A system for collecting eye and head movements in real time

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system for capturing eye and head movements in real time. The system comprises an eye mask body, an eye movement camera system, a light source, and three gaze target sources. The eye movement camera system is used to capture images of the user's eyes, and the light source provides illumination for the eyes. The three gaze target sources are disposed within the eye mask body and include a front gaze target source, a left front gaze target source, and a right front gaze target source, respectively providing visual targets at three different viewing angles: front, left, and right of the recording eye. The eye movement camera system, the light source, and the three gaze target sources are mounted on the same side of the eye mask body to capture images of the user's eye movements. The system also includes a head movement sensor mounted on the eye mask body. The present invention can simultaneously perform head impulse suppression tests on three pairs of semicircular canals in different planes, record the user's head movement position in real time, and capture images of the user's eye movements.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 201911030736.2, application date October 28, 2019, and invention name “A system for real-time acquisition of eye movements and head movements”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of image acquisition for close-range testing of eye movement information, and in particular to a system for real-time acquisition of eye movement and head movement. Background Art

[0003] The vestibule is a vital system responsible for maintaining balance, primarily composed of the peripheral and central vestibules. The peripheral vestibule includes three pairs of semicircular canals and the otolith organs. Dysfunction in any of these canals can lead to balance problems, resulting in symptoms such as vertigo. Quantitative and qualitative testing for semicircular canal dysfunction is crucial for physicians in vertigo-related departments, such as otolaryngology and neurology, to provide a final diagnosis.

[0004] Based on the frequency characteristics of semicircular canal function, current clinical tests for semicircular canal function primarily include the ultra-low-frequency caloric test, the low- to medium-frequency rotation chair test, and the high-frequency vestibular rotation test, the head impulse test (HIMP), and the head impulse suppression test (SHIMP). Caloric and rotation chair tests only assess the function of the horizontal semicircular canal and are incapable of functionally testing the remaining two pairs of semicircular canals. The vestibular rotation test, head impulse test, and head impulse suppression test can assess the function of all six semicircular canals. The most important frequency range for human function in daily life is the high frequency range of 2-6 Hz, making high-frequency tests more valuable than low-frequency tests.

[0005] High-frequency testing of semicircular canal function primarily relies on measuring the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). To maintain a clear field of vision during high-speed head rotation, the eyes must compensate for the angle of head rotation within a very short timeframe (less than 15 milliseconds, typically 8 milliseconds). This requires the eyes to rotate at the same speed and in the opposite direction of the head rotation, by the same angle as the rotation. This allows the eyes to remain fixed on the object they were looking at before the rotation, maintaining visual stability. This process is achieved through the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Semicircular canal function plays a crucial role in the VOR, and measuring VOR function can be used to infer the strength of the canals. In high-frequency vestibular self-rotation tests, head thrust tests, and head thrust inhibition tests, the subject's head is rapidly rotated while software records and analyzes whether the subject's eyes can move in the opposite direction and at the same speed in time to obtain corresponding semicircular canal function data. The vestibular self-rotation test, also known as the active head thrust test, involves the subject actively and rapidly rotating their head in response to sounds provided by the system. This process involves not only the vestibulo-ocular reflex but also other stimuli from the central nervous system during subjective rotation, leading to controversy in the academic community regarding its results. In contrast, the head thrust test and head thrust inhibition test involve the physician rapidly, unpredictably, and at a small angle to the subject's head. Over a very short period of time, the subject's eye movements are solely influenced by the vestibulo-ocular reflex, making the test results less susceptible to interference from other factors and highly reliable.

[0006] The head thrust test began its clinical application in 2009. Due to its ease of use, affordable equipment, comfortable subject experience (compared to the caloric test, which can easily induce nausea and vomiting in patients), and the ability to provide quantitative results for three pairs of semicircular canals, the head thrust test quickly gained worldwide popularity, becoming a reliable supplement to, or even an alternative to, the caloric test, once the gold standard for semicircular canal examination. During the head thrust test, subjects are instructed to fixate their gaze on a fixed target directly in front of them. Due to the presence of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, patients with normal semicircular canal function can maintain their gaze on the target during passive head thrusts in any semicircular canal plane. However, patients with dysfunctional semicircular canal function cannot generate the vestibulo-ocular reflex to counteract head movement, resulting in a loss of fixation on the target. Subsequently, the brain processes visual signals (lasting more than 70 milliseconds) and detects the loss of fixation, prompting a second corrective eye movement. This is the corrective saccade that can be recorded in patients with dysfunctional semicircular canal function.

