Motion control apparatus for visual stimulus of eye tracking device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a motion control apparatus (100) for controlling the motion of a visual stimulus device (151) of an eye tracking device comprising a visual stimulus apparatus (150), a cam member (110) rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, comprising a ramp member (121) configured to interface with a portion of the visual stimulus apparatus (150), a pivot arm member (130) rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the apparatus independently of the cam member (110), and a biasing member (170) attached to the visual stimulus apparatus (150) and configured to bias the visual stimulus apparatus (150) to interface with the ramp member (121) while permitting vertical angular rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus (150). A vertical angular orientation and a horizontal angular orientation of the visual stimulus apparatus (150) are controlled by a combined rotation of the cam member (110) and the pivot arm member (130).

Description

MOTION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VISUAL STIMULUS OF EYE TRACKING DEVICERelated Applications

[0001] This application is a PCT of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 703,668 (Attorney Docket No. 9225.00352) filed on October 4, 2024 and titled Motion Control Apparatus for Visual Stimulus of Eye Tracking Device. The content of this application is incorporated herein by reference.Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to systems for controlling the angular orientation of a visual stimulus device.Background of the Invention

[0003] When conducting eye tracking analysis where a visual stimulus is administered for the patient's eyes to follow, the angular range of the visual stimulus and the fine control of the device can impact the quality of the analysis. Current solutions for controlling the angular orientation of devices that provide the necessary visual stimulus involve direct connection between rotational means and the frame that carries the visual stimulus device. Such systems tend to have reduced angular range and / or have less fine control of the angles at which the visual stimulus device can be positioned.

[0004] These limitations in precision motion control may significantly affect the accuracy and reliability of eye tracking measurements. Conventional direct-drive systems may suffer from mechanical backlash, limited resolution in angular positioning, and insufficient smoothness in motion transitions, which can introduce unwanted artifacts into the visual stimulus presentation. The lack of fine angular control may result in jerky or imprecise movement patterns that can compromise the patient's ability to accurately track the visual stimulus, thereby reducing the diagnostic value of the eye tracking analysis.

[0005] Furthermore, existing motion control systems may be constrained by their mechanical coupling arrangements, which can limit the achievable angular range and may not provide the independent control of horizontal and vertical orientations that may be beneficial for comprehensive eye tracking assessments. The inability to achieve smooth, continuous motion across a wide angular range may restrict the types of eye tracking protocols that can be effectively implemented, potentially limiting the clinical utility of such systems.

[0006] The precision requirements for eye tracking applications may demand subdegree accuracy in angular positioning, along with the capability to maintain consistent motion velocities across the entire range of operation. Current systems may also lack the ability to provide real-time adjustments to motion parameters, which may be needed to accommodate varying patient responses or to implement adaptive testing protocols.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a motion control apparatus for visual stimulus devices that provide improved angular range and fine angle control.Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a motion control apparatus for controlling the motion of a visual stimulus device of an eye tracking device is provided. The motion control apparatus includes a visual stimulus apparatus. The motion control apparatus includes a cam member rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, comprising a ramp member configured to interface with a portion of the visual stimulus apparatus. The motion control apparatus includes a pivot arm member rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the apparatus independently of the cam member. The motion control apparatus includes a biasing member attached to the visual stimulus apparatus and configured to bias the visual stimulus apparatus to interface with the ramp member while permitting vertical angular rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus. A vertical angular orientation and a horizontal angular orientation of the visual stimulus apparatus are controlled by a combined rotation of the cam member and the pivot arm member.

