is characterized by an input peripheral device 111 comprising at least two buttons 112 adapted to allow a manual indication of one of the options proposed by the test, to which such patient is subjected. Said device is also provided with a double system: an infrared, visible spectrum, or infrared and visible spectrum lighting system 107, adapted to illuminate the scene for the filming by means of said video camera 100, provided with an optional filter 109 and a calculation system 110 adapted to perform all the computation functions regarding the collection and the analysis of the observed data, and which allows, through an electronic actuator 800, controlling said polarizing filter 102.

[0015] FIG. 2 instead illustrates several integrating devices which allow implementing the efficiency of the system. The figure shows a pair of earphones 200 adapted to allow an interaction with the automated user. In addition, a battery 400 is represented which is adapted to ensure the power supply of all the components of the system so as to be able to use the device when moving or generally free of direct electrical power supply constraints. Finally, so as to ensure an efficient management, said input and output peripheral devices 111 are made by means of a touchscreen 500 for use by the health personnel. Finally, the system has an optional further additional instrumentation represented by a suffused red-light lighting system 700 adapted to allow vision even in nocturnal settings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention will now be illustrated as a non-limiting or non-binding example with reference to the figures, which illustrate several embodiments relative to the present inventive concept.

[0017] With reference to FIG. 1, said system, being adapted to allow an analysis and a monitoring of the eye movement of a patient, by calculating the presence of behaviors of the visual apparatus which signal the possible presence of neurological pathologies, comprises various components: a video camera 100 adapted to detect each eye movement through the monitoring of micronystagmus and saccades and reaction times following optical stimulations, a screen e.g. an LCD screen with LED backlighting 101 integrated with a linear polarizing filter 102, adapted to modulate the quantity of light exiting from said screen with very low luminance and a dark tunnel 103 adapted to ensure a complete darkness, preventing the passage i.e ingress of external light with an opening for the face 104 (adapted to allow the patient to position the face with the gaze directed towards the tunnel interior) which possesses an automatic sterilization system 600 by way of non-limiting example based on UV rays, and is height-adjustable, and an input opening 105 adapted to house said screen 106 directed towards the face of the patient. Instead of a dark tunnel, there may be provided a dark box having an opening for the patient's face and comprising the screen directed towards the face of the patient. With regard to the dedicated interface for the doctor, this may be characterized by a display 113 and at least an input peripheral device 114 dedicated to use by the medical personnel, adapted to allow a constant monitoring and an efficient management. Meanwhile, the patient interface may comprise an input peripheral device 111 constituted e.g. by at least two buttons 112 adapted to allow a manual indication of one of the options proposed by the test, to which said patient is subjected. The illustrated device is constituted by an infrared, visible spectrum, or infrared and visible spectrum lighting system 107, adapted to illuminate the scene for the filming by means of said video camera 100, optionally provided with filter 109 adapted to screen (i.e. remove) the visible light for example when only infrared illumination is used, and a calculation system 110 adapted to perform all the computation functions regarding the collection and the analysis of the observed data, and which allows, through an electronic actuator 800, controlling said polarizing filter 102. With reference to FIG. 2, on the other hand, several integrating devices of said system are represented, which are adapted to implement the efficiency thereof. Indeed, the figure shows earphones 200 adapted to allow an automated interaction with the user, through which the user can listen to pre-recorded instructions, allowing a single doctor to coordinate the activity of multiple devices simultaneously. The integrated system also provides for a battery 400 which power supplies all the components of the system such to be able to use the device when moving or, generally, free of direct electrical power supply constraints. In order to ensure an efficient management of the communication and interaction system, said input and output peripheral devices 111 are attained by means of a touchscreen 500 for use by the health personnel. Finally the image illustrates an additional instrumentation for the environments where the test is carried out, a suffused red-light lighting system 700, adapted to leave unaltered the night vision of the patient.

[0018] An interactive gaze analysis kit as described herein may be used for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies and is adapted to allow an analysis and a monitoring of the eye movement of a patient, calculating the presence of behaviors of the visual apparatus which signal the possible presence of neurological pathologies.

