Somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device, system and method of use

Abstract

A somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation comprised of a variable collapsible probe device comprising a voice coil actuating member, a rider, said rider is a touch probe holder / housing holding a touch probe, and at least one magnet. The voice coil actuating member is characterized by either a flat geometrical configuration or a cylindrical coil geometrical configuration, wherein in the flat geometrical configuration, the voice coil is floating between opposing polarity flat magnets, and wherein in the cylindrical configuration, either the cylindrical voice coil actuating member is floating around the at least one magnet or the at least one magnet is floating around the cylindrical voice coil actuating member. To perform vibration tests, electric current is applied in opposite directions back and forth to cause rapid movement of the rider in opposite directions back and forth. The speed of said rapid movement of the rider is controlled by the speed at which the direction of the electric current reverses back and forth. To perform a touch assessment, the flow of said electric current in one direction triggers a backward movement of the voice coil actuating member and thus a forward movement of the rider towards the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test his response to touch / pain.

Description

[0001] SOMATOSENSORY ASSESSMENT AND REHABILITATION DEVICE, SYSTEM AND

[0002] METHOD OF USE

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to medical testing devices, systems and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Somatosensory deficits are a common symptom resulting from deficiencies in the nervous system. Every year hundreds of millions of people have difficulty feeling touch, temperature, pain and proprioception. 2.4% of the world's population suffers from a somatosensory deficit with an increase of 8% in older populations.

[0007] The leading causes of somatosensory deficits are stroke, spinal cord injuries, diabetes and chemotherapy.

[0008] Patients suffering from somato- sensory deficits have difficulty feeling touch, pain, temperature and the position of the body in space.

[0009] Physicians have a crucial role in the assessment and treatment of somatosensory loss. However, they use primitive, subjective, and operator-dependent tools to diagnose and treat sensory deficits. 70-90% do not use standardized assessments because it is difficult for clinicians to perform somatosensory assessments as it involves different sensory modalities that require lengthy examination routines.

[0010] Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a compact, portable Somatosensory assessment device and system which produce accurate diagnostics and eliminate biases between different clinicians and reduce variability between tests, thus, ensuring greater consistency.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a compact, portable and inexpensive somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device, system and a method of use.

[0013] The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device, system and method of the present invention revolutionize somatosensory deficit mapping, improve daily activities, and improve the caregiving process. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device, system and method of the present invention perform heat / cold tests, vibration test, touch and pain test.

[0014] The heat / cold test is designed to test the patient's sensory ability, based on the resolution of singledegree changes.

[0015] Currently, touch sensitivity testing is performed using a "monofilament set" - a large and cumbersome set of tools that has not been technologically updated.

[0016] The present invention overcomes the cumbersome set of currently available instrument sensitivity testing and provides a small, compact, portable, and easy-to-use "smart" device, system and method for performing touch sensitivity testing.

[0017] Such "smart" device is characterized by a variable collapsible probe device (hereinafter “a variable collapsible monofilament device”) comprised of a plastic wire for gentle touch or a metal pin for sharp touch measurement and pain testing .

[0018] The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of the present invention includes a variable, foldable monofilament instrument, based on an electrical actuator such as a voice coil, a delicate electromagnet with a wide range of intensities to touch the patient at different intensities, thus, to test the patient's sensitivity.

[0019] The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of the present invention is characterized by measurement results that meet industrial standards.

[0020] The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device and system of the present invention are designed to support accurate diagnosis of somatosensory sensation deficiencies, integrate advanced decision-making capabilities, and improve the patient’s optimal diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, and assist patients in rehabilitation practice.

[0021] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is thus provided a somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation comprised of a variable collapsible probe device comprising: a voice coil actuating member, a rider, said rider is a touch probe holder / housing holding a touch probe, and at least one magnet, wherein the voice coil actuating member is characterized by either a flat geometrical configuration or a cylindrical coil geometrical configuration, wherein in the flat geometrical configuration, the voice coil is floating between opposing polarity flat magnets, and wherein in the cylindrical configuration, either the cylindrical voice coil actuating member is floating around the at least one magnet or the at least one magnet is floating around the cylindrical voice coil actuating member, wherein to perform vibration tests, electric current is applied in opposite directions back and forth to cause rapid movement of the rider in opposite directions back and forth, wherein the speed of said rapid movement of the rider is controlled by the speed at which the direction of the electric current reverses back and forth, and wherein to perform a touch assessment, the flow of said electric current in one direction triggers a backward movement of the voice coil actuating member and thus a forward movement of the rider towards the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test his response to touch / pain.

[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the variable collapsible probe device characterized by a flat configuration further comprising: at least two stationary pulleys, one stationary pulley located at a predetermined distance from the other pulley; at least two magnets, a first magnet opposite in polarity to a second magnet, each one of said at least two magnets is situated above or below the voice coil actuating member, at least one flexible material stretched around each one of the voice coil actuating member and the rider and around the at least two stationary pulleys, wherein the actuating member and the rider are suspended on the at least one flexible material stretched around the at least two stationary pulleys, and floats between the at least two magnets, wherein the flow of electric current in one direction triggers rapid movement of the voice coil actuating member in one direction resulting in rapid movement of the rider in the opposite direction, where to perform vibration tests, the electric current is applied in opposite directions back and forth to cause rapid movement of the rider in opposite directions back and forth, wherein the speed of rapid movement of the rider and thus the vibration intensity of the rider is controlled by the speed at which the direction of the electric current reverses back and forth, and wherein to perform a touch test, the flow of said electric current in one direction triggers a backward movement of the voice coil actuating member and thus a forward movement of the rider towards the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test his response to touch / pain, wherein the magnitude of the electric current controls the resistance in the touch probe and thus allows a touch force applied to the patient to be changed.

