WO2009138964A2

WO2009138964A2 - Apparatus for performing eye exercise

Info

Publication number: WO2009138964A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/052021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claude Nimkovitch
Original assignee: Claude Nimkovitch
Priority date: 2008-05-16
Filing date: 2009-05-14
Publication date: 2009-11-19
Also published as: GB0808922D0; WO2009138964A3

Abstract

An optical apparatus for performing eye exercise comprises: (A) base means shaped generally like an elongated beam; (B) picture means which is suitable for eye exercise and includes positioning means for positioning said picture means at various locations along said base means; (C) electrical light means attached to said base means, including lamp means and switch means for turning said lamp on and off; (D)ocular means including two viewing apertures, each located in front of one eye, said ocular means being mounted on or close to one end of said base means; (E) audio feedback means for generating, during the eye exercise performance, an audio signal whose characteristics are indicative of the distance of the moving picture from the user's eyes.

Description

Apparatus for performing eye exercise

Technical Field

This invention relates to orthoptic eye exercise devices having two fixation centers and using audio feedback.

Background Art

Heretofore, various devices were used to perform orthoptic eye exercise. The goal of these exercises is to correct mainly for fusion deficiencies, for example convergence insufficiency or divergence insufficiency or intermittent strabismus. Convergence insufficiency include exophoria or esophoria; intermittent strabismus include intermittent exotropia and esotropia.

The systems now in use are based on the stereoscopic effect, wherein each eye is presented a separate picture, and the patient is required to exert the eyes muscles to integrate the two pictures into one focused image.

Some of these prior art devices are boring to the patient, thus the patient has no incentive to perform the required exercise; other devices offer only incomplete exercise, which does not accomplish all the functions prescribed by the orthoptist; still other devices are too expensive and cannot be used by the public at home.

Moreover, these prior art devices are not useful for the intermittent strabismus deficiency, that is while one eye ceases at times from participating in the image forming process. When this happens, the usual eye exercises are no more effective. In prior art (Israel Patent No. 11927 ^r4), the present inventor disclosed a device which can be used at home, howewer the picture movement is made manually by the user himself. Sometimes the velocity of movement is not appropiate for the desired exercise. Maybe there is not enough consistency in the exercise, when doing it at a different rate each time.

Moreover, the user has no indication, while performing the exercise, of the actual performance having been achieved. Only after finishing the exercise, the user can look at the achieved performance; this may not be enough an incentive for improvement, nor does it give an intuitive feeling for what is done, in real time.

Yet another possible problem in prior art is that the user is responsible for deciding when picture tracking is lost - this is important in evaluating the success of the exercise, as well as motivating the user.

However, the non-professional user may not be aware of his losing track, or may become aware of it only after a time delay - thus the effectiveness of the device may be impaired.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide for an eye exercise device with means for overcoming the abovedetailed deficiencies, also adapted for exercise at home.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided an optical device for performing orthoptic eye exercise at patient's home.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device includes two fixation centers, each located on the axis of symmetry between the eyes, each center including a picture used for eye exercise.

The patient can choose to look at one picture at a time, with the other picture appearing double.

The two pictures are replaceable, with a different picture pair being used each time, as necessary. The eye exercise device includes a trial frame with replaceable optical accessories. The replaceable optical accessories may include lenses and/or prisms.

The distance to the closer fixation center and its picture is adjustable. The eye exercise device includes two lights, each included in one fixation center, with means for the activation of each light. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the device further includes red filters for eye exercise purposes.

Furthermore, the invention includes automatic means for moving the closer picture toward the user's eyes at a controlled velocity, to achieve a consistent framework for exercising.

The invention also includes audio feedback means for indicating to the user, in real time, the measure of closeness of the picture to the eyes, that is the indice of user's achievement in the present exercise.

Moreover, the eyes tracking performance may be automatically measured and loss of tracking may be automatically detected, to achieve a more reliable indice than when relying on user's judgment.

The structure of the device is modular, with the user having a choice of either a simple, low cost device or a more advanced system offering more benefits.

Further objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinafter. Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates the system structure of a device for eye exercise

Fig. 2 details, in block diagram form, the structure and operation of the device

Fig. 3 illustrates the audio feedback method, linking movement and sound

Fig. 4 illustrates an audio feedback method with increasing pulse rate

Fig. 5 illustrates a method with audio feedback enhanced in learning zone

Fig. 6 details the optical path and the operation of the device.

Fig. 7 details the image formation for the far fixation case.

Fig. 8 details the image formation for the near fixation case.

Fig. 9 details several possible picture pairs usable with the device for eye exercise.

