Apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies comprising a stimulus delivery device (11,12) with a horizontal development substantially curved along an angular portion so as to outline a portion of a circle, comprising at least one panel (11) for the delivery of visual stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to or less than the angular portion of the horizontal development of the stimulus delivery device (11,12); at least one acoustic source (12) for the delivery of acoustic stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to or less than the angular portion of the horizontal development of the stimulus delivery device (11,12); and a local electronic processing unit configured to control the generation of visual and acoustic stimuli by means of the at least one panel (11) and the at least one acoustic source (12), and characterized in that it comprises at least one support device (30) configured to house an electronic management unit (20) comprising at least one sensor for detecting a three-dimensional movement, the support device (30) comprising a casing (31, 32) defining a housing compartment (33) configured to accommodate the electronic management unit (20), wherein the casing (31, 32), when placed on a support surface (60), is shaped to allow oscillation of the housing compartment (33) around two axes (X,Y) orthogonal to each other that define the support surface (60), as well as around an axis (Z) orthogonal to the support surface (60).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR THE SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF AUDIOVISUAL

[0002] STIMULATION THERAPIES

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In the field of treatment of primary visual disorders, such as hemianopsia and quadrantop si a, the benefits deriving from bimodal stimulations, specifically audiovisual stimulations, are known. These treatments consist of a series of visual stimuli and acoustic stimuli administered that are according to frequencies and time sequences determined based on the specific pathology and adapted over time according to the patient's progress.

[0007] For the administration of the aforementioned audiovisual stimulation therapies, apparatuses are known comprising a plurality of audiovisual stimulation modules which are shaped as a flat panel and arranged symmetrically around a positioning station of a patient according to a horizontal semi-circle development.

[0008] In the context of the present description and in the claims, the expression "horizontal development" refers to the configuration in use of the screen placed in front of the patient. Each audiovisual stimulation module typically comprises a speaker and a light source. The modules are connected to a central processor that transmits to the individual modules activation signals respectively of the light source and of the speaker.

[0009] In particular, the modules are activated according to a therapeutic plan defined for each patient, who, starting from a condition in which he or she is observing a so-called fixation point placed in front of the positioning station, must detect the stimulus delivered at a point other than the fixation point and signal it to the apparatus through a feedback interface as soon as he or she detects it.

[0010] From document EP 3316960 of the same Applicant, an apparatus for the self- administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies is known which, in order to collect the patient's signalling, uses, as a feedback interface, a push button connected wirelessly to the central processor. The button used in the device of EP 3316960 has a flat bottom for resting on a surface, and an upper wall, opposite the flat bottom, movable between a rest position, normally raised and an operating position, retracted with respect to the rest position. This type of button is activated by pressing on the upper wall of the button using the fingers of the hand.

[0011] The Applicant has observed that the button used in the apparatus of EP 3316960 is not always suitable for collecting the signallings from patients, in particular in the case of patients who do not have complete control over the movement of the phalanges, such as for example the patients in rehabilitation following a stroke.

[0012] Furthermore, the device described in EP 3316960 has, even in a folded configuration, a considerable footprint due to the need for several additional elements with respect to the panel, including a dedicated central processor, a user interface device and a telematic interface device for accessing a remote server from which to download the therapeutic plan and / or through which to communicate with the therapist. The patient is therefore forced to destine an ample space for the storage of the device when not in use.

[0013] OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In light of the foregoing, the task underlying the present invention is to obviate the problems of the prior art.

[0015] In the context of this task, it is an object of the present invention to devise an apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies that is easily and effectively usable by patients with motor disabilities of the hand and / or parts thereof.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to realize an apparatus for the selfadministration of audiovisual stimulation therapies that is additionally usable by patients without motor disabilities of the hand and / or parts thereof.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to study an apparatus for the self- administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies that allows the use of a smart device for the collection of signals of detection of the stimuli from the patients.

[0018] Not least object of the present invention is to conceive an apparatus for the selfadministration of audiovisual stimulation therapies having reduced footprints, in particular in a folded configuration.

[0019] In accordance with a first aspect thereof, the invention therefore relates to an apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies comprising: a stimulus delivery device with a horizontal development substantially curved along an angular portion so as to outline a portion of a circle, comprising

[0020] - at least one panel for the delivery of visual stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to or less than the angular portion of the horizontal development of the stimulus delivery device;

[0021] - at least one acoustic source for the delivery of acoustic stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to or less than the angular portion of the horizontal development of the stimulus delivery device; and

[0022] - a local electronic processing unit configured to control the generation of visual and acoustic stimuli by the at least one panel and the at least one acoustic source.

