U.S. patent application number 13/422125 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for portable neurocognitive assesment and evaluation system.
Invention is credited to Jacob Benford.
Application Number | 20120238831 13/422125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46828993 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120238831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Benford; Jacob |
September 20, 2012 |
Portable Neurocognitive Assesment and Evaluation System
Abstract
A neurocognitive assessment and evaluation system uses a
portable computerized appliance having a touchscreen, network
communication functionality, at least one processor and on-board
digital memory, and has software executing on the at least one
processor. The software provides an interactive display comprising
one or more graphics artifacts with which a person may interact,
monitoring of the time and nature of the person's interaction with
the one or more graphics artifacts, and audio or text instruction
for the person to follow to interact with the one or more graphics
artifacts to perform a specific test for neurocognitive evaluation
of the person.
Inventors: |
Benford; Jacob; (Aptos,
CA) |
Family ID: |
46828993 |
Appl. No.: |
13/422125 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61454287 |
Mar 18, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/165 20130101;
A61B 5/168 20130101; A61B 5/163 20170801; A61B 5/162 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/300 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A neurocognitive assessment and evaluation system, comprising: a
portable computerized appliance having a touchscreen, network
communication functionality, at least one processor and on-board
digital memory; and software executing on the at least one
processor, the software providing: an interactive display
comprising one or more graphics artifacts with which a person may
interact; monitoring of the time and nature of the person's
interaction with the one or more graphics artifacts; and audio or
text instruction for the person to follow to interact with the one
or more graphics artifacts to perform a specific test for
neurocognitive evaluation of the person.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the software first provides a
plurality of icons displayed to represent different specific tests,
and upon selection of an icon, the software causes specific
graphics artifacts associated with the selected test to be
displayed along with text or audio instruction for the person to
interact with the displayed one or more graphics artifacts to
perform the selected test.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the interactive display further
comprises a toolbox area with interactive icons for initiating
specific tools, utility or navigation functions.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein icons are provided to initiate a
home navigation to a main menu, an icon for viewing and editing
specific data associated with tested persons, undo and redo
functions, and an icon for accessing configuration functions.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more functions
provided by the software for communicating with one or more
network-based servers.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the software provides for
downloading new or revised tests from the one or more network-based
servers.
7. The system of claim 1 where in the software provides for
uploading text results and test subject identity to the one or more
network-based servers.
8. The system of claim 2 wherein the system further comprises an
accelerometer, and one of the specific tests is for testing a
subject's balancing ability by providing two graphics artifacts,
one of which moves on the screen relative to the movement of the
device as sensed by the accelerometer, and the other of which
remains stationary on the screen.
9. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests assesses
the person's reaction time by presenting or manipulating a graphics
object at a first time, and recording an action by the person at a
second time in response to seeing the presentation at the first
time.
10. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
assesses the person's coordination by presenting moving graphics
objects and tracking a person's interaction with the moving
graphics objects.
11. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
assesses recollection by presenting graphics objects in a series,
and measuring the person's ability to recall whether newly
presented objects were presented before in the same test.
12. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
measures the person's number sequence memory by presenting a
sequence, and then asking the person to repeat the sequence
sometime after the presented sequence has been deleted from the
screen.
13. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
measures pattern recognition by presenting a pattern and asking the
person to repeat the pattern or select the same pattern in a
subsequent display.
14. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
measures color recognition by presenting color words in a font
color, and asking the person to signal when the text word and the
color match.
15. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
measures impulse sensitivity by displaying series of graphics
artifacts designed to cause the person to react impulsively.
16. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
measures problem solving ability by presenting graphics artifacts
in a manner to create a problem, and asking the person to perform
an act which solves the problem.
17. The system of claim 2 wherein the appliance includes an image
capturing device, and one of the specific tests measures eye
movement and coordination by presenting specific graphics
artifacts, asking the person to watch the artifacts as they move,
and tracking by the image capturing device the movement of the
person's eye or eyes.
18. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the specific tests
measures memory function by presenting character sequences, erasing
the character sequences, and then asking the person to enter the
character sequences using an input function.
19. A method for performing neurocognitive assessment and
evaluation of a person, comprising the steps of: (a) providing on a
portable computerized appliance having a touchscreen, network
communication functionality, at least one processor and on-board
digital memory, with software executing on the at least one
processor; (b) providing on the touchscreen audio or text
instruction for the person to follow to interact with the one or
more graphics artifacts to perform a specific test for
neurocognitive evaluation of the person; (c) displaying by the
software one or more graphics artifacts with which a person may
interact; and (d) monitoring the time and nature of the person's
interaction with the one or more graphics artifacts.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein the software first provides a
plurality of icons displayed to represent different specific tests,
and upon selection of an icon, the software causes specific
graphics artifacts associated with the selected test to be
displayed along with text or audio instruction for the person to
interact with the displayed one or more graphics artifacts to
perform the selected test.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS
[0001] The system is a non-provisional application of U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 61/454,287, filed Mar. 18, 2011,
entitled "Diagnosis of Acute Concussion Using Handheld Electronic
Device", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in
its entirety at least by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a computerized
testing system for assessment of cognitive status, and pertains
more particularly to a neurocognitive and psychomotor performance
assessment and evaluation system for use in a portable hand-held
computerized device.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the State of the Art
[0005] In the field of human neurocognitive psychomotor performance
assessment and evaluation, testing systems are used in a wide range
of situations which produce changes in brain function. Such testing
may be employed in the evaluation of persons who have or are
experiencing stroke, various disease conditions, exposure to toxic
chemicals, rapid decompression, jet lag and so on. In the field of
sports, particularly contact and even non-contact sports, such
testing is particularly valuable for evaluating persons who have
been subjected to sports injuries, particularly those involving
direct or indirect impulsive force to the head, wherein various
levels of concussion may exist. In such cases it is very important
to implement post-injury neurocognitive and psychomotor performance
testing in order to determine if a concussion exists, and if so,
the level of concussion to ensure the safety of the injured player
and/or determine if a player may return to the field, etc.
