Head wearable device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a head wearable position and orientation indicating device configured in use to provide real-time visual feedback regarding the position and orientation of a user's head The device comprises a wearable member configured in use to be worn on the head of a user; a cross-beam light source mountable on the wearable member such that the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be positioned on a forehead of a user and to provide a cross image on a surface facing the user; and a power source operable to power the cross-beam light source.

Description

[0001] HEAD WEARABLE DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to a head wearable position and orientation indicating device, and to a method for producing the device.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] Cervical headaches affect around 2.5% of the adult population and account for between 15-20% of all recurrent and chronic headaches. Patients with cervicocephalic syndrome often report headache and neck pain and are often misdiagnosed as having migraines. Cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility is a condition relating to chronic neck disorders. It has been found that patients with this condition have a reduced ability to recognise neck movements due to disturbed proprioception. Cervical proprioception is important in maintaining posture and movements.

[0005] There is a need fora device which is capable of providing for improved feedback as to the position and orientation of a user’s head on completion of an active movement in order to determine the user’s cervical proprioception ability.

[0006] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head wearable position and orientation indicating device configured in use to provide visual feedback regarding the position and orientation of a user’s head, the device comprising:

[0008] a wearable member configured in use to be worn on the head of a user;

[0009] a cross-beam light source attachable to or mountable on the wearable member such that the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be positioned on a forehead of a user and to provide a cross image on a viewing surface facing the user; and

[0010] a power source operable to power the cross-beam light source.

[0011] The device is preferably a rehabilitation device, for example a neuro-rehabilitation device. The device is preferably a muscle coordination assessment device. The device is preferably a cervicocephalic proprioception ability assessment device. The device is preferably a balance and / or coordination assessment device. The device is preferably a physiotherapy device. The device is preferably configured in use to assess a user’s issues with movement control and other sensorimotor deficits of the head and neck region. The device may for example be a rehabilitation device for whiplash-associated disorders. The device may be used to rehabilitate subjects with conditions such as neurological disorders such as chronic neck pain, concussion, cervicogenic dizziness, ocular motor activation, and for example elderly persons with deteriorating neurological conditions affecting fine movements of the head and neck.

[0012] The position and / or orientation of the head of a user can be identified by the device after an active movement.

[0013] By providing a cross image on the viewing surface, and assessing this placement in relation to a predetermined target, the user is provided with visual feedback relating to both:

[0014] i) translational movement of the image from a target image after movement of the head of the user; and

[0015] ii) rotational movement of the image from a target image (as a result of example tilting or rolling of the head of the user),

[0016] after movement of the head of the user.

[0017] The visual feedback is indicative of the user’s posture after movement. The movement is preferably a predetermined sequence of movements.

[0018] For example, the user may be required to align the cross image with a target image and to subsequently move their head side-to-side whilst moving the cross image smoothly in a horizontal direction across the target image. In a further exercise, the user may be required to align the cross image with a target image and to subsequently move in a direction towards and then away from the target image whilst maintaining the cross image in alignment with the target image. Further exercises may include the user aligning the cross image with a target image whilst jogging on a spot. The device of the present invention will provide immediate visual feedback relating to both translation and rotational movement of the cross image relative to the target image during this sequencing of movements. The device may be used to aid the user to re-learn correct posture and / or orientation of their head and neck.

[0019] As such, the device of the present invention provides for more accurate results from cognitive functional tests compared to for example from a head torch projecting a dot image onto a viewing surface.

[0020] The device of the present invention may be suitable for use in for example the Cervial Joint Position Error Test (CJPE Test) which measures or assesses a user’s cervicocephalic proprioception ability. Cervicocephalic proprioception relates to a user’s ability of sense the position of their head and neck in space. The test can be used to identify proprioceptive deficits in people with neck pain, especially where the pain originated from trauma or from gradual onset.