Fig. 10 illustrates, in a flow chart, the movement method of the device

Fig. 11 illustrates, in a flow chart, the sound generating method of the device

Fig. 12 illustrates the system structure of a device with automatic loss of track detection Fig. 13 illustrates, in a flow chart, a method for automatic loss of track detection

Fig. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the device

Figs. 15, 16 and 17 illustrate a structure with no support, one or two supports on a tabletop, respectively

Fig. 18 illustrates a block diagram of a system with automatic loss of track detection

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to Fig. 1 , an example of a device for eye exercise, trial frame 1 is used to hold (not shown) lenses and/or prisms and/or red filters, according to the exercise to be performed.

Support means 55 is used to keep frame 1 at a suitable height, to be comfortable to the user. Frame 1 is kept at eye's level, while support means 55 are laid on a table (not shown).

Frame 1 has two receptacles 12, 13, each for holding a lens, a prism and/or a filter, close to the patient's eye.

A fixed picture 4 and a movable picture 3 are presented to the patient. These are the fixation centers used for eye exercise. Picture 3 and picture 4 are held on picture holders 31 and 41, respectively. The pictures are removably attached using mechanical, magnetic or other means (not shown) as known in the art.

Picture 3 can be moved along base 2, to change the distance between picture 3 and frame 1. In a preferred embodiment, channel means 22 together with an electric motor 71 , suitable gear means as known in the art (not shown) and an electric battery 72 may be used to move the picture holder 31 with picture 3 along the base 2, and its fixation at a desired distance.

The movement of picture 3 may be at a controlled velocity and/or according to a predetermined program and criteria, as detailed elsewhere in the present disclosure.

The electrical motor 71 may be implemented using a DC motor, an AC motor or a stepper motor, for example.

In a lower cost model, the movement of picture 3 may be performed manually.

The eye exercise is usually performed by gradually bringing the picture 3 closer to the user's eyes. During the exercise, the device gives an audio feedback using for example loudspeaker 73. The method of operation of the audio feedback is further detailed below, see for example the disclosure presented referring to Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Preferably, the length of the base 2 is about 30 cm.

Pictures 3, 4 each has a hole 32, 42 respectively, each at a fixed location in the picture. Lamps (not shown) are included in each picture holder 31, 41 located such as to be seen through holes 32, 42 respectively. The lamps may use the usual incandescent bulbs used at home, preferably operating at a lower voltage (for example 1.5 or 3 volts), to be usable with small electrical batteries (not shown).

A preferred implementation uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which consume less current and thus enable a considerably longer battery life. Moreover, white LEDs are available and may be used in the present invention.

Color filters may be used to present a desired color, for example red , green or blue.

The lights may be manually operated using switches 51, 52 located on handle 5. Each switch, when activated, closes an electric circuit to connect one of the lamps to the battery. Thus, each light can be activated independently during the exercise.

Method of use: The patient is instructed to look at the closer picture 3; then lamp (not shown) in picture 4 is turned on, and the patient should see it double. If only one light is seen, this is indicative of only one eye participating in the exercise, in which case the exercise is useless.

A different exercise should then be recommended by the other eye to look at the picture 3, such that the patient sees picture 3 with both eyes, and the light in picture 4 is seen double in his/her peripheral vision. Various shades of red filter can be used, to transmit more or less light; these are chosen by the orthoptist as required. The filter may be made, for example, of glass or celluloid.

The lenses are used during the first stages of the exercise, to facilitate eye convergence and accommodation. Divergent lenses of about 3 diopters are recommended. The lenses should be dispensed with in the more advanced stages of the treatment. Prisms are used to perform eye exercises, as detailed below referring to Fig. 6. To adapt the device for use by adults as well as children, the distance between the left receptacle 13 and the right receptacle '12should be adjustable. Preferably, receptacles 12 and 13 should be attached to base 2 using a mechanism (not shown) with means for changing the distance between receptacles 12, 13 while keeping the receptacles at an equal distance from base 2. Thus a slot 14 is created between receptacles 12 and 13 of frame 1. The range of change is preferably such as to achieve an inter-pupilar distance of between about 55 mm and 65 mm.

Optional handle 5 can be used to better hold the device during the exercise performance.

The electrical batteries 72 to power the device may be included in the handle 5.

For ease of use, the device may include (see Figs. 14, 16 and 17) a stand with a base and a telescopic beam, to hold it at eye level while the device is placed on a table. This provides for effortless exercise, since the patient does not have to hold the device. Other implementation may include two support means or rods (not shown) one connected to base 2 near frame 1 through an rotatable hinge, the other rod connected to base 2 near picture 4, through a hinge as well; the device has then two states, one while not in use, with the rods folded and close to base 2, while the in the other state the rods are opened down to about a normal angle with base 2, to hold the device at the desired height.