[0006] The study of the effects of concussions on cognitive and
physical performance is a fairly new area of concentration that is
gaining rapid attention because it is estimated in the fields of
health care and clinical research that a majority of head traumas
are attributed to concussions, few of those requiring hospital
treatment. A concussion has been defined as any hit or blow to the
head resulting in a neuropsychological change in the brain. While
neurocognitive functioning can be altered for a few seconds, it
also can be altered for the rest of one's life. The difference in
these two situations, and anything in between, is that concussions
have different levels of severity. Depending on several factors
such as the severity of the direct or indirect impulsive force to
the head for example, whether or not such force was repeated and if
so, how many times, and whether or not there was lack of
consciousness (and if so for how long) helps determine the severity
of the concussion.
[0007] Symptoms of concussion include but are not limited to
headache, disorientation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, slurred or
incoherent speech, lack of balance and coordination, emotional
outbursts, short and long term memory loss, loss of consciousness,
and light/sound sensitivity. When in some cases only a few of these
symptoms are present after a blow to the head, for example, it may
sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not a concussion
actually occurred, or if these symptoms are simply the result of an
initial shock to the head. In the field of neurocognitive
performance assessment and evaluation, different levels of
concussion have been set to explain the differences within
concussions.
[0008] Traditionally concussions were categorized. A first category
is severe concussion which has been defined as a combination of
three or more of the aforementioned symptoms, in addition to loss
of consciousness for a period greater than five minutes, as well as
post traumatic amnesia for a period of up to twenty-four hours. In
situations such as this, advanced medical care is required. A
second category is a mild concussion. As with severe concussion, a
mild concussion includes at least three or more of the above stated
symptoms as well as loss of consciousness and amnesia, but the
duration of both is shorter; loss of consciousness for less than
five minutes, and less than thirty minutes of post traumatic
amnesia. A third category is an acute concussion. As with severe
and mild concussions, an acute concussion meet three or more of the
above stated symptoms, but there is no loss of consciousness and
there may or may not be amnesia. If amnesia does exist, the
duration is less than thirty minutes. While acute concussions are
far less dangerous than severe or mild concussions, there is still
the possibility of the occurrence of post-injury cognitive
functioning. Now concussions are thought of more on a continuum,
based on symptoms and length of recovery.
[0009] Acute concussions are the most common type of concussion,
particularly in sports wherein player-to-player or player-to-object
contact is possible. Because some of the symptoms at this level of
concussion last for a relatively short period of time, and there is
no loss of consciousness and amnesia may or may not exist, this
type of concussion may easily go unnoticed, and is also the most
difficult to diagnose, particularly in the field.
[0010] In current art the diagnosis of acute concussion is
performed using evaluation of symptoms, verbal questions, physical
and cognitive performance measures, and even a pen-and-paper type
assessment tool. In the present state of the art, evaluation and
initial diagnosis of persons that have a known or suspected
concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is commonly
performed in physician/clinician offices using a written assessment
tool which is a paper form comprising a series of questions and
listed symptoms requiring largely Y/N indications which equate to a
total "scoring". The resulting information is evaluated by skilled
artisans in the office to enable conclusion of an initial
evaluation and diagnosis. A common written test of this type is
known as the Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) test form which is
part of the "Heads Up: Brain Injury in Your Practice" tool kit
developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The ACE form was developed to provide physicians or other skilled
practitioners with an evidence-based protocol to conduct an initial
evaluation and diagnosis, as well as to serially track symptom
recovery over time. Other such test forms are widely used in this
field of endeavor.
[0011] Although such written tests may be of some value in the
assessment of symptoms for aiding a trained artisan such as a
neuropsychologist in an initial diagnosis of acute concussion or
other MTBI as well as tracking symptom recovery, they offer only
limited information providing at best only enough information to
enable initial screening of persons that have a known or suspected
concussion or MTBI. Such written tests are cumbersome and time
consuming and have little value when a speedy determination of a
person's neurocognitive fitness is required, and no value when it
comes to psychomotor performance evaluation, particularly when
involving an injured sports player that is needed back out on the
field to continue play if it is safe for him/her to do so. Further,
many of the symptoms of acute concussion are shared with many other
conditions which may impair a person's neurocognitive performance,
such as depression, under the influence of substances that alter
mind, mood or motor skills, as well as a variety of other medical
conditions. Still further, brain injuries do not always occur when
neuropsychologists or other skilled administrators are nearby, and
symptoms of acute concussion often resolve before the brain has
completely recovered.
[0012] The sheer numbers of brain injuries, particularly
concussions, have inclined the use of computerized neurocognitive
testing (CNT) for the assessment of post-injury cognitive status,
particularly when further medical attention is required. Several
such computer programs exist that perform neuropsychological
testing on patients after they sustain a concussion to help medical
providers and practitioners determine when a patient has completely
recovered and is able to safely return to normal activities.
Presently, such test systems are available only on costly,
full-featured desktop or notebook computers, and are administered
in an environment conducive to such testing which, in the case of
sports-related injuries, is typically far removed from the field
location where the injury occurred. Administrators of such
computerized testing may include athletic directors or trainers,
school nurses, team doctors or the like, and typically must have
completed extensive training in the administration of the test. The
cost and physical size of such computerized testing systems render
their use impractical in many situations; particularly, for
on-the-spot evaluation of injured team players on the field. In
many cases an injury to a player may at first appear to be an acute
concussion, but if a concussion does not exist it may be desirable
for the player to return to the field and resume play when able to
do so as soon as possible. Such large computerized systems do not
provide the capability of immediate on-the-spot diagnosis of acute
concussion.
[0013] CNT systems are available today for use in some smaller
computing devices but such systems simply move the pen and paper
type testing, evaluation, tracking and test batteries and modules
that exist today on larger computer platforms, to a portable
computing platform. Such systems remain particularly deficient in
providing all of the comprehensive testing useful in objectively
but accurately determining the true state of a person's
neurocognitive and psychomotor performance fitness, particularly in
such areas as balance, coordination, eye tracking and so on.