[0009] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the motion control apparatus may include one or more of the following features. The cam member may further comprise a center section comprising a center aperture. The pivot arm member may further comprise a lower attachment section positioned at least partially within the center aperture, and an arm section configured to extend upward from the lower attachment section and comprising a biasing member interfacing section attached to the arm section. The biasing member may interface with the biasing member interfacing section. The motion control apparatus may further comprise a bearing member positioned in the center aperture between the lower attachment section and the center section. The ramp member may be positioned at a periphery of the center section. The ramp member may occupy less than the complete periphery of the center section. The visual stimulus apparatus may comprise a support frame and a visual stimulus device carried by the support frame. The support frame may comprise a distal end configured to interface withthe ramp member. The distal end may define an aperture through which an electromagnetic radiation emission of the visual stimulus device may pass through. The visual stimulus device may be one of a laser device, a laser diode device, and a lightemitting diode (LED) device. The support frame may further comprise a support frame bearing positioned at the distal end, the support frame bearing being configured to interface with and roll along the ramp member. The biasing member may comprise a spring device configured to exert a rotational force on the visual stimulus apparatus about a rotational axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the rotational force being directed to maintain contact between the visual stimulus apparatus and the ramp member during rotation of the cam member and the pivot arm member. The ramp member may comprise a wall having a first height at a lower location and a second height at an upper location, the wall tapering between the lower and upper locations to provide a range of vertical angular motion for the visual stimulus apparatus. An angular distance between the lower and upper locations about the longitudinal axis may be within a range from 270 degrees to 330 degrees. The angular distance between the lower and upper locations about a rotational axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis may be within a range from 50 degrees to 70 degrees. The pivot arm member may be configured to rotate through a rotational range limited by an outcropping extending from the cam member, the outcropping being positioned to interface with a portion of the pivot arm member to prevent rotation beyond predetermined limits. The cam member and the pivot arm member may be configured to rotate independently and simultaneously about the longitudinal axis, such that rotation of the cam member may occur without causing rotation of the pivot arm member, and rotation of the pivot arm member may occur without causing rotation of the cam member.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling horizontal and vertical orientations of a visual stimulus apparatus in an eye tracking device is provided. The method comprises providing a motion control apparatus comprising a cam member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a pivot arm member rotatable about the longitudinal axis independently of the cam member, and a visual stimulus apparatus interfacing with a ramp member of the cam member. The method comprises rotating the cam member about the longitudinal axis to cause vertical angular rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus as the visual stimulus apparatus translates along the ramp member. The method comprises rotating the pivot arm member about the longitudinal axis independently of the cam member to cause horizontal angular rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus. The method comprises controlling a combined rotationof the cam member and the pivot arm member to achieve a desired vertical angular orientation and horizontal angular orientation of the visual stimulus apparatus.

[0011] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include one or more of the following features. The method may further comprise maintaining contact between the visual stimulus apparatus and the ramp member using a biasing member that exerts a rotational force on the visual stimulus apparatus about a rotational axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Controlling the combined rotation may comprise rotating the cam member and the pivot arm member simultaneously at different rotational speeds to achieve the desired vertical and horizontal angular orientations. Controlling the combined rotation may comprise rotating the cam member and the pivot arm member in opposite directions about the longitudinal axis at substantially the same rotational speed to achieve substantially horizontal movement of a visual stimulus emitted by the visual stimulus apparatus.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a motion control apparatus for a visual stimulus device for use in eye tracking applications according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the motion control apparatus of FIG. 1 .

[0014] FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the motion control apparatus of FIG.1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a cam member of the motion control apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the motion control apparatus of FIG. 1 .

[0017] FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the cam member of FIG. 5 further including a bearing.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pivot arm member of the motion control apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pivot arm member of FIG. 7 further including a bearing and a biasing member.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a visual stimulus device of the motion control apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the visual stimulus device of FIG. 9 further including a front bearing and not including a visual stimulus device.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the motion control apparatus of FIG. 1 , further including a front bearing, with the visual stimulus apparatus thereof being at a second rotational position.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the motion control apparatus of FIG. 1 , further including a front bearing, with the visual stimulus apparatus thereof being at a third rotational position.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective view of the motion control apparatus as shown in FIG. 12.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a representative schematic view of a motion control apparatus, rotation device, and control device according to an embodiment of the invention.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0027] Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the invention.

[0028] In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention.

[0029] Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides an apparatus for controlling the motion of a visual stimulus device. Such a visual stimulus device may be used in a wide variety of scenarios, including eye tracking devices.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, a motion control apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is presented. The motion control apparatus 100 comprises a cam member 110, a pivot arm member 130, a visual stimulus apparatus 150, and a biasing member 170. The cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 each may be independently rotated to change horizontal and / or vertical angular orientations of a light source comprised by the visual stimulus apparatus 150, thereby changing where light emitted therefrom may be incident upon a reflective surface to act as a visual stimulus for a patient.

[0032] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3-5, additional details regarding the cam member 110 will be discussed. The cam member 110 may comprise a lower section 111 , an intermediate section 117, and a ramp member 121. The cam member 110 may be rotatable about an axis ay. The lower section 111 may be configured to facilitate engagement of an actuating member with the cam member 110 and to facilitate at least one of positioning within and attachment of the pivot arm member 130. The lower section 111 may be generally cylindrical with a longitudinal axial bore and / or comprise a plurality of cylindrical sections of varying diameter, thickness, and / or bore diameter. In some embodiments, one or more of the cylindrical sections may comprise bores of multiple diameters. In the present embodiment, the lower section 111 comprises a flat lower surface 109 having an aperture of diameter di, a first cylindrical section 112 having a bore diameter d2, a rounded and / or beveled transition section 113, a second cylindrical section 114, and a third cylindrical section 115 having multiple bore diameters, including bore diameters c , ch, and d4, as well as a transitional bore ti varying in diameter between d2 and d3. In the present embodiment, each of d4 and d2 may be greater than ds and di may be greater than d2. It is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention that bores of varying diameters and in various arrangements may be comprised by the lowersection 111. The first cylindrical section 112 may extend generally upward from the flat lower surface 109, the second cylindrical section 1 14 may extend upward from the first cylindrical section 112, and the third cylindrical section 115 may extend upward from the second cylindrical section 114. The bores and the apertures of the lower section 111 may be generally coaxial. In some embodiments, the bores and apertures of the lower section 11 1 may be coaxial along axis a-t.