[0021] Cervical muscles help to relay sensory information regarding head position to the central nervous system. Muscle spindle receptors respond to changes in length of cervical muscles. The information provided from cervical muscle length changes converges at the vestibular nuclei with information from the vestibular and visual systems. This information is then sent to the cerebellum and cerebrum and is responsible for a user’s sense of head-neck position. Users suffering from injury (such as for example from a stroke, from a fall or whiplash) or chronic neck pain are known to have disturbances to cervical input leading to abnormalities with their ability to control the position of their neck and head.

[0022] Forthe CJPE test, the user sits in a chairwith a backrestand closes their eyes orwears a blindfold. A target is then positioned ~90 cm in front of the user and adjusted to their neutral head position. The user then rotates their head to one side and tries to return to the neutral position (i.e. the location of the target). The user then provides a verbal indication when they believe that they have returned to the neutral position. The distance between the target point and where the user’s head is positioned then determines the error. The test is repeated a number of times on the same side. The userthen does the same test for the other side. The present invention provides feedback about the user’s head position in space in all planes of movement due to the use of a cross image. The device of the present invention is used to determine and / or to improve head control.

[0023] The wearable member may be any suitable member configured in use to be worn on the head of user whilst also being capable of positioning the cross-beam light source on the forehead of a user.

[0024] In one embodiment, the wearable member preferably comprises at least one strap. The at least one strap is preferably configured in use to form a loop to extend around the head of a user. The at least one strap is preferably adjustable so that a user can adjust the size of the loop formed by the at least one strap in order to fit and be secured to their individual head.

[0025] In one embodiment, the wearable member comprises at least one strap attached to the cross-beam light source.

[0026] The cross-beam light source preferably comprises a rear surface configured in use to be positioned adjacent the forehead of a user. In one embodiment, the rear surface of the light source is configured in use to be positioned adjacent the forehead of a user and at least one strap forms a loop, extending between opposing sides of the light source. Preferably, the at least one strap and the rear surface of the light source provide a continuous loop to extend around the head of a user.

[0027] In one embodiment, the wearable comprises at least one strap, each strap having a first end attached to the cross-beam light source, and a second opposed end attached to the power source. The power source may be located at any suitable point within or on the loop formed by the light source and strap.

[0028] The power source preferably comprises a rear surface configured in use to be positioned adjacent the head of a user, preferably the rear of the head of a user. In one embodiment, the rear surface of the power source is configured in use to be positioned adjacent the head of a user (for example the rear of the head of a user) and at least one strap forms a loop, extending between opposing sides of the power source. Preferably, the at least one straps, the rear surface of the light source and the rear surface of the power source provide a continuous loop to extend around the head of a user.

[0029] In one embodiment, the wearable member comprises at least one first strap configured in use to form a loop (formed with or without the rear surface(s) of one or more of: the power source and / or light source) to extend around the head of a user, and at least one second strap. The at least one second strap preferably comprises a first end configured in use to be attached to or located adjacent the at least one first strap adjacent the front of the head of a user, and a second end configured in use to be attached to or located adjacent the at least one first strap adjacent the rear of the head of a user. The at least one second strap is preferably configured in use to extend across the top of the head of a user from the front to the rear of the head.

[0030] In one embodiment, the light source comprises a front surface, a rear surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and a pair of opposed side portions extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the power source comprises a front surface, a rear surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and a pair of opposed side portions extending therebetween. The at least one second strap preferably comprises a first end configured in use to be attached to or located adjacent the upper edge of the light source adjacent the front of the head of a user, and a second end configured in use to be attached to or located adjacent: the at least one first strap or the upper edge of the power source adjacent the rear of the head of a user. The at least one second strap is preferably configured in use to extend across the top of the head of a user from the front to the rear of the head.

[0031] The second strap(s) may be releasably attachable (at one or both ends thereof) to the first strap(s) (or via a component (for example the light source and / or power supply) located between and attached to the second strap(s) and the first strap(s)) of the wearable member.

[0032] The second strap(s) may be permanently attached (at one or both ends thereof) to the first strap(s) (or via a component (for example the light source and / or power supply) located between and attached to the second strap(s) and the first strap(s)) of the wearable member. The first and / or second strap(s) are preferably adjustable so the wearable member can be sized to accommodate individual heads of the users.

