Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the precision measurement of the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea of the eye. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical characteristic measuring apparatus capable measuring the optical characteristics of an irregular astigmatism component. An illuminating optical system illuminates a minute region on the retina of the eye with light rays emitted by an illuminating light source, a reflected light guiding optical system guides reflected light rays reflected from the retina of the eye to a light receiving device, a converting device converts the reflected light rays into at least seventeen light beams, a light receiving device receives the plurality of light beams from the converting device, and an arithmetic unit determines the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea on the basis of the inclination of the light rays determined by the light receiving device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus, and method for preventing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) that addresses the various causes of CVS. To help maintain a proper preocular tear film the present invention provides a device to generate a blink reminder signal and a blink indicator, such as a light, a speaker, or a portion of a display monitor, to communicate the blink reminder signal to the computer user. The device may incorporate feedback devices such as a blink monitor, a temperature monitor, a humidity monitor, an elapsed time monitor, or a clock. The present invention also provides an eye enclosure that defines an enclosed area about the computer user's eye that is at least partially enclosed. The invention incorporates components aimed at optimizing the environment within the enclosed area. For example, air moisteners communicating with the enclosed area maintain a relatively high humidity within the enclosed area and reduce the evaporation of fluid from the eyes.

Abstract: A device for the acquisition of coordinative abilities of a test person, allows different tests that test different coordinative abilities of the test person to be executed with the aid of a control unit. The control unit evaluates the individual test results and combines them to form a relevant quantitative overall assessment of the coordinative competence of the test person. This overall assessment is presented via a corresponding output unit, such as a screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring and performing real-time FFT analysis of bioelectrical signals such as (EEG and EMG) for the control of systems. Passive and active interaction with various electronic media such as video games, movies, music, virtual reality, and computer animations is also disclosed. A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a subject in a controlled area and for controlling real or virtual spaces is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the precision measurement of the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea of the eye. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical characteristic measuring apparatus capable measuring the optical characteristics of an irregular astigmatism component. An illuminating optical system illuminates a minute region on the retina of the eye with light rays emitted by an illuminating light source, a reflected light guiding optical system guides reflected light rays reflected from the retina of the eye to a light receiving device, a converting device converts the reflected light rays into at least seventeen light beams, a light receiving device receives the plurality of light beams from the converting device, and an arithmetic unit determines the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea on the basis of the inclination of the light rays determined by the light receiving device.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing or treating a neurological disorder, usually associated with a lack of attentiveness, in a subject by detecting the subject's eye movement. The apparatus includes a helmet for blocking visual stimuli from the subject's visual field; at least three visual cues disposed inside the helmet within the visual field of the subject when the helmet is placed on the subject's head, the visual cues capable of being switched from on to off states; at least two electrodes for attaching to the subject's face, the electrodes producing electrical signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; signal processing means for controlling on and off states of the visual cues, receiving and processing electrical signals produced by the electrodes, and producing output signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; and means for displaying output signals produced by the signal processing means.

Abstract: Method and device for collecting and processing stimuli data and measuring the reactions to them, in which the physiological reactions of respondents to the stimuli presented, or components thereof, are measured automatically and are recorded in one or more computer systems. Recorded data, stimuli data, whether or not in combination with respondent data, are automatically processed, e.g. in central units, to interpretable results which, stored in a database, a relational database for example, are accessible to anyone under certain conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical signal monitoring system and method for displaying physiological signals of different types and modalities in different formats on a single system. Physiological signals, e.g., electrical physiological signals from electrodes attached to a subject, are provided to the system. The raw wide band physiological signals may be recorded on disk, and may be processed multiple times to display desired signals of interest. The parameters used to process the signals to be displayed are selectable by an operator employing a user interface. The user interface allows an operator to define a set of panels in which one or more signals will be displayed. The type of panel selected to display the signal determines the basic format of the signal to be displayed, e.g., various types of waveforms. A signal to be displayed in a panel is defined by selecting, for example, the signals from two electrodes attached to a subject from which a montaged pair signal to be displayed is derived.

Abstract: The inner eye of a surgical patient is illuminated by incorporating an optical fiber in a ring configuration imbedded into or attached to a contact lens. The viewing surface of the lens if planar to optimize the surgeon's view. The opposite surface of the lens is curved to conform to the patient's eye. A solution conduit irrigates the eye. The apparatus is easily positioned and easily directed. The apparatus also is sufficiently inexpensive to be disposable.

