Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for improving sensitivity of a first sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism of a subject by stimulating a second sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism of the subject. For that purpose a noise is applied to the second sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism to improve the sensitivity of the first sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism due to cross-modal SR interactions.

Abstract: An automated screener device screens hearing, schedules an appointment, and produces a physician order upon a patient failure of the screening. The screener includes a computer with a touch screen to facilitate responses to a short questionnaire and to auditory stimuli. A set of noise cancelling head phones are used by the patient during the hearing screening. The computer has an associated printer which prints test results. A failed screening test causes production of a printed report having signature line for physician referral. An appointment schedule appears on the touch screen immediately allowing the patient to schedule an appointment with an area audiologist. The method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-oculography apparatus 100 includes an eye potential measuring unit measuring an eye potential generated by an eye movement and outputting an eye potential original signal, and includes a minimum filtering unit 121 or a maximum filtering unit 123 each outputting a first eye potential signal by applying one of a maximum value filtering and a minimum value filtering to the eye potential original signal. The electro-oculography apparatus 100 also includes a maximum filtering unit 122 or a minimum filtering unit 124 each outputting a second eye potential signal by applying the other of the maximum value filtering and the minimum value filtering to the first eye potential signal.

Abstract: Provided herein is a measurement tool for implantable non-spherical asymmetric optics comprising a viewable, rotatable angular caliper superimposable over an image of an eye. Also provided are methods for optimally placing non-spherical asymmetric optics in an eye of a patient and for correcting post-operative astigmatism in a patient having cataract surgery. The measurement tool is useful to plan the optimal correct surgical placement of a non-spherical asymmetric optic, e.g., a toric intraocular implant or a toric intraocular contact lens, in the eye. By superimposing the measurement tool over a corneal topographic image, an optimal positioning of the non-spherical asymmetric optic can be effected in an optical zone of interest. Correct placement or re-placement at least minimizes astigmatism in post-operative vision.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for the modulation of retinal stimulation and/or retinal signal processing. Such methods may be useful for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder. The disclosed methods may comprise visual intervention by using lenses, prisms, mirrors, and/or filters (e.g., occluders) to alter the amount and/or direction of light on to the retina.

Abstract: A system for quantifying and mapping visual salience to a visual stimulus, including a processor, software for receiving data indicative of a group of individual's ocular responses to a visual stimulus, software for determining a distribution of visual resources at each of at least two times for each of at least a portion of the individuals. The system further including software for determining and quantifying a group distribution of visual resources at each of the at least two times and software for generating a display of the group's distribution of visual resources to the visual stimulus.

Abstract: Neural responses to a repeated stimulus typically diminish, an effect known as repetition suppression. When a single visual stimulus (e.g., letter of the alphabet, word, object, face) is serially flashed in different locations of a display, several stimuli appear to be present simultaneously due to an effect known as persistence of vision. Normal human observers' estimates of how many stimuli they perceived at any instant of time are significantly lower when the same stimulus is flashed repeatedly than when a different stimulus is used for each flash. This is a result of the brain's diminishing response (repetition suppression) to the repeated stimuli. The present invention generally relates to methods for assessing the normality of neural performance, particularly as relates to the integrity of cortical inhibition, visual persistence, proliferation effect, and repetition suppression. Deficits in repetition suppression serve as early and confirmatory measures of cognitive disorders such as schizophrenia.

Abstract: A cognitive and/or motor skill testing system and method may include a processor that records respective time information for each of multiple positions of a display device that are traced during administration of a test, that determines speed and/or velocity values based on the recorded time information, and that outputs test result information based on the determined values. The test result information may be based on a comparison between a graphed curve of such values to an ideal curve. The positions may correspond to a path between displayed targets whose size and/or distance therebetween depend on past test performance. The system and/or method may output a change expected with a change to therapy parameters for a patient, where the expected change is determined based on changes which occurred in other patients having similar test results and therapy parameters as those of the patient.

Abstract: A flexible loop electrode for electroretinographic (ERG) recordings of extra-corneal signals with a protective bead and a U-shaped electrode form that is particularly adapted for use with spectacles or a fixed mount. Means also employed to detect electrode integrity.