[0033] One or more of the bores of the lower section 111 may be configured to interface with and be rotated by a first rotation device (not shown). The first rotation device may be any device operable to rotate the lower section 111. Types of rotation devices include, but are not limited to, stepper motors, brushless electric motors, and the like. In some embodiments, the first rotation device may be configured as a connection between the lower section 111 and an external device operable to cause the rotation of the lower section, including, but not limited to, belts, pulleys, chains, gears, transmission drive shafts, and the like. In some embodiments, the bore having a diameter d2may be configured to form an interference fit with the first rotation device, thereby engaging with the first rotation device. Any means or method of engagement as is known in the art is contemplated and included in the scope of the invention, including, but not limited to, fasteners, magnetic engagement, electromagnetic engagement, adhesives, welding, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the first cylindrical section 112 may comprise a fastener aperture (not shown) formed therein. The fastener aperture may be configured to permit a fastener to pass therethrough and engage with the first rotation device. Such engagement may prevent or inhibit rotation of the cam member 110 relative to the first rotation device, such that the cam member 110 generally rotates with the first rotation device.

[0034] The intermediate section 117 may be positioned generally above the third cylindrical section 115 and extend upward and outward therefrom. The intermediate section 117 may comprise an upper surface 118 and a center aperture 119 that is generally coaxial with the bores of the lower section 111 and / or axis ai. The intermediate section 117 may further comprise one or more bores that are also coaxial with the bores of the lower section 111. In the present embodiment, the intermediate section 117 comprises bores of diameter ds and de. It is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention that the intermediate section may comprise any number of bores of any diameter. The bore with diameter de may be configured to permit a first bearing 180 to be positioned there within, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first bearing 180 may be configured to form an interference fit or otherwise engage with the intermediate section 117 so as tonot rotate relative to the cam member 110, such that the first bearing 180 and the cam member 110 rotate with each other. More specifically, an outer annulus 184 of the first bearing 180 may form the interference fit. The first bearing 180 may comprise an inner aperture 181 defined by an inner annulus 183 of the bearing configured to facilitate attachment of the pivot arm member 130 thereto, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The first bearing 180 may enable the pivot arm member 130 to rotate independently of the cam member 110, and vice-versa. More specifically, the pivot arm member 130 may be configured to interface with the inner annulus 183, which may be configured to rotate independently of the outer annulus 184, thereby enabling the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 to rotate independently of each other. The bore with diameter ds may be configured to prevent the first bearing 180 from moving further downward into the intermediate section 117 than intended. In some embodiments, an upper surface 182 of the first bearing 180 may be flush with or close to flush with the upper surface 118 of the intermediate section 117.

[0035] The intermediate section 117 may further comprise an outcropping 120. The outcropping 120 may extend upward from the upper surface 118. The outcropping 120 may be configured to interface with the pivot arm member 130 to limit the rotation of the pivot arm member 130 relative to the cam member 110. In some embodiments the outcropping 120 may be positioned adjacent to the center aperture 119. In some embodiments, the outcropping 120 may have a rotational length lriconfigured to define the rotational distance the pivot arm member 130 may rotate about axis a?.

[0036] The ramp member 121 may be positioned at a perimeter of the intermediate section 117 and extend outward and upward therefrom. The ramp member 121 may comprise a wall 122 having a height hi at a lower location 123 and a height h2 at an upper location 123. The wall 122 may taper upwards between the lower and upper locations 123 and 124 as the wall 122 traverses the perimeter of the intermediate section 117. In some embodiments, the change in height of the wall 122 as it tapers between the lower and upper locations 123, 124 may be at a continuous rate, i.e. an equal change in height over equal angular distances; in other embodiments, the change in height may be unequal. In some embodiments, the angular distance between the lower and upper locations 123, 124 about axis ai may be within a range from 270 degrees to 330 degrees, and in the current embodiment is 300 degrees. In some embodiments, the angular distance between the lower and upper locations 123, 124 about an axis a2 (as described hereinbelow and shown in FIG. 8) may be within a range from 50 degrees to 70 degrees, and in the present embodiment is 60 degrees. Accordingly, a horizontal-to-verticalrotational ratio of the ramp member 121 between the lower and upper locations 123, 124 may be within a range from 3.8:1 to 6.6:1 , and in the present embodiment is 5:1 .

