Portable Vestibular Training System Using Dynamic Visual Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with vestibular dysfunction, often resulting from concussions, face challenges in performing regular and engaging vestibular training exercises due to the need for specialized equipment typically found only in clinical settings, leading to difficulty in improving vestibular function and maintaining interest in the exercises.
Innovation Solution
A portable system for vestibular testing and training that includes a user input device, motion sensing device, visual display device, and data processing unit, allowing users to perform exercises in various locations and enabling remote monitoring by clinicians, with features such as interactive exercises and dynamic backgrounds to enhance engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vestibular training equipment is used, then vestibular function can be tested and trained, but the equipment is only available in clinical settings making regular practice difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a portable copy of clinical vestibular testing equipment using a smartphone or tablet device with a camera and processing software. This portable system replicates the functionality of expensive clinical equipment (such as video head impulse testing systems) that is normally only available in specialized clinics, enabling users to perform vestibular assessments and training exercises anywhere with a mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable system serves multiple functions including vestibular assessment, training exercise delivery, and progress monitoring all through a single mobile application. The system can perform various types of vestibular tests (VHIT, vHIT, etc.) and provide different training protocols, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized clinical devices.
2Reliability
If conventional vestibular training exercises are performed, then vestibular function can be improved, but the exercises are not sufficiently engaging causing loss of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The training exercises dynamically adjust based on real-time camera tracking of the user's head movements and eye positions. The system modifies exercise difficulty, visual stimulus parameters, and feedback timing to maintain optimal challenge levels, making the training adaptive rather than static. This dynamic adjustment keeps exercises engaging while ensuring therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through the mobile device screen showing the user's eye movements, head position, and exercise performance. This real-time feedback loop allows users to see their progress and understand their vestibular function, increasing engagement and motivation to continue training regularly.
3Reliability
If vestibular training is performed regularly, then vestibular function improves, but monitoring requires onsite clinician presence
Solution Approach 1:
The portable system enables users to independently perform vestibular assessments and training exercises without requiring a clinician to be physically present. The mobile application guides users through exercises, tracks their performance, and provides automated feedback, allowing them to conduct their own therapy sessions at home or anywhere else.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the remote clinician. Data from vestibular tests and training exercises is automatically captured and can be transmitted to clinicians for remote review and adjustment of treatment protocols, eliminating the need for in-person monitoring while maintaining clinical oversight.
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
The portable system facilitates regular and effective vestibular training in diverse settings, improving user engagement and vestibular function by providing a convenient and remotely monitorable platform for vestibular testing and training.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensing device, the motion sensing device configured to measure a velocity or speed of a head of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A portable system for vestibular testing and/or training of a user is disclosed herein. The system includes a user input device, the user input device configured to output a signal based upon an input response by the user; a motion sensing device, the motion sensing device configured to measure a velocity or speed of a head of the user; a visual display device, the visual display device configured to display one or more visual objects so that the one or more visual objects are visible to the user; and a data processing device operatively coupled to the user input device, the motion sensing device, and the visual display device. The data processing device is programmed to determine whether or not the user correctly identifies the one or more visual objects displayed on the visual display device based upon the signal from the user input device.