[0007] In 2016, MacDougall and other researchers proposed the head impulse inhibition test based on the head impulse test. The operating procedures of the head impulse inhibition test are basically the same as those of the head impulse test. The only difference is that in the head impulse inhibition test, the subject needs to stare closely at the visual target that rotates with the head, while in the head impulse test, the subject only needs to stare at a fixed visual target. Due to the existence of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, during the first moment of passive head impulse (within 15ms), the subject's eyes are still fixed on the position of the visual target at the moment the head impulse starts. Afterwards, the eyes find that the visual target has rotated, and a corrective saccade is performed in the second moment (after 70ms). Therefore, unlike the head impulse test, only patients with abnormal semicircular canal function can observe corrective saccades. In the head impulse inhibition test, corrective saccades can also be recorded in normal people. The head impulse test and the head impulse inhibition test are based on the same examination principle, and the results of the examinations can complement and verify each other.

[0008] Because SHIMP saccades typically occur after the end of a head movement (with a greater delay than HIMP saccades), they eliminate the influence of covert saccades and, compared to HIMP, improve the accuracy of VOR gain calculations. Especially for patients in the acute stage of vestibular neuritis, SHIMP eliminates the interference caused by spontaneous nystagmus. Therefore, the SHIMP head impulse suppression test has high clinical value.

[0009] The head impulse inhibition test requires the visual target to rotate with the head. Current commercial products are designed to have the subject wear a laser headband, allowing the laser visual target to rotate with the subject's head. However, due to the different orientations of the three pairs of semicircular canals, current lasers can only examine one pair of horizontal semicircular canals. Furthermore, existing projection systems have high requirements for the operating environment and require a suitable projection distance, otherwise they will seriously affect the use of patients with myopia, amblyopia, and other conditions. Furthermore, the projection environment must be free of obstructions, otherwise shadows will be cast, making it impossible to use the test properly. Therefore, the promotion of the head impulse inhibition test is greatly limited.

[0010] Chinese patent document CN106491074A discloses a flip-up nystagmograph, comprising an eye mask main unit and an eye mask support unit; the light source is used to illuminate the eyeball area, and the camera is used to capture nystagmus images; the camera and light source are mounted on one side of the mask frame, i.e., the recording side, for capturing a separate image of one eyeball; the eye mask main unit and the eye mask support unit are detachably mounted, and can be rotated left or right on the eye mask support unit. The main technical features of this technical solution are: an infrared light source provides illumination for the eyeball, the camera captures nystagmus images, and the eye mask main unit is detachably mounted on the eye mask support unit, enabling selection of left or right eye nystagmus capture according to clinical needs. However, the above technical solution can only be applied to nystagmus capture in common vestibular function tests such as optokinetic tests and saccade tests, and cannot be applied to head impulse suppression tests.

[0011] Chinese patent document CN107692971A discloses an auxiliary device for a head-impulse experiment, comprising a bracket fixed to a chair back, a scale connected to the upper portion of the bracket, and a pointer fixed to the subject's head by a fixing device, wherein the scale comprises a vertical scale and a horizontal scale perpendicular to each other, one end of the vertical scale being connected to the bracket and the other end being connected to the middle of the horizontal scale, and both the vertical scale and the horizontal scale are provided with long slots in the middle for the pointer to pass through and to communicate with each other. The main technical features of this technical solution are: the bracket and the scale are mounted on the chair back, and the pointer is set on the subject's head. During the test, the subject's head is tilted forward and swung left and right, and the pointer can indicate the angle on the scale. This is simple and practical, avoids experimental errors, and improves the test effect. However, this technical solution can only indicate the head movement angle during the head-impulse test, and has low accuracy.

