Portable Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Measurement Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for measuring and improving human eye responses to orientation information from the vestibular system, such as the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), are limited by their non-portability, requirement for clinical settings, and inability to track eye and head movements accurately in ambulatory environments.

Innovation Solution

A portable, battery-powered device that can be head-worn or hand-held, equipped with sensors for tracking eye and head movements, using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and video cameras to measure and enhance VOR and other eye responses in real-life settings, allowing for ambulatory testing outside clinical environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If portable sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, video cameras) are used to track eye and head movements, then the device becomes portable and usable in ambulatory environments, but measurement precision may be compromised compared to clinical laboratory equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, video cameras) into an integrated portable system. This merging allows the device to function as a complete VOR measurement system in ambulatory environments, resolving the contradiction by achieving both portability and adequate measurement precision through sensor fusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses video cameras as an intermediary to track eye movements by detecting reflections from infrared lights. This intermediary approach allows non-contact eye tracking with sufficient precision for portable use, bridging the gap between clinical-grade precision and portable accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, video cameras) are integrated into a portable device, then ambulatory testing is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambulatory testing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional device where a single integrated system performs multiple functions: accelerometers measure head acceleration, gyroscopes measure head rotation, and video cameras track eye movements. This universality allows one complex device to replace multiple separate clinical instruments, justifying the increased complexity through enhanced versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests multiple sensor systems within a compact portable housing. The accelerometers, gyroscopes, and video cameras are integrated into a unified device structure, allowing the complex system to be contained in a portable form factor that can be worn or carried during ambulatory testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If infrared lights are used to enhance video camera tracking of eye movements, then tracking accuracy improves, but the device requires additional power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeye movement tracking accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses intermittent or periodic activation of infrared lights rather than continuous operation. This periodic action maintains sufficient tracking accuracy while reducing overall power consumption, allowing the battery-powered portable device to operate for extended periods during ambulatory testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 measurement and improvement of VOR and other eye responses in real-life environments, providing a more practical and effective assessment of performance in occupational activities, enhancing dynamic visual acuity and stability.

Implementation Method 1

using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and video cameras to measure and enhance VOR

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and video cameras to measure and enhance VOR

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS9370302B2System and method for the measurement of vestibulo-ocular reflex to improve human performance in an occupational environment

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 NOVUTZ LLC

AI summary

A portable eye reflex measuring device for use in an ambulatory occupational environment is disclosed. The eye reflex measuring device compares data from an eye movement detector with data from a head movement detector at a frequency or frequencies in the range of 0.01 Hertz to 15 Hertz to determine eye response to head movement. The gain and phase of the eye response is calculated using a Fourier transform. The device includes a central processing unit for receiving the eye movement data, for receiving the head movement data, and for calculating the Fourier transform. Typical human physiological conditions that can be measured can include vestibulo-ocular reflex, dynamic visual acuity, dynamic visual stability, or retinal image stability.