[0023] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, in the variable collapsible probe device characterized by a cylindrical configuration, the at least one magnet is a static element and the voice coil actuating member is a moving element pushed by an electromagnetic field created around the voice coil actuating member.

[0024] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, in the variable collapsible probe device characterized by a cylindrical configuration, the voice coil actuating member is a static element, and the at least one magnet is a moving element pushed by an electromagnetic field created around the voice coil actuating member.

[0025] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the rider is mounted either on the at least one magnet or on the voice coil actuating member.

[0026] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one flexible material stretched around each one of the voice coil actuating member and the rider and around the at least two stationary pulleys is selected from a wire, a thread, a band a chain and a ribbon.

[0027] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the variable collapsible probe device further comprising a top chassis and a bottom chassis.

[0028] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two magnets are situated in the top chassis and / or in the bottom chassis.

[0029] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two stationary pulleys are connected to the bottom chassis.

[0030] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the top chassis is connected to the bottom chassis. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the touch force applied on the patient varies between 0.5 gram force to 200 gram force.

[0031] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one inextensible wire / thread is selected from a polymeric wire, Kevlar wire, and Dyneema wire. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the touch probe is a monofilament for touch assessments and for vibration assessments.

[0032] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the touch probe is made of a rigid material for pain assessments.

[0033] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the rigid material is a rigid polymer or metal.

[0034] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device further comprising at least one of a load cell sensor, gyro sensor and accelerometer, magneto-metric sensor, a humidity sensor and a patient body electrical resistance sensor.

[0035] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device further comprising at least one of a temperature module, a directional non-contact vibration transducer module, an infra-red heat radiating module and a directional contactless vibrating transducer module.

[0036] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device further comprising an electronic processing unit comprises a CPU with a user inerface application and communication capabilities.

[0037] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the communication capabilities comprise a communication module, a memory unit, and a CPU equipped with a user interface application.

[0038] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the inerface application produces a somatosensory visual map of the patients' sensation for somatosensory review, future follow-up and treatment progress.

[0039] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the inerface application saves results of assessment sessions and creates “history files” for use in future assessment sessions.

[0040] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device comprises a handle and a probe. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the variable collapsible monofilament is positioned in the back section of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device or within the probe.

[0041] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the probe comprises at least one of a heat actuator, a fan, heat sinks, a load cell sensor, a gyro sensor and accelerometer, a magneto-metric sensor, a temperature module, a humidity sensor, a patient body electrical resistance sensor, and a variable collapsible monofilament device, a directional contactless vibrating transducer module and an infra-red heat radiating module.

[0042] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is thus provided a somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation comprising: the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device and a smart phone, wherein the communication module in the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device transfers / receives data to / from the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device from / to the smartphone, and wherein the smartphone comprises an inerface application for producing a somatosensory visual map of the patients' sensation for somatosensory review, future follow-up and treatment progress.

[0043] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is thus provided a method for using the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device / system for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation comprising: providing the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device or system described above and operating said somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device either in a manual or a non-manual mode.

[0044] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, operating said somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device in a non-manual mode, comprising: choosing patients from a list; choosing past assessment from a list based on dates to view results or adding a new assessment; following map guidance to locate the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device on a patient’s body according to a point on the map; using module(s) according to an apps guidance and increasing strength gradually until the patient says: “feel”; marking the level and moving to next point; repeating the assessment on all points and modules guided by the application; and presenting a new somatosensory map and comparing to previous assessments to show rehabilitation progress.

[0045] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, operating said somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device in a manual mode, comprising: presenting a patient body map; selecting body area for assessment; selecting point to evaluate; selecting module of assessment; touching patient’s selected point; starting with low intensity and slowly raising the intensity on manual mode, as the patient responds upon positive feel, un-touching patient; evaluating and collecting multiple points of assessment and for future monitoring and tracking; and guiding a caregiver on patients’ points of needed assessment and generate an improvement report and graphs.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0047] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of the variable collapsible mono filament device and Fig. 2B is an exploded view of the variable collapsible monofilament device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional top view of the variable collapsible mono filament device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 2D is a cross-sectional view of a variable collapsible monofilament device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2E is a cross-sectional view of a variable collapsible monofilament device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 3 illustrates the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the probe in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 5 illustrates the CPU activities in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 6 illustrates a data aggregation and control module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 7 illustrates the calibration module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 8 illustrates the user interface application in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 9 illustrates a method for evaluating a patient via the user interface application in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system in operation.

[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0060] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system 1000 for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system 1000 stimulates the somatosensory nervous system with at least 4 stimulating means, e.g., temperature (heat and cold), vibration, touch, and pain (pin prick test).

[0062] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system 1000 comprises a somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 and a smart phone 5000.

[0063] As shown in the figure, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may comprise at least one sensor such as a load cell sensor 2200, gyro sensor and accelerometer 2300, magnetometric sensor 2400, humidity sensor 2600, and patient body temperature sensor 2700. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may further comprise at least one module such as, for instance, a temperature module 2500, a directional non-contact vibration transducer module 2750, and a variable collapsible probe device (hereinafter “a variable collapsible monofilament device”) 2800. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may further comprise an infra-red heat radiating module (not shown in the figure), and a directional contactless vibrating transducer module (not shown in the figure).