[0012] Chinese patent document CN105615826A discloses a head-mounted device for measuring a user's eye movements, comprising: a frame; a camera system including a first camera, wherein the camera system is configured to capture a first set of images of the user's first eye; and a projection system for projecting a first projection, wherein the first projection comprises: a visible target in the field of view of the first eye when the user wears the head-mounted device, wherein the projection system is configured to move the visible target relative to the head-mounted device. This technical solution includes configuring the projection system to move the visible target relative to the head-mounted device. This technical solution is primarily used for nystagmus acquisition in common vestibular function tests, such as optokinetic tests and saccade tests. However, when used in the head impulse suppression test (SHIMP), the technical limitations of the projection system limit the examination to only one pair of horizontal semicircular canals, failing to perform SHIMP tests on three pairs of semicircular canals in different planes. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a system for real-time collection of eye and head movements that can realize head impulse inhibition tests in three pairs of semicircular canals in different planes (including the horizontal semicircular canal plane, the LARP plane, and the RALP plane), record the user's head movement position in real time, and collect the user's eye movement images.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a system for real-time acquisition of eye and head movements, employing the following technical solutions: a system for real-time acquisition of eye and head movements, comprising an eye mask body, an eye movement camera system, a light source, and three gaze target sources; the eye movement camera system is configured to capture images of a user's eyeballs, the light source provides illumination for the eyeballs, the gaze target sources are disposed within the eye mask body, and the three gaze target sources include a front gaze target source, a left front gaze target source, and a right front gaze target source, respectively configured to provide visual targets at three different viewing angles, namely, front, left, and right, of the recording eyeball; the three gaze target sources are fixed relative to the user's head to perform a head-shake inhibition test; the eye movement camera system, the light source, and the three gaze target sources are mounted on the same side of the eye mask body to capture the user's eye movement images; the system for real-time acquisition of eye and head movements further comprises a head movement sensor, mounted on the eye mask body, which records the position of the system for real-time acquisition of eye and head movements in real time, thereby reflecting the forward tilt angle and left-right sway angle of the head in real time.

[0015] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, three fixation target sources are respectively set at the user's bilateral horizontal semicircular canal plane, left anterior / right posterior semicircular canal plane, and right anterior / left posterior semicircular canal plane, thereby providing more accurate visual targets of three specific perspectives required for the head impulse inhibition test in three pairs of semicircular canal planes (including the horizontal semicircular canal plane, LARP plane, and RALP plane).

[0016] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, as a further improvement of the above technical solution, the eye mask body is symmetrical in the upper and lower parts.

[0017] As a further improvement to the above solution, the forward-looking target source is mounted on the edge of the eye-movement camera system, and is imaged directly in front of the eyeball's sightline on the recording side through the half-mirror half-mirror on the eye mask body;

[0018] As a further improvement of the above solution, the left front gaze target source is installed on the outer edge of the recording side of the eye mask body, in the left front sight direction of the eyeball on the recording side;

[0019] As a further improvement of the above solution, the right front gaze target source is installed on the inner edge of the recording side of the eye mask body, in the right front sight direction of the eyeball on the recording side;

[0020] As a further improvement of the solution, the left front gaze target source provides a visible target 45° to the left front of the eye's line of sight on the recording side, or a visible target at any viewing angle within the range of 0°-55° to the left front; the right front gaze target source provides a visible target 45° to the right front of the eye's line of sight on the recording side, or a visible target at any viewing angle within the range of 0°-55° to the right front; the three gaze target sources provide visual targets at three unique viewing angles, thereby being able to simultaneously realize head impulse inhibition tests in three pairs of semicircular canal planes (including the horizontal semicircular canal plane, the LARP plane, and the RALP plane), record the user's head movement position in real time, and collect the user's eye movement images.

[0021] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, preferably, the system for real-time collection of eye movements and head movements can be designed to be bilaterally symmetrical, that is, the left and right eyes respectively include an eye movement camera system, a light source and three gaze target sources, which can simultaneously provide binocular visual targets and collect binocular eye movements during the head-jerk inhibition test.