[0037] An upper surface 125 of the wall 122 may be substantially smooth and devoid of surface features that would inhibit the sliding of an object thereupon. The upper surface 125 may be smoothed, polished, or otherwise have finishing processes performed thereon to accomplish this smoothness. The wall 122 may comprise an outer cutout 126 designed to reduce the material consumption of the cam member 110. An inner surface 127 of the wall 122 may be intact and unaffected by the outer cutout 126. The ramp member 121 may further comprise a void 128 between the lower and upper locations 123, 124 of the wall 122. The ramp member 121 may define an outer extremity of the cam member 110.

[0038] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pivot arm member 130 will be discussed in greater detail. The pivot arm member 130 may comprise a lower attachment section 131. The lower attachment section 131 may be configured to attach to the first bearing 180. In the present embodiment, the lower attachment section 131 may be configured to be positioned within the inner aperture 181 of the first bearing 180 and form an interference fit with the inner annulus 183 of the first bearing 180.

[0039] The lower attachment section 131 may further comprise one or more bores of varying diameters, as seen in FIG. 5. The lower attachment section may comprise a first bore having a diameter c . The bore with diameter dz may be configured to permit a shaft from a rotation device to be positioned therewithin. In some embodiments, the shaft may be an inner shaft that is concentric with an outer shaft of the same rotation device, where the outer shaft interfaces with and rotates the cam member 110 and the inner shaft interface with and rotates the pivot arm member 130. In such an embodiment, the rotation device may be operable to independently rotate each of the inner and outer shafts, such that each of the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 may be rotated independently of each other. In another embodiment, the outer shaft may be driven by a first rotation device and the inner shaft may be driven by a second rotation device. A person of skill in the art will understand that such first and second rotation devices may be comprised by a single apparatus or tool, but have independent drive mechanisms for each shaft, such that each of the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 may be simultaneously independently rotated. It is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention that both simultaneous rotations of the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 and sequential rotation thereof are within the scope of the invention. To accommodate concentric shafts, the bores of the pivot arm member 130 may bepositioned such that they are centered on axis ai and / or to be coaxial with the bores of the cam member 110. In some embodiments, the lower attachment section 131 may further comprise a second bore having a diameter ds (not shown) that is smaller than diameter d?. The bore with diameter ds may be configured to prevent the inner shaft from extending further into the pivot arm member 130 than intended.

[0040] The pivot arm member 130 may further comprise an arm section 132. The arm section 132 may include a base section 133 positioned above the lower attachment section 131 and extending laterally outward. The base section 133 may further comprise a base aperture 139 that is contiguous with the bores of the pivot arm member 130 and permits access to the bores.

[0041] The arm section 132 may further include one or more arm sections 134. The one or more arm sections 134 may extend generally upward from the base section 133, and hence upward from the lower attachment section 131. The one or more arm sections 134 are configured to support and / or carry the visual stimulus apparatus 150. In the present embodiment, the pivot arm member 130 comprises a pair of opposing arm sections 134. The opposing arm sections 134 may extend upward from opposite ends of the base section 133 and define a space therebetween within which the visual stimulus apparatus 150 may be supported and / or suspended. The arm sections 134 may include one or more features configured to facilitate support and / or suspension of the visual stimulus apparatus 150. In the present embodiment, each arm section 134 comprises a visual stimulus apparatus attachment feature 135. The visual stimulus apparatus attachment feature 135 may be configured to facilitate attachment of the visual stimulus apparatus 150 to the arm section 134. The attachment between the visual stimulus apparatus 150 and the arm section 134 may be configured to permit rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus 150 about rotational axis a2. In some embodiments, rotational axis a2 may be orthogonal to rotational axis ay. Such rotation may be relative to the arm section 134 and / or the pivot arm member 130. In the present embodiment, the visual stimulus apparatus attachment feature 135 may be a raised, rounded structure projecting radially inward from an inner surface 136 of the arm sections 134. The visual stimulus apparatus attachment feature 135 may further be configured to permit the visual stimulus apparatus 150 to be selectively detached therefrom. Additionally, the arm sections 134 may be configured to permit a small amount of flexure thereof to further facilitate the attachment and detachment of the visual stimulus apparatus 150. In some embodiments, the arm sections 134 may be biased slightly inward to apply a small amount of feree to the visualstimulus apparatus 150. Such biasing may prevent jittery or irregular motion of the visual stimulus apparatus 150 as it translates along the ramp member 121 .