[0064] As shown in the figure, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may further comprise an electronic processing unit 3000 comprised of a CPU 3100 with a user inerface application 3200 and communication capabilities, a communication module 3300, a memory unit 3400, and an energy source 3500.

[0065] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may be a stand-alone device or may be connected to a smartphone 5000 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0066] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the smartphone 5000 may comprise a data aggregation and control module 5100, self calibration module 5200, and a user interface application 5300.

[0067] It should be noted that the self calibration module 5200 may be installed on the smart phone 5000 as shown in Fig. 1 or may be part of the CPU 3100 of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000.

[0068] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the communication module 3300 may transfer / receive data to / from the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 from / to the smartphone 5000.

[0069] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the load cell sensor 2200 analyzes pressure generated by heat, cold, and / or vibration.

[0070] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the temperature module 2500 provides linear or 1°C interval temperature changes from 10°C to 50°C.

[0071] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the directional contactless vibrating transducer module 2750 produces vibrations and may be used to better distinguish between sensitivity to touch and sensitivity to vibration. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the directional non-contact vibration transducer module 2750 generates vibrations on the patient’s body without the need to touch the patient to better distinguish between touch sensitivity and vibration sensitivity. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the directional contactless vibrating transducer module 2750 may produce controlled vibrations characterized by a linear / incremental increase in vibration intensity.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 provides controlled touch in 1 gram force increments / linear increase from 0 gram force to 200 gram force.

[0073] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the gyro sensor and accelerometer 2300 measure the velocity of touch (contact velocity) of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 on the patient's body to ensure consistent assessment across different assessment instances.

[0074] In the event of an insufficient velocity or excessive velocity, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may generate an error message to the caregiver and may not record the inconsistent measurement.

[0075] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the magneto-metric sensor 2400 measures the contact angle of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 with the body part. This is necessary for each test to ensure that tests are performed within the recommended angular range, and thus, to ensure repeatability between tests.

[0076] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the magneto-metric sensor 2400 is “site specific” - measurements on one body part require a different contact angle than other body parts, for example, assessing feet requires a different angle than assessing hands.

[0077] In the event of an inconsistent contact angle, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may generate an error message to the caregiver and may not record the inconsistent measurement.

[0078] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the humidity sensor 2600 and / or the patient body temperature sensor 2700 are designed to perform routine checks and alert on unusual variables such as high / low body / environmental temperature or high / low humidity conditions. This is necessary for each test to ensure that tests are performed within the recommended range, and thus, to ensure repeatability between tests. The infra-red heat radiating module is a non-contact heat radiating module that stimulates heat on the patient’s body without the need to touch the patient.

[0079] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the infra-red heat radiating module may be used to better distinguish between touch and heat.

[0080] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, data received by the at least one sensor / module may be processed by at least one algorithm to filter results, and thus, to minimum relevance. For example, data received from the temperature module 2500 may be processed by a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop and data received from the variable monofilament device 2800 may be processed by a high-pass filter.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if abnormal values are received from the at least one sensor / module, i.e., insufficient pressure or excessive pressure, insufficient velocity or excessive velocity, contact angle too high / too low contact angle, the system will classify the specific assessment as false in order to generate as consistent assessments as possible.

[0082] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one sensor and / or at least one module described above may be located anywhere within the somatosensory assessment and assessment device 2000. The at least one sensor and / or the at least one module may be located within the probe 2100 as seen in Fig. 1, on the back of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 or elsewhere.

[0083] Fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of the variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 and Fig. 2B is an exploded view of the variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 2B, the variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 comprises a touch probe holder / housing - a rider 2802 holding a touch probe 2803, a voice coil actuating member 2804, at least two stationary pulleys, such as a first pulley 2806A and a second pulley 2806B wherein the first pulley 2806A is located at a predetermined distance from the second pulley 2806B.

[0085] The variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 further comprises at least two magnets, a first magnet opposite in polarity to a second magnet. The at least two magnets are situated above or below (or below and above) the voice coil actuating member. For instance, Fig. 2A shows two sets of magnets - a first set of at least two magnets, a first magnet 2808A and a second magnet 2808B, opposite in polarity to each other situated below the voice coil actuating member 2804 and a second set of at least two magnets, a third magnet 2810A and a forth magnet 281 OB opposite in polarity to each other situated above the voice coil actuating member 2804.

[0086] The variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 further comprises at least one flexible material 2812 stretched around each one of the voice coil actuating member 2804 and the rider 2802 and around the first pulley 2806A and the second pulley 2806B.

[0087] It should be noted that the at least one flexible material 2812 may be selected from a thread, a band, a chain, a ribbon a wire such as a polymeric wire, Kevlar wire, Dyneema wire, or any other flexible material.

[0088] As shown in the figure, the first magnet 2808A and the second magnet 2808B are situated in corresponding openings 2813 A and 2813B in a bottom chassis 2816, and the third magnet 2810A and the forth magnet 2810B are situated in corresponding openings 2814A and 2814B in the top chassis 2818.

[0089] The first magnet 2808A and the second magnet 2808B are covered by a first magnet cover 2826 and the third magnet 2810A and the forth magnet 2810B are covered by a second magnet cover 2828.

[0090] As shown in the figure, the first pulley 2806A and the second pulley 2806B are connected to the bottom chassis 2816 via pins 2820A-B and bearings 2822A-B.