Abstract: Mental illness is a huge burden on those afflicted with it, as well as their caregivers and represents a major cost to society as a whole. The invention herein is concerned with methods and apparatus to improve the well-being of persons afflicted with mental illness, as well as to provide early and better diagnosis. It is felt that in some cases such diagnosis can lead to a potential for eliminating the worst effects of the illness altogether, by allowing intervention before a first psychotic episode occurs. The invention uses sensors, primarily 2D or 3D cameras and voice recognition to observe persons in many instances during ordinary activity such as playing video games, chatting on the internet or other such computer based activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visual stimulation and recording of the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and of the visual evoked potentials (VEP), by way of transient and steady-state visual stimuli, including a simultaneous transient and steady-state stimulation of a plurality of zones of the visual field visualization element, and an algorithm able to reconstruct the second harmonic component of the steady-state signal and the transient signal of the zones.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing a user's sustained attention comprises at least one stimulus-provider and a controller for controlling the stimulus-provider to provide at least one target stimulus, wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one operating procedure and the or each operating procedure comprises controlling the stimulus-provider to provide a sequence of target stimuli to the user.

Abstract: A device for training and testing dynamic visual acuity is provided. The device comprises an object that is tethered using a connector, such as a string. The object may display one or more visual indicia with a given characteristic. Examples of visual indicia may include letters, numbers, shapes, and the like. Additional exemplary characteristics of the visual indicia may include varying sizes and contrasting colors. Once tethered, the object can be put into motion, which causes the subject to use more effort in viewing and identifying the visual indicia on the device.

Abstract: It is discloses a method and system for measuring and assessing the impact of non-verbal responses of a respondent to a stimulus, the method comprises the steps of presenting a reference stimulus to the respondent; recording immediate non-verbal responses via an imaging device to said presented reference stimulus; presenting a stimulus under test to the respondent; recording immediate non-verbal responses via an imaging device to said presented stimulus under test; presenting a questionnaire with questions on the stimulus under test to the respondent; obtaining verbal responses to the questions; immediately transmitting the recorded image of said non-verbal responses to the reference stimulus and the stimulus under test across a communications network to an image processing unit and after having received said images at said image processing unit automatically calculating emotion probabilities of the non-verbal responses of the respondent from said images; and calculating a emotional intensity score derived fr

Abstract: A method for predicting initial postoperative IOL power of a patient undergone IOL surgery. A method for predicting future refractive growth of a pediatric patient's eye.

Abstract: A physiological measuring system is disclosed that monitors certain physiological parameters of an individual through the use of a body-mounted sensing apparatus. The apparatus is particularly adapted for continuous wear. The system is also adaptable or applicable to calculating derivations of such parameters. A oxygen debt measuring embodiment is directed predicting an outcome in response to injury and illness. The technique allows for closed-loop resuscitation, early identification of illness and early corrective action.

Abstract: An ophthalmic refractor is described that provides a non-linear relationship between spherical power and refractive error by positioning a reference plane for a sensor system of the refractor in front of the cornea. The refractor may have a working distance and dynamic range that enable it to be mounted on a surgical microscope. Also described are computational methods for analysing the output from the ophthalmic refractor, utilising error minimisation, linear regression and Fourier Transform analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the differential diagnosis of a patient with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD). One method includes identifying a plurality of partially repetitive eye movements that over time define square wave jerks, each square wave jerk of the plurality of square wave jerks defined by a first horizontal saccadic movement that moves the eye away from a fixation target followed by a corrective saccadic movement towards the target shortly thereafter, measuring a vertical component associated with the plurality of square wave jerks, comparing the vertical component with a threshold value. PSP or PD is identified by comparison of the vertical component with the threshold value. In another embodiment, a patient's saccade rate is determined and compared to a threshold value, and PSP or PD is identified based upon the comparison of the saccade rate with the threshold value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying or enhancing vision are described. In exemplary embodiments, neural or neuromuscular activity is analyzed to determine a focus or other quality of a visual input, and the focus or quality information used as a basis for controlling an adjustable lens system or optical system.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for measuring cognitive ability and/or detecting cognitive impairment or decline. For example, techniques and tools are described that can be used to diagnose or test susceptibility to cognitive impairments in children or in elderly people (such as cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer's Disease). Techniques and tools are described that can be used to evaluate treatment effects and/or measure cognitive decline over time.

Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal eye movement in a subject to indicate possible impairment of the subject. The subject may be presented with a visual pattern to observe. The visual pattern may cause the subject's eyes to move. Images of the eye movements may be captured. An eye motion pattern may be computed from the images. The eye motion pattern may be classified relative to other eye motion patterns or a guide. The classification may indicate whether there appears to be an abnormal movement of the eye and thus an impairment of the subject. An identification of the subject may be obtained according to a biometric from the images and used to retrieve the subject's baseline eye motion pattern. A comparison of the computed eye motion pattern and the baseline eye motion pattern may indicate whether there is abnormal movement of the eye and thus an impairment of the subject.

Abstract: A method for performing a procedure on a patient, includes obtaining a biometric image representative of the patient and performing the procedure on the patient in accordance with the biometric image. The patient has an iris and the biometric image comprises an iris biometric image and the procedure comprises a medical procedure. First and second iris biometric images; are obtained and the first and second iris biometric images are compared to provide a biometric comparison result. A patient is identified in accordance with the biometric comparison result. The patient has at least one feature and the feature is represented within at least one of the first and second iris biometric images.

Abstract: A method and associated system improve accuracy in objective refraction measurements by including the measured distance between the photoreceptors of a subject's eye and the scattering location of light during the objective refraction measurements. Chromatic aberrations in the objective measurements are also compensated. The distance between the photoreceptors and the scattering location may be determined by adjusting a distance between a rotating speckled light pattern and an eye until the speckled light pattern appears to be stationary, or by employing a Scheiner disk.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus which allows an operator to easily recognize relevance between morbid portions, which exist in a plurality of layers, according to a disease.

Abstract: A device and method are presented for drug-free, non-invasive, modulation of a size of a patient's pupil. The invention utilizes application of an external electric and/or magnetic field of desired properties to the patient's iris to thereby effect stimulation or neutralization of synapses and thus temporarily inducing mydriasis or miosis effect.

Abstract: An apparatus (4) is disclosed adapted to diagnose disorders related to the brain of a subject. The apparatus comprises a display (42) for presenting stimuli to said subject, a microphone (46) for registering a sound signal, and a control unit adapted to measure a pause time until articulation of the subject starts in a said sound signal for naming presented stimuli as quickly as possible and in an order as previously presented. Components of said pause time are analyzed for diagnostic support of neuropsychiatric disorders, in particular neurodevelopmental disorders, or brain damage induced disorders. An adjustment of medication dosage or medication type to individual patient needs may be made based on the measurement.

Abstract: A saccadic motion detection system comprised of an optical system that focuses light reflected or emitted from the subject's eye onto an optical navigation chip, which connects to circuitry configured to convert analog light from the eye to digital representations motion of the eye, including saccadic eye movement and processes the information received thereby.

Abstract: Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.

Abstract: The eye movement, body movement, and/or physiological performance of a subject may tracked while the subject performs a task, such as participating in an activity or sport. The collected data may then be used to identify correlations between the subject's eyesight and the subject's body movement exists and/or physiology. Such a correlation may be analyzed (e.g., over time) to determine any delays or gaps in the subject's ability to track an object, such as a ball, while participating in a sport or other activity. Further, a subject's performance may be compared to data collected from other individuals. The eye movement, body movement, and/or physiological performance data may be used to test and/or train the visual and cognitive abilities of an individual.

Abstract: A biological signal display apparatus includes: a stimulation unit which performs stimulation on a living body; a measurement unit which measures an evoked response evoked by the stimulation; a calculator which calculates a feature amount of the evoked response; a display unit; and a display controller which, based on the feature amount calculated by the calculator, displays a bar-shaped image on the display unit, each time when the stimulation is performed, the bar-shaped image corresponding with the evoked response on the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the estimation of the vertical in humans using an experimental design that incorporates virtual reality. Methods of measuring the perceived vertical in a subject using steady state and transient experiments are disclosed. The inventive methods are useful for diagnosis, as well as for follow up after patient rehabilitation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for assessment of color processing mechanism in the human brain using cerebral blood flow velocity monitoring, specifically transcranial Doppler ultrasound. The method including steps of transluminating color discs from a light source of a specific color temperature, which act on the visual pathways and color centers to alter mean blood flow velocity in the cerebral arteries. The mean flow velocity is analyzed and using Fourier computation to calculate spectral density estimates. Opponent mechanism in the cortical and subcortical regions determined as opposing tendency for short wavelength versus medium wavelength or for medium wavelength versus long wavelength colors. The method is applied for diagnosis, and treatment of variety of conditions.