[0014] Therefore, a need clearly remains for a simple, low-cost,
portable and flexible computerized human neurocognitive and
psychomotor performance testing and evaluation tool which would aid
medical professionals or other qualified administrators in quickly
and determinately diagnosing acute concussions while in or near the
field location of an injury to an individual suspected of
sustaining a concussion, either due to a witnessed injury or an
individual's display of possible acute concussion symptoms. Such a
system would provide all of the cognitive and physical performance
test batteries to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to
more conclusively make a decision, while near or at the injury
field location, as to whether or not an acute concussion exists,
and generate point-of-use reporting which could provide immediate
comparisons with normative data and/or to the injured person's past
test performance so that timely, accurate and appropriate actions
can be taken based on the test results. Such a system would be
simple and low-cost, provide software applications that are
downloadable and installable on a widely available low-cost
handheld computing platform device, and a plurality of the devices
could be interconnected over a wide area network such as the
Internet to enable inter-device data sharing as well as that
between field and host devices and central mass data storage. If an
acute concussion is determinate, subsequent retesting once the
patient has fully recovered can be performed to determine if the
injured party had returned to either pre-injury performance or
predefined age/sex specific norms, whereby the injured party could
return safely to the field activity.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention a neurocognitive
assessment and evaluation system is provided, comprising a portable
computerized appliance having a touchscreen, network communication
functionality, at least one processor and on-board digital memory,
and software executing on the at least one processor. The software
provides an interactive display comprising one or more graphics
artifacts with which a person may interact, monitoring of the time
and nature of the person's interaction with the one or more
graphics artifacts, and audio or text instruction for the person to
follow to interact with the one or more graphics artifacts to
perform a specific test for neurocognitive evaluation of the
person.
[0016] Also in one embodiment the software first provides a
plurality of icons displayed to represent different specific tests,
and upon selection of an icon, the software causes specific
graphics artifacts associated with the selected test to be
displayed along with text or audio instruction for the person to
interact with the displayed one or more graphics artifacts to
perform the selected test.
[0017] Further in one embodiment the interactive display further
comprises a toolbox area with interactive icons for initiating
specific tools, utility or navigation functions. In some
embodiments icons are provided to initiate a home navigation to a
main menu, an icon for viewing and editing specific data associated
with tested persons, undo and redo functions, and an icon for
accessing configuration functions.
[0018] In specific embodiments one or more functions are provided
by the software for communicating with one or more network-based
servers, which may be used for downloading new or revised tests
from the one or more network-based servers, or for uploading text
results and test subject identity to the one or more network-based
servers.
[0019] In one embodiment the system further comprises an
accelerometer, and one of the specific tests is for testing a
subject's balancing ability by providing two graphics artifacts,
one of which moves on the screen relative to the movement of the
device as sensed by the accelerometer, and the other of which
remains stationary on the screen.
[0020] In one embodiment one of the specific tests assesses the
person's reaction time by presenting or manipulating a graphics
object at a first time, and recording an action by the person at a
second time in response to seeing the presentation at the first
time. In this and other embodiments one of the specific tests
assesses the person's coordination by presenting moving graphics
objects and tracking a person's interaction with the moving
graphics objects. In yet other embodiments there may be a specific
test to assess recollection by presenting graphics objects in a
series, and measuring the person's ability to recall whether newly
presented objects were presented before in the same test.
[0021] Other specific tests are provided in other embodiments, such
as one to measure the person's number sequence memory by presenting
a sequence, and then asking the person to repeat the sequence
sometime after the presented sequence has been deleted from the
screen, another to measure pattern recognition by presenting a
pattern and asking the person to repeat the pattern or select the
same pattern in a subsequent display, another to measure color
recognition by presenting color words in a font color, and asking
the person to signal when the text word and the color match.
[0022] Other tests provided are measuring impulse sensitivity by
displaying series of graphics artifacts designed to cause the
person to react impulsively, measuring problem solving ability by
presenting graphics artifacts in a manner to create a problem, and
asking the person to perform an act which solves the problem,
including an image capturing device in the system, and eye movement
and coordination by presenting specific graphics artifacts, asking
the person to watch the artifacts as they move, and tracking the
image capturing device the movement of the person's eye or eyes,
and measuring memory function by presenting character sequences,
erasing the character sequences, and then asking the person to
enter the character sequences using an input function.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention a method for performing
neurocognitive assessment and evaluation of a person is provided,
comprising the steps of (a) providing on a portable computerized
appliance having a touchscreen, network communication
functionality, at least one processor and on-board digital memory,
with software executing on the at least one processor; (b)
providing on the touchscreen audio or text instruction for the
person to follow to interact with the one or more graphics
artifacts to perform a specific test for neurocognitive evaluation
of the person; (c) displaying by the software one or more graphics
artifacts with which a person may interact; and (d) monitoring the
time and nature of the person's interaction with the one or more
graphics artifacts.
[0024] In some cases of the method the software first provides a
plurality of icons displayed to represent different specific tests,
and upon selection of an icon, the software causes specific
graphics artifacts associated with the selected test to be
displayed along with text or audio instruction for the person to
interact with the displayed one or more graphics artifacts to
perform the selected test.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The present invention will be better understood from the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architectural diagram of a
network-based system which may be used to implement a
neurocognitive and psychomotor performance evaluation and testing
system according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing functional units of
the evaluation and testing system of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a handheld device which may be
used to implement the evaluation and testing system, displaying a
battery of tests according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a balance test component of the testing program
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a reaction time test component of the testing program
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a coordination test component of the testing program
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a visual memory test component of the testing program
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a short and long term sequence memory test component of
the testing program according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0034] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a graphical interface to enter the sequence displayed in
FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 10 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a problem solving test component of the testing program
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 11 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying a color recognition test component of the testing
program according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 12 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying an impulse control test component of the testing program
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 13 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying an eye movement tracking test component of the testing
program, and tracking guide attachment according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 14 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying an eye movement tracking test component of the testing
program, and an auxiliary video capture attachment according to an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present invention pertains to a computerized testing
system for assessment and evaluation of human cognitive status, and
pertains more particularly to a neurocognitive and psychomotor
performance assessment and evaluation system for use in a portable
hand-held computerized device, enabling administration of a series
of tests provided by software components executed by the handheld
device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the series of
tests provided by the system can be utilized to quickly,
objectively and determinately diagnose whether or not the condition
of acute concussion exists as a result of a witnessed injury or an
individual's display of possible acute concussion symptoms. The
flexible and portable nature of the invention enables on-the-spot
administration of the test series while the administrator is in or
near the field location of an injury, in order to make a decision
as to whether the injured individual is safe to return to the
activity during which the injury occurred, or discontinue the
activity and possibly seek further medical attention.
