VOR Diagnosis System Using Induced Head Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and rehabilitating vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) dysfunction are inadequate, as they primarily rely on self-induced head motion, which may not accurately assess or improve gaze stability and visual acuity during daily activities, and lack rigorousness in distinguishing between pathology and compensation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display device, data processor, motion detector, and motion controller that externally induces head motion and displays a visual target moving in the opposite direction at a lower velocity, allowing for improved measurement and training of gaze stability and VOR by characterizing and enhancing the subject's vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If self-induced head motion is used for diagnosis and rehabilitation, then the assessment and training can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy and physiological relevance of gaze stability measurement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motion detector as an intermediary device that objectively measures head motion parameters. This mediator bridges the gap between simple self-induced motion and precise physiological assessment, enabling accurate measurement of head velocity, acceleration, and orientation without complex equipment. The motion detector provides reliable data for both diagnosis and rehabilitation monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using motion detector data to dynamically adjust visual target presentation. The visual target moves in coordination with the subject's actual head motion, creating a closed-loop system that enhances measurement accuracy. This feedback mechanism allows the system to assess gaze stability under ecologically valid conditions while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If self-induced head motion is used, then the system is easier to operate, but it cannot rigorously distinguish between pathology and compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detector provides objective feedback on actual head motion parameters, enabling the system to distinguish between genuine vestibular pathology and compensatory mechanisms. By measuring precise head velocity and acceleration data, the system can differentiate between subjects who truly have VOR dysfunction versus those who have developed compensatory strategies, thereby improving diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective self-reporting and manual assessment with objective motion detection technology. This substitution of mechanical measurement systems for subjective evaluation enables rigorous, quantifiable distinction between pathology and compensation, enhancing the reliability of diagnostic and rehabilitative assessments.
3Power
If visual target moves at same velocity as head motion, then the VOR is fully engaged, but the training becomes too difficult and may cause visual discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts visual target velocity based on the subject's head motion and tolerance. Rather than maintaining a fixed velocity relationship, the visual target adapts its motion parameters in real-time, allowing the training to progress from easier to more challenging levels. This dynamic adjustment optimizes VOR engagement while preventing excessive difficulty and visual discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the velocity parameter of the visual target relative to head motion. By adjusting this parameter, the system can modulate the degree of VOR engagement required, creating a scalable training protocol that adapts to the subject's capabilities and progresses over time.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional rehabilitation methods are used, then the treatment protocol is simple to implement, but the improvement in gaze stability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detector serves as an intermediary that enables more effective rehabilitation by providing objective measurement and feedback. This mediator allows for precise monitoring of gaze stability improvements and enables more targeted, effective training protocols that go beyond traditional simple methods, thereby increasing productivity in terms of VOR improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor head motion and visual target tracking performance in real-time. This feedback enables more effective rehabilitation by allowing dynamic adjustment of training parameters and providing objective measures of improvement, thereby enhancing the productivity and effectiveness of VOR rehabilitation compared to traditional static protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to improve vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) includes a display device; a head motion detector, the head motion detector being configured to detect at least one of a first angular rotational rate of a subject's head or a first acceleration of said subject's head in a first direction; a signal conditioner in communication with the head motion detector; a first gain control in communication with the signal conditioner; a second gain control in communication with the signal conditioner; a motion controller in communication with the display device and the first gain control and the second gain control; and a head motion-inducing device configured to induce a head motion on the subject. The head motion-inducing device includes a motor configured to rotate a head of the subject based on an instruction produced by a data processor.