Abstract: There is provided an image recording apparatus for assisting an observer who observes an observed person.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of collecting elements of and assembling various portions of ocular micro motions such as ocular micro-tremor (OMT) movements of the eye, and correlating them directly with OMT waveforms acquired from both known and unknown states of cognition and cognitive function. Comparing newly acquired waveforms from patients with undiagnosed cognitive dysfunctions, permits an individual or caregiver the ability to identify those unknown issues or cognitive states based on matching or relating statistically elements of their waveform with categories of other known cognitive processing normals and abnormals, functional and dysfunctional individuals. It also allows for measuring the effects of therapeutic agents (psychological or pharmacological) by relating them to measurable changes in cognitive function as a result of correlated changes in waveforms.

Abstract: A method for assessing a pre-cognitive emotional response from a test subject, using responses obtained during the first moments of brain activity after presentation of a stimulus, includes exposing the test subject to a visual stimulus for between approximately 500 milliseconds and approximately 1 second, and receiving an input from the subject while the subject is exposed to the visual stimulus or within approximately 300 milliseconds after the subject is first exposed to the stimulus. The method further includes storing, in response to receiving the input, a user response that identifies one of a plurality of emotional reactions that is associated with the visual stimulus. Each of the exposing, receiving, and storing acts is repeated for a plurality of visual stimuli. The method further includes determining, based on each of the stored user responses, one or more dominant emotional characteristics of the subject.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring mild perceptual impairment of a human subject, in which a stimulus having at least one parameter is applied to the human subject. The human subject produces a response to the stimulus indicative of a perception by the human subject of the at least one parameter of the stimulus. The response of the human subject is then processed in view of determining if the human subject suffers from mild perceptual impairment.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ophthalmic apparatus are disclosed for administering fluids to the eye. In one disclosed embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatus includes an eye-positioning device for assisting a subject in positioning an eye in a desired position for administering the fluid and a fluid applicator for dispensing the fluid into the eye when the eye is in the desired position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode array device for simultaneously detecting electrical potentials at five or more locations on the anterior surface of an eye. The device comprises a dielectric lens substrate having a concave inner surface conforming to the anterior surface of the eye, and at least five recording electrodes positioned in relation to the inner surface of the lens substrate so as to make electrical connection with the anterior surface of the eye when the lens substrate is placed on the anterior surface of eye. Each recording electrode is in electrically conductive communication with a corresponding conductive contact, there being one conductive contact for each recording electrode. Each conductive contact is adapted for operable connection to signal processor, and each conductive contact is electrically insulated from the anterior surface of the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination of a subject user. The apparatus includes a processor, a tablet interfaced with the processor and that is configured to accept the progressive input of the subject user, and a memory interfaced to the processor that maintains one or more records associated with eye-hand coordination testing of the subject user. The apparatus is configured to progressively display a visual symbol on the tablet and detect a progressive tracing of the displayed visual symbol based upon the input from the subject user. The apparatus is further configured to determine a score based upon at least one characteristic of the progressive tracing, such as how quickly the tracing follows the progressive display or how far the tracing deviates from the path of the progressive display, and then stores the determined score within a record in memory.

Abstract: A method and system of supplying rodents, such as mice, to medical researchers pre-installs and/or embeds physiologic sensors onto or within the rodents prior to selling the modified rodents to the researchers. The specialty skills, such as small animal surgical and anesthesia skills and sensor placement and testing, are centralized in one organization rather than being spread about a collection of researchers. The subjects with preinstalled, pre-tested hardware, are sold to the researcher as needed. Communication hardware and software will be supplied for the user to convert their desktop computer into a wireless monitoring station. Additionally an external pulse oximeter for small rodents, such as mice, provides measurements on a hand or foot of the rodent with a sensor configured to avoid shunting around the rodent appendage, and configured for high heart rates (200-900 beats per minutes) of the subjects.