[0019] Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variants that are obvious for a person skilled in the art can be made to the invention described up to now, without departing from the protective scope that is provided with the enclosed claims.

[0020] The invention may also be embodied by the following clauses: [0021] 1. An interactive gaze analysis kit (or device) for observing details of the functioning of a patient's visual apparatus, said system being characterized in that it comprises at least the following components: [0022] A) a video camera (100) adapted to frame the eyes of the patient and to record images, particularly images of the patient's eye movement, for subsequent processing; [0023] B) a screen (101) adapted to show the patient test images which stimulate the movements of the visual apparatus, said screen optionally integrated with at least a linear polarizing filter (102) adapted to modulate the quantity of light exiting from said screen wherein the screen with optional filter exhibits very low luminance; [0024] C) either i) a dark tunnel (103) adapted to ensure complete darkness, preventing the passage of external light; with an opening for the face (104) adapted to allow the patient to position his/her face with the gaze directed towards the tunnel interior, and with an input opening (105) adapted to house said screen (101) directed towards the face of the patient; or ii) a dark box adapted to ensure complete darkness, preventing the passage of external light; with an opening for the face (104) adapted to allow the patient to position his/her face with the gaze directed towards the box interior, wherein the box comprises said screen (101) directed towards the face of the patient; [0025] D) an infrared, visible spectrum, or infrared and visible spectrum lighting system (107), adapted to illuminate the scene for the filming by means of said video camera (100), optionally provided with filter (109) adapted to screen the visible light; and [0026] E) an input peripheral device dedicated to the patient (111) adapted to allow the user to respond to questions regarding the images shown; [0027] said system of components thus being adapted to allow observing details of the functioning of the patient's visual apparatus. [0028] 2. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to the preceding clause 1 characterized in that it further comprises feature F): a calculation system (110) adapted to perform all the computation functions regarding the collection and analysis of the observed data. [0029] 3. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses 1 or 2 characterized in that it further comprises feature G): a display (113) and at least an input peripheral device (114) dedicated for use by medical personnel, adapted to allow managing the test and displaying the results and the movement of the eyes of the user recorded by means of said video camera (100) in real time. [0030] 4. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that it the screen (101) is integrated with at least a linear polarizing filter (102) adapted to modulate the quantity of light exiting from said screen. [0031] 5. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that the screen (101) is an LCD screen with LED backlighting. [0032] 6. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that it comprises a dark tunnel (103) adapted to ensure complete darkness, preventing the passage of external light; with an opening for the face (104) adapted to allow the patient to position his/her face with the gaze directed towards the tunnel interior, and with an input opening (105) adapted to house said screen (101) directed towards the face of the patient. [0033] 7. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that it comprises an infrared, visible spectrum, or infrared and visible spectrum lighting system (107), adapted to illuminate the scene for the filming by means of said video camera (100), optionally provided with filter (109) adapted to screen the visible light. [0034] 8. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that it allows an automated interaction with the user by means of the use of earphones (200) through which the user can hear pre-recorded instructions, allowing a single doctor to coordinate the activity of multiple devices simultaneously. [0035] 9. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the described components have limited, modular size so as to allow an easy transportation of the apparatus. [0036] 10. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the power supply of all the components of the system is attained by means of a battery (400) so as to be able to use the device when moving or generally free of direct electrical power supply constraints. [0037] 11. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said input and output peripheral devices (111) are attained by means of a touchscreen (500) for use by health personnel. [0038] 12. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said opening (104) for use by the patient possesses an automatic sterilization system (600), by way of a non-limiting example based on UV rays. [0039] 13. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said opening (104) for use by the patient is height-adjustable. [0040] 14. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that it comprises, as additional instrumentation for the environments in which the test is carried out, a suffused red-light lighting system (700) adapted to leave unaltered the night vision of the patient. [0041] 15. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of clauses 2 to 13, characterized in that said polarizing filter (102) can be controlled by means of said system of calculation (110), by means of an electronic actuator (800). [0042] 16. