A convenient and portable spatial attention evaluator and evaluation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of neuropsychology and low-grade glioma treatment technology, and discloses a mobile spatial attention assessor and assessment method, comprising: a hardware device; and a self-developed spatial attention assessment module, a neuronavigation system, and an eye movement trajectory analysis module based on Matlab mounted on the hardware device. The hardware device comprises a touch screen, a bracket and an eye tracker adapted to a variety of application scenarios. The self-developed spatial attention assessment module comprises a line experiment and a C-type experiment. The spatial attention assessor and assessment method provided by the present invention can be applied to a variety of application scenarios, including: baseline neuropsychological tests, transcranial electrical stimulation tests, cortical and subcortical stimulation tests, etc., and has the advantages of one experiment and multiple sets of data, effectively avoiding individual differences and batch deviations in previous studies, and is simple to operate and time-saving, and can be used as an open system to add more functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of neuropsychology and low-grade glioma treatment technology, and in particular to a portable spatial attention evaluator and an evaluation method. Background Art

[0002] Hemispatial neglect is a common neurological syndrome following right hemispheric damage. Despite normal vision, patients are unable to attend to visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli and events in one side of the space, typically manifesting as neglect of the left side. For example, if someone greets them from their left side, they will only look for the person greeting them from their right side, demonstrating hemispatial visual attention. This loss of spatial visual attention is not distinct from hemianopia. Often, even when the patient's visual pathways are intact, they will still attend to the space and events on the left side when the physician intentionally attempts to attract their attention (e.g., by vigorously waving a finger), demonstrating that hemispatial neglect is a selective loss of spatial attention rather than hemianopia. Some patients also focus on one side of themselves, such as brushing their teeth or washing their face on one side while neglecting the other. Patients' indifference to this condition is another characteristic feature. Neglect can be divided into different subtypes: externally derived attention deficits (visual, auditory), and body image disturbances such as self-neglect and denial of illness. Hemispatial neglect is the most common subtype, with the responsible anatomical structures located in the temporoparietal junction (TPL), including the superior parietal lobule (IPL), supramarginal gyrus (SMG), angular gyrus (AG), and superior temporal gyrus (STG), as well as the basal ganglia and thalamus. Recent studies suggest that hemispatial neglect may result from intrahemispheric disconnections: the second and third branches of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF II and III), the anterior arcuate fasciculus (AF), and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and occipitofrontal fasciculus (IFOF), connecting the parietal and frontal regions, are involved in spatial selective attention. Furthermore, chronic damage to interhemispheric connections (such as the posterior corpus callosum) has also been associated with hemispatial neglect. There are various theories regarding the pathogenesis of hemispatial neglect, including attentional imbalance, arousal-attentional deficits, cognitive deficits, and some believe it represents a hemispheric depression or a unilateral unresponsiveness of the sensory and motor systems to external stimuli. Hemispatial neglect involves a wide range of brain regions and functions, making it an excellent lesion model for studying brain neural circuits and functional divisions. This involves the connectivity and functional coordination between the visual, auditory, somatosensory, reticular activating systems, and limbic systems. Maeshall and Halligan found that patients with hemispatial neglect can subconsciously perceive events on their neglected side, even though they subjectively cannot see objects and events on the affected side. They had patients view images of two houses, one above and one below. The two images were identical except for one house, which was on fire on the left side. Although patients could not notice the difference in the images, when asked which house they would prefer to live in, they consistently chose the one that was not on fire, without being able to explain why. This experiment suggests that the brain may process information in a hierarchical manner, involving multiple brain regions and white matter fibers.Based on his research on patients with hemi-neglect, Mesulam proposed a theory of directed attention: the posterior parietal lobe integrates information from the primary sensory cortex, the limbic system, and the reticular system. This integration forms a sensory mental representation of external space, which in turn regulates motor planning and output, generating exploratory eye and head movements. However, these theories remain difficult to prove using current brain science knowledge and clinical cases.

[0003] The study of hemispatial neglect mechanisms began in 1970 when Kinsbourne first proposed a model of spatial attention disorder in neglect patients based on empirical evidence. This model has since been summarized based on the clinical symptoms of stroke and cerebral infarction patients. Neuroscience has advanced rapidly in recent years. Currently, there are multiple approaches to studying various brain cognitive functions, including spatial attention, including the following:

[0004] (1) Damage-defect model;

[0005] (2) Activation-imaging model;

[0006] (3) Stimulus-temporary defect model;

[0007] Each of these methods has its own advantages and limitations; combining them can enhance the internal validity of ecological studies of brain cognitive function. While multiple cognitive functions are directly and indirectly linked, previous studies have mostly focused on a single cognitive function, ignoring the connections between functions. This has led to numerous hypotheses proposed by scholars using different research methods, resulting in complex and intertwined theories about brain cognitive function. This has made it difficult to accurately describe patterns of brain cognitive function, and consequently, the study of cognitive function has been unable to produce a systematic theory. The stimulation-temporal deficit model (including transcranial electrical stimulation, cortical, and subcortical stimulation) is one of the most cutting-edge methods for studying brain cognitive function. As the only current monitoring method that accurately measures brain function in real time, it holds significant research significance.