[0023] According to the present invention, the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies further comprises at least one support device configured to house an electronic management unit comprising at least one sensor for detecting a three-dimensional movement.

[0024] The support device comprises a casing defining a housing compartment configured to accommodate the unit of the electronic management unit, where the casing, when placed on a support surface, is shaped to allow oscillation of the housing compartment around two axes orthogonal to each other that define the support surface, as well as around an axis orthogonal to the support surface.

[0025] The Applicant has devised a particular support device to be used in the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies according to the invention that allows to use an electronic management unit provided with a sensor for detecting a three-dimensional movement to detect the signals generated by the patient in response to a perceived stimulus.

[0026] Thanks to the specific conformation of the support device devised by the Applicant, it is possible to detect any movement imparted to the device. In this way, it is also possible to detect response signals generated by patients with motor disabilities of the upper limbs and, in particular, of the hand that are not able to impart a pressure to a traditional button.

[0027] To this end, the patient can even use their own smart device as a central management unit, as smart devices are usually provided with a sensor for detecting a three- dimensional movement, in particular with a gyroscope.

[0028] This makes it possible to greatly reduce both the production costs of the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies, and to minimize the fooprints of the apparatus, in particular in a folded configuration.

[0029] Further characteristics of the preferred embodiments of the apparatus for the selfadministration of audiovisual stimulation therapies according to the present invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims. In a variant of the invention, the casing comprises a lower portion with a curved shape with a convexity facing the outside of the casing.

[0030] Preferably, the lower portion is shaped as a spherical cap.

[0031] In a variant of the invention, the casing comprises an upper portion movable relative to the housing compartment and connected to a pressure element configured to be moved to reach the housing compartment.

[0032] Preferably, the pressure element is made of conductive elastic material and mechanically connected to the upper portion.

[0033] In a variant of the invention, the casing comprises a lower portion at least partly showing a friction coefficient suitable for preventing slipping, such as a knurled surface and / or a rubber surface and / or a surface coated with a silicone paint.

[0034] In a variant of the invention, the support device comprises a lower cover defining a flat surface and configured to couple with the casing to cover a lower portion of the casing underneath, defining a flat support surface underneath the support device.

[0035] In a variant of the invention, the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies comprises an electronic management unit housed in the housing compartment, wherein the electronic management unit comprises at least one sensor for detecting a three-dimensional movement, such as a gyroscope and / or a group of accelerometers and, preferably, at least one touch screen.

[0036] Preferably, the electronic management unit is configured to establish a wireless connection with the local electronic processing unit to transmit activation data of the at least one screen and of the at least one acoustic source for the delivery of the visual and / or acoustic stimuli.

[0037] Preferably, the electronic management unit is removably housed in the housing compartment.

[0038] Preferably, the electronic management unit is a smart device.

[0039] Preferably, the electronic management unit is an electronic device provided with at least:

[0040] - an electronic computing unit for running software applications, and / or

[0041] - a wireless interface module to a telematic network, and / or

[0042] - a peer-to-peer wireless connection module, such as a Bluetooth module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof made with reference to the appended drawings.

[0044] The different characteristics in the individual configurations can be combined with each other at will according to the previous description, if the advantages resulting specifically from a particular combination were to be used.

[0045] In such drawings,

[0046] - figure 1 is a plan view of the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in operating configuration;

[0047] - figure 2 is a perspective view in partially folded configuration of the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies of figure 1;

[0048] - figure 3 is a front elevational view of the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies of figure 1;

[0049] - figures 4a - 4c are front views of three types of modules of the plurality of modules constituting the curved panel of the embodiment of figure 1;

[0050] - figure 5 is a functional schematic representation of an electronic management unit usable in association with the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies of figure 1;

[0051] - figure 6 is a perspective view of a device for supporting an electronic management unit used in the apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies of figure 1;

[0052] - figure 7 is a section view of the support device of figure 6;

[0053] - figure 8 is a plan view of the support device of figure 6 with an electronic management unit inserted therein.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] For the illustration of the drawings, use is made in the following description of identical numerals or symbols to indicate construction elements with the same function. Moreover, for clarity of illustration, certain references may not be repeated in all drawings. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described hereinbelow in detail. It must in any case be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, the invention intends covering all the modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0056] The use of "for example", "etc.", "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise indicated. The use of "comprises" and "includes" means "comprises or includes, but not limited to", unless otherwise indicated.