[0041] FIG. 1 architecturally illustrates a basic system
configuration in which the present invention may be implemented in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In
the following detailed description of embodiments of the present
invention numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without all of these specific details.
In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components
are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the new and novel aspects of the invention.
[0042] System 100 is a networked computerized system in which a
neurocognitive and psychomotor performance evaluation and testing
system designed for use on a portable, handheld computing platform
may be implemented. System 100 generally includes an
Intranet/Internet network represented by cloud 104, and a wireless
cellular network represented by cloud 133. The aforementioned
communications networks support communications between pluralities
of diverse terminal devices as illustrated by computing devices
represented by tablet device 109, cellular phone device 110 and
computer 120. All of these networked devices as represented in the
illustration can be either a single or plurality of geographically
disparate devices without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention.
[0043] Line 103 represents all of the interconnecting structure and
packet-routing capability in the Internet. Server 101 is an
Internet-connected server hosted by an Internet Service Provider
(ISP) providing Internet connection services according to systems
well known in the art. In practice, server 101 may be a single
server or group of servers providing specific services in the
invention, and the plurality of servers may or may not be
geographically common. Server 101 is coupled to a data repository
102 which stores data pertaining to subscribed users, including
authorization and other specific information pertaining to
administrators, patients and so on. Such data will be described
further in the specification.
[0044] The communications system of FIG. 1 illustrates a device
109, capable of accessing services and information provided by
Internet server 101 through wireless network 124 connected to
Internet backbone 103 by connection line 125. Device 109 represents
one or a plurality of devices which in a preferred embodiment of
the invention is a mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or
personal digital assistant (PDA), but smaller than a laptop or most
notebook computers and integrated into a flat touch screen. Such
devices are well known in the art as tablet personal computers,
having more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a
simpler mobile phone or PDA, and the ability to execute various
proprietary or third-party software applications. SW 123 is an
application executable by device 109, providing functionality for
neurocognitive and psychomotor performance evaluation, testing and
diagnosis of acute concussion or other MTBI. SW 123 is a
downloadable software application which may be installed on device
109 via any known means including a person or host computer, or
possibly another handheld computing device. SW123 is an executive
program comprising an interactive interface and includes various
modules including a battery of different cognitive testing and
evaluation components, including physical balance and performance
measures, as well as data-accessing modules for test result
interpretation, registration, reporting and supporting
utilities.
[0045] Device 109 comprises many of the features of a modern tablet
computer such as touch user interface with perhaps multi-touch
capabilities and concurrently capacitive or resistive touch screen,
digital still and video camera, media player, web browser, and
high-speed data access via Wi-Fi and mobile broadband. In a
preferred embodiment device 109 also features an accelerometer
function which detects the physical movement of the device itself,
and can also be used to detect the orientation of the device
relative to the center of the earth. More on the specific
application of this feature in practicing the invention will be
discussed later in the specification. Examples of such modern
tablet computers may include Apple, Inc.'s iPad.TM. or Samsung's
Galaxy Tab.TM.. However, it is important to note that not all of
the aforementioned features which are typically found in modern
tablet computers are required to practice all of the unique and
advantageous aspects of the invention. Of further importance to
note is that although in a preferred embodiment of the invention
the system utilizes a portable computing platform represented by
device 109 which is such as the iPad.TM. or Tab.TM. device, other
like devices may also be utilized without departing from the spirit
of the invention, provided that such devices comprise, or are
capable of being enhanced with features that can support the
software functionality provided by the system of the invention such
as SW 123, as will be described later in the specification it
further detail. Such devices may include but are not limited to
personal digital assistant (PDA), small notebook computers, or any
other tablet-sized personal computing device comprising an
operating system (OS) capable of supporting such hardware/software
features as described above for device 109.
[0046] System 100 also comprises a wireless cellular network 133
comprising one or a plurality of cellular communication devices
represented by cellular device 110, a network of base stations
represented by element 114 and a cellular service 115 which acts as
a gateway to the Internet via line 116. Device 110 in a preferred
embodiment is a mobile phone built on a computing platform, well
known in the art as a Smartphone, having more advanced computing
capability and connectivity than a simpler feature phone, and the
ability to execute various proprietary or third-party software
applications. Device 110 comprises many of the features of a modern
Smartphone including digital and video camera, high-resolution
touch screen display, media player, web browser, and high-speed
data access via Wi-Fi and mobile broadband. In a preferred
embodiment device 110 also features an accelerometer function which
detects the physical movement of the phone itself. Examples of such
modern smartphones may include Apple, Inc.'s iPhone.TM. or Google's
Galaxy Nexus.TM. using the Android.TM. OS. However, it is important
to note that not all of the aforementioned features which are
typically found in modern smartphones are required to practice all
of the unique and advantageous aspects of the invention. Of further
importance to note is that although in a preferred embodiment of
the invention the system utilizes a Smartphone represented by
device 110 which is such as the iPhone.TM. or Nexus.TM. device,
other like devices may also be utilized without departing from the
spirit of the invention, provided that such devices possess, or are
capable of being enhanced with features that can support the
software functionality provided by the system of the invention.
Device 110 also executes an instance of software SW 123 which is
downloadable to, and executable by device 110 and which may be
installed on device 110 via any other known means. It is the unique
and advantageous capability, and the portable nature of this
capability that is at the heart of applicant's invention. Many more
specific details of SW 123 functionality will be disclosed further
in the specification.