[0008] However, its shortcomings are also obvious: the implementation process is too cumbersome and lacks a standard process, making it difficult to expand the scope of testing, and the overall structure is not well integrated, making it difficult to move the entire system. We propose improvements based on the main problems of the existing stimulus-temporary defect model. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a portable spatial attention evaluator and evaluation method to address the problems raised in the above background technology. To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0010] A portable spatial attention evaluator, comprising:

[0011] Hardware equipment and a mobile rack carrying the hardware equipment;

[0012] The mobile frame includes: a base with rollers and a rotatable support plate located on the top of the base; a locking device is provided at the bottom of the base;

[0013] The locking device includes a sleeve, a locking rod is movably inserted into the interior of the sleeve, a locking plate is fixedly connected to the lower end of the locking rod, a groove is opened on the inner side of the sleeve, a spring is installed in the interior of the groove, the spring contacts the locking rod, and a pull rod is fixedly connected to the surface of the locking rod;

[0014] As well as the independently developed spatial attention assessment module, neuronavigation system and Matlab-based eye movement trajectory analysis module installed on the hardware equipment.

[0015] Preferably, the hardware device includes a touch screen, a bracket and an eye tracker adapted to various application scenarios, and the bracket is installed on the top of the support plate.

[0016] Preferably, the independently developed spatial attention assessment module includes a line division experiment and a C-type experiment.

[0017] The present invention also proposes a method for evaluating a mobile spatial attention evaluator, comprising the following steps:

[0018] Test of spatial retrieval ability based on object features;

[0019] A test based on the state of spatial attention distribution.

[0020] Preferably, the spatial retrieval ability test based on object features comprises the following steps:

[0021] Call up the C-type experiment interface on the touch screen and click the touch screen to start the test;

[0022] The touch screen displays a test pattern;

[0023] The patient clicks on the test pattern;

[0024] Obtain test results;

[0025] The test experiment is over.

[0026] Preferably, the test pattern includes eight groups of "C", and the shapes and positions of the eight groups of "C" are randomly distributed, and the shapes include: positive C shape, reverse C shape and C shape with any tilt angle.

[0027] Preferably, the determination of the test result includes: when clicking "positive C-shape", it is determined to be present and recorded as negative; when clicking "reverse C-shape", it is determined to be absent and recorded as positive.

[0028] Preferably, the test based on the spatial attention distribution state comprises the following steps:

[0029] Call up the line splitting experiment page on the touch screen and click the touch screen to start the test;

[0030] The touch screen displays a test picture;

[0031] The patient clicks on the test picture;

[0032] Obtain test results;

[0033] The test experiment is over.

[0034] Preferably, the test image is a line segment, and the characteristics of the line segment are: the number of line segments with the same length on the right and the length on the left are the same and symmetrical, accounting for 40% each, and 20% of the line segments have their midpoints on the center line of the screen.

[0035] Preferably, the determination of the test result includes: requiring the patient to click the midpoint of the line segment, and recording is performed when clicking. If the deviation between the click position and the center position is greater than 0.75 cm, it is positive.

[0036] Technical effects and advantages of the present invention: The portable spatial attention evaluator and evaluation method proposed in the present invention have the following advantages over the prior art:

[0037] The spatial attention assessor and assessment method provided by the present invention can be applied to a variety of application scenarios, including: baseline neuropsychological testing, transcranial electrical stimulation testing, cortical and subcortical stimulation testing, etc. It has the advantage of a single experiment and multiple sets of data, effectively avoiding individual differences and batch deviations in previous studies. It is simple to operate and takes a short time. It can be used as an open system to add more functions. In addition, the various hardware devices are integrated on a mobile frame, which facilitates overall movement and fixation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the test graph in the Type C experiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a test picture in the line splitting experiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the portable spatial attention evaluator of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking device of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the sleeve of the present invention.

[0043] In the figure: 1. Mobile frame; 101. Base; 102. Support plate; 103. Sleeve; 104. Locking rod; 105. Locking plate; 106. Groove; 107. Shrapnel; 108. Pull rod; 2. Touch screen; 3. Bracket; 4. Eye tracker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. The specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] The embodiment of the present invention provides a convenient mobile spatial attention evaluator, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes the following components: hardware equipment and a mobile frame 1 carrying the hardware equipment, which is used to support each component and facilitate the overall movement. The rotatable support plate 102 can drive the touch screen 2 and the eye tracker 4 to rotate 360 ​​degrees.