[0091] The top chassis 2818 is connected to the bottom chassis 2816 via pins 2824A-D.

[0092] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the actuating member and the rider are suspended on the at least one wire / thread stretched around the at least two stationary pulleys, and floats between the opposing polarity flat magnets, between the first magnet 2808A, the second magnet 2808B, the third magnet 2810A and the forth magnet 2810B.

[0093] Since the design of the variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 is such that the rider 2802 and the voice coil actuating member 2804 are suspended on at least one flexible material 2812 stretched around a pair of pulleys, pulleys 2806A-B, there is no effect of gravity and no need for a specific working direction, as weight compensation is created and therefore a similar amount of force is generated whether the device is facing up or down.

[0094] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the flow of electric current in one direction triggers movement of the voice coil actuating member 2804 in that one direction towards one pulley, first pulley 2806A or second pulley 2806B, resulting in movement of the rider 2802 in the opposite direction towards the other pulley, second pulley 2806B or first pulley 2806A.

[0095] By applying current in one direction or another, the rider 2802 is pushed by the two sets of magnets in a direction opposite to the direction of the applied current. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, to perform vibration testing, the electrical current is applied in opposite directions back and forth to cause rapid movement of the rider 2802 in opposite directions back and forth resulting in vibration, and the touch probe 2816 or any other part of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 makes contact with the patient's body to test its response to vibrations of various intensities.

[0096] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an electromagnetic field created around the voice coil actuating member 2804 is the actuating means that moves the rider 2802 back and forth. The generated electromagnetic field is controlled by the magnitude of the electric current.

[0097] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the speed of rapid movement of the rider 2802 and thus the vibration frequency of the rider 2802 is controlled by the speed at which the direction of the electric current reverses back and forth.

[0098] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, to perform a touch test, the flow of said electric current in one direction triggers a backward movement of the voice coil actuating member 2804 and thus a forward movement of the rider 2802 towards the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test his response to touch / pain.

[0099] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the magnitude of the electrical current controls the resistance in the touch probe 2803, and therefore, changing the magnitude of the electrical current changes the touch force applied to the patient. The current magnitude can be linearly varied to perform a touch testing at a number of touch forces applied to the patient. According to some embodiments of the present invention, in touch assessment, the voice coil actuator actuating member 2804 is characterized by an "electric spring mechanism" holding a touch probe 2803 that is used to very lightly touch the patient's body. The contact force exerted on the patient varies from a force of 0.5 grams to a force of 200 grams.

[0100] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the touch probe 2803 may be a monofilament for touch assessments or made of a rigid material such as a rigid polymer, metal, and the like for pain assessments also known as pin prick tests.

[0101] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, either the touch probe 2803 or any other part of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device may be used to contact the patient’s body in vibration tests.

[0102] Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional top view of the variable collapsible mono filament device 2800 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Shown in the figure are the rider 2802 holding a touch probe 2803, the voice coil actuating member 2804, and the first pulley 2806A and the second pulley 2806B.

[0103] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the actuating member may have a flat geometrical configuration as described above or may have a cylindrical coil geometrical configuration as shown and described in Figs. 2D-E.

[0104] In a flat coil configuration, the voice coil actuating member is floating between opposing polarity flat magnets while in a cylindrical configuration, the voice coil actuator actuating member is cylindrical and floating around a cylindrical magnet - the voice coil actuating member is pulled to and pushed away from the polarity of the magnet.

[0105] Fig. 2D is a cross-sectional view of a variable collapsible monofilament device 2900 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0106] The variable collapsible monofilament device 2900 may comprise a voice coil actuating member 2902, at least one magnet 2904, and a touch probe housing 2906 holding a touch probe 2908.

[0107] The touch probe housing 2906 is mounted on the at least one magnet 2904.

[0108] In such configuration, the voice coil actuating member 2902 may be floating around the at least one magnet 2904.

[0109] The voice coil actuating member 2902 may be static while the at least one magnet 2904 may be the moving element, pushed by an electromagnetic field created around the voice coil actuating member 2902 which may be pulled to and pushed away from the polarity of the at least one magnet 2904.

[0110] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the voice coil actuating member 2902, the at least one magnet 2904, and the touch prob housing 2906 may be cylindrical or may have any other shape.

[0111] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, in a touch test, the flow of electrical current triggers movement of the at least one magnet 2904 and thereby movement of the touch probe 2960 toward the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test their response to touch / pain.

[0112] Alternatively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the voice coil actuating member may be an internal member and the at least one magnet may be an external member as shown in Fig. 2E.

[0113] Fig. 2E is a cross-sectional view of a variable collapsible monofilament device 2950 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The variable collapsible monofilament device 2950 may comprise a voice coil actuating member 2952, at least one magnet 2954, a magnet holder 2956, a touch prob housing (not shown in the figure) holding a touch probe 2960.

[0114] In such configuration, the at least one magnet 2954 may be floating around the voice coil actuating member 2952.

[0115] The at least one magnet 2954 may be static while the voice coil actuating member 2952 may be the moving element, pushed by an electromagnetic field created around it.

[0116] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the voice coil actuating member 2952, the at least one magnet 2954, the magnet holder 2956, and the touch prob housing 2958 may be cylindrical or any other shape.

[0117] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, in a touch test, the flow of electrical current triggers movement of the voice coil actuating member 2952 and thereby movement of the touch probe 2958 toward the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test their response to touch / pain.