[0047] System 100 also comprises computer 120 representing one or a
plurality of individual computers which could be desktop or laptop
computers for example. Computer 120 in capable of interacting with
and accessing services and data provided by server 101 through
Internet Service Providers (ISP) 122 via connection line 119
between computer 120 and ISP 122, and line 121 between ISPs 122 and
Internet backbone 103. It should be understood that computer 120
may represent any home-based or business-based computer that can be
Internet-connected utilizing any known connection means without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Computer 120
therefore is enabled with inherent Internet connection software,
and in an embodiment of the invention also executes an instance of
SW 118, which in an embodiment of the invention is a stand-alone
software program, or a module of SW123 executing on the handheld
devices. SW 118 enables an administrator, through interface with
server 101 and access to data stored in repository 102, to create
and hold accounts pertaining to neurocognitive and psychomotor
performance testing and patient care, and to provide, store and
access data pertinent to specific patients relating to baseline,
post injury or recovery, and symptom data. In one embodiment server
101 may also execute an instance of SW 123, or a module(s) thereof
to further facilitate administration of accounts and data gathering
and interpretation in practicing the invention. In one embodiment
SW 118 executing on computer 120 enables an administrator to
remotely administer neurocognitive and psychomotor performance
testing procedures in the field via the handheld devices, as will
be described later in the specification in further detail. Computer
120 represents one or a plurality of computers executing one or a
plurality of instances of SW 118.
[0048] The architecture described above with reference to FIG. 1
embodies a basic system configuration in which the present
invention may be implemented in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The system of the invention
provides solutions to all of the problems in state of the art
systems as described in the background section by providing a
simple, low-cost, portable and flexible computerized human
neurocognitive and psychomotor performance testing and evaluation
tool for aiding administrators in the initial diagnosis of acute
concussion while in or near the field location of an injury. The
system provides many of the cognitive and physical performance test
batteries not available in state of the art portable handheld
diagnostic devices, and is capable of generating point-of-use
reporting for comparing real time test result data with normative
and/or past test result data stored locally or remotely for timely,
accurate and appropriate diagnostic decision making, as well as
providing for remote subject account administration and test module
authoring, and inter-device data sharing as well as that between
field and host devices and central mass data storage, Such
interconnection allows the handheld devices to operate in
conjunction with host desktop or laptop computers for test battery
creation and configuration, complex data analysis and archival data
storage.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing various functional
units of the neurocognitive evaluation and testing system software
(SW 123) executing on device(s) 109 and 110, as well as other data
collection, archiving/processing, authoring and other
administrative functions as executed by host software (SW 118) of
computer(s) 120 as illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment
of the invention. System 200 comprises various components executing
on one or a plurality of handheld field computing devices as well
as one or a plurality of host computers, which may be home or
business-based computers interconnected over a wide area network
such as the Internet. Components of the software system include a
main program 201 and various integrated modules including those for
testing, registration, reporting, utilities and interpretation.
[0050] Main program 201 of the exemplary embodiment of the
neurocognitive assessment and evaluation system 200 controls all
critical system functions including test administration, data
collection, system security data encryption access to restricted
system features and communication with a host computer using a
variety of connection means including Internet and wireless, radio
frequency, serial, USB, IR or dial-up modem. The main program
further permits recording of notes before and after test
administration and allows test responses from test subjects to be
recorded for comparative analysis, and may include voice
recognition capability.
[0051] System 200 runs testing modules 205 in test batteries
designed to meet specific operational and clinical goals, utilizing
test modules derived from standardized metrics which evaluate
fatigue and energy levels, ability to sustain concentration and
attention, spatial processing, working memory and other tests which
evaluate overall cognitive efficiency. For the first time in the
art of endeavor system 200 also runs non-standardized test modules
in batteries designed for evaluating physical balance and
performance measures including eye movement tracking; all
executable and interpretable from a small, portable handheld
computing device operational in the field at or near the location
of a suspected or witnessed acute concussion brain injury.
[0052] A subject registration module 207 may permit secure use of
the same neurocognitive and psychomotor performance assessment and
evaluation system by multiple test subjects through the use of a
Personal Identification (PIN) System. For example, a system that is
loaded onto a portable handheld computing device such as device
109/110 (FIG. 1) can be available to an administrator for testing
of any member of a sports team to evaluate and initially diagnose
an acute concussion due to a suspected or witnessed head trauma
injury in the field. The administrator may utilize a PIN specific
to an individual who has previously provided baseline information
to the system, or who has been previously tested and the test
results have been archived in a data repository, such as repository
102 (FIG. 1), or in resident memory of the handheld computing
device or host computer. In this case the test results associated
with a particular test subject are accessed each time the subject's
specific PIN is entered at login. Further, the PIN system prevents
accidental or deliberate manipulations of test results associated
with a particular subject. Data for the subject may then be
collected over time to evaluate the test results of each subject,
as well as the entire sports team.
[0053] The registration modules 207 allow secure testing on a
single system 200, and interpretation modules 213 and reporting
modules 209 are customized for specific test batteries and
applications. Interpretation modules 213 use a variety of
predefined standardized criteria for evaluating test performance
including demographic, age/sex and other specific norms, including
the subject's own historical test performance result data. Status
reports are generated from the reporting modules 209, and may
provide immediate feedback when a test battery is completed. System
200 also includes a utility module 211 executable on the handheld
device that facilitates data transfer from the handheld device to a
host computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and test
battery installation from the host computer to the handheld
computer using a variety of connection means. Utilities module 211
allows the handheld computer to operate in conjunction with a host
desktop or laptop computer for not only test battery creation and
configuration, but also for complex test result and other data
interpretation and analysis and for archival data storage.
[0054] System 200 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2 has the main
program 201, databases 203, and modules for test 205, registration
207, reporting 209, utilities 211 and interpretation 213 executing
on the handheld field device, said program components which are
represented by SW 123 hosted by handheld computing device 109/110
(see FIG. 1), and modules for data archive 215, communications 217
and test authoring 219 executing on the host computer, which are
represented as SW 118 executing on computer 120 (see FIG. 1).