[0022] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, the light source includes a light source A and a light source B, and the light source A and the light source B are symmetrically installed in front of the eyeball on the recording side of the eye mask body.

[0023] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, the eye movement camera system is provided with a filter lens, and the focus of the filter lens is adjusted by a focusing module.

[0024] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the recording side of the eye mask body further includes a beam splitter and / or a light shield. The light shield is used to block external light when dark field testing is required; the beam splitter can transmit light except for the infrared band and reflect infrared light, used to change the path of infrared light reflected from the eyeball to the camera. The beam splitter reflects infrared light but allows visible light to pass normally, so that when the light shield is removed, the patient can see the visual targets used for different tests through the beam splitter.

[0025] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, the eye mask body is fixed to the user's head by a fixing belt.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: first, the technical solution of the head-mounted device for measuring the user's eye movement is mainly used for nystagmus collection in common vestibular function tests such as visual kinematic tests and saccade tests; when it is applied to the head impulse suppression test (SHIMP), the technical limitations of the projection system can only check one pair of horizontal semicircular canals, and the head impulse suppression test of three pairs of semicircular canals in different planes cannot be realized. The present invention is provided with a fixed gaze target source that provides three specific visual targets, which can realize the head impulse suppression test of three pairs of semicircular canals in different planes (including the horizontal semicircular canal plane, LARP plane and RALP plane), record the user's head movement position in real time, and collect the user's eye movement image.

[0027] Secondly, compared with existing head-mounted device solutions for measuring eye movements, the projection systems of existing solutions have higher requirements for the operating environment. They require a suitable projection distance, otherwise they can seriously affect the use of patients with myopia, amblyopia, and other conditions. The projection environment must be free of obstructions, otherwise shadows will be cast, making it impossible to use the device properly. The present invention incorporates a gaze target source within the eye mask itself, providing a visual target at the corresponding viewing angle, and has almost no requirements for the external operating environment.

[0028] Third, compared to existing head-mounted device solutions for measuring user eye movements, existing solutions, which rely on a projection system combined with visual technology, place high demands on the head-mounted device's frame. The SHIMP test requires the first camera system to capture a 45-degree open viewing angle to the left and right of the first eye, and there is currently no good hardware solution for this frame. The present invention incorporates a gaze target source within the eye mask itself, eliminating the need for an open viewing angle, resulting in a simpler structural design and lower cost.

[0029] Fourth, compared with existing head-mounted device solutions for measuring eye movements, the high energy consumption and heat dissipation issues of the projection systems in existing solutions severely limit the performance of head-mounted devices, resulting in a poor user experience. The present invention incorporates a fixation target source directly within the eye mask body, providing visual targets at different viewing angles aligned with the planes of the three pairs of semicircular canals for the patient to fixate on, thereby performing a head impulse inhibition test. The fixation target source includes an LED light, and the visual target can be an image, pattern, graphic, dot, or other stable visual target, with low energy consumption and low heat dissipation.

[0030] Fifth, the system for capturing eye and head movements in real time can be used in existing technical solutions such as head-mounted devices that measure a user's eye movements. The eye movement camera system can be configured to capture a first set of images of the user's first eye and / or a second set of images of the user's second eye. The eye mask body is symmetrically flipped upside down and can be worn directly on the user's head. Eye movement images of the user's left or right eye can be captured based on clinical needs, without the need for configuration, making it more convenient to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 Shown is an exploded view of the system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 The figure shows an exploded front view of the system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 Shown is a cross-sectional view of the system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 The figure shows a top view of the system for collecting eye movement and head movement in real time according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 Shown is a rear view of the system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 Shown is a schematic diagram of the focusing module of the present invention;

