Headgear for observation of eye movements

Abstract

An apparatus for covering a left eye and a right eye of a human, includes: a first eye piece configured for covering a left eye of a human; and a second eye piece configured for covering a right eye of the human; wherein the first eye piece and the second eye piece are configured for preventing transmission of visible light; and wherein at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece comprises a region that is transparent for electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength range outside a visible range.

Claims

1. An apparatus for covering a left eye and a right eye of a human, comprising: a first eye piece configured for covering a left eye of a human; and a second eye piece configured for covering a right eye of the human; wherein the first eye piece and the second eye piece are configured for preventing transmission of visible light and an interface between a portion of the first eye piece and nose of the human prevents light entering through the interface in addition thereto; and wherein at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece comprises a region that is transparent for electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength range outside a visible range and the region comprises at least a portion of a surface that covers the left eye or the right eye.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first eye piece and the second eye piece are unconnected for individual and independent positioning at the respective left and right eyes.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece comprises an adhesive surface for adhesively securing the at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece to a skin surface of the human.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive surface is on a flexible material.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive surface comprises a layer of adhesive tape that is secured to the at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the adhesive surface is a part of a double-sided tape, the double-sided tape having an additional adhesive surface adhering to a posterior surface of the at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region that is transparent for electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength range outside the visible range, is made of a material that is transparent for visible light coated with a material that is opaque to visible light.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece with the region that is transparent for electromagnetic radiation with the wavelength range outside the visible range, comprises a frame with an aperture for accommodation of a window that defines the region, the frame being made of a material that is different from a material of the window.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece comprises a peripheral flange that is shaped to conform to a shape of an orbital rim of the left eye or the right eye.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first eye piece and the second eye piece comprises a transversal portion that is positioned in front of one of the eyes when worn by the human, and an annular peripheral wall that surrounds the transversal portion and extends rearwardly therefrom, and a peripheral flange surrounding the peripheral wall and shaped to conform to a shape of an orbital rim of one of the eyes.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a nose piece that interconnects the first eye piece and the second eye piece, and that is configured for fitting across a nose of the human.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a head strap that interconnects the first eye piece and the second eye piece, and that is configured for fitting around a rear of a head of the human.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region has a transmittance of more than 50% of infrared light in a wavelength range from 850-1100 nm.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first eye piece is configured for securement with respect to the human without use of any strap around a head of the human.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first eye piece is in a form of a cup.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second eye piece is in a form of a patch.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first eye piece comprises a peripheral wall, and a flange surrounding the peripheral wall.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the flange covers an exterior surface of a portion of the peripheral wall, and wherein at least a portion of the flange is bendable to expose the exterior surface of the portion of the peripheral wall.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the exterior surface of the portion of the peripheral wall is configured for abutment against a side of a nose of the human.

20. A device for worn above a shoulder of a user, comprising: a structure; at least one camera coupled to the structure; and the apparatus of claim 1; wherein the first eye piece and the second eye piece of the apparatus are coupled to the structure and enables an interface between a portion of the first eye piece and nose of the user and prevents light entering through the interface.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the structure comprises a helmet, a mask, or a frame of a glasses or goggles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. These drawings may or may not be drawn to scale. In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and other advantages and objects are obtained, a more particular description of the embodiments will be rendered, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

(2) These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting in the scope of the claims.

(3) In the drawings:

(4) FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a human's head with an exemplary new set of eye pieces,

(5) FIG. 2 schematically shows the human's head from the side with the new set of eye pieces also shown in FIG. 1,

(6) FIG. 3 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 1 behind video goggles with an IR camera,

(7) FIG. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 1 behind video goggles with an IR camera,

(8) FIG. 5 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 1,

(9) FIG. 6 is a top view of the set of eye pieces shown in FIG. 1,

(10) FIG. 7 is a front view of the set of eye pieces shown in FIG. 1,

(11) FIG. 8 schematically shows a perspective view of a human's head with another exemplary new set of eye pieces,