[0118] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the variable collapsible monofilament device 2800, 2900, 2950 may be driven by a direct or alternative current.

[0119] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, current may flow through the voice coil of the voice coil actuating member 2804, 2902, 2952 generating magnetic field that interacts with the at least one magnet. - magnets 2808A-B, 2810A-B, 2904, and 2954.

[0120] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, higher current results in higher pushing force generated via the voice coil and the at least one magnet. Lower current results in lower pushing force generated via the voice coil and the at least one magnet.

[0121] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the vibration is achieved by a symmetrical (but can also be non- symmetrical) alternative current in different frequencies. The higher the alternative current frequency, the higher the voice coil will move between the positive and negative polarity magnets, thus will vibrate in higher frequency.

[0122] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the current level determines the force applied to the moving voice coil - higher current generates higher applied force, thus the variable collapsible monofilament device will vibrate in higher amplitude.

[0123] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the vibration is achieved by a symmetrical (but can also be asymmetrical) alternating current at different frequencies. The higher the frequency of the alternating current, the more the voice coil will move between the positive and negative polarity magnets, thus vibrating at a higher frequency.

[0124] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the current magnitude determines the force exerted on the moving touch probe - a higher current creates a higher applied force, and therefore the device will vibrate at a higher amplitude.

[0125] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the variation in force generated may be linear between 0 grams and 200 grams, and the change in frequency may be linear as well, between 0 and 512 Hz.

[0126] Fig. 3 illustrates the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0127] As shown in the figure, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 comprises a handle 3600, a probe 2100, and electronic processing unit 3000 comprised of a CPU 3100 with a user interface application 3200 and communication capabilities such as a communication module 3300, a memory unit 3400, and an energy source 3500.

[0128] Also shown in the figure is the variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 positioned on the back of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000. However, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the variable collapsible monofilament device 2800 may be positioned in the back section of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000, within the probe 2100 as shown in Fig. 1 or elsewhere along the variable collapsible monofilament device 2000.

[0129] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the energy source 3500 such as a battery, and / or a power inlet 3900 may be located in the handle 3600 or elsewhere.

[0130] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the probe 2100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0131] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the probe 2100 may comprise at least one of a heat actuator 2102, a fan 2104, heat sinks 2106, a load cell sensor 2200, a gyro sensor and accelerometer 2300, a magneto-metric sensor 2400, a temperature module 2500, a humidity sensor 2600, a patient body temperature sensor 2700, and a variable collapsible monofilament device 2800.

[0132] The probe 2100 may also have a directional contactless vibrating transducer module and an infrared heat radiating module to allow patient’s sensitivity assessment to vibration and heat respectively, without a physical touch. Fig. 5 illustrates the CPU 3100 activities in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] As seen in the figure, the CPU processes the sensory data and / or data received from the modules (3102).

[0134] The CPU compresses and optionally filters the sensory data and / or data received from the modules (3104).

[0135] The CPU saves partial data to local memory (3106).

[0136] The CPU applies the user interface application 3200 and / or the user interface application 5300 to produce a somatosensory visual map of the patients' sensation for somatosensory review, future follow-up and treatment progress (3108).

[0137] Fig. 6 illustrates a data aggregation and control module 5100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0138] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the data aggregation and control module 5100 collects data received from the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 for processing via the user interface application 5300 (5102).

[0139] Fig. 7 illustrates the calibration module 5200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0140] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, sensory data and / or data received from the modules are collected and signal processing is performed on the data (5202).

[0141] Signal strength quality, intensity, continuity of measurements are checked (5204).

[0142] Providing user indication of adjustment, in case of low strength / intensity or low quality of measurements alerting the user (5206).

[0143] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may use either the user interface application 3200 implemented on the device 2000 and / or the user interface application 5300 implemented on the smartphone.

[0144] Thus, either the user interface application 3200 or the user interface application 5300 may be used for guiding a caregiver as to which point on the patient body he should aim, which modules he should use and in which intensities, in order to generate a repetitive assessment either based on previous assessment sessions or based on clinical preset sequences.

[0145] The caregiver may choose to work with the user interface application 3200 in cases where the results of previous assessment sessions may not be needed for the current assessment session. Additionally, if the user interface application 3200 is used, the user interface application 5300 can be used to save the results of assessment sessions and create “history files” for use in future assessment sessions. Thus, caregivers may have the option to choose to use the “history files” to continue from where they left off in previous assessment sessions.

[0146] Fig. 8 illustrates the user interface application 3200 / 5300 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0147] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the user interface application 3200 enables collecting and saving assessment data on a patient's map for future use and improvement tracking (3202);

[0148] A representation of the patient's body is produced with the patient’s assessment points on the body coupled with his somatosensory assessment results (3204);

[0149] An auto mode is an automated gradual module intensity increase up until the patient says he “feels”. The auto mode may be used for guiding a caregiver as to which point on the patient body he should aim, which modules he should use and in which intensities, in order to generate a repetitive assessment either based on previous assessment sessions or based on clinical preset sequences.

[0150] In the automated somatosensory assessment process, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 guides the caregiver where to touch, either based on previous assessments, or based on standard operation procedures for first assessment events.

[0151] A preset protocol if selected (based on the patients condition and past assessment) is the guide of the caregiver to which points on the patients body to test, at which modules and at which levels of intensity.

