Remote Based System and Method For Collecting Eye Movement Data

Abstract

A remote diagnostic system and method for collecting eye-movement data includes a mobile visual recording device which is mounted on a set of goggles. In this combination, the recording device will necessarily include both a camera and a computer. With the combined visual recording device and goggles stabilized on the head of a patient/user, a blackout vision chamber is established in front of an eye of the patient/user. An illuminator on the goggles can then be activated to illuminate the eye, and the camera in the visual recording device can record eye-movement data from the patient's eye while it is illuminated. A programmed protocol from the computer directs the patient using voice commands through a predetermined sequence of head orientations in space and collects eye-movement data that is used to generate a record of nystagmographs and gyroscopic head positions/stabilization data. The record of eye movements can then be automatically uploaded and viewed remotely by physicians via the web-based browser for diagnostic purposes.

Claims

1. A system for collecting eye-movement data using a mobile visual recording device, wherein the mobile visual recording device includes a camera defining a camera axis, the system compromising: a base member adapted to be held and stabilized on the head of a patient to establish a blackout vision chamber between the base member and an eye of the patient; a bracket formed on the base member for holding the visual recording device on the base member; an adaptive lens mounted on the base membrane for focusing the visual recording device onto the eye of the patient; an illuminator for directing visible light into the blackout vision chamber and onto the eye of the patient along a beam path transverse to an optical axis of the eye, to illuminate the eye during eye movement; and a pre-programmed computer application installed in the mobile visual recording device for verbally and graphically directing the patient through a predetermined sequence of head orientations, for receiving illuminated eye-movement and gyroscopic position and head stability data from the patient, and for processing the eye movement and head position/stability data to prepare a report based on the eye-movement and head position/stability data.

2. The system of claim 1 further compromising a gyroscope mounted on the base member for providing head orientation and head stability data to the computer application during the predetermined sequence of head orientations.

3. The system of claim 2 further compromising an audio means mounted on the mobile visual recording device, wherein the audio means is responsive to head orientation data from the computer application for verbally instructing the patient into a correct head orientation during the predetermined sequence of head orientations, and for verifying a proper assumption of the correct head orientation.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the illuminator comprises: a light source mounted on the base member; and an on/off switch mounted on the base member for activating the light source.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the illuminator comprises: a light source mounted on the mobile visual recording device for generating visible light; and at least one optical fiber interconnecting the light source with the blackout vision chamber to provide a side-illumination of the eye.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the camera axis of the mobile visual recording device is aligned with the optical axis of the eye via the adaptive lens when the mobile visual recording device is engaged with the base member and the base member is held on the head of the patient, wherein the adaptive lens establishes a depth of field d for the mobile visual recording device, and wherein d is in range between 1.5 cm and 3 cm (1.5 cm<d<3 cm).

7. The system of claim 5 wherein an angle a between the beam path and the optical axis of the eye is in a range between 45 and 90 (45<a<90).

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the report includes a nystagmogram and a graphical representation of head position/stability data.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the system is remote-based and the report is transmitted from the visual recording device to a clinical specialist via a web-based browser and video player.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile recording device is a smart phone and the base member is a pair of goggles with a head strap.

11. A method for collecting eye movement and head position/stability data in real time, using a mobile visual recording device, the system compromising the steps of: providing a base member, wherein the base member includes a bracket formed thereon for holding a visual recording device, and wherein the bracket is formed with an adaptive lens; Positioning the visual recording device on the bracket of the base member, wherein the visual recording device includes a camera defining a camera axis; stabilizing the base member on the head of a patient to establish a blackout vision chamber between the base member and an eye of the patient; aligning the camera axis of the visual recording device with an optical axis of the eye, via the adaptive lens mounted on the base member, to focus the visual recording device onto the eye of the patient; activating an illuminator to direct visible light into the blackout vision chamber and onto the eye of the patient along a beam path transverse to an optical axis of the eye, to illuminate the eye during eye movement; and using a pre-programmed computer application installed in the mobile visual recording device for verbally directing the patient through a predetermined sequence of head orientations, for receiving illuminated eye-movement and head position/stability data from the patient at the head orientation, and for processing the eye-movement and head position/stability data to prepare a report, wherein the report includes a nystagmogram and a graphical representation of head position/stability data.