[0033] The wearable member may comprise a hat or helmet.

[0034] The wearable member is preferably configured in use to be easily adjustable to individual head dimensions of a user.

[0035] The wearable member is preferably easily and efficiently secured in position on a head of a user.

[0036] The device of the present invention can be stored away easily, whilst requiring a minimal amount of space, when not in use. In a stored configuration, the dimensions of the device are dependent on the dimensions of the light source and power supply as the wearable member is preferably foldable.

[0037] The wearable member is preferably easily cleanable, for example by washing and / or by application of disinfectant.

[0038] The cross-beam light source is preferably releasably mountable on the wearable member.

[0039] The cross-beam light source is preferably a cross-beam laser source.

[0040] The light source is preferably a coloured light source. A coloured cross-beam light source is more easily seen in daylight.

[0041] A cross-beam laser light source with a wavelength in the range of 650 up to 660 nm is preferably used.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cross-beam light source is fixedly mounted on the wearable member, for example on the first strap of the wearable member. In one embodiment, the cross-beam light source is fixedly mounted on the first strap adjacent the first end of the second strap of the wearable member. The cross-beam light source may be fixedly mounted at or adjacent the first end of the second strap of the wearable member.

[0043] The cross-beam light source is preferably adjustably mountable on the wearable member, for example on the first strap of the wearable member. In one embodiment, the cross-beam light source is adjustably mounted on the first strap adjacent the first end of the second strap of the wearable member. The cross-beam light source may be adjustably mounted at or adjacent the first end of the second strap of the wearable member.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be rotatable about at least one axis within a plane defined by a portion of the wearable member upon which the cross-beam light source is mounted.

[0045] For example, the cross-beam light source is preferably rotatable about a first axis extending substantially parallel to an axis extending between the eyes of the user. Rotation of the cross-beam light source about the first axis adjusts the height of the cross image projected onto a surface opposite the cross-beam light source.

[0046] In one embodiment, the cross-beam light source is rotatable about a second axis extending substantially perpendicular to an axis extending between the eyes of the user. Rotation of the cross-beam light source about the second axis adjusts the lateral position of the cross image projected onto a surface opposite the cross-beam light source.

[0047] The cross-beam light source is preferably configured in use to be focussed, preferably manually focussed, by a user to provide a clear visual cross representation on a surface viewed by the user.

[0048] The wearable member preferably further comprises at least one gripping member configured in use to be positioned to contact the head of the user.

[0049] The power source may comprise a battery pack.

[0050] The power source is preferably rechargeable.

[0051] In one embodiment, the power source is located on the wearable member at or adjacent the rear of a user’s head.

[0052] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a housing defining a cavity therein. The cross-beam light source is preferably located within or on the housing and configured in use to provide a cross image light beam extending therefrom.

[0053] The light source may be located within the cavity of the housing. The housing may comprise an opening aligned with the cross-beam light source to enable a light beam to pass therethrough. The housing may be transparent enabling the cross-beam light source to pass therethrough.

[0054] In one embodiment, the power source is preferably located within the housing.

[0055] The device may further comprise a charging port in communication with the power source. For example, the housing may comprise a charging port in communication with the power source.

[0056] The device may further comprise a switch operable to switch the light source on and off. The switch may for example be a push button. The switch is preferably in communication with the power source and the light source. The switch is preferably located on or adjacent the light source.

[0057] In one embodiment, the device further comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The motion of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) may include linear motion and rotational motion, particularly linear acceleration, for example acceleration in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and rotational acceleration, relating to pitch, roll and yaw of the IMU. The IMU is preferably configured in use to provide an output indicative of the linear and / or rotational motion of the IMU.

[0058] The presence of the IMU, enables the head wearable position and orientation indicating device to generate precise, objective data on joint position error and cervical range of motion. As such, the head wearable position and orientation indicating device provides an efficient, integral, portable unit which can be used to support users in determining and assessing impairment and to monitor rehabilitation progress with high sensitivity and reliability.