[0057] With reference to figures 1-3, an apparatus for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, overall indicated with 10.

[0058] The apparatus 10 for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies comprises a stimulus delivery device 11,12. The stimulus delivery device 11,12 comprises a panel 11 with a substantially horizontal curved development, optionally provided with light sources 18, for example of the LED type, and configured to display visual stimuli spatially distributed and a plurality of acoustic sources 12 for the delivery of acoustic stimuli spatially distributed which, in the embodiment of figure 1, are directly integrated into the panel 11.

[0059] Within the scope of the present description and in the appended claims the expression "substantially horizontal curved development" refers to the configuration in operation of the stimulus delivery device, wherein it is ready for use by a patient placed in front thereof.

[0060] From the spatial point of view, the curved panel 11 is configured to display visual stimuli in an angular range substantially defined by an angular portion of development of the curved panel 11 itself, which represents the field of administration of the therapy. The visual stimuli may be displayed in an angular range substantially coincident or comprised in the angular portion of development of the curved panel 11.

[0061] Within the scope of the present description and in the claims, the expression "field of administration" is intended to indicate the angular range within which the stimulation signals are delivered, generally arranged straddling a central position called "fixation position" and extending horizontally on the sides of this point, respectively of approximately 90°. The field of administration therefore assumes an overall angular extension typically equal to about 180°. In detail, the panel 11 is configured to display the visual stimuli in a plurality of positions distributed on the panel 11 of said stimulus delivery device 11,12.

[0062] Furthermore, the acoustic sources 12 are spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to or less than the angular portion of development of the curved panel 11 and consequently in an angular range substantially coincident with or comprised in the angular range of spatial distribution of the visual stimuli, in such a way as to emit acoustic stimuli that can come from the entire field of administration.

[0063] The visual stimuli are delivered according to pre-established sequences defined by a therapeutic plan determined for the specific patient that establish both the position and the time instant in which the visual stimulus and the acoustic stimulus are delivered.

[0064] In use, the stimulus delivery device 11,12 is arranged symmetrically in front of a positioning station 50 of a patient according to a horizontal development in a portion of a circle, such as a semi-circle.

[0065] Typically the stimulus delivery device 11,12 is positioned on a surface 60 in order to be at the height of the visual field of a patient sitting on a chair or the like arranged at the positioning station 50. The stimulus delivery device 11,12 is positioned such that the central position (fixation position) of the portion of a circle along which it develops, indicated in figure 3 by means of line B-B, is arranged in front of the positioning station of the patient 50, as illustrated in figure 1.

[0066] As best shown in figures 2 and 3, the stimulus delivery device 11,12 of the embodiment of figure 1 is composed of a plurality of modules 14 each comprising at least one light source 18, for example of the LED type, and at least one acoustic source 12, for example a speaker. In this way it is obtained that the light and acoustic stimuli can be delivered with a spatial distribution substantially coincident with the angular portion of the horizontal development of the stimulus delivery device 11,12. The light source 18 and the acoustic source are placed at an inner face of the module 14 which contributes to defining a surface of the panel 11 facing internally to the portion of circle that the panel 11 outlines in use.

[0067] As shown in figures 4a-4c, the modules 14 that make up the stimulus delivery device 11,12 preferably have a substantially rectangular planar conformation, and are constrained to each other in such a way as to allow a relative rotation with respect to an axis A coincident with a common major side between two adjacent modules. In this way, in addition to the semi-circle-shaped operating configuration, the stimulus delivery device 11,12 can also assume a folded configuration with reduced footprint, shown in figure 2. The stimulus delivery device 11,12 further comprises a local electronic processing unit (not illustrated) configured to control the generation in terms of position and time instant of the visual and acoustic stimuli by the light sources 18 and the acoustic sources 12. The local electronic processing unit is preferably integrated in the panel 11, for example in a module of the plurality of modules 14.

[0068] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the panel 11 is configured to provide a visual signalling to guide the gaze of the patient in such a way as to bring it into a condition in which it faces centrally with respect to the curved horizontal development of the panel 11, thus correctly facing the fixation point.

[0069] In particular, a central module 14a illustrated in figure 4c of the plurality of modules 14 comprises two visual fixation indicators 17. A first visual fixation indicator is arranged in the upper portion of the central module 14a and a second visual fixation indicator is arranged in the lower portion of the central module 14a.