(12) FIG. 9 schematically shows the human's head from the side with the new set of eye pieces of FIG. 8,

(13) FIG. 10 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 8 behind video goggles with an IR camera,

(14) FIG. 11 schematically shows a perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 8 behind video goggles with an IR camera,

(15) FIG. 12 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 8,

(16) FIG. 13 is a top view of the set of eye pieces shown in FIG. 8,

(17) FIG. 14 is a front view of the set of eye pieces shown in FIG. 8,

(18) FIG. 15 schematically shows a perspective view of a human's head with yet another exemplary new set of eye pieces,

(19) FIG. 16 schematically shows the human's head from the side with the new set of eye pieces of FIG. 15,

(20) FIG. 17 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 15 behind video goggles with an IR camera,

(21) FIG. 18 schematically shows a perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 15 behind video goggles with an IR camera,

(22) FIG. 19 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the set of eye pieces of FIG. 15,

(23) FIG. 20 is a top view of the set of eye pieces shown in FIG. 15,

(24) FIG. 21 is a front view of the set of eye pieces shown in FIG. 15, and

(25) FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the new method.

(26) FIG. 23 illustrates an implementation of one of the eye pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(27) Various illustrative examples of the new set of eye pieces, headgear and method according to the appended claims will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of new set of eye pieces, headgear and method are illustrated. The new set of eye pieces; headgear and method according to the appended claims may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which are essential to the understanding of the new set of eye pieces, headgear and method, while other details have been left out.

(28) As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the refer to one or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(29) FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one exemplary new apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14, which comprises separate right and left eye pieces 12, 14, each of which is configured to isolate a respective one of a human's eyes from visible light of the surrounding environment. In the illustrated example, each of the right and left eye pieces 12, 14 comprises a transversal portion 16, 18 for covering an eye and spanning substantially perpendicular to a forward looking direction of the human, when the apparatus 10 with the right and left eye pieces 12, 14 is mounted with the eye pieces 12, 14 in their intended operational position on the human's head. Each of the first and second eye pieces 12, 14 further has a curved annular peripheral wall 20, 22 surrounding and supporting the respective transversal portions 16, 18. The walls 20, 22 have respective flanges 24, 26 with posterior surfaces 28, 30 (shown in FIG. 6) that are configured to be attached to the skin surface of the human at or adjacent the orbital rims.

(30) In some embodiments, the flange 24 of the eyepiece 12 may be flexible so that the flange 24 can conform to the surface of the skin of the patient when the eyepiece 12 is attached to the patient. Also, in some embodiments, a portion of the flange 24 next to the nose of the patient is configured to be bendable so that while the eyepiece 12 is being placed on the patient, the portion of the flange 24 can be folded to correspond with the side of the nose of the patient. Such configuration allows the flange 24 to more efficiently block light. In addition, in some embodiments, the portion 200 of the flange 24 next to the patient's nose may be foldable to expose an exterior surface 202 of a portion (e.g., the ridge or rib) 204 of the peripheral wall 20 facing the nose of the patient (see FIG. 23). This allows the portion (e.g., the ridge or rib) 204 of the peripheral wall 20 to abut against the nose of the patient for stopping light that may otherwise enter through small crack(s) around the nose area. The portion 200 of the flange 24 that is covering the interface between the portion 204 of the peripheral wall 20 and the nose also assist in preventing light from entering through such interface.

(31) The right eye piece 12 has a region 32 in its transversal portion 16 that is transparent for infrared light so that observation of the right eye of the human can be performed with an infrared camera. When the eye pieces 12, 14 are mounted in their intended operational positions covering the right eye and left eye, respectively, they form a substantially light proof seal with the face of a wearer and thereby prevent visible light from reaching the wearer's eyes, whereby suppression of eye movements, such as nystagmus, is avoided, due to the fact that the eyes are not presented with an illuminated feature that the line of sight of the eyes can be aligned with.