[0059] The IMU is preferably located on the wearable member. The IMU may be located at any suitable location on the wearable member. For example, the IMU may be located towards the rear of a user’s head when the device is worn.

[0060] The IMU may comprise a multi axis accelerometer, for example a three axis accelerometer or an accelerometer array arranged in three orthogonal axes, thereby capable of resolving acceleration in three orthogonal axes or three perpendicular planes. For example, acceleration in three axes can be measured, an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. When in use, the three axes may be defined as an x-axis which is an axis traversing, or passing through, the front and rear of the user’s head thereby denoting forwards and rearwards movement of the user’s head, a y-axis which is an axis traversing, or passing through, both sides of the user’s head thereby denoting sideways or lateral movement of the user’s head, and a z-axis which is an axis traversing, or passing through, the top and bottom of the user’s head thereby denoting up and down movement of the user’s head. By measuring the acceleration in three orthogonal axes, or three perpendicular planes, the full motion of the user’s head in three dimensions can be accurately determined.

[0061] The accelerometer may be, for example, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer, for example a capacitive MEMS accelerometer. Alternatively, the accelerometer may be a piezoresistive accelerometers or piezoelectric accelerometer, though the device can be operated with other types of accelerometers.

[0062] The head wearable position and orientation indicating device may be configured to monitor the linear acceleration experienced at the accelerometer, at an instantaneous pointintime, cumulatively over a period of time, orboth atan instantaneous pointintime and also cumulatively over a period of time.

[0063] The orientation of the head wearable position and orientation indicating device may be determined, in use, by determining the predominant direction of motion of the accelerometer. For example, the predominant direction of motion of the accelerometer may be in a forward direction.

[0064] The inertial measurement unit may be a nine-axis inertial measurement unit.

[0065] The head wearable position and orientation indicating device may comprise a storage device for storing data relating to the output indicative of the motion of the at least one accelerometer.

[0066] The head wearable position and orientation indicating device may comprise a wireless transceiver for operably connecting device to a wireless network and transferring data, relating to the output indicative of the motion of the or each accelerometer to a remote user device on the wireless network.

[0067] The device may further comprise a processor operably coupled to the I MU, and the power supply.

[0068] The output from the IMU may be provided to the processor. The processor is preferably configured in use to correlate the output from the IMU to determine the motion of the head wearable position and orientation indicating device.

[0069] The storage device may be operably coupled or connected to the processor for transfer of data therebetween.

[0070] The storage device may be a memory or memory circuitry configured to store or retain data, where the data may be raw data from the accelerometer(s) or may be data processed by the processor from the output indicative of the motion of the IMU. In some embodiments the device will be worn by the user and the data collected from the output of the IMU will be analysed some time after the event. The storage device preferably allows for the retention of data for later analysis.

[0071] In one embodiment, the head wearable position and orientation indicating device is used in conjunction with a target image in the form of a predetermined target path. In use, the user wears the device and attempts to position the cross image from the cross-beam light source on the target image path and to continue to move the cross image alongthe target image path. The device may be configured such that the accuracy of locating and moving the cross image of the cross-beam light source on the target image path can be determined from the data collected from the processor with regards to the pitch, roll and yaw of the IMU in combination with the visual feedback during said movement. The user may make repeated attempts to move the cross image along the predetermined target path and the device may be configured to store data from each attempt in order to determine the accuracy of each attempt and identify rehabilitation progress. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of use of a head wearable position and orientation indicating device as herein described to determine the position and orientation of a user’s head, the method comprising:

[0072] obtaining visual feedback as to the translation and rotational movement of the cross image of the cross-beam light source from a target image; and

[0073] measuring motion of the user’s head usingthe IMU.

[0074] The method may further comprise correlating, using the processor, the motion measurements from the IMU; and determining, from the correlated motion measurements, the motion of the user’s head.