[0070] The apparatus 10 for the self-administration of therapies further comprises a group 19a, 19b for detecting the head position and / or the gaze direction of the patient which is connected to electronic means for interrupting the delivery of the therapy (not illustrated) in case the detected head position and / or gaze direction of the patient does not correspond to predefined positions and directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic means for interrupting the delivery of the therapy are implemented in the local electronic processing unit.

[0071] The group for detecting the head position and / or the gaze direction of the patient comprises at least one image acquisition means 19a facing the centre of a circle of which the stimulus delivery device outlines a portion, i.e. facing, in use, the patient's face. This image acquisition means is associated with means for electronic processing of the acquired images suitable for implementing eye- and / or face-tracking algorithms.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the image acquisition means 19a is an infrared camera integrated in the central module 14a and the group for detecting the head position and / or the gaze direction of the patient additionally comprises two pairs of LED-type infrared illuminators 19b integrated into the modules 14b, arranged symmetrically with respect to the central module 14a, illustrated in figure 4b.

[0073] In this specific embodiment, the apparatus is therefore able to recognize anomalies in the positioning of the patient's face and / or in directing the gaze and therefore to provide indications in order to restore an acceptable condition for a correct delivery of the therapy. For this purpose, as illustrated in figure 4c, the fixation indicators 17 comprise both a central indicator light 17a, and a plurality of lateral indicator lights 17b arranged around the central indicator light and shaped as an arrow to guide the patient in correctly repositioning the face and / or the gaze.

[0074] Alternatively, the image acquisition means 19a is at least one stereoscopic camera capable of recreating a three-dimensional image of the face, and preferably also of the torso and arms of the patient and thus determining the position of the head and / or the direction of the gaze.

[0075] In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the stimulus delivery device 11,12 comprises a panel 11 consisting of a plurality of modules 14 made as an OLED screen, and a plurality of acoustic sources arranged behind the screen itself. Also in these embodiments, the stimulus delivery device 11,12 is preferably of the type that can be rolled up around the vertical axis A in order to assume a folded configuration with reduced footprint.

[0076] The local electronic processing unit of the stimulus delivery device 11,12 may be of the type connectable wirelessly, for example via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, to an electronic management unit 20 illustrated in functional terms in figure 5.

[0077] To this end, the electronic management unit 20 preferably comprises a wireless connection interface 23 and is configured to establish a connection with the local electronic processing unit of the stimulus delivery device 11,12 and to transmit thereto the specific stimulus activation sequence according to the therapeutic plan of the particular patient.

[0078] Alternatively, the local electronic processing unit of the stimulus delivery device 11,12 may be physically connected to or integrated into the electronic management unit 20.

[0079] The electronic management unit 20 may comprise memory means 22 in which the activation sequences are stored and / or to download the activation sequences from a remote server. To this end, the electronic management unit 20 is configured to connect to the remote server via a telematic network, preferably the Internet via wireless or wired connection.

[0080] The central electronic management unit 20 is configured to detect a pulse generated by the patient as a signalling of the detection of a delivered stimulus. To this end, the central electronic management unit 20 is provided with a sensor for detecting a three- dimensional movement, made for example as a gyroscope or group of accelerometers, to detect a movement in space of the central electronic management unit 20 itself and preferably also of a touch screen 21.

[0081] The electronic management unit 20 preferably comprises software means 24 configured to generate at least one scoring data item of the patient’s response that takes into account the delay with respect to the delivered stimulus (reaction time of the patient), and on the other hand, the correspondence of the relevant portion of the acoustic signal with a reference acoustic signal corresponding to the displayed verbal element, for example stored in the memory means 22 (quality of the patient’s response). The at least one scoring data item may therefore be a response speed, a parameter representative of the pronunciation fluency, a parameter representative of the number of pronunciation errors, and so on.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the management unit 20 is a smart device.

[0083] Within the scope of the present description and in the appended claims with "smart device" it is generically understood an electronic device provided with at least one electronic computing unit for running software applications, a wireless interface module to a telematic network, for example the Internet, a wireless peer-to-peer connection module, such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, a sensor for detecting a three- dimensional movement, such as for example a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer and / or a magnetometer, as well as a panel capable of acting both as an output interface, and as an input interface such as for example a touch panel or touch screen. A typical example of smart device are smartphones or PC tablets.

[0084] According to this embodiment, at least one software application configured to communicate with the local electronic processing unit of the stimulus delivery device 11,12 is installed on the smart device 20, for example through a Bluetooth connection, in order to provide it with the data relating to the therapy to be delivered, for example in the form of a sequence according to which to activate the visual and / or acoustic stimuli in the different positions.

