Spatial Orientation Perception Measurement via Multisensory Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate for measuring spatial orientation perception in complex situations, such as virtual reality sickness, transport sickness, and rehabilitation, as they fail to effectively quantify sensitivity across multiple sensory frames of reference.

Innovation Solution

A method that combines measurements from both visual and non-visual frames of reference, such as proprioceptive, vestibular, and prior knowledge, to calculate a sensitivity score using a multisensory integration model, and modifies these frames by adjusting exocentered spatial mass distribution, providing vibratory stimulation, or altering visual scenes to assess spatial orientation perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current measurement methods are used, then simplicity of measurement is maintained, but measurement precision in complex situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial orientation perception measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent frames of reference (visual, proprioceptive, vestibular, auditory) that can be measured separately and then integrated. Each frame of reference corresponds to a specific sensory modality, allowing precise measurement of spatial orientation perception across different sensory channels without requiring a single complex measurement device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple measurement results from different frames of reference are merged into a unified sensitivity score through a combination process. The patent combines measured values from visual, proprioceptive, vestibular, and auditory frames of reference to produce an integrated sensitivity score that represents overall spatial orientation perception capability in complex situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If single-frame measurement is used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to complex situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement adaptability to complex situationsVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is designed with multi-functionality to assess spatial orientation perception across multiple sensory modalities simultaneously. The same measurement framework can evaluate visual, proprioceptive, vestibular, and auditory contributions to spatial orientation, making it universally applicable to various complex situations such as virtual reality sickness, transport sickness, and rehabilitation assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimension of measurement by incorporating multiple frames of reference beyond the traditional single visual frame. This dimensional expansion from one sensory modality to multiple sensory modalities enables the system to capture the complexity of spatial orientation perception in diverse and challenging environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If visual frame of reference is used alone, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision in multisensory situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial orientation perception precisionVSAvoidmeasurement procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement procedure is segmented into separate assessment of visual, proprioceptive, vestibular, and auditory frames of reference. Each frame can be measured independently using standardized procedures, and the results are then combined to provide a comprehensive precision assessment of spatial orientation perception that accounts for multisensory integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate quantification of spatial orientation perception in complex situations by integrating sensory inputs, providing a sensitivity score that reflects both visual and non-visual dependencies, aiding in the assessment and rehabilitation of spatial orientation abilities.

Implementation Method 1

providing a vibratory stimulation to the muscles and/or the tendons of the person

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibratory stimulation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2378948B1Method for measuring the perception of spatial orientation of a person
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2378948B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2378948B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2378948B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for measuring the perception of spatial orientation of a person comprising the steps of: modifying a first non visual frame of reference and providing a second non visual frame of reference and measuring the value of the parameter representative of the perception of spatial orientation; modifying a first visual frame of reference so as to provide a second visual frame of reference and measuring the value of the parameter representative of the perception of spatial orientation; combining the measured values of the parameters representative of the perception of spatial orientation of preceding steps so as to obtain a value representing the sensitivity of the person referred to a scale of sensitivity to perception of spatial orientation.