[0046] The mobile frame 1 includes: a base 101 with rollers and a rotatable support plate 102 located on the top of the base 101; a locking device is provided at the bottom of the base 101;

[0047] The locking device includes a sleeve 103, a locking rod 104 is movably inserted into the sleeve 103, a locking plate 105 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the locking rod 104, a groove 106 is formed on the inner side of the sleeve 103, a spring piece 107 is installed inside the groove 106, the spring piece 107 contacts the locking rod 104, and a pull rod 108 is fixedly connected to the surface of the locking rod 104;

[0048] As well as the independently developed spatial attention assessment module, neuronavigation system and Matlab-based eye movement trajectory analysis module installed on the hardware equipment.

[0049] Specifically, while the rollers facilitate overall movement, the locking device secures the base 101. After moving it to the desired position, the pull rod 108 presses down on the locking lever 104, driving the locking plate 105 to rest on the ground. Furthermore, anti-slip grooves are provided on the bottom of the locking plate 105 to increase friction and facilitate securing the position. A spring 107 in the sleeve 103 clamps the locking lever 104, securing it in place.

[0050] As well as the independently developed spatial attention assessment module, neuronavigation system and Matlab-based eye movement trajectory analysis module installed on the hardware equipment.

[0051] The hardware device includes a touch screen 2 , a bracket 3 and an eye tracker 4 adapted to various application scenarios. The bracket 3 is installed on the top of the support plate 102 .

[0052] Self-developed spatial attention assessment software (self-developed spatial attention assessment module), which currently includes line-splitting experiments and C-type experiments. As an open system, this invention can add other assessment contents in the future to expand its application; neuronavigation system; testing hardware facilities (hardware equipment), which includes a touch screen, a bracket suitable for various application scenarios, and an eye tracker; Matlab-based eye movement trajectory analysis software (Matlab-based eye movement trajectory analysis module).

[0053] The present invention innovatively combines a test based on the spatial attention distribution state (line separation experiment), a spatial retrieval ability test based on object features (Type C experiment), and an eye tracking system (including an eye tracker and eye trajectory analysis software) to analyze the relationship between the three functions and the functional connections between corresponding brain regions.

[0054] The specific usage steps include: conducting multiple repeated experiments (split-line experiments and C-type experiments) on multiple different brain regions under baseline conditions, stimulation conditions, and post-stimulation conditions, and combining eye tracking trajectory analysis data to analyze the relationship between spatial attention distribution, complex feature space retrieval ability and scanning movements, as well as the functional connections between corresponding brain regions.

[0055] The method provided by the present invention can be applied to a variety of application scenarios, including: baseline neuropsychological testing, transcranial electrical stimulation testing, cortical and subcortical stimulation testing, etc. It has the advantage of a single experiment and multiple sets of data, effectively avoiding individual differences and batch deviations in previous studies. It is simple to operate and takes a short time, and can be used as an open system to add more functions.

[0056] Specific steps:

[0057] Enter the experimental software

[0058] (1) Type C experiment, such as Figure 1 As shown;

[0059] On the patient management page, search for the patient and click on the corresponding patient. The Type C experiment page will appear, and the page will display the Type C experiment initial page (black background, showing the start button).

[0060] 1. The experimenter clicks "Start" and a beep sounds;

[0061] 2. Eight graphics appear on the page (randomly positioned and white in color), including 180-degree, reversed, and 270-degree reversed C shapes, and a normal C shape (i.e., an unrotated C);

[0062] 3. The patient clicks the button on the screen to answer (a positive C indicates presence, a negative C indicates absence). A correct answer is recorded as negative, while a negative answer is recorded as incorrect (a positive).

[0063] 4. C-type page, after disappearing, the background changes to noise, at which point the patient can still make a response (basically, due to time constraints, the patient will only click once, so the actual click will only be recorded once);

[0064] 5. The experimenter clicks Restart (if the last result is positive, the Restart button is red) and can restart from 2 until the end of the experiment (each time);

[0065] 6. The experimenter clicks "End Experiment" to end the experiment and return to the patient management page. Type C experiment is used to measure the patient's visual search ability for feature items. If the patient cannot correctly judge whether there is a positive C icon on one side of the space, it means that the patient has difficulty searching for a single complex feature in the space.

[0066] (2) Line experiment: On the patient management page, search for the patient and click on the corresponding line experiment button. The line experiment page will appear and the page will display the line experiment initial page (black background with a white cross in the middle). Figure 2 shown.