(32) In some embodiments, the region 32 may be have an anti-fog characteristic. For example, an antifog liquid may be applied to the interior surface of the region 32, and may be cured (e.g., under UV light, air, heat, or any combination of the foregoing). In some cases, the antifog material may provide a lens effect that reduces shadows. In other embodiments, the peripheral wall 20 may optionally also have an anti-fog characteristic.

(33) Each eye piece 12, 14 desirably is constructed from a relatively stiff and hard opaque plastic, with good scratch resistance and optical qualities. A suitable plastic is an impact-resistant polycarbonate material, although various other materials are also usable. In other embodiments, other materials may be used. For example, in other embodiments, silicone material may be used. The silicone material may be used for the flange 24 and/or the peripheral wall 20, for examples.

(34) The region 32 is made of a material transparent for infrared light, such as an acrylic material, such as the infrared transparent material PC Makrolon 2405, colour: 450601.

(35) The region 32 of the eye piece 12 can have any of various configurations. In the illustrated eye piece 12, for example, the region 32 includes a flat anterior portion.

(36) In another example, the region 32 is formed with a curved, convex anterior surface, rather than the flat anterior lens surface shown in FIGS. 1-3, e.g. for moving a possible reflection of a source of infrared light out of the field of view of the infrared camera. In addition, the region 32 can have various tints or coatings (e.g., an anti-reflection coating), for improved image quality as known in the art.

(37) The flanges 24, 26 are sized and shaped such that at least the upper and lower nasal portions of the flanges or portions thereof, can be positioned within the adjacent margins of the orbital rims, or within the outer margins of the orbicularis oculi muscles. The posterior surfaces 28, 30 (shown in FIG. 6) of the upper and lower nasal portions generally seats against soft tissue within the orbital rim, or against the fibers of the orbicularis oculi muscles, and posterior surfaces 28, 30 of the upper and lower temporal portions of the flanges 34, 36 generally seats against the adjacent temporal margins of the orbital rims.

(38) It is not necessary that the entire eye piece fit within the orbital rim or be engageable by the orbicularis oculi muscles. It is possible, for example, that the muscles only engage and retain a portion (such as a nasal or temporal portion) of the eye piece.

(39) In addition, the wearer can affect the exact positioning of the eye pieces 12, 14 with respect to the orbital rims. For example, by angling the transversal portions 16, 18 slightly downwardly with respect to the normal line of sight, a wearer can position an eye piece such that the upper nasal portion the lower nasal portion and the lower temporal portion except for the temporal ends 34, 36 are positioned within the orbital rim. In addition, the positioning of the flanges 24, 26 relative to the orbital rims can vary slightly depending on the facial morphology of the wearer.

(40) In an alternative embodiment, the flanges 24, 26 can be sized and shaped to fit substantially or entirely within the orbital rims. In another alternative embodiment, the flanges 24, 26 can be sized and shaped to reside completely outside the orbital rims.

(41) Dimensions of the eye pieces 12, 14 may be determined using many different approaches. For example, the first and second eye pieces 12, 14 can be custom designed and fitted to a particular individual. Preferably, the dimensions can be determined by reference to a standard head form that has been designed according to statistical norms from the population, or from published texts and descriptions of such norms.

(42) In the illustrated right eye piece 12, the region 32 and the transversal portion 16 are separately formed from different materials and then subsequently joined together to form the eye piece 12.

(43) The region 32 can be either permanently attached to the transversal portion 16 or connected to the transversal portion in a removable manner.

(44) In some embodiments of the apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14, each eye piece 12, 14 may have a one-piece or unitary construction.

(45) To assist in retaining the eye pieces 12, 14 against the face of the human, each of the illustrated eye pieces 12, 14 has an adhesive layer in the form of the illustrated adhesive tape layers 38, 40, overlaying the respective posterior surfaces 28, 30, see FIG. 6. Each adhesive tape layer 38, 40 can be conventional double-sided or double-coated tape having a first adhesive surface 42, 44 secured to the respective posterior surface 28, 30 of the respective eye piece 12, 14, and a second adhesive surface 46, 48 that is placed against the skin of the human. Each eye piece 12, 14 can include a removable, protective cover layer (not shown) overlaying the second adhesive surface 46, 48 of the tape to protect the second adhesive surface from adhering to extraneous matter prior to use.