12. The method recited in claim 11 wherein the predetermined sequence of movements into head orientation includes assuming a position with: Body supine with head turned to the right 30; Body sitting with head neutral; Body supine with head turned to the left 30; and Body sitting with head neutral; or Body supine and head elevated 30 off earth horizontal axis and head center; Body supine and head elevated 30 off earth horizontal axis and head yaw 30 to the right; Body supine and head elevated 30 off earth horizontal axis and head yaw 30 to the left and further wherein the head is held stationary in each head orientation for ten to fifteen seconds.

13. The method recited in claim 11 wherein the adaptive lens establishes a depth of field d for the mobile visual recording device, and wherein d is in a range between 1.5 cm and 3 cm (1.5 cm<d<3 cm).

14. The method recited in claim 11 further comprising the steps of: generating visible light; and directing the visible light into the blackout vision chamber to provide a side-illumination of the eye, and wherein an angle a between the beam path and the optical axis of the eye is in range between 45 and 90 (45<a<90).

15. The method recited in claim 11 wherein the method is useful for recording eye-movement data pertinent to an eye condition selected from the group of diagnostic options consisting of Benign Paroxysmal Positional vertigo (BPPV), Migraine, Meniere's Disease, Viral Labyrinthitis, Intracranial Processes (i.e. tumors), and Cardiac Causes, and further wherein the report includes a nystagmogram and head position/stability data, wherein the report is transmitted from the visual recording device to a clinical specialist, at a remote location, for at least one diagnostic option listed for selection from the group by the patient/user's physician, and further wherein the mobile recording device is a smart phone.

16. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium installed onto a computer in a mobile visual recording device, wherein the device includes a camera connected to the computer, and wherein the medium is a pre-programmed computer application having executable instructions stored thereon that direct the computer to perform a process for collecting eye-movement and head position/stability data, the medium comprising instructions for: verifying a stabilized placement of a base member on the head of a patient to establish a blackout vision chamber between the base member and an eye of the patient, wherein the mobile visual recording device is mounted on the base member, wherein the camera of the mobile visual recording device defines a camera axis, and wherein the eye of the patient has a visual axis; activating an illuminator to direct visible light into the blackout vision chamber and onto the eye of the patient, and wherein the visible light is directed from the illuminator and into the blackout vision chamber along a beam path transverse to an optical axis of the eye, to illuminate the eye during eye movement; determining when the camera axis of the visual recording device is aligned with the optical axis of the eye, via an adaptive lens mounted on the base member, to focus the visual recording device onto the eye of the patient; directing the patient through a predetermined sequence of head orientations; initiating an audible verbal GO signal for each head orientation, when the head orientation has been properly established; receiving illuminated eye movement and head position/stability data from the patient at each head orientation; and processing the eye-movement and head position/stability data during the receiving step to prepare a report based on the received eye movement and head position/stability data, wherein the report includes a nystagmogram and graphical representation of the patients' head position/stability data.

17. The medium of claim 16 further comprising an instruction for transmitting the report from the visual recording device to a clinical specialist, at a remote location, and wherein the visual recording device is a smart phone.

18. The medium of claim 16 wherein the adaptive lens establishes a depth of field d for the mobile visual recording device, and wherein d is in a range between 1.5 cm and 3 cm (1.5 cm<d<3 cm).

19. The medium of claim 16 wherein the illuminator comprises: a light source mounted on the mobile visual recording device for generating visible light; and at least one optical fiber interconnecting the light source with the blackout vision chamber to provide a side-illumination of the eye, and wherein an angle a between the beam path and the optical axis of the eye is in a range between 45 and 90 (45<a 90).