[0042] The pivot arm member 130 may further comprise one or more biasing member interfacing sections 137. The biasing member interfacing sections 137 may be configured to interface with the biasing member 170 and provide a resisting force thereto. In the present embodiment, the biasing member interfacing sections 137 are located at an upper end of each of the arm sections 134 and extends generally radially inward. The biasing member interfacing section 137 may comprise a recess 138 within which a part of the biasing member 170 may be positioned and interface with the biasing member interfacing section 137. Additional details regarding the biasing member 170 and resistance provided by the biasing member interfacing sections 137 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0043] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 9-10, the visual stimulus apparatus 150 of the present embodiment will be discussed in greater detail. The visual stimulus apparatus 150 may be configured to rotatably attach to the pivot arm member 130 and emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR) for perception by a patient in a direction determined by the rotation of the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130. In some embodiments, the EMR may be in the visual range, i.e. having a wavelength within a range from 380 nanometers (nm) to 750 nm. The visual stimulus apparatus 150 may comprise a visual stimulus device 151 . The visual stimulus device 151 may be configured to emit light from a light-emitting end 152. The visual stimulus device 151 may be any device configured to emit light as is known in the art, including, but not limited to, lightemitting diode (LED) devices, laser diode devices, laser devices, and the like. The visual stimulus device 151 may comprise a plurality of electrical conduits 153 operable to provide electrical power to the 151 and to permit a remote computerized device to control the operation of the visual stimulus device 151 .

[0044] The visual stimulus apparatus 150 may further comprise a support frame 154. The support frame 154 may be configured to permit the visual stimulus device 151 to be removably attached thereto and carried thereby. Moreover, the support frame 154 may be configured to rotatably attach to the pivot arm member 130 to provide the attachment between the visual stimulus apparatus 150 and the pivot arm member 130. The support frame 154 may comprise a body member 155 defining a central channel within which the visual stimulus device 151 may be positioned and retained. The support frame may further comprise one or more retention members 161 positioned and configured to extend into a space above the central channel and facilitate retention of thevisual stimulus device 151 therewithin. The support frame 154 may further comprise a rear wall 156 and a front cap member 157 configured to further facilitate retention of the visual stimulus device 151. The rear wall 156 may be located at a proximal end of the support frame 154 and comprise a cutout section configured to permit the plurality of electrical conduits 153 to extend from a rear end of the visual stimulus device 151 . The front cap member 157 may be positioned at a distal end of the support frame 154 and comprise an EMR aperture 158 through which EMR emitted by the visual stimulus device 151 may pass through. In some embodiments, the front cap member 157 may comprise one or more lenses configured to protect the visual stimulus device 151 and / or alter the characteristics of light emitted thereby. Such characteristics may include, but are not limited to, light beam circularization, collimation, divergence, convergence, wavelength, dispersion, intensity, polarization, and the like. The front cap member 157 may comprise a cavity within which a portion of the visual stimulus device 151 may be positioned. In some embodiments, the support frame 154 may further comprise a front bearing 159. The front bearing 159 may be positioned around and attached to the front cap member 157. An outer surface 160 of the front bearing 159 may be configured to rotate about axis as independently of the front cap member 157 and, accordingly, of the entire support frame 154. The front bearing 159 may enable the visual stimulus apparatus 150 to interface with and roll along the upper surface 125 of the ramp member 121 , facilitating such transitioning along the length of the ramp member 121 .

[0045] The support frame 154 may further comprise one or more attachment sections 162. The attachment sections 162 may be configured to facilitate the attachment of the visual stimulus apparatus 150 to the pivot arm member 130. Moreover, the attachment between the attachment sections 162 and the pivot arm member 130 may permit the visual stimulus apparatus to rotate about axis a2. Furthermore, the attachment between the attachment sections 162 and the pivot arm member 130 may enable the detachment of the visual stimulus apparatus 150 from the pivot arm member 130. It is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention that a first visual stimulus apparatus may be detached from the pivot arm member 130 and a second visual stimulus apparatus may be subsequently attached to the pivot arm member 130.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the support frame 154 comprises a pair of attachment sections 162 positioned on opposite lateral sides of the body member 155 and extending outward therefrom. The attachment sections 162 may comprise a cavity 163 within which the visual stimulus apparatus attachment feature 135 may be held. The cavity 163 may be configured to generally conform to the rounded shape of the visualstimulus apparatus attachment feature 135, thereby enabling rotation as described. The attachment sections 162 may further comprise a plurality of ridges 164 extending outward. The plurality of ridges 164 may be configured to interface with the biasing member 170, thereby carrying the biasing member 170 and, in some embodiments, permitting the biasing member 170 to exert a rotational force to the visual stimulus apparatus about axis a? in a manner configured to keep the front bearing 159 interfaced with the upper surface 125 of the ramp member 121.