(46) In some cases, the layer 38 may be considered to be a part of the flange 24. Also, in some embodiments, the layer 38 may be integrally formed with the flange 24.

(47) The eye pieces 12, 14 can be provided with two separate pieces of double-sided adhesive tape that are shaped to be applied to the posterior surfaces 28, 30 of the eye pieces 12, 14 and a set of instructions for informing a human how to apply the tape to the eye pieces.

(48) The second adhesive surfaces 46, 48 desirably exhibits a bonding strength suitable to adhere the eye pieces 12, 14 to the skin of the human during normal conditions of use, yet allows the eye pieces 12, 14 to be removed with minimal discomfort. The first adhesive surfaces 42, 44 of the tape desirably provide a bonding strength sufficient to prevent separation of the tape from the eye pieces 12, 14 during normal conditions of use and during removal of the eye pieces.

(49) In some embodiments of the new apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14, the double sided tape is discarded before use of the eye pieces by another human, in which case, the first adhesive surfaces 42, 44 also allows the tape to be peeled away from the posterior surfaces 28, 30 of the eye pieces 12, 14 to permit replacement of the tape, when the apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14 has been removed from the human after use, and subsequently will be used again by the same or another human.

(50) The posterior surfaces preferably include a layer of a flexible material, such as polyethylene foam, to provide a sealing surface that better accommodates uneven facial surfaces. The flexible material may be included in the adhesive tape. The adhesive may form a layer of an adhesive tape, such as MSX-6674C which is a double coated synthetic rubber/gentle acrylic adhesive tape designed for medical applications supplied by 3M Medical Specialties.

(51) In some embodiments, a layer of a suitable adhesive (e.g., acrylic) can be formed directly on the posterior surfaces 28, 30 of the eye pieces 12, 14.

(52) Preferably, the new apparatus 10 of this type is discarded after removal from the human, whereby a need of proper cleaning of the eye pieces between uses by different humans is eliminated.

(53) Not having a head band and a nose piece or nose strap for interconnecting the eye pieces 12, 14, facilitates individual lightproof positioning of each eye piece across the respective eye, since each eye piece can be freely oriented and applied to the face of the human independent of the orientation and positioning of the other eye piece.

(54) FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of an assembly of the new apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14 and video goggles 100.

(55) FIG. 4 shows the assembly in its intended operational position mounted on the human's head.

(56) The apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14 is worn by the human underneath the separate video goggles 100. The video goggles 100 have an infrared camera 110 for observation of right eye movements, such as nystagmus. The video goggles 100 also comprise infrared light diodes (not shown) for illumination of the right eye with infrared light. The right eye piece 12 has a region 32 that is transparent for infrared light and opaque to visible light. The infrared light reflected from the right eye is deflected by the mirror 120 and recorded by the infrared camera 110.

(57) Since darkness is provided by the apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14, the separate video goggles 100 need not be opaque to visible light and in particular do not need to provide a lightproof seal around the eyes of the human, making it much easier to fit the video goggles 100 to humans with different facial anatomy. This also reduces the effort of cleaning the video goggles between uses.

(58) FIGS. 8-14 illustrate another apparatus 10 comprising right and left eye pieces 12, 14, each of which having a construction that is similar to the construction of the eye pieces 12, 14 of the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7 except for the facts that apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 15-21 includes a nose piece 52 that interconnects the adjacent nasal ends of eye pieces 12, 14, and that a flexible member 50 substitutes the double sided adhesive tape.

(59) The illustrated right eye piece 12 and left eye piece 14 and nose piece 52 are manufactured in one piece forming a one-piece unit.

(60) Like the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7, the eye pieces 12, 14 have adhesive surfaces for attachment to the skin surface around the respective eyes of the human.