[0037] In the accompanying drawings: 1-eye mask body; 2-eye movement camera system; 31-light source A; 32-light source B; 41-front gaze target source; 42-left front gaze target source; 43-right front gaze target source; 5-head movement sensor; 6-beam splitter; 7-filter lens; 701-lens mount; 702-lens; 703-infrared filter; 704-lens gear; 8-adjustment module; 801-adjustment gear; 802-rotating shaft; 803-adjustment knob; 10-light hood. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0039] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a system for capturing eye movements and head movements in real time includes an eye mask body 1, an eye movement camera system 2, a light source, and a gaze target source; the eye movement camera system 2 is used to capture images of the user's eyeballs, the light source provides illumination for the eyeballs, and the gaze target source is fixed relative to the subject's head to perform a head-shake inhibition test; the eye movement camera system 2, the light source, and the gaze target source are installed on one side of the eye mask body 1, i.e., the recording side, to capture images of the user's eye movements; wherein the gaze target source includes a front gaze target source 41, a left front gaze target source 42, and / or a right front gaze target source 43; the gaze target sources can provide visual targets (i.e., visual targets) of specific viewing angles; the visual targets are respectively located in front of, to the left front, and to the right front of the eyeball on the recording side.

[0040] That is to say, the gaze target source provided in the eye mask body is used to generate a visual target of a specific viewing angle. In this embodiment, the front gaze target source is mainly used to provide a visual target directly in front of the eyeball on the recording side; the left front gaze target source is mainly used to provide a visual target in front of the left side of the eyeball on the recording side; and the right front gaze target source is mainly used to provide a visual target in front of the right side of the eyeball on the recording side.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present application, the fixation target source is disposed on the recording side of the eye mask body (the eye movement camera system, light source, and three fixation target sources are mounted on the same side of the eye mask body—the recording side). However, the specific locations of the three fixation target sources on the recording side of the eye mask body are not limited. As long as the front fixation target source can provide a visual target directly in front of the eyeball on the recording side, the left front fixation target source can provide a visual target in front of the left side of the eyeball on the recording side, and the right front fixation target source can provide a visual target in front of the right side of the eyeball on the recording side, the fixation target source can generate a visual target at a corresponding specific viewing angle. This allows for a head impulse suppression test in three different semicircular canal planes (including the horizontal semicircular canal plane, the LARP plane, and the RALP plane), real-time recording of the user's head movement position, and acquisition of the user's eye movement images.

[0042] In one embodiment, the other side of the eye mask body 1 is the non-recording side, and the middle is the nose bridge part; the eye mask body 1 is symmetrically flipped upside down to be worn, so as to be suitable for examining the left eye or the right eye. By flipping the eye mask body 1 upside down due to its symmetrical structure, a camera system can be used to collect eye movements of the left eye or the right eye according to clinical needs; at the same time, the nose bridge part of the eye mask body 1 is also a symmetrical structure.

[0043] In another embodiment, both the left and right sides of the eye mask body (1) are recording sides, and each recording side is provided with the eye movement camera system (2), the light source, and the three gaze target sources. In other words, the system for real-time acquisition of eye movement and head movement of this embodiment can be designed to be bilaterally symmetrical, that is, the left and right eyes each include the eye movement camera system, the light source, and the three gaze target sources, so that visual targets for both eyes can be provided simultaneously and eye movements of both eyes can be acquired simultaneously during the head impulse inhibition test.

[0044] In other embodiments, the system for collecting eye movements and head movements in real time also includes a head movement sensor 5, which is installed on the eye mask body 1 to record the position of the system for collecting eye movements and head movements in real time, thereby reflecting the forward tilt angle and left and right swing angle of the head in real time.

[0045] In some embodiments, the front gaze target source (41), the left front gaze target source (42) and the right front gaze target source (43) are respectively arranged at the user's bilateral horizontal semicircular canal plane, the left anterior / right posterior semicircular canal plane and the right anterior / left posterior semicircular canal plane.