[0047] Referring now back to FIG. 8, additional details regarding the biasing member 170 will be discussed. The biasing member 170 may be any device operable to bias the visual stimulus apparatus 150 in a generally downward direction, such that it remains interfaced with the ramp 121 as described above. In the present embodiment, the biasing member 170 is a spring device comprising a pair of wound sections 171 , a pair of pivot arm member interfacing sections 172, and a bridge section 173. In some embodiments, the biasing member 170 may be formed from a single length of wire that may be manipulated into the presented shape with the above-described sections. The wound sections 171 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to and / or interfacing with the plurality of ridges 164 of the attachment sections 162 of the support frame 154. Accordingly, the diameter of the wound sections 171 may be configured to accomplish such placement / interfacing. The bridge section 173 may be positioned intermediate the wound sections 171 and may serve to connect the wound sections 171. Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 12, the bridge section 173 may be configured to interface with an underside of the support frame 154 to apply a rotational force to the visual stimulus apparatus 150 about a2 configured to maintain the interface between the outer surface 160 of the front bearing 159 and the ramp member 121. Specifically, receiving groove 165 of the support frame 154 may be configured to permit the bridge section 173 to be positioned and retained therewithin and exert force upon the support frame 154.

[0048] The pivot arm member interfacing sections 172 may extend from the wound sections 171 and be configured to interface with the biasing member interfacing sections 137 of the pivot arm member 130. In the present embodiment, the pivot arm member interfacing sections 172 may be generally straight and configured to be positioned within the recesses 138 of the biasing member interfacing sections 137 to prevent or inhibit the pivot arm member interfacing sections 172 from unintentionally moving into an area where the biasing member interfacing sections 137 cannot resist rotation of the pivot arm member interfacing sections 172. As the visual stimulus apparatus 150 rotates about axes a2 and as, bearing member 170 may exert a force thereupon as described above in adirection that tends to keep the visual stimulation apparatus 150 in contact with the ramp member 121 , and the biasing member interfacing sections 137 may exert an equal and opposite force on the pivot arm member interfacing sections 172 to net out the total force experienced by the biasing member 170.

[0049] FIG. 1 depicts the motion control apparatus 100 where the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 are at a first rotational location resulting in the visual stimulus apparatus 150 being at a first location close to a lower end of the ramp member 121. FIG. 11 depicts the motion control apparatus 100 where the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 are at a second rotational location resulting in the visual stimulus apparatus 150 being at a second location further up the ramp member 121 than in the first location. FIG. 12 depicts the motion control apparatus 100 where the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 are at a third rotational location resulting in the visual stimulus apparatus 150 being at a third location at a maximum height along the ramp member 121. As can be seen in FIG. 13, when in the third rotational location a portion of the pivot arm member 130 may interface with the outcropping 120 to prevent further rotation of the pivot arm member 130 about axis a? with respect to the cam member 110. Such interfacing may serve as independent and / or supplemental protection against the visual stimulus apparatus 150 rotating past the highest part and off the ramp member 121. It is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention that similar interfacing may occur when the pivot arm member 130 rotates in the other direction, with another portion of the pivot arm member 130 interfacing with the outcropping 120 to prevent the visual stimulus apparatus from rotating too low and off the ramp member 121 in the opposite direction. The outcropping 120 may be dimensioned so as to enable this rotation limiting function. In some embodiments, the pivot arm member 130 may comprise an interfacing section 140 as seen in FIGS. 5 and 13 configured to interface with the outcropping 120.