20. The medium of claim 16 wherein the medium is useful for recording eye-movement data pertinent to an eye condition selected form the group of diagnostic options consisting of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Migraine, Meniere's Disease, Viral Labyrinthitis, Intracranial Processes (i.e. tumors), and Cardiac Causes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of system components for the present invention, with the components shown in their operative relationship with the head of a patient/user;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a view of the present invention as seen in FIG. 1 with the system components combined and operatively stabilized on the head of a patient/user;

[0023] FIG. 3A is a schematic presentation of the functional aspects for an embodiment of the present invention using an illuminator mounted in a visual recording device;

[0024] FIG. 3B is a schematic presentation of the functional aspects for an alternate embodiment of the present invention using an illuminator mounted on the base member of the system;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the system of the present invention as seen along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2; and

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the system of the present invention as seen along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a system in accordance with the present invention is shown in an exploded perspective view and is generally designated 10. As shown, the system 10 includes a base member 12 and a visual recording device 14 (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as device 14). With reference to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the system 10 is intended to be positioned on the head of a patient/user 16 (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as patient 16). Further, in FIG. 1, it will be seen that the base member 12 is formed with a bracket 18, and that it includes an adaptive lens 20. In combination, the bracket 18 is provided to hold the device 14 on the base member 12 and to thereby have the combination function as a pair of goggles. As shown in FIG. 2, the combination of device 14 and base member 12 (i.e. goggles) is to be held and stabilized on the head of the patient 16 by a strap 22. Both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show that a gyroscope 23 is also mounted on base member 12 to provide information for determining the three-dimensional, spatial, orientation of the head of patient 16 at any point in time.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 2, it is envisioned that the device 14 of system 10 for the present invention can be operationally connected in wireless communication with a remote 24. For purposes of the present invention, the remote 24 may be a database, a clinical location, a medical facility, a person, or some other entity (all not shown) with which/whom the patient 16 desires to communicate. Additionally, or alternatively, along with transmissions to the remote 24, the device 14 can maintain an internal file for any informational data that is obtained during an operation of the system 10.

[0029] With reference now to FIG. 3A it will be appreciated that the device 14 essentially includes a computer 26 and a camera 28. Still referring to FIG. 3A, it is also to be appreciated that the visual recording device 14 will incorporate an illuminator 30 which includes a source of visible light. For a preferred embodiment of the present invention, visible light from the illuminator 30 is to be transmitted over a pair of optical fibers 32a and 32b. In this combination, visible light from the illuminator 30 is directed via the optical fibers 32a and 32b toward an eye 34 of the patient 16. In detail, this transmission is accomplished to direct visible light along a beam path 36 that is oriented at an angle a relative to an optical axis 38 of the eye 34. For the present invention, the angle a is preferably in a range from 45 to 90. The eye 34 is thus provided with side-illumination.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows the device 14 in combination with the base member 12 when they are operationally positioned in front of an eye 34 on the head of the patient 16. Also, it will be seen in FIG. 4 that the camera 28 of device 14 includes a camera lens 40 which defines a camera axis 42. Further, FIG. 4 shows that the adaptive lens 20 of base member 12 is positioned between the camera lens 40 and the eye 34 of the patient 16. Importantly, when the combination of base member 12 and device 14 (i.e. goggles) is positioned on the head of the patient 16, two functional requirements are achieved. For one, a blackout vision chamber 44 is created in front of the eye 34. For another, the depth of field for camera 28 of the device 14 is shortened to a distance d. Specifically, this is done to accommodate for the reduced distance between the camera lens 40 and the eye 34. Preferably, the distance d will be in a range between 1.5 cm and 3 cm.

[0031] An alternate embodiment of the system 10 for the present invention is shown in FIG. 3B. For this alternate embodiment it is to be appreciated that an illuminator 46 can be mounted on the base member 12, rather than on the visual recording device 14. In this combination for the alternate embodiment, the illuminator 46 is activated by an on/off switch 48 which is connected to two different light sources 50a and 50b via respective connectors 52a and 52b. For purposes of the present invention the light sources 50a and 50b are preferably Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) of a type well known in the art. Similar to the embodiment of system 10 shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B shows that the light sources 50a and 50b direct visible light along the beam path 36 which is oriented at the angle a relative to the optical axis 38 of the eye 34.