However, in other embodiments of the invention, some modules and
components of the software system may be distributed between the
field and host devices differently from that illustrated in FIG. 2
without departing from the overall scope and spirit of the
invention. The specific modules executing on specific devices
should in no way limit applicant's invention.
[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a handheld device 109 which may be used
to implement a neurocognitive and psychomotor performance
evaluation and testing system according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Device 109 in the example illustrated is
an iPad.TM. tablet computing device, which provides a host of
features and computing capability which maximizes the utility of
applicant's invention, in a portable handheld and comparatively
inexpensive portable device. However it is important to note that
not all of the features typically found in modern tablet computers
are required to practice the invention, and other like devices may
also be utilized without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
[0056] Device 109 comprises a screen area 112 which utilizes touch
screen technology which may be resistive type which can respond to
any kind of pressure applied to the screen and allow a high level
of precision, or the touch screen may be of the capacitive type
which is somewhat less accurate but more responsive than resistive
screens. Ease of use fingertip input without the use of a stylus is
preferable, and multi-touch capability which can recognize multiple
simultaneous finger touches may also be incorporated. Screen area
112 comprises a view area 117 which displays various icons for
finger touch selection, and located below the icon display area is
a dialog box 126 which provides textual information and
instructions, etc., pertaining icon selections made by the user. A
toolbox area 127 is located below dialog box 126, and comprises
various finger-selectable icons representing tools, utility and
navigation buttons. Illustrated from left to right in the toolbox
area 127 are: "home" for navigating to a main menu, "padlock" for
viewing and editing secure data pertaining to specific registered
test subjects or administrators, "undo and redo" of previous
selections, "zoom" for magnifying specific portions of display,
"display weight" for display boldness level, and a "pull down" menu
or "scroll" list menu button for expanding on upper level category
displays or for scrolling through a list of registered test
subjects, for example. View area 117 changes display according to
selections made by the user.
[0057] In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, view area 117 displays
in the main area above the dialog box a plurality of icons
representing a battery of test modules. Device 109 executes an
instance of applicant's neurocognitive and psychomotor performance
testing program (SW 123, FIG. 1). It can be assumed for example
that a test administrator has powered on device 109 for the purpose
of administering a neurocognitive and/or psychomotor performance
test to an injured person suspected of having a possible acute
concussion, and is thus presented with a login main screen (not
shown) in which a PIN is entered to identify the administrator who
has previously used the system and holds an account as an
authorized qualified test administrator. Once logged in and
authorized by the system the administrator may select the test
subject from a list of names of past test subjects, and if so, the
administrator may enter an additional PIN associated with that
subject whose historical test data may be stored in a data
repository, and thus becomes available to the administrator. Or if
necessary, the administrator may create a new record for a test
subject with no system history or stored data.
[0058] Regardless, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3 a plurality
of icons representing test modules is displayed. The table below
lists each test module and briefly describes each:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 301 BAL Physical: balance ability 303 REAC
Physical: reaction time 305 COORD Physical: coordination 307 RECL
Cognitive: recollection 309 SEQ Cognitive: next in sequence
identification 311 PATT Cognitive: pattern recognition 313 CLR
Cognitive: color recognition 315 IMP Physical: impulse control 317
PROB Cognitive: problem solving 319 EYE Physical: eye movement
tracking 321 MEM Cognitive: measures short and long term memory 323
ADDL Additional modules (pg. 2, 3 . . .)
[0059] By tapping a test icon as illustrated in view area 117 of
device 109 in FIG. 3, the administrator is presented with a screen
display of the test associated with that icon. The following
description of FIGS. 4-14 provide an understanding of several of
the tests available and provided by the system as listed in Table 1
above and illustrated by the exemplary screen shots representative
of each test. The invention should by no means be limited to those
illustrated and described in the foregoing description in the
specification. Many other such tests may be implemented by the
system without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of a balance test which is activated by the
user tapping the BAL 301 icon (FIG. 3). As previously mentioned
with reference to FIG. 1, handheld device 109/110 features an
accelerometer function which detects the physical movement of the
device itself, and can also be used to detect the orientation of
the device relative to the center of the earth. In this example a
fixed large circle is displayed in view area 117 of screen area
112, and a floating smaller circle is also displayed. Dialog box
126 displays test instructions for the person to stand on one leg
and keep the small circle within the boundaries of the larger
circle for a period of time. The accelerometer function of the
device detects orientation of the device itself relative to the
center of the earth, and moves the small circle relative to the
fixed larger circle depending on the angle of the device relative
to vertical, as held by the person taking the test. The test is
timed, and started and stopped by tapping the touch screen 112 for
example, or by tapping an icon (not shown) in toolbox area 127 to
repeat the test. The test is repeated for X number of times, and
the test results are a percentage of time the tested person is able
to maintain the small circle within the larger one.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of a reaction time test which is activated by
the user tapping the REAC 303 icon (FIG. 3). In this example a
fixed dot is intermediately displayed in view area 117 of screen
area 112, and the dot may appear and then disappear quickly, or mat
appear stationary and then begin to move across view area 117 in
different directions. Dialog box 126 displays test instructions for
the person to tap the dot as quickly as possible when it first
appears on the screen, or when it is already displayed as
stationary and first begins to move across the screen. The time
between when the dot first appears and when the person taps it is
timed and measured, as is the time between when the dot first
begins moving across the screen and it is tapped. The test can be
started and stopped by tapping the touch screen 112 for example, or
by tapping an icon (not shown) in toolbox area 127 to repeat the
test. The test is repeated for a selected number of times, and the
test results are an average of all the reaction times measured
between appearance of the dot and dot tap, and moving of the dot
and dot tap.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of a physical coordination test which is
activated by the user tapping the COORD 305 icon (FIG. 3). In this
example an S-curved line with boundary is displayed in view area
117 and the line continually snakes back and forth across the
viewing area, increasing in movement speed as it continues. Dialog
box 126 displays test instructions for the person to keep a finger
placed on the center line within the boundaries as it snakes back
and forth. In another example of such a test the user can be
instructed to keep the finger placed on an iconic representation of
a car as if the car was travelling down the center line of a windy
road. The instances of the user's finger venturing outside the
boundaries of the center line as it snakes back and forth and
continually increases in speed are recorded by the software, and
the test discontinues if for example the user's finger ventures
outside the boundaries for three times total, as an example. The
test can be stopped or restarted by tapping the touch screen 112
for example, or by tapping an icon (not shown) in toolbox area 127.