Abstract: Reading disorders are diagnosed and remediated in a subject by respectively measuring and improving contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of the subject. A background is displayed on a monitor with a contrast and a spatial frequency. A test window is superimposed over the background and includes a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency. The contrasts and the spatial frequencies are within respective ranges which stimulate the visual cortical movement system of the subject. The test pattern is then moved within the test window. The subject provides a signal indicative of the direction the subject believes the test pattern moved. In response to this signal, the contrast of the test pattern, the spatial frequency of the background, or the spatial frequency of the test pattern is modified, either by increasing or decreasing its respective value. This process is then repeated a number of times, cycling through predetermined combinations of test patterns and backgrounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-invasive methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a living human subject. One method employs a non-invasive automated apparatus which can continuously monitor pupil diameter size over time; repetitively measure pupil diameter size over time for a pre-chosen duration ranging from about less than 1 second to about 5 minutes; and cumulatively record size information as it is obtained over time. A second method employs an apparatus which can repetitively measure pupil constriction velocity for a pre-chosen duration both before and after stimulation by visible light. Both methods require the administration of at least one neural transmitter mediator to a targeted eye of the living subject in an amount insufficient to cause marked changes in pupil diameter size over time in a person who is not afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: An eye detection method of a drowsy driving alarming system comprises the steps of: binarizing a driver's face image from a CCD camera, extracting candidate areas existing in pair into a binary face image, determining one candidate pair from among the candidate pairs as nostrils, setting the remained candidate pairs forming equilateral triangles in relation with the nostrils as eye candidate pairs, and determining a candidate pair forming the smaller equilateral triangle to be the driver's eyes.

Abstract: A retinal scanning display, an active-pixel image sensor array, and an im processor track the movements of the human eye. The scanning nature of the display acts as a sequential source of eye illumination. The active-pixel image sensor array is directed toward the cornea of the eye through a matrix of micro-lens. The sensor is integrated with a comparator array which is interfaced to bilateral switches. An element address encoder and latch determines the sensor element which reaches maximum intensity during the raster-scan period of the display driver. Over a display field refresh cycle, the invention maps the corneal surface to a data table by pairing sensor activations to the specular reflections from the cornea of the sequenced source lights.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the front part of the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals preferably being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the front part of the eye and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system preferably utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device.

Abstract: A special-purpose computer is provided along with a method for testing users for alertness and mental fitness before beginning work or a potentially dangerous activity. The system and method are usable wherever there is a risk to persons, property, or the environment from individuals not fit to operate machinery or enter an work area safely. The testing methods resemble computer games, but they actually measure mental fitness and alertness rather than aptitude, ability, or intelligence. The disclosed basic test is general, simple and non-intellectual, and compatible with worldwide, multilingual use. Other tests are more specifically designed to test for the ability to perform certain occupational duties or types of activities. The basic test preferably comprises a plurality of yes or no questions based upon graphical data displayed to the user. Each user's answers and performance are preferably maintained in strict confidence through storage only on a removable storage medium, such as a Smart Card.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for determining the topography, thickness, and fiber orientation of the nerve fiber layer at the fundus of the eye by measuring the polarization shift induced in a return beam of polarized light which is reflected at the ocular fundus from an incident beam of a known polarization state. A corneal polarization compensator effectively cancels the birefringent effects of the cornea and other portions of the eye anterior to the fundus, so that clinically meaningful results are produced. A method for directing a measurement beam into the eye is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method infers mental states of a person from eye movements of the person. The method includes identifying elementary features of eye tracker data, such as fixations and saccades, and recognizing from the elementary features a plurality of eye-movement patterns. Each eye-movement pattern is recognized by comparing the elementary features with a predetermined eye-movement pattern template. A given eye-movement pattern is recognized if the elementary features satisfy a set of criteria associated with the template for that eye-movement pattern. The method further includes the step of recognizing from the eye-movement patterns a plurality of eye-behavior patterns corresponding to the mental states of the person. Because high level mental states of the user are determined in real time, the method provides the basis for reliably determining when a user intends to select a target.

Abstract: Method and device for identification of stimuli, in which one or various identification methods in combination can be applied. Here, stimuli in their original manifestation, as well as stimuli positions and orientations are determined and it is ascertained which stimuli respondents have in their field of vision, from which moment, for how long and under which circumstances, as well as the way in which they handle and manipulate them.