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses which, further by means of the aid of a software (115) of the system, is adapted to detect from the images recorded by said video camera (100) the presence of micronystagmus, the reaction times following optical stimulations and measure the light sensitivity threshold, which overall, subject to medical opinion, can allow an early diagnosis of a plurality of neurodegenerative pathologies. [0043] 17. An interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that said lighting system (107) is a visible spectrum or an infrared and visible spectrum lighting system, and said video camera (100), is provided with a filter (109) adapted to screen visible light when infrared illumination is used. [0044] 18. Use of an interactive gaze analysis kit according to any one of the preceding clauses for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies. [0045] 19. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, adapted to allow an analysis and a monitoring of the eye movement of a patient, calculating the presence of behaviors of the visual apparatus which signal the possible presence of neurological pathologies; said system being characterized in that it comprises at least the following components: [0046] A) a video camera (100) adapted to frame the eyes of the patient and to record the images for a subsequent processing; [0047] B) an LCD screen with LED backlighting (101) adapted to show the patient test images which stimulate the movements of the visual apparatus, indication of possible neurodegenerative pathologies and integrated with at least a linear polarizing filter (102) adapted to modulate the quantity of light exiting from said screen with very low luminance; [0048] C) a dark tunnel (103) adapted to ensure complete darkness, preventing the passage of external light; with an opening for the face (104) adapted to allow the patient to position his/her face with the gaze directed towards the tunnel interior, and with an input opening (105) adapted to house said screen (101) directed towards the face of the patient; [0049] D) an infrared lighting system (107), adapted to illuminate the scene for the filming by means of said video camera (100), provided with filter (109) adapted to screen the visible light; [0050] E) a calculation system (110) adapted to perform all the computation functions regarding the collection and analysis of the observed data; [0051] F) an input peripheral device dedicated to the patient (111) comprising at least two buttons (112) adapted to allow the user to respond to simple questions regarding the images shown, indicating the selection that is closest to his/her own visual perception; G) a display (113) and at least an input peripheral device (114) dedicated for use by the medical personal, adapted to allow managing the test and displaying the results and the movement of the eyes of the user recorded by means of said video camera (100) in real time; [0052] said system of components thus being adapted to allow observing details of the functioning of the patient's visual apparatus also by means of the aid of a software (115) of the system, adapted to detect from the images recorded by said video camera (100) the presence of micronystagmus, the reaction times following optical stimulations and measure the light sensitivity threshold, which overallsubjected to medical opinioncan allow an early diagnosis of a plurality of neurodegenerative pathologies. [0053] 20. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, according to the preceding clause 19, characterized in that it allows an automated interaction with the user by means of the use of earphones (200) through which the user can hear pre-recorded instructions, allowing a single doctor to coordinate the activity of multiple devices simultaneously. [0054] 21. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, according to any one of the preceding clauses 19 or 20, characterized in that the described components have limited, modular size so as to allow an easy transportation of the apparatus. [0055] 22. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, according to any one of the preceding clauses 19 to 21, characterized in that the power supply of all the components of the system is attained by means of a battery (400) so as to be able to use the device when moving or generally free of direct electrical power supply constraints. [0056] 23. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, according to any one of the preceding clauses 19 to 22, characterized in that said input and output peripheral devices (111) are attained by means of a touchscreen (500) for use by the health personnel. [0057] 24. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, according to any one of the preceding clauses 19 to 23, characterized in that said opening (104) for use by the patient possesses an automatic sterilization system (600), by way of a nonlimiting example based on UV rays, and is also height-adjustable. [0058] 25. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, according to any one of the preceding clauses 19 to 24, characterized in that it comprises, as additional instrumentation for the environments in which the test is carried out, a suffused red-light lighting system (700) adapted to leave unaltered the night vision of the patient. [0059] 26. Interactive gaze analysis kit for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, according to any one of the preceding clauses 19 to 25, characterized in that said polarizing filter (102) can be controlled by means of said system of calculation (110), by means of an electronic actuator (800).