The test results are the total length of time the user was able to
continue the test(s) successfully.
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of a pattern recognition test which is
activated by the user tapping the PATT 311 icon (FIG. 3). In this
example of a short-term memory test, a series of shapes or patterns
are alternately displayed in view area 117. Several series of
similar shapes and patterns are subsequently displayed, and the
user is asked in dialog box 126 to tap the series that matches the
original one. This process is repeated for X number of times, and
the test results are the total number of correct matches. The test
can be stopped or restarted by tapping the touch screen 112 for
example, or by tapping an icon (not shown) in toolbox area 127. The
test results are the total length of time the user was able to
continue the test(s) successfully.
[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of a memory test, which is activated by the
user tapping the MEM 321 icon (FIG. 3). In this example of a short
and long-term memory test, in a first screen a sequence of numbers
is displayed and the user is instructed in dialog box 126 to
remember the sequence and tap the screen to go to a next (second)
screen where the user can manually enter the sequence in a box
provided by tapping the numbers displayed in view area 117 as a
numeric pad. FIG. 9 illustrates the second screen of the memory
test for inputting the memorized sequence. In another example
(short-term memory test) several words can be initially displayed
for memorization, and the words may then be immediately entered in
the second screen (FIG. 9) by tapping letters displayed in a text
keypad, or identified from a list of words displayed on the view
screen by immediately tapping on the matching words. As an example
of long-term memory test, at the very end of the test the user can
be instructed to identify all of the previous words (or number
sequences) displayed throughout the test from a list, by tapping
the words or sequences displayed in the list. The test results are
a determination of how many of the words or sequences are correctly
identified. The test can be stopped or restarted by tapping the
touch screen 112 for example, or by tapping an icon (not shown) in
toolbox area 127.
[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of a problem-solving test which is activated
by the user tapping the PROB 317 icon (FIG. 3). In this example
various sequential patterns of numbers displayed in view area 117,
for example 3, 6, 9, 12, ______. The user is asked in dialog box
126 to enter the next number in the sequence by tapping the number
out using the numeric keypad below the sequence. This process
repeats for X number of times using different sequential or other
patterns. The sequence can in another example comprise of alpha
characters or words. Test results are the total number of correct
answers, and also the elapsed time it took the user to complete the
test. The test can be stopped or restarted by tapping the touch
screen 112 for example, or by tapping an icon (not shown) in
toolbox area 127.
[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of a color recognition test which is
activated by the user tapping the CLR 313 icon (FIG. 3). In this
example in view area 117 a word is displayed in a particular color.
The displayed color of the word may not necessarily match the color
it names. For example the word "RED" may be displayed in purple
letters, and so on. The process repeats by other words appearing in
different colors. The user is instructed in dialog box 126 to tap
on the word when it is displayed in the color it names. This
process repeats X number of times. The test results are the total
number of correct matches. The test can be stopped or restarted by
tapping the touch screen 112 for example, or by tapping an icon
(not shown) in toolbox area 127.
[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates the handheld device 109 of FIG. 2,
displaying an example of an impulse control test which is activated
by the user tapping the IMP 315 icon (FIG. 3). In this example the
user is instructed in dialog box 126 to memorize a number. The user
may then tap screen area 112 for example to begin a series of
numbers flashing in view area 117. The user is instructed to tap on
a dot displayed in the view area when the number they memorized is
flashed on the screen. During the test the user may be shown
flashing numbers leading up to, or down to the memorized number.
For instance, if the number memorized is 25, the flashing sequence
may be 21, then 22, 23, 24 . . . and the memorized number (25) may
follow as expected, or a random number other than 25 may appear
following 24. This may also be a reverse sequence such as 29, 28,
27, 26 . . . , and either the expected memorized number (25) will
appear, or a random number other than 25 may follow 26. The test
results are the total number of correct responses when the user was
expecting the memorized number, it flashes and the dot is
immediately tapped. This process repeats X number of times. The
test can be stopped or restarted by tapping touch screen 112 for
example, or by tapping an icon (not shown) in toolbox area 127.
[0068] FIG. 13 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying an eye movement tracking test component of the testing
program, and tracking guide attachment according to an embodiment
of the invention. The eye tracking test is activated by the user
tapping the EYE 319 icon (FIG. 3). In this example the test
procedure utilizes the camera function of device 109 to capture and
record a user's eye movement. In a preferred embodiment as
previously described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, device 109 is
an iPad.TM. which incorporates a built in camera including video
capture capability. As is well known the camera's eye is located on
the surface of the device opposite the display screen. The eye
tracking test component according to a preferred embodiment
includes SW functionality having the capability of capturing a
subject's eye movement utilizing the video capture function and
tracking the eye movement using a grid system as represented by
grid 131. View area 117 displays an image of the subject's eye with
grid 131 superimposed.
[0069] An eye tracking guide 129 is illustrated in this embodiment,
fixedly attached to the top of device 109. Although not seen in
this view, guide 129 displays a pattern on the surface facing away
from the screen area of the device, and therefore facing and
visible to a test subject. The pattern displayed on the guide is
known to the SW of the test program of the testing SW executing on
device 109. The pattern is known by the software in relation to
grid 131, and the SW also knows the relative proximity between the
pattern display guide 129 and that of the camera eye of device
109.
[0070] Upon commencement of the test which is activated by the
administrator tapping the EYE 319 icon (FIG. 3) the video capture
and record capability of device 109 is started, and the test
administrator is instructed in dialog box 126 to advise the test
subject to follow the pattern of the display guide 129 while the
administrator focuses the camera on the subjects eye. The SW is
enabled to therefore track movement of the test subject's eye as it
follows the displayed test pattern, and records the eye movement in
relation to grid 131. Deviations in the actual movement of the
subject's eye from the displayed test pattern of guide 129 are
recognized and recorded, thereby providing data for evaluation of
impaired eye movement which may be indicative of symptoms of acute
concussion or other MTBI.