[0075] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a head wearable position and orientation indicating device comprising:

[0076] obtaining a wearable member configured in use to be worn on the head of a user; mounting a cross-beam light source mountable on the wearable member such that the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be positioned on a forehead of a user and to provide a cross image on a surface facing the user; and

[0077] connecting a power source to the cross-beam light source.

[0078] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail in relation to the accompanying Figures:

[0079] Figure 1 is a photograph of a perspective front view of a head wearable position and / or orientation indicating device accordingto one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a photograph of a side view of the head wearable position and / or orientation indicating device of Figure 1 ;

[0080] Figure 3 is a photograph of a rear view of the head wearable position and / or orientation indicating device of Figure 1 ; and

[0081] Figure 4 is a photograph of a head wearable position and / or orientation indicating device accordingto one embodiment of the present invention in use to provide a cross image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the Figures, there is provided a head wearable position and / or orientation indicating device 1 configured in use to provide visual feedback regarding the position of a user’s head.

[0082] The device 1 comprises a wearable member 2 configured in use to be worn on the head of a user. The device 1 further comprises a cross-beam light source 4 mountable on the wearable member 2 such that the cross-beam light source 4 is configured in use to be positioned on a forehead of a user and to provide a cross image 6 on a viewing surface facing the user.

[0083] The device 1 further comprises a power source 8 operable to power the cross-beam light source 4.

[0084] The wearable member 2 comprises a pair of first straps 10. Each of the first straps 10 are adjustable so that a user can adjust the size of the loop formed by the strap in order to fit and be secured to their individual head.

[0085] The wearable member 2 further comprises a second strap 12.

[0086] Each of the first straps 10 have a first end 14 attached or attachable to the cross-beam light source 4, and a second opposed end 16 attached or attachable to the power source 8.

[0087] The cross-beam light source 4 comprises a rear surface (not shown) configured in use to be located at or adjacent the forehead of a user. The cross-beam light source 4 comprises an upper edge 18, an opposed lower edge 20, and a pair of opposed side portions 22, 22’ extending therebetween.

[0088] The power source 8 comprises a rear surface (not shown) configured in use to be positioned adjacent the rear of the head of a user. The power source 8 comprises an upper edge 24, an opposed lower edge 26, and a pair of opposed side portions 28, 28’ extending therebetween.

[0089] The first end 14 of each first strap 10 is attached or attachable to (and extends from) a corresponding side portion 22, 22’ of the light source 4. The second end 16 of each first strap 10 is attached or attachable to (and extends from) a corresponding side portion 28, 28’ extending therebetween. It is to be understood that the power source 8 may be located at any suitable position on the wearable member 2. It is also to be understood that the wearable member 2 may comprise a single first strap 10 extending between opposing side portions 28, 28’ of the light source.

[0090] The first straps 10, the rear surface of the light source 4 and the rear surface of the power source 8 provide a continuous loop to extend around the head of a user.

[0091] The second strap 12 comprises a first end 30 located in use adjacent to the first end 14 of the first straps 10 adjacent the front of the head of a user, and a second end 32 located in use adjacent to the second opposed end 16 of the first straps 10 adjacent the rear of the head of a user. The second strap 12 is configured in use to extend across the top of the head of a user from the front to the rear of the head. The second strap 32 is configured in use to be adjustable.

[0092] The first end 30 of the second strap 18 is attached or attachable to the upper edge 18 of the light source 4. The second end 32 of the second strap 18 is attached or attachable to the upper edge 24 of the power supply 8.

[0093] It is to be understood that the second strap 18 may be attached, at one or more ends thereof, directly to the first strap 10.

[0094] It is to be understood that the first strap(s) 10 and / or second strap(s) 18 may be permanently or releasably attached to the corresponding light source 4 or power supply 8 or to each other.

[0095] It is also to be understood that the first strap(s) 10 may be attached (either permanently or releasably) to the second strap 18 directly, with the power supply and / or light source being mountable on the first strap(s) (and optionally second strap).