[0085] The software application preferably also allows the connection to a remote server, for example through the Internet telematic network, in order to transmit the scoring data collected during the delivery of the therapy and deriving from the acoustic signals generated by the patient. In this way it is also possible to obtain, through the remote server, any therapy updates defined by the therapist and, therefore, to update the data sent to the local electronic processing unit of the stimulus delivery device 11,12.

[0086] Furthermore, the electronic management unit 20 is preferably configured to store the data relating to the activation of the visual and / or acoustic stimuli, as well as the signalling data generated by the patient. Still, the electronic management unit 20 is configured to act as a communication interface between the patient and the therapist, making available, for example through special software applications, information relating to the patient's clinical status and related therapy, for example viewable through the screen 21.

[0087] According to the present invention, in order to detect a motor response of the patient as a reaction to a stimulus delivered through the stimulus delivery device 11,12, for example in the form of touch or generic hand movement transferred to the electronic management unit 20, the apparatus 10 for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies according to the present invention comprises at least one support device 30 configured to house the electronic management unit 20.

[0088] The support device 30 comprises a casing 31,32 in which there is defined a housing compartment 33 accessible from the outside of the casing 31,32 and configured to at least partially accommodate the electronic management unit 20.

[0089] Preferably, the housing compartment 33 is configured to accommodate the electronic management unit 20 in a removable manner.

[0090] The casing 31,32 comprises at least one upper portion 31 movable relative to the housing compartment 33 and connected to a pressure element 34 configured to be moved to reach the housing compartment 33 and come into contact with the electronic management unit 20, in particular with the touch screen 21 of the electronic management unit 20, when this is arranged inside the housing compartment 33.

[0091] Specifically, the pressure element 34 is made of elastic and conductive material and is mechanically connected to the upper portion 31, also made of conductive material, in such a way as to allow the touch screen 21 of the electronic management unit 20 positioned in the housing compartment 33 to detect an electrical connection with the patient's hand, when the patient exerts pressure on the upper portion 31 and the pressure element 34 touches the touch screen 21.

[0092] The casing 31,32 further comprises at least one lower portion 32 with a curved shape or, preferably, shaped as a spherical shell with a convexity facing the outside of the casing 31,32. In this way, when the lower portion 32 rests on the surface 60, the support device 30 can oscillate around two axes X,Y orthogonal to each other that define the support surface 60, as well as around an axis Z orthogonal to the support surface 60.

[0093] The lower portion 32 of the casing is preferably made of rigid material capable of supporting the weight of the patient's hand without deformations. In this way, a patient with motor disabilities of the hand such as to prevent him or her from pressing on the upper portion 31 can the same signal the detection of a visual and / or acoustic stimulus by oscillating the support device 30 and with it the electronic management unit 20 inserted in the housing compartment 33. Such oscillation is detectable through the sensor for detecting a three-dimensional movement comprised in the electronic management unit 20.

[0094] Preferably, the lower portion of the casing 32 is made of high friction coefficient material in order to avoid slipping on the surface on which the casing rests. For example, the lower portion of the casing 32 may have a surface finish such as a knurled texture or be coated with a high friction coefficient material, such as rubber. Still, the lower surface may be coated with a silicone paint.

[0095] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 6 and 7, the support device 30 additionally comprises a lower cover 35 defining a flat surface and configured to couple with the casing 31,32 in such a way as to cover the curved lower portion 32 underneath. By way of example, the lower cover 35 can be coupled to the casing 31,32 by means of a bayonet coupling, for example with three coupling points, preferably equidistant. Advantageously, in the case of three equidistant coupling points, the rotation necessary to lock the cover is about 60°, making the operation to assemble and disassemble the cover 35 easier.

[0096] When the lower cover 35 is coupled to the casing 31,32, the lower cover 35 defines underneath the support device 30 a flat support surface that allows the patient to signal the detection of a visual and / or acoustic stimulus in a traditional manner, solely through a pressure exerted on the upper portion 31.

[0097] The casing 31,32 and preferably the lower cover 35 are made of or coated in a material resistant to the chemical action of common disinfectants, such as for example silicone or epoxy paints.

[0098] In case the electronic management unit 20 is a smart device, this can be inserted into the housing compartment 33 as shown in figure 8.