[0071] FIG. 14 is an illustration of the handheld device of FIG. 2,
displaying an eye movement tracking test component of the testing
program, and an auxiliary video capture attachment according to
another embodiment of the invention. The example illustrated is a
test procedure similar to that illustrated and described above with
reference to FIG. 13, with the exception that a test subject is
enabled by the SW capability to self-administer the test without
the need for a test administrator. This is enabled because the test
subject is able to view the test pattern to follow with the eyes as
it is displayed in view area 117. Further enablement is possible in
this embodiment as device 109 has a camera attachment 134 which
faces the viewer on the touch screen-side of the device, and which
is fixedly attached to the top of device 109.
[0072] As in the embodiment of FIG. 13, the eye tracking test in
this embodiment is activated by the user tapping the EYE 319 icon
(FIG. 3), and the test procedure utilizes the video capture
function of rearward-facing camera attachment 134 to capture and
record the user's own eye movement. The SW functionality is capable
of capturing the eye movement utilizing the video capture function
and tracking the eye movement using a grid system as in the
embodiment of FIG. 13. This embodiment differentiates from that of
FIG. 13 in that the line pattern to follow with the eyes is
displayed in view area 117 of the device touch screen. View area
117 also displays an image of the subject's eye with grid 131 as
well as the line pattern superimposed, in a small area in the upper
left corner of view area 117. The eye-follow pattern displayed in
area 117 is known to the SW of the test program of the testing SW
executing on device 109. The pattern is known by the software in
relation to grid 131, and the SW also knows the relative proximity
between the pattern displayed and that of the eye of camera
attachment 134.
[0073] Upon commencement of the test activated by the invoking the
EYE 319 icon (FIG. 3) the video capture and record capability of
device 109 is started, and with possibly a screen tap the
self-tester is instructed in dialog box 126 to follow the line
pattern slowly with eyes from upper left to lower right of the
pattern. The SW is enabled to therefore track movement of the
self-test subject's eye as it follows the displayed test pattern,
and records the eye movement in relation to grid 131. Deviations in
the actual movement of the subject's eye from the displayed test
pattern of guide 129 are recognized and recorded, thereby providing
data for evaluation of impaired eye movement which may be
indicative of symptoms of acute concussion or other MTBI.
[0074] Applicant's invention for the first time in the art of
endeavor provides a simple, low-cost, portable and flexible
computerized human neurocognitive performance testing and
evaluation tool which aids medical professionals or other qualified
administrators in quickly and determinately diagnosing acute
concussions while in or near the field location of an injury to an
individual suspected of sustaining a concussion or other MTBI,
either due to a witnessed injury or an individual's display of
possible acute concussion symptoms. The system provides all of the
cognitive and physical performance test batteries, including those
for coordination, balance and eye movement tracking to enable a
person of ordinary skill in the art to more conclusively make a
decision, while near or at the injury field location, as to whether
or not an acute concussion exists, and generate point-of-use
reporting which could provide immediate comparisons with normative
data and/or to the injured person's past test performance so that
timely, accurate and appropriate actions can be taken based on the
test results.
[0075] The system could also be used in fields other than testing
for acute concussion in field sports environments. For example,
particularly due to the capability of testing for physical
coordination and balance, a more particularly due to the eye
movement tracking capability of the system, the invention could be
advantageously used in field sobriety neurocognitive and
psychomotor testing for the detection of neurocognitive/physical
impairment in individuals suspected of being under the influence of
mind, body and mood altering substances such as alcohol, illegal
drugs and prescription or other medications. Other test batteries
in various embodiments of the invention could be incorporated into
the SW or may be created and installed, if desired, utilizing such
as host computer 120 or another handheld computing device 109/110
(FIG. 1).
[0076] The system is simple and low-cost, provides software
applications that are downloadable and installable on widely
available low-cost handheld computing platform tablet devices such
as Apple, Inc.'s iPad.TM. or Samsung's Galaxy Tab.TM., or
Smartphone devices such as the iPhone.TM. or Nexus.TM. device, or
other such devices in alternative embodiments of the invention. A
plurality of the devices could be interconnected over a wide area
network such as the Internet to enable inter-device data sharing as
well as that between field and host devices and central mass data
storage. If an acute concussion is determinate, subsequent
retesting while still in the field can be performed to determine if
the injured party had returned to either pre-injury performance or
predefined age/sex specific norms, whereby the injured party could
return safely to activity.
[0077] The invention has been described above with reference to
exemplary embodiments, and therefore it should be understood by
those with ordinary skill in the art that terms are used for the
purpose of description and illustration, rather than that of
limitation. Although the invention has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the
invention is not necessarily intended to be limited to the
particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses as are within
the scope of the appended claims.
[0078] The term "data repository" as used in applicant's disclosure
shall also include any computer-readable storage medium and may
also include solid state memory or packages housing one or more
non-volatile read-only memories capable of storing, encoding or
carrying a set or sets of instructions for execution by a computer
processor or that cause a computer to perform any one or more of
the operations disclosed herein. The disclosure is considered to
include any computer-readable medium or other equivalent and
successor media in which data and instructions may be stored.
[0079] The present disclosure also describes handheld and other
computing devices and functions that may be implemented in
particular embodiments with reference to particular standards or
protocols, but it should be understood that the disclosure is not
limited to any such standards or protocols. Standards and protocols
referenced merely represent examples in the state of the art, and
may be periodically superseded by replacement standards or
protocols having the same or similar functions, and should be
therefore considered equivalents thereof.
[0080] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to
herein, individually or collectively, by the term "invention"
merely for convenience and without intending to limit the scope of
the present application to any particular invention or inventive
concept. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent
arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be
substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown.
[0081] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended
to cover all modifications, enhancements and other embodiments
which fall within the true scope and spirit of the invention as
described and illustrated in the disclosure. Thus, the scope of the
present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible
interpretation to the maximum extent allowed by law, of the
following claims, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
* * * * *