[0096] Although the Figures illustrate an embodiment in which the wearable member 2 comprises a first strap 10 and a second strap 18, it is to be understood that the wearable member may be any suitable member configured in use to be worn on the head of user whilst also being capable of positioningthe cross-beam light source on the forehead of a user. For example, the wearable member could be a helmet or a hat. The cross-beam light source 4 is a cross-beam laser source configured in use to provide a cross image 6.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-beam light source 4 is fixedly mounted on the wearable member 2. It is however to be understood that the cross-beam light source 4 may be adjustably mountable on the wearable member 2 to enable the user to adjust the height and / or lateral position and / or alignment of the cross-image on the viewing surface opposing the user.

[0098] In use, the first ends 14 of the first strap 10 are connected to the light source 4. The second ends 16 of the first straps 10 are connected to the power supply 8. The first end 30 of the second strap 12 is connected to the light source 4 and the second end 32 of the second strap 12 is connected to the power source 8.

[0099] In use, a user is sat on a chair at a predetermined distance in front of a viewing surface, such as for example a wall. The user places the device 1 on their head. The user positions the device 1 such that the light source 4 is positioned adjacent their forehead and individually adjusts one or more of the first and second straps 10, 18 to tighten the device 1 against their head for a secure fitting.

[0100] The user either shuts their eyes or is blindfolded.

[0101] The user sits in their neutral head position and a target is marked on the viewing surface. The user then rotates their head to one side and tries to return to the neutral position. The user then provides a verbal indication when they believe that they have returned to the neutral position. The distance between the starting point and where the user’s head lands determines the error. The test is repeated a number of times. The user then does the same test forthe otherside.

[0102] The device 1 of the present invention provides improved feedback about the user’s head position and orientation in space in all planes of movement due to the use of a cross image. If the head has tilted during movements, the cross image will have rotated to the same degree thereby providing feedback as to the position of the user’s head as well as orientation. The device of the present invention is used to determine and / or to improve head control. The device may be used as a training device providing visual indication to the user enabling the user to correct their posture to achieve the required alignment of the cross image with the target after active movement.

[0103] Although not illustrated in the Figures, the device 1 may comprise an IMU positioned on the wearable and configured in use to provide an output indicative of the motion of the IMU. The IMUr may be configured to measure linear acceleration in multiple directions, for example multiple orthogonal directions, such as for example three orthogonal directions. The IMU may be configured to measure rotational acceleration.

[0104] The motion of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) may include linear motion and rotational motion, particularly linear acceleration, for example acceleration in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and rotational acceleration, relating to pitch, roll and yaw of the IMU.

[0105] The presence of the IMU enables the head wearable position and orientation indicating device to generate precise, objective data on joint position error and cervical range of motion. As such, the head wearable position and orientation indicating device provides an efficient, integral, portable unit which can be used to support users in determining and assessing impairment and to monitor rehabilitation progress.

[0106] The head wearable position and orientation indicating device may be configured to monitorthe linear acceleration experienced atthe IMU, at an instantaneous point in time, cumulatively over a period of time, or both at an instantaneous point in time and also cumulatively over a period of time.

[0107] The head wearable position and orientation indicating device may comprise a storage device for storing data relating to the output indicative of the motion of the IMU.

[0108] The head wearable position and orientation indicating device may comprise a wireless transceiver for operably connecting device to a wireless network and transferring data, relating to the output indicative of the motion of the IMU to a remote user device on the wireless network.

[0109] The device may further comprise a processor operably coupled to the IMU, and the power supply.

[0110] The output from the IMU may be provided to the processor. The processor is preferably configured in use to correlate the output from the IMU to determine the motion of the head wearable position and orientation indicating device.

[0111] The storage device may be operably coupled or connected to the processor for transfer of data therebetween.

[0112] The storage device may be a memory or memory circuitry configured to store or retain data, where the data may be raw data from the IMU or may be data processed by the processor from the output indicative of the motion of the IMU. In some embodiments the device will be worn by the user and the data collected from the output of the IMU will be analysed some time afterthe event. The storage device preferably allows forthe retention of data for later analysis.

