Vestibular Testing Apparatus with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), rely on manual positioning maneuvers that are prone to errors, leading to recurring issues due to the lack of precise monitoring of patient positioning and vestibular responses during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors for head orientation and eye movement monitoring, combined with a computing system for processing data and providing real-time feedback, allowing for precise execution of maneuvers like the Dix-Hallpike or Epley maneuvers without the need for bulky equipment or extensive training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning maneuvers are used for vestibular testing, then the apparatus complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of patient positioning are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and computational processing to track head orientation and guide maneuver execution, thereby improving positioning precision while managing system complexity through electronic rather than purely mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors patient head position using sensors and provides real-time feedback to both the patient (via visual or auditory cues) and the examiner, enabling precise positioning adjustments and ensuring accurate execution of vestibular maneuvers without requiring complex manual coordination
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of vestibular activity is implemented, then the reliability of diagnosis is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct observation of vestibular responses with electronic sensor systems that automatically track eye movements and head orientation, computing vestibular activity from these measurements, thereby improving diagnostic reliability while avoiding the complexity of direct vestibular measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediate measurements (eye movements and head orientation) as proxies for direct vestibular activity monitoring, with computational algorithms processing these intermediate signals to infer vestibular responses, thus achieving reliable diagnosis without requiring complex direct vestibular measurement apparatus
3Productivity
If automated maneuver execution is implemented, then the productivity of vestibular testing is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated maneuver execution and positioning guidance, reducing the skill burden on operators by having the system self-regulate the testing protocol, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting and recording head orientations of a person includes: a first sensor device capable of providing sensor data regarding a head orientation of a person in a three-dimensional space; a data acquisition system configured for storing and outputting the sensor data from the first sensor device; and a processor configured for processing the sensor data from the data acquisition system, outputting a first signal representing the head orientation, and generating an image for presentation by a graphical display; wherein the image comprises: a first reference indicator; an orientation indicator, wherein a position of the orientation indicator in the image is determined based on the first signal from the processor, and a feedback indicator when a first condition is met.