Various support means may be used, as known in the art; the height can be variable, to adapt to the height of the eyes of a sitting person. For adults, a height between 30 to 40 cm. For children, a height of between 10 to 20 cm may be used.

Fig. 2 details, in block diagram form, the structure and operation of the device. Preferably, the operation of the device is controlled by a controller 75, which may be implemented using a low cost one chip microcomputer, for example. Such a device may be programmable, to allow changing the parameters and/or the mode of operation of the device.

The operation of the device may be controlled using the START button 751 and mode select button 752.

Activating the ON/OFF switch 753 will open or close the device, for example by connecting the electronic system to the electric battery 72.

The controller 75 may activate the LED 43 in the fixed picture 4, as well as the LED 33 in movable picture 3.

A display 76 may be used to present the score (the performance achieved during the exercise) and/or instructions to the user.

The electric motor 71 may be activated, under controller 75 control and according to a method of operation as detailed in the present disclosure, to move the picture 3 closer to the user's eyes or away from him.

During the exercise, the loudspeaker 73 (or other audio generating means) may be activated to give an audio feedback to the user.

Fig. 3 illustrates one example of an audio feedback method, linking movement and sound. The upper graph illustrates the distance 81 vs. time 82 during the exercise, and the lower graph illustrates the corresponding frequency 83 of the generated sound during the same time instants 82.

During the eye exercise, there are nearing periods 841, 843 (the picture 3 gets nearer) and departing periods 842.

During the nearing periods 841 , 843 the frequency (pitch) of the emitted sound preferably increases, so a higher sound indicates a higher performance of the user during the eye exercise and/or a greater effort therein. This is an intuitive feedback to the user, indicating the performance being achieved- this is an objective, real time feedback indicator.

This feedback may also encourage the user to higher achievements and make the eye exercise more interesting. During the departing periods 842, a fixed frequency sound may be emitted, or a relaxing music, or instructions and explanations may be given.

Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an audio feedback method, with audio pulses being generated rather than a continuous signal.

During the nearing periods 841 , 843 the frequency (pitch) of the emitted sound increases, and the pulse rate increases as well. Thus, as the distance decreases, pulses are emitted at a higher rate and the frequency of each pulse is higher. This may give a still better intuitive feedback to the user regarding the performance being achieved.

In yet another embodiment, only the pulse rate changes as a function of distance, whereas the sound's frequency remains fixed.

The above embodiments are just examples of means for performing audio feedback means for generating, during the eye exercise performance, an audio signal whose characteristics are indicative of the distance of the moving picture from the user's eyes. Other of the audio signal's characteristics may be changed to indicate the distance of the moving picture.

If the picture is move manually, sensor means may be used to measure the distance or location of the moving picture from the user's eyes. This measured distance may then be used to set the characteristics of the audio signal.

In yet another embodiment, the audio signal may include synthetic speech with a voice declaring the distance measured, for example.

A possible problem with the above methods is that, since the frequency range corresponds to the whole distance range, the change in frequency is relatively small for small changes in distance. What may be important to the user are the small changes in the highest frequency (corresponding to the best distance being achieved) in a series of exercises. Such small changes may not be discernible to the user.

To address this problem, Fig. 5 illustrates a method with audio feedback enhanced in the learning zone. The system learns the user's performance and sets an enhanced sensitivity zone 8412 therein, within the nearing periods 841. Thus, the user will be able to measure small improvements in the distance achieved during the exercise.

As the user's performance improves, the enhanced sensitivity zone 8412 may be gradually moved toward closer distances, to support further improvements by giving better feedback in that area.

Referring to Fig. 6, which details the optical path and the operation of the device, each of the frames 12, 13 may include a lens 122, 132 and/or a prism 133 ,123 respectively. Lenses of about 3 diopters are preferred. An additional slot 124, 134 can be used to hold a filter (not shown), lenses or other accessories.

The point M on axis 62 is viewed by the left eye 603 and the right eye 602.

Axis 62 is normal to the axis 61 connecting eyes 602, 603, and intersecting axis 61 at its middle. Prisms 132, 133 deflect the line of sight, such that while the eyes 602, 603 look forward along line of sight 632, 633, the actual image which is seen is away and out, away from point M.

Thus, the prisms as shown should be used in advanced stage exercise, to prompt the eyes to a greater effort to look at point M, along optical paths 642, 643 respectively.

Usually prisms of 2 diopters or 3 diopters are used.