[0152] The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may present to the caregiver on the user interface application 5300 on the cellphone the location and type of each touch as well as the order of touch on the patient's body. The guidance will be based on the desired somatosensory map (3206);

[0153] Alternatively, a manual mode may be used in which the caregiver will decide which body points, modules and intensities to work with, without the guidance of the user interface application. In this mode, the user interface application 3200 may only collect the data and store it in the patients spreadsheet. The user interface application 3200 may use algorithm(s) for assessing patient’s cooperation, reliability and accuracy by repeated measurements, changes of sensory stimulus levels, tracking of false positive patient’s feedback and the like. In a manual somatosensory assessment process, the caregiver decides where to touch the patient's body and which module is used for assessment. The caregiver is holding the handle portion of the device and uses the probe portion to lightly touch the patient. The device will feedback the caregiver regarding right or wrong use of the device - it will track the applied force, the holding angle, the touch velocity, and the patients skin and humidity temperature.

[0154] The caregiver will then touch the patient’s skin and increase the intensity of the selected module up until the patient will indicate a feel. By un-touching the device from the patient’s body, the user interface application 3200 will save the evolution results (3208);

[0155] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the caregiver assessments are tracked on a virtual patients map. The map will be the interface in which results are tracked, thus at the end will create a somatosensory map of the patient. This map will be the means of representation of somatosensory changes during patients assessment sessions, to allow tracking over a predefined time duration. Each assessment session may end with a textual summary generated by the user interface application 3200 to be saved in the patients spreadsheet (3210); The assessment results are compared anonymously to other patient database results in order to gather additional information regarding the patient's progress and possible treatments options (3212); and

[0156] The assessment will give possible diagnoses of the condition leading to sensory impairment. It will also allow manual selection of the patient's condition (if known) to improve the follow-up and treatment plan (3214).

[0157] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, caregiver assessments may be tracked on a virtual patient map. The map may be the interface where results are tracked, ultimately creating a somatosensory map of the patient. Such map may be the means of representing somatosensory changes throughout the patient assessment session, to allow for tracking over time. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, each assessment session may end with a textual summary generated by the user interfacial application 3200 to be saved in the patients’ spreadsheet.

[0158] The assessment results may be anonymously compared to other patient database results in order to gather additional information regarding the patient's progress and possible treatments options, using artificial intelligence comparison engines. The assessment may give possible diagnoses to the condition which lead to sensory deficit. It will also allow manual choice of the patient condition (if known) in order to better the follow up and treatment plan.

[0159] Fig. 9 illustrates a method 9000 for evaluating a patient via the user interface application 3200 / 5300 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0160] When evaluating a patient via the user interface application 3200, the following stages should be performed:

[0161] Stage 9002: Choosing patients from a list;

[0162] Stage 9004: Choosing past assessment from a list based on dates to view results; Alternatively, adding a new assessment;

[0163] Stage 9006: Choosing past assessment to view results, or add a new assessment;

[0164] Stage 9008: Following map guidance - locating device on patient’s body according to the point on the map;

[0165] Stage 9010: Using module according to the apps guidance and increasing strength gradually until the patient says: “feel”. Marking the level and moving to next point.

[0166] Stage 9012: Repeating the assessment on all points and modules guided by the application;

[0167] Stage 9014: At the end of the flow, a new somatosensory map is presented; and

[0168] Stage 9016: Comparing to previous assessments to show rehabilitation progress.

[0169] When evaluating a patient via a manual mode, the following stages should be performed:

[0170] Stage 9018: Presenting a patient body map;

[0171] Stage 9020: Selecting body area for assessment;

[0172] Stage 9022: Selecting point to evaluate;

[0173] Stage 9024: Selecting module of assessment;

[0174] Stage 9026: Touching patient’s selected point;

[0175] Stage 9028: Starting with low intensity and slowly raising it on manual mode, or intensity is raising automatically on auto mode;

[0176] Stage 9030: As the patient responds upon positive feel, un-touching patient and App auto saves level of intensity on specific area;

[0177] Stage 9032: Evaluating multiple points of assessment and collecting by the app for future monitoring and tracking;

[0178] Stage 9034: Guiding the caregiver on patients’ points of needed assessment and generate an improvement report and graphs; and Stage 9036: Autogenerating textual summary by the app to add to the patients medical spreadsheet. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 produces a somatosensory visual map of the patients' sensation with its dedicated mobile phone application for somatosensory review, future follow-up and treatment progress.

[0179] The user interface application 3200 saves records of patients’ performance over a digital map.

[0180] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 evaluates the caregivers’ consistency of handling and assessment based on the at least one sensor which gives the caregiver feedback and guidance upon inconsistent handling and assessment.

[0181] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may be a portable, pocket-sized, battery-operated, wireless communication device designed to allow maximal portability and ease of use and to help caregivers accurately assess a patient's somatosensory functionality.

[0182] The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may allow therapists to perform examinations and assessments of patients in various departments in hospitals, in outpatient clinics or in the community, as well as a device for home rehabilitation to improve somatosensory performance.

[0183] In accordance with some embodiments, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device 2000 may have various designs, such as, for instance :

[0184] - Ultra-portable style - a stylus-sized device for on-the-go assessment situations to cater the most remote needs of somatosensory assessment;

[0185] - Home style - the device may be designed as a rack mounted on various daily rehabilitation objects that the patient uses to rehabilitation at home. These objects may be coffee mugs, phones, weight or drink bottles, etc.

[0186] Such design allows everyday objects to be turned into smart objects by tracking their position in space, changing their temperature, and measuring the force exerted on them by the patient.