(61) The adhesive surfaces 46, 48 intended for attachment to a skin surface are formed on the flexible member 50, e.g. made of foam or rubber, to provide a sealing surface that is capable of accommodating uneven facial surfaces. The flexible member 50 has a thickness that provides a distance between the eye pieces 12, 14 and the respective eyes so that the illustrated apparatus 10 with the first and second eye pieces is comfortable to wear.

(62) The flexible member 50 has first adhesive surfaces 42, 44 adhering to posterior surfaces 28, 30 of the respective eye pieces 12, 14 and second adhesive surfaces 46, 48 for adhering to a skin surface of the human's face.

(63) Like the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7, the right eye pieces 12 has a region that is transparent for infrared light, e.g. for observation of eye movements, such as nystagmus, by an infrared camera.

(64) A similar apparatus (not shown) with the first and second eye pieces is also provided that has a construction that is similar to the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 8-14 except for the fact that the similar apparatus does not have adhesive surfaces. Instead, the similar apparatus are kept in place in its operating position by the worn video goggles abutting and pressing the apparatus with the first and second eye pieces against the skin surface of the human.

(65) FIGS. 15-21 illustrate yet another apparatus with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14, which comprises right and left eye pieces 12, 14, respectively, that have a construction that is similar to the eye pieces 12, 14 of apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7 except for the fact that apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 8-14 includes a nose strap 52 that interconnects the adjacent nasal ends of flanges 24, 26 and an elastic head strap 54 that is connected to the temporal end portions of flanges 24, 26 and extends around the rear of the head. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 46, 48 is not needed since the nose strap 52 and head strap 54 cooperate to firmly retain the eye pieces 12, 14 on the head. Like the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7, the right eye pieces 12 has a region that is transparent for infrared light, e.g. for observation of eye movements, such as nystagmus, by an infrared camera.

(66) FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of the new method 100 comprising the steps of: 202: Mounting an apparatus with the first and second eye pieces as disclosed above on the head of a human for preventing visible light from reaching the eyes of the human, 204: Mounting one camera so that one eye of the human resides within the field of view of the camera, 206: Tracking eye movements with the camera, and 208: Discarding at least part of the apparatus with the first and second eye pieces, preferably the apparatus with the first and second eye pieces.

(67) When mounting the apparatus with the first and second eye pieces 12, 14, the human first opens his or her eyes wide so as to expand the orbicularis oculi muscles, positions the eye pieces 12, 14 over the eyes as previously described, and presses the eye pieces 12, 14 against the face so as to ensure a good bond between the respective adhesive surfaces 46, 48 and the skin. Pressing the eye pieces against the face tends to create a small vacuum between the eyes and the eye pieces. This vacuum assists in retaining the eye pieces 12, 14 against the face during use. When the eye pieces 12, 14 are properly positioned, the orbicularis oculi muscles can be relaxed.

(68) In the above embodiments, the eye pieces 12, 14 have the same or similar shapes. In other embodiments, the eye pieces 12, 14 may have different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the eye piece 12 may have a shape like that shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, and the eye piece 14 may be in a form of a patch that covers the eye. The patch has a planar configuration and is configured to prevent all light from entering into the eye. The patch may be rigid, or may have a flexible construction so that it can conform to the shape of the patient's skin.

(69) Also, in any of the embodiments described herein, the features of the eye pieces 12, 14 may be interchanged. For example, the transparent region 32 described with reference to eye piece 12 may be implemented for the eye piece 14, which allows the other eye (corresponding with the eye piece 14) to be tested.

(70) In addition, in some embodiments, an apparatus may be provided that includes two sets of eye pieces. The first set includes a first eye piece 12 with the transparent region 32, and a second eye piece 14 (which may be in a form of a patch). The second set includes a first eye piece 12 (which may be in a form of a patch), and a second eye piece 14 with a transparent region. The first set may be used to test a right eye of the patient, and the second set may be used to test a left eye of the patient.

(71) Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the claimed inventions to the preferred embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without department from the spirit and scope of the claimed inventions. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed inventions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.