[0046] As mentioned in the first embodiment above, the gaze target source includes a front gaze target source 41, a left front gaze target source 42, and / or a right front gaze target source 43; the gaze target sources can provide visual targets of specific viewing angles; the visual targets are respectively located in front of, to the left, and to the right of the eyeball on the recording side;

[0047] In another embodiment of the present application, the front-facing target source 41 is mounted on the edge of the eye-tracking camera system 2, and is reflected by the half-mirror on the eye mask body 1 to form an image in front of the eye's line of sight on the recording side; the left-front-facing target source 42 is mounted on the outer edge of the recording side of the eye mask body 1, and is located in the left-front-facing direction of the eye's line of sight on the recording side; the right-front-facing target source 43 is mounted on the inner edge of the recording side of the eye mask body 1, and is located in the right-front-facing direction of the eye's line of sight on the recording side, wherein the left-front-facing target source 42 provides a visible target 45° to the left front of the eye's line of sight on the recording side, or a visible target at any angle within the range of 0°-45° to the left front. The right-front-facing target source provides a visible target 45° to the right front of the eye's line of sight on the recording side, or a visible target at any angle within the range of 0°-45° to the right front. Preferably, the visible target provided by the target source is an LED light, an image, a pattern, a graphic, a dot, or other stable visible target.

[0048] The light source includes a light source A31 and a light source B32, which are symmetrically installed in front of the eyeball on the recording side of the eye mask body 1. The light source includes infrared light and / or LED light to provide illumination for the eyeball. When the eye mask is worn reversely, the light source has the same illumination intensity for the left eye and the right eye.

[0049] The eye movement camera system 2 is provided with a filter lens 7 , and the focus of the filter lens 7 is adjusted by a focus module 8 . In the above embodiment, the filter lens 7 includes a lens mount 701, a lens 702, a lens gear 704, and an infrared filter 703. The lens mount 701 is connected to the eye-tracking camera system 2. One end of the lens 702 is connected to the lens mount 701, and the other end of the lens 702 is connected to the infrared filter 703. The lens gear 704 is located on a side away from the lens mount 701 and cooperates with the focus gear 801 of the adjustment module 8. The adjustment module 8 is also provided with a rotating shaft 802 and an adjustment knob 803. One end of the rotating shaft 802 is connected to the adjustment gear 801, and the other end of the rotating shaft 802 is connected to the adjustment knob 803. During use, rotating the adjustment knob 803 drives the rotating shaft to rotate the adjustment gear 801. Since the adjustment gear 801 cooperates with the lens gear 704, the focus of the filter lens 7 can be adjusted. The eye-tracking camera 2 is located at a position conjugate with the patient's iris.

[0050] The recording side of the eye mask body 1 also includes a spectrometer 6 and a light shield 10. The light shield 10 is used to block external light when a dark field test is required; the spectrometer 6 can transmit light except the infrared band and reflect infrared light, and is used to change the infrared light path reflected from the eyeball to the camera. The spectrometer 6 reflects infrared light but allows visible light to pass normally, so that when the light shield 10 is removed, the patient can see the visual targets used for different tests through the spectrometer.

[0051] During use, the eye mask body 1 can be configured to be secured to the user's head via a securing strap (shown in the accompanying drawings). The securing strap may include, but is not limited to, an adjustable belt, an elastic belt, an elastic fabric strap, a fabric strap with Velcro, or the like. The eye mask body 1 may be in the form of, but is not limited to, swimming goggles, glasses, specialized glasses, VR glasses, or other head-mounted devices. In one embodiment, the eye mask body 1 is designed as specialized glasses and can be secured to the user's head via an elastic, non-slip fabric strap, thereby securing the flip-up head impulse tester relative to the user's head.

[0052] First, the present invention provides a technical solution for a head-mounted device for measuring user eye movements, which is mainly used for nystagmus collection in common vestibular function tests such as visual kinematic tests and saccade tests. When used in a head impulse suppression test (SHIMP), the technical limitations of the projection system mean that only one pair of horizontal semicircular canals can be examined, and a head impulse suppression test on three pairs of semicircular canals in different planes cannot be implemented. The present invention is provided with three fixed gaze target sources, thereby providing three visual targets at specific viewing angles, which can simultaneously implement a head impulse suppression test on three pairs of semicircular canals in different planes (including the horizontal semicircular canal plane, the LARP plane, and the RALP plane), record the user's head movement position in real time, and collect user eye movement images.