Abstract: A plurality of methods of analysis of images of eyes of a subject taken by a reflex photometer are disclosed. In this methods, a computer coupled to the reflex photometer is programmed to locate the pupil of at at least one eye, crop an image array containing the pupil from the total image and perform analyses on the cropped array to determine whether conditions are present indicative of disease processes in the eye. In essence, parameters of the subject eye are developed, and these subject pararmeters are compared to the same parameters developed by a normal eye. In addition, indications of strabismus are examined by comparing the area of the white portion of the eye on one side of the iris with the white portion on the other side of the iris.

Abstract: A method for measuring perception of an observer comprises a) selecting a first, second, and third stimulus and presenting the stimuli to the observer; b) determining observer-defined fourth stimulus such that the observer perceives the fourth stimulus to be related to the third stimulus in the same way as the observer perceives the second stimulus to be related to the first stimulus; c) selecting a new first, second, and third stimulus, at least one of the new stimuli corresponding to a stimulus point that is different from the stimulus points corresponding to the previously selected stimulus; d) determining a new observer-defined fourth stimulus such that the observer perceives the new fourth stimulus to be related to the new third stimulus in the same way as the observer perceives the new second stimulus to be related to the new first stimulus; and e) performing steps (c) through (d) until a predetermined number of sets of four stimuli are determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for correlating pupillary response to the cognitive activity of a subject undergoing an evaluation of cognitive activity during a task which involves monitoring and recording the point of gaze and pupillary response of the subject to the task, subjecting the recorded pupillary response to wavelet analysis in order to identify any dilation reflex of the subject's pupil during the task, and assigning a pupillary response value to the result of the wavelet analysis.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of intraocular pressure determination is disclosed in which applanation tonometery is done with an ultrasonic transducer. The method allows for increased accuracy of intraocular pressure determination based upon adjustment of applanation tonometry for subjacent corneal thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices that monitor the condition within an ear, and more specifically to devices that are external to the ear and monitor the condition within the ear using a probe placed within the ear canal. The device comprises a signal generator for forming an electrical signal based on a condition within an ear, and an output for making the electrical signal accessible to an audio transducer. For example, in DPOAE testing, the signal generator is a microphone that forms an electrical signal from any otoacoustic emissions within the ear, any test signal within the ear, and any noise within the ear; and the output is an earphone jack for making the electrical signal accessible to an earphone worn by the operator. Thus, the operator can monitor any extraneous noise within the ear canal and monitor the progress of the test while the test is being performed.

Abstract: Reading disorders are diagnosed and remediated in a subject by respectively measuring and improving contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of the subject. A background is displayed on a monitor with a contrast and a spatial frequency. A test window is superimposed over the background and includes a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency. The contrasts and the spatial frequencies are within respective ranges which stimulate the visual cortical movement system of the subject. The test pattern is then moved within the test window. The subject provides a signal indicative of the direction the subject believes the test pattern moved. In response to this signal, the contrast of the test pattern, the spatial frequency of the background, or the spatial frequency of the test pattern is modified, either by increasing or decreasing its respective value. This process is then repeated a number of times, cycling through predetermined combinations of test patterns and backgrounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the probability of explosive behavior in a person of known age, sex and use of medication, is provided by generating and measuring a visually evoked response to a certain visually displayed paradigm and measuring the amplitude, in microvolts, of the evoked response at approximately 100 milliseconds after cessation of the paradigm display, and quantifying the absolute values of the delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency bands of a standard EEG, and applying this data to an algorithm to compute on the probability of explosive behavior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of spectral or colorimetric characterisation of a self-illuminatng imaging system, in which the imaging system produces a color field which is matched visually with a reference color field, wherein a transparent color filter film with known spectral or colorimetric reference values which covers a reference color area of the imaging system is used as a reference color field. The invention also provides for the use of the method of spectral or colorimetric characterisation of a self-illuminating imaging system for calibration of the imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-invasive methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a living human subject. One method employs a non-invasive automated apparatus which can continuously monitor pupil diameter size over time; repetitively measure pupil diameter size over time for a pre-chosen duration ranging from about less than 1 second to about 5 minutes; and cumulatively record size information as it is obtained over time. A second method employs an apparatus which can repetitively measure pupil constriction velocity for a pre-chosen duration both before and after stimulation by visible light. Both methods require the administration of at least one neural transmitter mediator to a targeted eye of the living subject in an amount insufficient to cause marked changes in pupil diameter size over time in a person who is not afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting ocular disease and abnormalities in human yes. The ocular disease and abnormality detection device includes a photo-imaging device having a lens aligned on a selected optical axis. A flash unit generates a flash beam of light generally along the optical axis to produce retinal reflections from a patient's eyes. The retinal reflections from the patient's eyes are recorded by the photo-imaging device and displayed on a video display screen. A beamsplitter is positioned on the optical axis to pass the flash beam of light from the flash device to the patient's eyes, and to pass the retinal reflection from the patient's eyes to the photo-imaging device. A visual image is projected on a surface of the beamsplitter which appears to the patient's eyes as being positioned on the optical axis and generally superimposed on the lens of the photo-imaging device. The patient's eyes generally focus on the lens of the photo-imaging device as the patient views the projected image.