Abstract: System for demonstrating oculomotor abnormalities in a eukaryote, the system including: —elements for capturing (13) the eye movements made by the eukaryote while the eukaryote is stimulated with at least one image in accordance with at least one instruction, wherein the capture elements (13, 14) supply a capture signal, —an analysis module (18) for calculating the value of at least one predetermined parameter by analysis of the capture signal, and —elements (22) for determining an abnormality as a function of the calculated value at least one predetermined value for each of the parameters.

Abstract: Methods for determining whether the brain activity of a human subject in response to a stimulus of interest or question of interest is characteristic of a state of interest, such as a deceptive state or a truthful state, are disclosed. Some methods include the use of control questions, including truthful control questions and deceptive control questions, to provide bases for comparison for responses to stimuli of interest or questions of interest. In some methods, brain maps are generated and compared. Also disclosed are systems for detecting deception by measuring brain activity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method of monitoring the alertness or wakefulness of a driver. The monitored parameters include cardiac, respiratory and movement parameters. Sensors are located in various locations of the driver side section to detect the vigilance of a driver. These sensors include pressure sensors embedded in the seat and pedals, and a head band for monitoring EEG, EMG and EOG signals.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the response of a nervous system of a body to a stimulus. The method comprises collecting a set of voltage measurements between selected areas on a surface of the body while current is being passed between selected regions of the surface of the body. The set of voltage measurements is collected over a predetermined measurement period, the predetermined measurement period is initiated at a predetermined time after application of the stimulus, and the collected voltage measurements are compared with reference to determine normal or abnormal response of the nervous system.

Abstract: A device and method are presented for drug-free, non-invasive, modulation of a size of a patient's pupil. The invention utilizes application of an external electric and/or magnetic field of desired properties to the patient's iris to thereby effect stimulation or neutralization of synapses and thus temporarily inducing mydriasis or miosis effect.

Abstract: A medical examination chair is used to seat a patient and move the patient along three essentially-perpendicular planes over a wide range. The chair includes a primary arc which is connected to a stationary column by a horizontal shaft, forming a first axis of rotation. A second axis of rotation, which is essentially perpendicular to the first, passes through first and second ends of the primary arc. The chair also includes a secondary arc which is equipped with a seat and which is disposed inside the primary arc. Third and fourth ends of the secondary arc are connected to the first and second ends of the primary arc by an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The primary and secondary arcs can rotate around the first and second axes of rotation respectively. The medical examination chair further includes braking elements for suddenly stopping the rotational movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of utilizing an eye detection apparatus in a medical application, which includes calibrating the eye detection apparatus to a user; performing a predetermined set of visual and cognitive steps using the eye detection apparatus; determining a visual profile of a workflow of the user; creating a user-specific database to create an automated visual display protocol of the workflow; storing eye-tracking commands for individual user navigation and computer interactions; storing context-specific medical application eye-tracking commands, in a database; performing the medical application using the eye-tracking commands; and storing eye-tracking data and results of an analysis of data from performance of the medical application, in the database. The method includes performing an analysis of the database for determining best practice guidelines based on clinical outcome measures.

Abstract: A method of training a subject to improve anticipatory timing includes presenting the subject with multiple sequences of stimuli, receiving sensor signals associated with responses by the subject to the stimuli, and recording response times in accordance with the sensor signals, wherein the recorded response times are associated with the responses by the subject to the multiple sequences of stimuli, and wherein the response times have an associated distribution. The method further includes analyzing the distribution of response times for the subject to determine variability in anticipatory timing of the subject with respect to the stimuli, and generating a subject feedback signal corresponding to a result of the analyzing so as to train the subject to improve anticipatory timing of the subject.

Abstract: An improved neurological testing apparatus 10 for examining a person's neurological system has a body housing 12, one or more separate specific taste testing substances 20, one or more separate specific smell testing substances 30, one or more vision charts 40, 42 and a light source 50. The body housing 12 includes a front surface 12A, a rear surface 12B, an upper end 14, a bottom end 16 and an interior chamber 18 for holding a battery 100. The separate specific taste testing substances 20 are attached to the front or rear surfaces. The separate specific smell testing substances 30 are attached to either the front or rear surface. The vision charts 40, 42 lie on one of the front or rear surfaces opposite the smell or taste testing substances 20, 30.