[0113] In use, the head wearable position and orientation indicating device as herein described may be used to determine the position and orientation of a user’s head, the method comprising:

[0114] obtaining visual feedback as to the translation and rotational movement of the cross image of the cross-beam light source from a target image; and

[0115] measuring motion of the user’s head usingthe IMU.

[0116] The method may further comprise correlating, using the processor, the motion measurements from the IMU; and determining, from the correlated motion measurements, the motion of the user’s head. The device is capable of providing immediate visual feedback (from the alignment of the cross image in relation to a target image or predetermined target path) whilst also determining motion (including translation and rotational) motion of the user’s head from data obtained from the IMU. The present invention therefore provides a compact, integral unit which can be easily mounted and worn on the head of a user to efficiently determine and assess a user’s issues with movement control and other sensorimotor deficits of the head and neck region. The device may be used to rehabilitate subjects with conditions such as neurological disorders and for example elderly persons with deteriorating neurological conditions affecting fine movements of the hands. The device may be able to distinguish between a user suffering from a known condition and a user pretending to have the same symptoms / issues.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A head wearable position and orientation indicating device configured in use to provide real-time visualfeedback regardingthe position and orientation of a user’s head, the device comprising:a wearable member configured in use to be worn on the head of a user; a cross-beam light source mountable on the wearable member such that the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be positioned on a forehead of a user and to provide a cross image on a surface facing the user; anda power source operable to power the cross-beam light source.

2. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the wearable member comprises a strap.

3. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in claim 2, in which the strap is an adjustable strap.

4. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the cross-beam light source is releasably mountable on the wearable member.

5. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the cross-beam light source is adjustably mountable on the wearable member.

6. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in claim 5, in which the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be rotatable about at least one axis within a plane defined by a portion of the wearable member upon which the cross-beam light source is mounted.

7. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in claim 6, in which the cross-beam light source is rotatable about a first axis extending substantially parallel to an axis extending between the eyes of the user.

8. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in either of claims 6 and 7, in which the cross-beam light source is rotatable about asecond axis extending substantially perpendicular to an axis extending between the eyes of the user.

9. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cross-beam light source is a cross-beam laser.

10. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be focussed, preferably manually focussed, by a user to provide a clear visual cross representation on a surface viewed by the user.

11. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the wearable member further comprises at least one gripping member configured in use to be positioned to contact the head of the user.

12. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any preceding clam, in which the wearable member comprises a first strap configured in use to form a loop to extend around the head of a user, and a second strap having a first end configured in use to be attached to the first strap adjacent the front of the head of a user, and a second end configured in use to be attached to the first strap adjacent the rear of the head of a user, such that the second strap is configured in use to extend across the top of the head of a user from the front to the rear of the head.

13. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the power source is rechargeable.

14. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a housing, in which the cross-beam light source is located within or on the housing to provide a cross image beam extending therefrom, and in which the power source is located within the housing.

15. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a charging port in communication with the power source.

16. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device is a cervicocephalic proprioception ability assessment device17. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in claim 16, further comprising an IMU.

18. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a processor operably coupled to the IMU, and the power supply.

19. The head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in either of claims 17 and 18, further comprising a storage device:for storing data relating to the output indicative of the motion of the IMU; and / oroperably coupled or connected to the processor for transfer of data therebetween.

20. A method of use of a head wearable position and orientation indicating device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, to determine the position and orientation of a user’s head, the method comprising:obtaining visual feedback as to the translation and rotational movement of the cross image of the cross-beam light source from a target image; and measuring motion of the user’s head usingthe IMU.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprise correlating, using the processor, the motion measurements from the IMU; and determining, from the correlated motion measurements, the motion of the user’s head.

22. A method for manufacturing a head wearable position and orientation indicating device comprising:obtaining a wearable member configured in use to be worn on the head of a user;mounting a cross-beam light source mountable on the wearable member such that the cross-beam light source is configured in use to be positioned on a forehead of a user and to provide a cross image on a surface facing the user; and connecting a power source to the cross-beam light source; andoptionally mounting an IMU on the wearable member.

Images