[0067] 1. The experimenter clicks Start, and a beep sounds to indicate the start.

[0068] 2. After 200ms, a random line segment (picture) is displayed. 40% of the segments are symmetrical and have the same length on the right and left sides. 20% of the segments have their midpoints on the center line of the screen, and are colored white. The patient is asked to click on the midpoint of the segment. Clicking is recorded. If the deviation between the clicked position and the center position is greater than 0.75cm, it is considered positive (if clicking is positive, the restart is red);

[0069] 3. The line segment is displayed for a maximum of 1000ms. Patients can still click after the line segment disappears, and each click is recorded (due to time constraints, most patients will only click once, so the actual click will only be recorded once);

[0070] 4. The page returns to the initial page, and the experimenter clicks Restart (if the last result is positive, the Restart button is red), and can restart from 2 until the end of the experiment (each time);

[0071] 5. The experimenter clicks "End Experiment" to end the experiment and return to the patient management page. The line splitting experiment is a test of spatial attention distribution. If the patient cannot correctly judge the length of the line in the visual field, it means that the patient has a gradient of attention decline on one side.

[0072] (3) Visual field task: Name two images of a cross simultaneously. Before the operation, tell the patient to stare at the middle cross and name both objects simultaneously. If one side is not named, then the electrical stimulation will show a flash, blurred vision, or dark vision, which is a positive sign. This is more common when the visual pathway is damaged.

[0073] If the experimental result is positive, neuronavigation will be used to record the corresponding brain regions. Eye tracking will be enabled during the experiment and the entire process will be recorded. After the experiment, the temporal and spatial trajectory of gaze movements will be analyzed using eye tracking analysis software. This experiment requires multiple repetitions targeting multiple different brain regions under baseline, stimulation, and post-stimulation conditions to obtain useful research data.

[0074] In summary, the spatial attention assessor and assessment method provided by the present invention can be applied to a variety of application scenarios, including baseline neuropsychological testing, transcranial electrical stimulation testing, cortical and subcortical stimulation testing, etc. It has the advantage of a single experiment and multiple sets of data, effectively avoiding individual differences and batch bias in previous studies. It is also simple to operate and time-saving, and can be used as an open system to add more functions.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable spatial attention evaluator, characterized by: include: Hardware equipment and a mobile rack (1) carrying the hardware equipment; The mobile frame (1) comprises: a base (101) with rollers and a rotatable support plate (102) located on the top of the base (101); a locking device is provided at the bottom of the base (101); The locking device includes a sleeve (103), a locking rod (104) is movably inserted into the interior of the sleeve (103), a locking plate (105) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the locking rod (104), a groove (106) is provided on the inner side of the sleeve (103), a spring (107) is installed inside the groove (106), the spring (107) is in contact with the locking rod (104), and a pull rod (108) is fixedly connected to the surface of the locking rod (104); and a self-developed spatial attention assessment module, a neuronavigation system, and a Matlab-based eye movement analysis module installed on the hardware device; The evaluation method of the spatial attention evaluator includes a spatial retrieval ability test based on object features and a test based on the spatial attention distribution state; the steps of the spatial retrieval ability test based on object features are: The C-type experimental interface is brought up on the touch screen, and the test is started by clicking the touch screen; the touch screen displays a test pattern; the patient clicks the test pattern; the test result is obtained; and the test experiment ends; The above-mentioned test patterns include: eight groups of "C", the shapes and positions of the eight groups of "C" are randomly distributed, and their shapes include: positive C shape, negative C shape and C shape with any tilt angle; the judgment of the above-mentioned test results includes: when clicking on "positive C shape", it is judged as present and recorded as negative; when clicking on "negative C shape", it is judged as not present and recorded as positive.

2. The portable spatial attention evaluator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hardware device includes a touch screen (2), a bracket (3) adapted to various application scenarios, and an eye tracker (4), wherein the bracket (3) is mounted on the top of the support plate (102).

3. The portable spatial attention evaluator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The independently developed spatial attention assessment module includes a line division experiment and a C-type experiment.

4. The portable spatial attention evaluator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test based on the spatial attention distribution state includes the following steps: Call up the line splitting experiment page on the touch screen and click the touch screen to start the test; The touch screen displays a test picture; The patient clicks on the test picture; Obtain test results; The test experiment is over.

5. The portable spatial attention evaluator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The test image is a line segment, and the characteristics of the line segment are: the number of line segments with the same length on the right and the length on the left are the same and symmetrical, 40% each, and 20% of the line segments have their midpoints on the center line of the screen.

6. The portable spatial attention evaluator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The determination of the test result includes: requiring the patient to click the midpoint of the line segment, and recording is performed when clicking. If the deviation between the click position and the center position is greater than 0.75 cm, it is positive.

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