Abstract: A method for determining an individual's intensity of focused attention, comprising the steps of: obtaining a representative frontal lobe brainwave signal from at least one first sensor in an electrically connective relation to the individual's frontal lobe; obtaining a representative reference signal from at least one second sensor in an electrically connective relation to a more electrically-neutral location; subtracting the representative reference signal from the representative frontal lobe brainwave signal to produce a difference frontal lobe brainwave signal, and processing the difference frontal lobe brainwave signal to produce an Attention Indicator signal indicative of the individual's intensity of focused attention, where the Attention Indicator signal is inversely proportional to any mathematical transformation of an amplitude measure of the difference frontal lobe brainwave signal; inputting the Attention Indicator signal to a device; and, repeating these steps, as desired.

Abstract: In the non-contact intraocular pressure measuring apparatus for measuring the intraocular pressure of the eye to be examined for a suitable measurement time, after alignment of the apparatus main body with the eye to be examined is performed, the time required for charging the condenser is calculated based on current supply time for the rotary solenoid at the time of the previous intraocular pressure measurement. When the calculated charging time elapses, the desired quantity of current is supplied from the condenser to the rotary solenoid, allowing the air supply unit to spray air to the cornea of the eye to be examined. The cornea is transfigured and flattened by the sprayed air. At the same time, intraocular pressure measuring light is illuminated from the intraocular pressure measuring optical system to the flattened cornea. The reflected light therefrom is detected to calculate intraocular pressure value of the eye to be examined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing visual and vestibular responses of a subject. One or more targets undergoing slow random motion are presented to the subject while the head of the subject is simultaneous perturbed with perturbations statistically uncorrelated with the random motion of the target. The response of the motion of the head of the subject and the motion of the subject's eyes is measured and the visual and vestibular system response dynamics are estimated based on the measured response.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated determination of the sequence of color caps in a color spot or color arrangement test, such as Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test for determining the color discrimination of human beings. To that end, on or in the color caps, locations (sites) are fixed, at which magnets can be mounted. The distribution of magnets and voids (absence of magnets) are different for each color cap, among the fixed locations in the color caps and thus encode the color caps. A different type of encoding can be attained by creating variously strong magnetic fields by use of various strength magnets in the color cap. Magnetic field detectors are mounted at suitable points in the surface in which the color caps rest in the tray. Using these magnetic field detectors and corresponding electronics, the sequence of the color caps is determined.

Abstract: A method and device which utilizes the Pulfrich stereo-illusion effect to screen for anterior visual system disease. The Pulfrich stereo-illusion effect occurs when viewing a pendulum moving perpendicular to the line of sight. If one eye is affected by anterior visual system disease, the pendulum appears to move in an ellipse--clockwise if the left eye is affected, counter-clockwise if the right eye if affected. A computer has software to generate an image of a "pendulum" bob. The patient views this image through a set of "virtual reality" goggles connected to the computer. The computer generates left and right images for presentation to each eye that mimic the varying perspective of real three dimensional objects viewed directly by the human eyes. The computer also generates a set of "neutral density" filters for each eye so that the degree of impairment in an eye may be quantified.

Abstract: To determine a cataract or the degree of cataractogenesis in an eye of a patient, the patient views two lights juxtaposed, wherein each light comprises a mixture of two different wavelength lights. One of the lights is a fixed reference mixture, while the mixture of the other non-fixed light is varied until the patient observes less distinction between the two light mixtures in terms of brightness, hue or saturation. The luminance levels of the light components of both light mixtures for providing comparison and the ratio levels of the components are predetermined. Once a transition range is established from the comparison, the predetermined ratios are then related to respective ratios of a standardized group. Deviations between the ratios of the patient and the standardized group indicate the existence of a cataract and/or the degree of a cataract precursor formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain improvements in the art of keratometry and, more particularly, to the use of television techniques to determine the shape of the corneal surface of an eye in essentially real-time. Paired television images of diffuse reflections from the cornea are produced by projecting an infra-red illuminated pattern onto the cornea. These diffuse reflections are compared by triangulation to define the corneal contour. The resultant data are processed by a conventional microcomputer to derive surface contour for display, the shape data so generated in a form for instant use. Compensation for image brightness at each location is provided by altering projected image brightness to compensate for inherent non-linearity of diffuse image brightness versus position in the image plane. The liberalization reduces the complexity of the digital signal processing required for producing a contour map of the cornea.