The prisms are shown in the "base in" configuration. The prisms in this configuration, together with divergent lenses, are used to help and correct exophoria deficiencies, also to facilitate eye accommodation during the first stages of the exercise

The "base in" configuration is also used for exophoria deficiencies, without the lenses.

This applies for normal sight. To perform convergence exercise, prisms with various power may be used, to cause eye effort in the desired direction.

Fig. 7 details the image formation for the far fixation case. Here, while eyes 602, 603 are looking at a far point F, and causing images M, M' to be formed on the retina, with additional images 0' , 0" being formed as shown, resulting from the near picture being seen double. Referring to Fig. 8, which details the image formation for the near fixation case, eyes 602, 603 are looking at near point F, and causing images M and M' to be formed on the retina as shown, resulting from the far picture A being seen double as images A' and A" respectively.

Fig. 9 details several possible picture pairs usable with the device for eye exercise. Replacing the pictures and using related pictures, like A and B, or C and D, results in a more interesting and pleasing eye exercise. Referring to Fig. 9 (B), which is a typical example, it includes picture 3 and hole means 32, though which the lamp (not shown), which is mounted behind the picture 3, can be seen by the patient.

Various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. For example, the picture 4 may be movable as well along base 2, like picture 3 and/or using similar means (not shown) to attach it to base 2 at the desired distance.

The pictures 3 and/or 4 may be formed using electronic display means such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). To be suitable for eye exercise, picture means 3 is devised such as to include a clear picture, including features which can be easily seen at a distance of between 15 and 40 cm; not too small (in which case its features are too small to be seen) and not too large (then it obstructs the other, more distant picture and/or lamp.

A picture size of about 2.5 to 4 cm wide by 3 to 6 cm high is preferred. Instead of frame 1 , ocular means with two viewing apertures for looking through may be used, like a (not shown) spectacles-like frame without lenses, or an obstructing sheet with two holes, each located in front of one eye.

The eye exercise may be performed without lenses if low cost is the predominant consideration; in this case, however, the eye adaptation will take longer, and the whole treatment will take a longer time than with the more advanced embodiments of the present invention, as-detailed above. The frame can be placed on the nose during the exercise, with the patient holding the base 2 while moving picture 3 along base 2.

This embodiment allows to look at a picture located at various distances from the eyes, while checking that both eyes are participating in the exercise, by activating the light and ensuring that two images of the light are seen, as detailed above. The device also keeps the picture and the light at a fixed spatial relationship with respect to the eyes and to each other and continuously visible to the user, to allow the exercise performance.

Mains electrical power can be used instead of batteries; this is a cheaper means; alternately, rechargeable (secondary) batteries may be used. In one embodiment (see Fig. 15) the device is held by the user during the exercise, without support means, to reduce the cost. Picture movement method

Fig. 10 illustrates, in a flow chart, the movement method of the device, including:

1. moving picture to far location 851, in preparation to performing the eye exercise.

2. to start? 852 . The system waits, ready until the user indicates he/she is ready to perform the eye exercise.

3. move picture closer 853. The electric motor moves the picture 3 closer to the user's eyes.

4. lost track? 854 . The picture movements only continues as long as the user's eyes keep track of it. Loss of eye tracking may be indicated manually or automatically. Manually - the user stops pressing the activation button, or presses a STOP button, to indicate loss of tracking. Automatically - using for example a video camera and picture processing, see for example the disclosure with reference to Figs. 12, 13 18 below.

5. stop, present results 855 . The results may be presented on display 76

( see Fig. 2), or the user may see the location of the picture 3 - where it has stopped.

6. do it again? 856

7. moving picture to far location 857, in preparation to repeating the eye exercise. 8. stop 858

**End of method**

Sound generating method

Fig. 11 illustrates, in a flow chart, the sound generating method of the device, including:

1. picture stopped? 861

2. give explanations or music 862 ; relaxing after an eye exercise.

3. picture moving closer? 863

4. sound increasing in frequency 864; this is the real time audio feedback to the user.

5. picture moving away? 865

6. sound at fixed frequency or music 866 **End of method**

Fig. 12 illustrates a system structure with a video camera 89. The video camera 89 is directed toward the user's eyes and measures lateral movements of the pupils. During eye exercise, as long as the eyes track the approaching picture, the pupils move toward the center. When tracking is lost, one pupil or both move out, away from the center. Picture recognition signal processing may be used to track the pupils movement and detect, in the user performing the exercise, loss of tracking. When loss of tracking is detected, the movement of picture 3 is automatically stopped and the result of the exercise may be presented to the user.