[0032] Prior to an operation of the system 10, it is first necessary to establish and verify a properly stabilized position for the device 14 on the head of the patient 16. As intended for the present invention, this will occur when the optical axis 38 of an eye 34 is aligned, and substantially collinear, with the camera axis 42 of camera 28. This can all be done while monitoring camera 28 after the blackout vision chamber 44 has been established, and after the illuminator 30/46 has then been activated. As intended for the present invention, an operation of the system 10 will generate a report that will serve as a diagnostic tool for clinical personnel. In accordance with the present invention, this is accomplished while the eye 34 is side-illuminated as shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] In further detail, an operation of the present invention provides the patient 16 with the ability for self-operation, without assistance. To do this, the combination of base member 12 (i.e. goggles) and the visual recording device 14 is positioned on the head of the patient as described above. The visual recording device 14 is then activated, and the illuminator 30/46 is turned on. Visual recording device 14 will then verbally instruct the patient 16 to move his/her head through a predetermined sequence of head positions (orientations).

[0034] These positions are: [0035] Body supine with head turned to the right 30; [0036] Body sitting with head neutral; [0037] Body supine with head turned to the left 30; and [0038] Body sitting with head neutral.

[0039] The Visual Recording Device 14 may also verbally instruct the patient 16 to move his/her head through another predetermined sequence of head positions (orientations).

[0040] These positions are: [0041] Body supine and head elevated 30 off earth horizontal axis and head center; [0042] Body supine and head elevated 30 off earth horizontal axis and head yaw 30 to the right; [0043] Body supine and head elevated 30 off earth horizontal axis and head yaw 30 to the left.

[0044] In accordance with an operation of the present invention, each head position (orientation) in the predetermined sequence is verified by signals from the gyroscope 23. In particular, this verification the predetermined sequence is verified by signals from the gyroscope 23. In particular, this verification includes signals that indicate: whether the head of the patient 16 is properly positioned (oriented); and whether the proper head position (orientation) has been stabilized for the ten to fifteen second duration required to record eye movements. When verification is completed, the patient 16 will be verbally instructed to move his/her body and head to the next sequential head position (orientation). Once the sequence of eye movement data has been recorded by the visual recording device 14, the data can be transmitted via a wireless link 60 to the remote 24 where it can be viewed by the patient or patient's physician at a later date.

[0045] During an eye movement episode at each head orientation, both x and y measurements are simultaneously taken. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the result of these measurements is a nystagmogram 54 which presents x-measurements 56 on a same time reference with the y-measurements 58 of eye 34. Also during an eye movement episode at each head orientation, both x and y measurements representing head stability are simultaneously collected. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B the result of these measurements is a graph 54b which presents x measurements 56b on a same time reference with the y measurements 58b of the patient/user head 16. While the particular Remote-Based System and Method for Collecting Eye-Movement and Head Stability Data as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantage herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

GlossaryFile #11665.1

[0046] 10 system [0047] 12 base member [0048] 14 visual recording device (eg. Smartphone) [0049] 16 patient/user [0050] 18 bracket [0051] 20 adaptive lens [0052] 22 strap [0053] 23 gyroscope [0054] 24 remote [0055] 26 computer [0056] 28 camera [0057] 30 illuminator [0058] 32 optical fibers (a, b) [0059] 34 eye [0060] 36 beam path [0061] 38 optical axis [0062] 40 camera lens [0063] 42 camera axis [0064] 44 blackout vision chamber [0065] 46 illuminator [0066] 48 on/off switch [0067] 50 light sources (a, b) [0068] 52 connectors (a, b) [0069] 54 nystagmogram [0070] 54b graphical head stability data [0071] 56 x-measurements [0072] 56b x-measurements head stability [0073] 58 y-measurements [0074] 58b y-measurements head stability [0075] 60 wireless or internet connection [0076] 62 [0077] 64 [0078] 66 [0079] 68 [0080] 70 [0081] 72 [0082] 74 [0083] 76 [0084] 78 [0085] 80 [0086] 82 [0087] 84