Abstract: The direction of an optical axis of an excitation optical system is so set that the same intersects with an optical axis of a photoreceiving optical system on a cornea and an excitation light beam is not incident upon a crystalline lens through a pupil. The photoreceiving optical system comprises a one-dimensional solid-state image pickup device as a photodetector, and a slit is arranged on a light incidence side of the one-dimensional solid-state image pickup device for distinguishing measuring light generated from the cornea from that generated from other eyeball portions and introducing the same into the one-dimensional solid-state image pickup device. Raman scattered light or fluorescence generated from the cornea can be detected by that of photoelectric conversion elements of the one-dimensional solid-state image pickup device positioned on the optical axis of the photoreceiving optical system, so that an intraocular substance is obtained on the basis of its detected value.

Abstract: A method is used for measuring perception of an observer using a stimulus output device for presenting stimuli to the observer, and a stimulus manipulation device permitting the observer to modify the presented stimuli by selecting related stimuli from a database of stimuli.

Abstract: A laser source attached to an ophthalmic observation instrument, such as a fundus camera, projects a spot, and a light collector is positioned in the image field of the instrument over the spot to collect return light scattered from a homogeneous tissue bed in the image field. The collected light is directed onto a photomultiplier and digitized at a sampling rate above several kHz to provide a continuous data stream which is fed to a process/control module that operates to automatically define a number n of sample intervals, select a subset of the sample intervals for analysis, transform the selected intervals, and evaluate the shape of the transformed sample intervals. The process/control module may be implemented on a simple computer, and include a user interface which indicates status of signal acquisition, selection and evaluation during a short, e.g., one-minute illumination interval.

Abstract: A simulator which provides competing and opposing stimuli for objects appearing to approach or retreat from the user in order to reduce simulator sickness. A simulator controller (92) monitors the pixels taken up by an object. When an object appears to take up more pixels, the controller interprets the object as appearing to approach the user (96). The controller inserts a complementary object which appears to do the opposite of the primary object detected by the simulator controller (92). Both objects are displayed on a video display (94) viewed by the user (96).

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus comprising an observing optical system and performing alignment through the observing optical system to position a measuring system at a predetermined position in relation to an eye to be examined comprises a detecting system for detecting whether an eyelid of the eye is within a predetermined opening condition at the time of a completion of alignment, a judging system for judging whether the opening condition of the eyelid is sufficient for measurement based on detection results detected by the open eyelid detecting means, and an informing system for informing the opening condition of the eyelid based on judgement results judged by the open eyelid condition judging means.

Abstract: A bodily state detection apparatus comprising a CCD camera, an infrared LED device, a pickup image memory, a pupil extraction circuit and a bodily state judgment circuit. The CCD camera inputs images of a predetermined area including the subject person's face. The infrared LED device illuminates the subject person in such a way that the optical axis of the camera and the direction of the illumination coincide with each other. The pickup image memory stores temporarily the output data of the CCD camera. The pupil extraction circuit extracts the subject person's pupil position from the pickup images. The bodily state judgment circuit judges the subject person's bodily state by use of the result of pupil extraction performed by the pupil extraction circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a drowsiness level of a vehicle driver first prepares a frequency distribution of blink durations of the driver for a first predetermined period after the start of a driving operation, and sets a threshold value for a discrimination of slow blinks by the frequency distribution. Thereafter, the apparatus calculates, every second predetermined period, a ratio of the number of slow blinks to the total number of blinks of the driver's eyes during the second period, and discriminates a rise in the drowsiness level of the driver in accordance with the calculated ratio.

Abstract: Galvanic vestibular stimulation is combined with visual stimulation to extend movement and directional cues within a virtual reality scene. The vestibular sensory system will be stimulated through the use of galvanic stimulation to induce a state of vestibular dysequilibrium. Synchronizing this inner-ear dysequilibrium with an optical reference will amplify the user's postural movement. The current state of virtual reality stimulates principally only the visual scene of the user through head mounted visual display units. However, the human body uses three different senses to resolve motion and acceleration cues like those simulated in virtual reality. Reliance on the visual scene, therefore, necessarily invites conflict between the visual system and the two remaining centers for motion sensation which remain dormant and, therefore, do not reinforce the visual sensations. This confuses the user and detracts from the experience.