[0187] Such design may be implemented by a strip containing a position sensing micromodule, force feedback, heat-cold module, and vibration module.

[0188] It can also be implemented as an adhesive strip containing these modules, for example, a rubber band with electronic modules attached to a coffee cup would assess the patient's hand stability in everyday scenarios, or a wrist strap that might assess the patient's smoothness of movement. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system 1000 may be designed to be mass produced in various technologies such as plastic injection, aluminum machining and the like.

[0189] Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system 1000 in operation.

[0190] As shown in the figure, the therapist uses the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system 1000 to perform the assessment at multiple points on the patient's body, and the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system 1000 generates a visual somatosensory map of the patient's sensation for future somatosensory review, monitoring, and treatment progress.

[0191] The system of the present invention may include, according to certain embodiments of the invention, machine readable memory containing or otherwise storing a program of instructions which, when executed by the machine, implements some or all of the apparatus, methods, features and functionalities of the invention shown and described herein. Alternatively or in addition, the apparatus of the present invention may include, according to certain embodiments of the invention, a program as above which may be written in any conventional programming language, and optionally a machine for executing the program such as but not limited to a general purpose computer which may optionally be configured or activated in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Any of the teachings incorporated herein may wherever suitable operate on signals representative of physical objects or substances.

[0192] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions, utilizing terms such as, "processing", "computing", "estimating", "selecting", "ranking", "grading", "calculating", "determining", "generating", "reassessing", "classifying", "generating", "producing", "stereo-matching", "registering", "detecting", "associating", "superimposing", "obtaining" or the like, refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or computing system, or processor or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and / or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and / or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. The term "computer" should be broadly construed to cover any kind of electronic device with data processing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting example, personal computers, servers, computing system, communication devices, processors (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), microcontrollers, field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) and other electronic computing devices.

[0193] The present invention may be described, merely for clarity, in terms of terminology specific to particular programming languages, operating systems, browsers, system versions, individual products, and the like. It will be appreciated that this terminology is intended to convey general principles of operation clearly and briefly, by way of example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to any particular programming language, operating system, browser, system version, or individual product.

[0194] It is appreciated that software components of the present invention including programs and data may, if desired, be implemented in ROM (read only memory) form including CD-ROMs, EPROMs and EEPROMs, or may be stored in any other suitable typically non-transitory computer-readable medium such as but not limited to disks of various kinds, cards of various kinds and RAMs. Components described herein as software may, alternatively, be implemented wholly or partly in hardware, if desired, using conventional techniques. Conversely, components described herein as hardware may, alternatively, be implemented wholly or partly in software, if desired, using conventional techniques.

[0195] Included in the scope of the present invention, inter alia, are electromagnetic signals carrying computer-readable instructions for performing any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order; machine-readable instructions for performing any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order; program storage devices readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order; a computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code, such as executable code, having embodied therein, and / or including computer readable program code for performing, any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order; any technical effects brought about by any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, when performed in any suitable order; any suitable apparatus or device or combination of such, programmed to perform, alone or in combination, any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order; electronic devices each including a processor and a cooperating input device and / or output device and operative to perform in software any steps shown and described herein; information storage devices or physical records, such as disks or hard drives, causing a computer or other device to be configured so as to carry out any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order; a program pre-stored e.g. in memory or on an information network such as the Internet, before or after being downloaded, which embodies any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order, and the method of uploading or downloading such, and a system including server / s and / or client / s for using such; and hardware which performs any or all of the steps of any of the methods shown and described herein, in any suitable order, either alone or in conjunction with software. Any computer-readable or machine-readable media described herein is intended to include non-transitory computer- or machine-readable media.

[0196] Any computations or other forms of analysis described herein may be performed by a suitable computerized method. Any step described herein may be computer-implemented. The invention shown and described herein may include (a) using a computerized method to identify a solution to any of the problems or for any of the objectives described herein, the solution optionally include at least one of a decision, an action, a product, a service or any other information described herein that impacts, in a positive manner, a problem or objectives described herein; and (b) outputting the solution.

[0197] The scope of the present invention is not limited to structures and functions specifically described herein and is also intended to include devices which have the capacity to yield a structure, or perform a function, described herein, such that even though users of the device may not use the capacity, they are, if they so desire, able to modify the device to obtain the structure or function.

[0198] Features of the present invention which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment.

[0199] For example, a system embodiment is intended to include a corresponding process embodiment. Also, each system embodiment is intended to include a server-centered "view" or client centered "view", or "view" from any other node of the system, of the entire functionality of the system, computer- readable medium, apparatus, including only those functionalities performed at that server or client or node.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation comprised of a variable collapsible probe device comprising: a voice coil actuating member, a rider, said rider is a touch probe holder / housing holding a touch probe, and at least one magnet, wherein the voice coil actuating member is characterized by either a flat geometrical configuration or a cylindrical coil geometrical configuration, wherein in the flat geometrical configuration, the voice coil is floating between opposing polarity flat magnets, and wherein in the cylindrical configuration, either the cylindrical voice coil actuating member is floating around the at least one magnet or the at least one magnet is floating around the cylindrical voice coil actuating member, wherein to perform vibration tests, electric current is applied in opposite directions back and forth to cause rapid movement of the rider in opposite directions back and forth, wherein the speed of said rapid movement of the rider is controlled by the speed at which the direction of the electric current reverses back and forth, and wherein to perform a touch assessment, the flow of said electric current in one direction triggers a backward movement of the voice coil actuating member and thus a forward movement of the rider towards the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test his response to touch / pain.

2. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the variable collapsible probe device characterized by a flat configuration further comprising: at least two stationary pulleys, one stationary pulley located at a predetermined distance from the other pulley; at least two magnets, a first magnet opposite in polarity to a second magnet, each one of said at least two magnets is situated above or below the voice coil actuating member, at least one flexible material stretched around each one of the voice coil actuating member and the rider and around the at least two stationary pulleys, wherein the actuating member and the rider are suspended on the at least one flexible material stretched around the at least two stationary pulleys, and floats between the at least two magnets, wherein the flow of electric current in one direction triggers rapid movement of the voice coil actuating member in one direction resulting in rapid movement of the rider in the opposite direction, where to perform vibration tests, the electric current is applied in opposite directions back and forth to cause rapid movement of the rider in opposite directions back and forth, wherein the speed of rapid movement of the rider and thus the vibration intensity of the rider is controlled by the speed at which the direction of the electric current reverses back and forth, and wherein to perform a touch test, the flow of said electric current in one direction triggers a backward movement of the voice coil actuating member and thus a forward movement of the rider towards the patient to make contact with the patient's body to test his response to touch / pain, wherein the magnitude of the electric current controls the resistance in the touch probe and thus allows a touch force applied to the patient to be changed.

3. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein in the variable collapsible probe device characterized by a cylindrical configuration, the at least one magnet is a static element and the voice coil actuating member is a movingelement pushed by an electromagnetic field created around the voice coil actuating member.

4. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein in the variable collapsible probe device characterized by a cylindrical configuration, the voice coil actuating member is a static element, and the at least one magnet is a moving element pushed by an electromagnetic field created around the voice coil actuating member.

5. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of any one of claims 3-4, wherein the rider is mounted either on the at least one magnet or on the voice coil actuating member.

6. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 2, wherein the at least one flexible material stretched around each one of the voice coil actuating member and the rider and around the at least two stationary pulleys is selected from a wire, a thread, a band a chain and a ribbon.

7. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 2, wherein the variable collapsible probe device further comprising a top chassis and a bottom chassis.

8. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 7, wherein the at least two magnets are situated in the top chassis and / or in the bottom chassis.

9. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 2, wherein the at least two stationary pulleys are connected to the bottom chassis.

10. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 9, wherein the top chassis is connected to the bottom chassis.

11. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the touch force applied on the patient varies between 0.5 gram force to 200 gram force.

12. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 6, wherein the at least one inextensible wire / thread is selected from a polymeric wire, Kevlar wire, and Dyneema wire.

13. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the touch probe is a probe for touch assessments and for vibration assessments.

14. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the touch probe is made of a rigid material for pain assessments. l ' l15. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 11, wherein the rigid material is a rigid polymer or metal.

16. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a load cell sensor, gyro sensor and accelerometer, magnetometric sensor, a humidity sensor and a patient body electrical resistance sensor.

17. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a temperature module, a directional non-contact vibration transducer module, an infra-red heat radiating module and a directional contactless vibrating transducer module.

18. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, further comprising an electronic processing unit comprises a CPU with a user inerface application and communication capabilities.

19. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 18, wherein the communication capabilities comprise a communication module, a memory unit, and a CPU equipped with a user interface application.

20. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 18, wherein the inerface application produces a somatosensory visual map of the patients' sensation for somatosensory review, future follow-up and treatment progress.

21. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 18, wherein the inerface application saves results of assessment sessions and creates “history files” for use in future assessment sessions.

22. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device comprises a handle and a probe.

23. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 22, wherein the variable collapsible probe is positioned in the back section of the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device or within the probe.

24. The somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claim 22, wherein the probe comprises at least one of a heat actuator, a fan, heat sinks, a load cell sensor, a gyro sensor and accelerometer, a magneto-metric sensor, a temperature module, a humidity sensor, a patient body electrical resistance sensor, and a variable collapsible probe device, a directional contactless vibrating transducer module and an infra-red heat radiating module.

25. A somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation system for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation comprising:the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device of claims 1-24 and a smart phone, wherein the communication module in the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device transfers / receives data to / from the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device from / to the smartphone, and wherein the smartphone comprises an interface application for producing a somatosensory visual map of the patients' sensation for somatosensory review, future follow-up and treatment progress.

26. A method for using the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device / system for precision assessment of peripheral somatosensory sensation comprising: providing the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device or system of claims 1-25 and operating said somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device either in a manual or a non-manual mode.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein operating said somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device in a non-manual mode, comprising: choosing patients from a list; choosing past assessment from a list based on dates to view results or adding a new assessment; following map guidance to locate the somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device on a patient’s body according to a point on the map; using module(s) according to an apps guidance and increasing strength gradually until the patient says: “feel”; marking the level and moving to next point; repeating the assessment on all points and modules guided by the application; and presenting a new somatosensory map and comparing to previous assessments to show rehabilitation progress.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein operating said somatosensory assessment and rehabilitation device in a manual mode, comprising: presenting a patient body map; selecting body area for assessment;selecting point to evaluate; selecting module of assessment; touching patient’s selected point; starting with low intensity and slowly raising the intensity on manual mode, as the patient responds upon positive feel, un-touching patient; evaluating and collecting multiple points of assessment and for future monitoring and tracking; and guiding a caregiver on patients’ points of needed assessment and generate an improvement report and graphs.

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