[0099] In this case, the collection of the patient's motor responses takes place by means of the touch screen 21 and / or the sensor for detecting a three-dimensional movement, depending on whether the detection signal is generated by the pressure of the upper portion 31 of the casing or by the movement of the entire support device 30 through an oscillation around at least one of the axes X and Y or a rotation around the axis Z.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, the electronic management unit 20 is a dedicated device fixedly housed in the housing compartment 33 or, according to a further alternative, the management unit 20 is integrated in the support device 30.

[0101] In the case of an integrated management unit 20, the housing compartment 33 is internal to the casing 31,32 and is not accessible from the outside. Furthermore, instead of the touch screen 21, the management unit 20 may comprise a plurality of switches (not illustrated) on which the pressure element 34 acts directly. In this embodiment of the management unit 20, both the pressure element 34 and the upper portion 31 of the casing 31,32 can be made of any material, even not necessarily conductive.

[0102] According to a further embodiment (not illustrated) the therapy deliverable through the apparatus 10 according to the invention additionally provides that the patient provides a plurality of diversified motor responses as a function of the stimulus delivered through the stimulus delivery device 11,12.

[0103] To this end, the apparatus 10 for the self-administration of therapies comprises at least two of: a stereoscopic camera 19a, an electronic management unit 20 provided with a touch screen 21 for detecting a touch from the patient and / or a sensor for detecting a three-dimensional movement, preferably associated with a support device 30 of the type described above; and at least one signalling interface that can be operated by pressure by the patient, such as for example a button, preferably connected wirelessly to the local electronic processing unit.

[0104] The use of a plurality of interfaces of the same or different types to signal the detection of an audiovisual stimulus through a motor response provides an additional learning reinforcement mechanism, aimed at further reducing rehabilitation times, also allowing the response to be diversified as a function of the position and / or nature of the stimulus detected. For example, in the case of a plurality of signalling interfaces operable by pressure, the response may be diversified by operating each time the interface closest to the stimulus delivery position.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (10) for the self-administration of audiovisual stimulation therapies comprising a stimulus delivery device (11,12) with a horizontal development substantially curved along an angular portion so as to outline a portion of a circle, comprising at least one panel (11) for the delivery of visual stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to or less than the angular portion of the horizontal development of the stimulus delivery device (11,12); at least one acoustic source (12) for the delivery of acoustic stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to or less than the angular portion of the horizontal development of the stimulus delivery device (11,12); and a local electronic processing unit configured to control the generation of visual and acoustic stimuli by the at least one panel (11) and the at least one acoustic source (12), characterized in that it comprises at least one support device (30) configured to house an electronic management unit (20) comprising at least one sensor for detecting a three- dimensional movement, the support device (30) comprising a casing (31,32) defining a housing compartment (33) configured to accommodate the electronic management unit (20), wherein the casing (31,32), when placed on a support surface (60), is shaped to allow oscillation of the housing compartment (33) around two axes (X,Y) orthogonal to each other that define the support surface (60), as well as around an axis (Z) orthogonal to the support surface (60).

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the casing (31,32) comprises a lower portion (32) with a curved shape with a convexity facing the outside of the casing (31,32), preferably shaped as a spherical cap.

3. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the casing (31,32) comprises an upper portion (31) movable relative to the housing compartment (33) and connected to a pressure element (34) configured to be moved to reach the housing compartment (33).

4. Apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein the pressure element (34) is made of conductive elastic material and mechanically connected to the upper portion (31).

5. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein thecasing (31,32) comprises a lower portion (32) at least partly showing a friction coefficient suitable for preventing slipping, such as a knurled surface and / or a rubber surface and / or a surface coated with a silicone paint.

6. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (30) comprises a lower cover (35) defining a flat surface and configured to couple with the casing (31,32) to cover a lower portion (32) of the casing (31,32) underneath, defining a flat support surface underneath the support device (30).

7. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic management unit (20) housed in the housing compartment (33), wherein the electronic management unit (20) comprises at least one sensor for detecting a three- dimensional movement, such as a gyroscope and / or a group of accelerometers.

8. Apparatus (10) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic management unit (20) comprises at least one touch screen (21).

9. Apparatus (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the electronic management unit (20) is configured to establish a wireless connection with the local electronic processing unit to transmit activation data of the at least one screen (11) and of the at least one acoustic source (12) for the delivery of visual and / or acoustic stimuli.

10. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the electronic management unit (20) is removably housed in the housing compartment (33).

11. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the electronic management unit (20) is a smart device.

12. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the electronic management unit (20) is an electronic device provided with at least:- an electronic computing unit for running software applications, and / or- a wireless interface module to a telematic network, and / or- a peer-to-peer wireless connection module, such as a Bluetooth module.

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