[0053] Secondly, compared with existing head-mounted device solutions for measuring eye movements, existing projection systems have high requirements for the operating environment. They require a suitable projection distance, otherwise they can seriously affect use by patients with myopia or amblyopia. The projection environment must also be free of obstructions, otherwise shadows will be cast, making it impossible to use the device properly. The present invention incorporates a gaze target source within the eye mask that can provide three visual targets at specific viewing angles, making the external operating environment virtually unaffected.

[0054] Third, compared to existing head-mounted device solutions for measuring user eye movements, existing solutions, which use a projection system plus visual technology, place high demands on the head-mounted device's frame. The SHIMP test requires the first camera system to capture a 45-degree open viewing angle to the left and right of the first eye, and there is currently no good solution for frame hardware design. The present invention incorporates a gaze target source within the eye mask itself, eliminating the need for an open viewing angle, resulting in a simpler structural design and lower cost.

[0055] Fourth, compared with existing head-mounted device solutions for measuring eye movements, the high energy consumption and heat dissipation issues of the projection systems in existing solutions severely limit the performance of head-mounted devices, resulting in a poor user experience. The present invention incorporates three fixation target sources directly within the eye mask body, providing visual targets at different viewing angles aligned with the planes of the three pairs of semicircular canals for the patient to fixate on, thereby performing a head impulse inhibition test. The visual targets provided by these fixation target sources include LED lights, images, patterns, graphics, dots, or other stable visual targets, with low energy consumption and low heat dissipation.

[0056] Fifth, the system for real-time acquisition of eye movements and head movements can be used in existing technical solutions such as head-mounted devices for measuring the user's eye movements. The eye movement camera system can be configured to obtain a first set of images of the user's first eye and / or a second set of images of the user's second eye. The eye mask body is symmetrically flipped upside down and worn, and can be directly flipped over and worn on the user's head. It can be selected to capture eye movement images of the user's left eye or right eye according to clinical needs. No configuration is required, and it is more convenient to use. The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and modifications can be made, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for real-time acquisition of eye and head movements, characterized in that: The invention comprises an eye mask body (1), an eye movement camera system (2), a light source and three gaze target sources; the eye movement camera system (2) is used to collect an eyeball image of a user, and the light source provides illumination for the eyeball; the three gaze target sources are arranged in the eye mask body, and the three gaze target sources include a front gaze target source (41), a left front gaze target source (42) and a right front gaze target source (43), which are respectively used to provide visual targets in three different viewing angles, namely, front left and right of the eyeball on the recording side; the eye movement camera system (2), the light source and the three gaze target sources are installed on the same side of the eye mask body (1) for collecting an eye movement image of the user; the system further comprises a head movement sensor (5), and the head movement sensor (5) is installed on the eye mask body (1).

2. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three gaze target sources are respectively arranged at the user's bilateral horizontal semicircular canal plane, the left anterior / right posterior semicircular canal plane and the right anterior / left posterior semicircular canal plane.

3. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The eye mask body is symmetrical up and down.

4. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front-looking target source (41) is installed on the edge of the eye-movement camera system (2), and is imaged in front of the eyeball's sight line on the recording side through the half-reflective half-mirror on the eye mask body (1).

5. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left front gaze target source (42) is installed on the outer edge of the recording side of the eye mask body (1) and is located in the left front sight direction of the eyeball on the recording side.

6. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right front gaze target source (43) is installed on the inner edge of the recording side of the eye mask body (1) and is located in the right front sight direction of the eyeball on the recording side.

7. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left and right sides of the eye mask body (1) are both recording sides, and each recording side is provided with the eye movement camera system (2), a light source, and three gaze target sources.

8. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left front gaze target source (42) provides a visible target 45° in front of the left side of the eye's sight line on the recording side or a visible target at any angle within the range of 0°-45° in front of the left side; the right front gaze target source (43) provides a visible target 45° in front of the right side of the eye's sight line on the recording side or a visible target at any angle within the range of 0°-45° in front of the right side.

9. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The eye movement camera system (2) is provided with a filter lens (7), and the filter lens (7) is capable of adjusting the focal length via a focus adjustment module (8).

10. The system for collecting eye and head movements in real time according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recording side of the eye mask body (1) further comprises a beam splitter (6) and / or a light shield (10).

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