Automatic loss of tracking detection method

Figs. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a flow chart with a video camera, including:

1. moving picture to far location 851

2. start? 852

3. move picture closer 853

4. process video image 8541

5. lost track? 8542

6. automatic stop, present results 8552

7. do it again? 856

8. moving picture to far location 857

9. stop 858 **End of method**

Fig. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the structure of the device. The support means 58 (preferably a pair of support legs, each to one side of the device), hold the device in a desired orientation during the eye exercise. Pushbuttons 51, 52, and 53 may be used to control the operation of the device.

Fig. 15 illustrates a structure with no support on the tabletop.

Fig. 16 illustrates a structure with one support 582 on the tabletop 59.

Fig. 17 illustrates a structure with two supports 581, 582 on tabletop 59.

Fig. 18 details a block diagram of a system with a video camera 89. A video processor 893 as known in the art may be used to recognize and track the location of the two eyes pupils during the exercise.

Optionally, means for eye training on a lateral movement may also be included, for example using an arm (not shown) rotatable laterally with a picture attached to its distal end. The picture may thus be moved sideways and up.

The foregoing details best mode or modes for carrying out the invention with examples describing the invention and allowing a person of ordinary skill in the art to use the invention. It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of an apparatus and method within the scope of the present invention and that various embodiments will become obvious to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure and drawings.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An optical apparatus for performing eye exercise, comprising: (A) base means shaped generally like an elongated beam;

(B) picture means which is suitable for eye exercise and includes positioning means for positioning said picture means at various locations along said base means;

(C) electrical light means attached to said base means, including lamp means and switch means for turning said lamp on and off;

(D)ocular means including two viewing apertures, each located in front of one eye, said ocular means being mounted on or close to one end of said base means;

(E) audio feedback means for generating, during the eye exercise performance, an audio signal whose characteristics are indicative of the distance of the moving picture from the user's eyes.

2 . The optical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said base means further includes means for positioning said picture means and said lamp means each at an equal distance from both eyes, while said base means is positioned before the patient with said viewing apertures being positioned each in front of one of patient's eyes.

3. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for positioning said lamp means at or near the end of said base means which is farthest from said ocular means.

4. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for positioning said lamp means at various locations along said base means.

5. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for automatically moving the moving picture toward the user's eyes using electric motor means.

6. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio feedback signal's characteristics include its frequency.

7. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio feedback signal includes pulses and the signal's characteristics include its pulse repetition rate.

8. The optical apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the signal's characteristics further include the signal's frequency.

9. An optical apparatus for performing eye exercise, comprising: (A) base means shaped generally like an elongated beam;

(B) first picture means which is suitable for eye exercise and includes positioning means for positioning said picture means at various locations along said base means and including hole means with first lamp means located behind said hole such that said first lamp is visible to the patient; (C) second picture means which is suitable for eye exercise and includes positioning means for positioning said picture means on said base means and including hole means with second lamp means located behind said hole such that said second lamp is visible to the patient;

(D) electrical light means attached to said base means, including switch means for independently turning on and off each of said first and second lamp, by connecting said lamps to an electrical power source;

(E) ocular means including two viewing apertures, each located in front of one eye, said ocular means being mounted on or close to one end of said base means; (F) audio feedback means for generating, during the eye exercise performance, an audio signal whose characteristics are indicative of the distance of the moving picture from the user's eyes.

10. The optical apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said base means further includes means for positioning said first picture means and said second picture means each at an equal distance from both eyes, while said base means is positioned before the patient with said viewing apertures being positioned each in front of one of patient's eyes.

11. The optical apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further including means for positioning said second picture means at or near the end of said base means which is farthest from said ocular means.

12. The optical apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further including means for positioning said second picture means at various locations along said base means.

13. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 or 9, wherein said ocular means further include means for looking through a spectacles-like frame without lenses, or an obstructing sheet with two holes, each located in front of one of patient's eyes.

14. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 or 9, wherein said ocular means includes holding means for two prisms and/or two lenses and one red filter, wherein each one of said prisms, lenses and filters is located in front of one of patient's eyes.

15. The optical apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said holding means includes means for easy replacement of said prisms, lenses and filters.

16. The optical apparatus for performing eye exercise of the kind specified substantially as herein before described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. The optical apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further including means for automatically moving the moving picture toward the user's eyes using electric motor means.

18. The optical apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the audio feedback signal's characteristics include its frequency.

19. The optical apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the audio feedback signal includes pulses and the signal's characteristics include its pulse repetition rate.

20. The optical apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the signal's characteristics further include the signal's frequency.