[0050] A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that rotation of only the cam member 110 about axis ai will cause the vertical rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus 150 about 32, thereby causing light emitted thereby to be rotated in a concordant direction. Rotation of the pivot arm member 130 about axis a? will result in simultaneous vertical and horizontal rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus 150 about axes 2 and ai, respectively, thereby causing light emitted thereby to be emitted in concordant directions. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in order to control both the vertical and horizontal rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus 150, both the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 may have to be simultaneouslyrotated to accomplish the desired movement of light emitted by the visual stimulus apparatus 150. For example, to effectuate an entirely horizontal rotation of light emitted by the visual stimulus apparatus, the pivot arm member 130 must be rotated in a first direction that matches the desired horizontal rotation, but necessarily will also result in a vertical rotation. To counteract the vertical rotation resulting from the rotation of the pivot arm member 130, the cam member 110 must be rotated at a speed configured to negate the vertical rotation of the pivot arm member 130. Accordingly, the vertical and horizontal angular orientation of the visual stimulus apparatus may be controlled by the combined rotation of the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130. In some embodiments, rotation of the cam member 110 and the pivot arm member 130 at the same rotational speed in opposite directions about axis ay may result in purely horizontal movement of a visual stimulus emitted by the motion control apparatus 100.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 14, a motion control system 1400 according to an embodiment of the invention is presented. The motion control system 1400 may comprise a motion control apparatus 1410, a rotation device 1420, and a control device 1430. The motion control apparatus 1410 may be the motion control apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1-13, comprising a cam member 1412, a pivot arm member 1414, and a visual stimulus device 1416. The rotation device 1420 may be a device operable to rotate each of the first and pivot arm members 1412, 1414 independently as described above. The rotation device 1420 may comprise a cam member rotating mechanism 1422 and a pivot arm member rotating mechanism 1424. The cam member rotating mechanism 1422 may be operable to rotate the cam member 1412 and the pivot arm member rotating mechanism 1424 may be operable to rotate the pivot arm member 1414. Each cam member rotating mechanism 1422, 1424 may be operable to rotate the cam member 1412 and the pivot arm member 1414, respectively, independently of each other.

[0052] The control device 1430 may be configured to control the operation of both the visual stimulus device 1416 and the rotation device 1420 to cause the emission of light in a preferred direction. The control device 1430 may be coupled to each of the visual stimulus device 1416 and the rotation device 1420 to accomplish operative control. Such coupling may be physical, such as by use of a connector between the devices, or it may be wireless, utilizing radio frequency communication between the devices. In some embodiments, one of the visual stimulus device 1416 and the rotation device 1420 may be physically connected and the other may be wirelessly connected. The control device 1430 may be configured to selectively activate the visual stimulus device 1416 to emit light when desired and not emit light when not desired. The control device 1430 may befurther configured to individually operate the first and pivot arm member rotating mechanisms 1422, 1424 to cause a desired rotation of each of the first and pivot arm members 1412, 1414. The control device 1430 may comprise a processor 1432, a computer-readable non-volatile data storage device 1434, and a communication device 1436. The processor 1432 may be any type of computer processing device as is known in the art, including integrated circuits, microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays, and the like. The processor 1432 may be positioned in operable communication with each of the data storage device 1434 and the communication device 1436. The data storage device 1434 may be any type of storage device for computer systems as is known in the art, including, but not limited to, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, flash drives, optical drives, magnetic film drives, and the like. The data storage device 1434 may have stored thereon software that can be accessed and executed by the processor 1432 to cause the operation of the visual stimulus device 1416 and the rotation device 1420. Such software may enable individual operation of the first and pivot arm member rotation mechanisms 1422, 1424. In some embodiments, the data storage device 1434 may have stored thereon software enabling a pre-programmed sequence of operations for controlling the visual stimulus device 1416 and the rotation device 1420 to administer a predetermine sequence of visual stimuli to a patient. In some embodiments, the storage device may have stored thereon software configured to enable a user to provide inputs to the control device 1430 to control the operation of the visual stimulus device 1416 and the rotation device 1420 to administer desired visual stimuli to the patient. Such user input may be received through any user input device as is known in the art, including, but not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a dedicated hardware device comprising one or more user-actuatable input mechanisms.

[0053] The communication device 1436 may be any type of computerized communication device operable to communicate with another computerized device or input device. The communication device 1436 may be one or more of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, a wired network communication device, such as an Ethernet card, and a wireless communication device, including, but not limited to, a radio frequency communication device, including devices compliant with IEEE 802 standards, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter, Threads, and the like. The communication device 1436 may be operable to communicate across a cellular network. The communication device 1436 may be operable to communicate across a computerized network, including personal area networks, local area networks, and wide area networks, including the Internet. It is contemplated and included within the scope of the inventionthe control device 1430 may comprise more than one communication device 1436 to communicate via differing communication modalities and / or standards.

[0054] Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

[0055] While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the description of the invention. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A motion control apparatus (100) for controlling the motion of a visual stimulus device (151) of an eye tracking device comprising: a visual stimulus apparatus (150); a cam member (110) rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, comprising a ramp member (121) configured to interface with a portion of the visual stimulus apparatus (150); a pivot arm member (130) rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the apparatus independently of the cam member (110); and a biasing member (170) attached to the visual stimulus apparatus (150) and configured to bias the visual stimulus apparatus (150) to interface with the ramp member (121 ) while permitting vertical angular rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus (150); wherein a vertical angular orientation and a horizontal angular orientation of the visual stimulus apparatus (150) are controlled by a combined rotation of the cam member (110) and the pivot arm member (130).

2. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 1 wherein: the cam member (110) further comprises a center section comprising a center aperture (119); the pivot arm member (130) further comprises: a lower attachment section (131) positioned at least partially within the center aperture (119); an arm section (132) configured to extend upward from the lower attachment section (131) and comprising a biasing member interfacing section (137) attached to the arm section (132); and the biasing member (170) interfaces with the biasing member interfacing section (137).

3. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 2 further comprising a bearing member (180) positioned in the center aperture (119) between the lower attachment section (131) and the center section.

4. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 2 wherein the ramp member (121) is positioned at a periphery of the center section.

5. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 4 wherein the ramp member (121) occupies less than a complete periphery of the center section.

6. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 1 wherein the visual stimulus apparatus (150) comprises: a support frame (154); and a visual stimulus device (151 ) carried by the support frame (154).

7. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 6 wherein the support frame (154) comprises a distal end configured to interface with the ramp member (121 ).

8. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 7 wherein the distal end defines an aperture (158) through which an electromagnetic radiation emission of the visual stimulus device (151 ) may pass through.

9. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 8 wherein the visual stimulus device (151 ) is one of a laser device, a laser diode device, and a light-emitting diode (LED) device.

10. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 7 wherein the support frame (154) further comprises a support frame bearing (159) positioned at the distal end, the support frame bearing (159) being configured to interface with and roll along the ramp member. (121 ).11 . The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 1 wherein the biasing member (170) comprises a spring device configured to exert a rotational force on the visual stimulus apparatus (150) about a rotational axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the rotational force being directed to maintain contact between the visual stimulus apparatus (150) and the ramp member (121 ) during rotation of the cam member (110) and the pivot arm member (130).

12. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 1 wherein the ramp member (121 ) comprises a wall (122) having a first height at a lower location (123) and a second height at an upper location (124), the wall (122) tapering between the lower and upper locations (123, 124) to provide a range of vertical angular motion for the visual stimulus apparatus (150).

13. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 12 wherein an angular distance between the lower and upper locations (123, 124) about the longitudinal axis may be within a range from 270 degrees to 330 degrees.

14. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 13 wherein the angular distance between the lower and upper locations (123, 124) about a rotational axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis may be within a range from 50 degrees to 70 degrees.

15. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 1 wherein the pivot arm member (130) may be configured to rotate through a rotational range limited by an outcropping (120) extending from the cam member (110), the outcropping (120) being positioned to interface with a portion of the pivot arm member (130) to prevent rotation beyond predetermined limits.

16. The motion control apparatus (100) of claim 1 wherein the cam member (110) and the pivot arm member (130) may be configured to rotate independently and simultaneously about the longitudinal axis, such that rotation of the cam member (110) may occur without causing rotation of the pivot arm member (130), and rotation of the pivot arm member (130) may occur without causing rotation of the cam member (110).

17. A method for controlling horizontal and vertical orientations of a visual stimulus apparatus (150) in an eye tracking device, the method comprising: providing a motion control apparatus (100) comprising a cam member (110) rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a pivot arm member (130) rotatable about the longitudinal axis independently of the cam member (110), and a visual stimulus apparatus (150) interfacing with a ramp member (121) of the cam member (110); rotating the cam member (110) about the longitudinal axis to cause vertical angular rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus (150) as the visual stimulus apparatus (150) translates along the ramp member (121); rotating the pivot arm member (130) about the longitudinal axis independently of the cam member (110) to cause horizontal angular rotation of the visual stimulus apparatus (150); and controlling a combined rotation of the cam member (110) and the pivot arm member (130) to achieve a desired vertical angular orientation and horizontal angular orientation of the visual stimulus apparatus (150).

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising maintaining contact between the visual stimulus apparatus (150) and the ramp member (121) using a biasing member (170) that exerts a rotational force on the visual stimulus apparatus (150) about a rotational axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein controlling the combined rotation comprises rotating the cam member (110) and the pivot arm member (130) simultaneously at different rotational speeds to achieve the desired vertical and horizontal angular orientations.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein controlling the combined rotation comprises rotating the cam member (110) and the pivot arm member (130) in oppositedirections about the longitudinal axis at substantially the same rotational speed to achieve substantially horizontal movement of a visual stimulus emitted by the visual stimulus apparatus (150).

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