U.S. patent application number 17/391358 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-04 for systems and methods for screening subjects based on pupillary response to stimulation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Great Plain Technologies LLC. Invention is credited to Warren S. Gifford, Clifton R. LACY, David L. Turock.
Application Number | 20220240836 17/391358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220240836 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LACY; Clifton R. ; et
al. |
August 4, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCREENING SUBJECTS BASED ON PUPILLARY
RESPONSE TO STIMULATION
Abstract
A system and method for screening a subject for a pupillary
response to an olfactory stimulus as an indication for COVID-19.
The method can include providing the olfactory stimulus to the
subject via a scent dispenser, measuring a pupillary response of
the subject to the olfactory stimulus via a detector, and comparing
the measured pupillary response to a reference. The reference could
include a default value or a characterized pupillary response for
the subject or a population of individuals to the olfactory
stimulus. The method can further include determining whether the
subject demonstrates a diminished or an absent response to the
olfactory stimulus according to whether the measured pupillary
response differs from the reference by a threshold and providing an
alert accordingly. The alert can include an intervention associated
with COVID-19, such a recommendation to seek medical evaluation or
take a COVID-19 diagnostic test.
Inventors: |
LACY; Clifton R.; (Highland
Park, NJ) ; Gifford; Warren S.; (Monroe Township,
NJ) ; Turock; David L.; (Fort Lauderdale,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Great Plain Technologies LLC |
Pittston |
PA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/391358 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17167728 |
Feb 4, 2021 |
11083405 |
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17391358 |
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International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/16 20060101 A61B005/16 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for screening a subject for a
response to a stimulus as an indication for COVID-19, the method
comprising: providing, via a dispenser, the stimulus to the
subject; measuring, via a detector of a mobile device, a pupillary
response of the subject to the stimulus; comparing, by a processor
of the mobile device, the measured pupillary response to a
reference; determining, by the processor, whether the subject
demonstrates a diminished or an absent response to the stimulus
according to whether the measured pupillary response differs from
the reference by a threshold; and providing, by the processor, an
alert according to whether the subject has the diminished or the
absent response to the stimulus, wherein the alert comprises an
intervention associated with COVID-19.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the measured
pupillary response comprises a change in size of a pupil of the
subject.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining whether there is a secondary factor associated with the
subject that could affect the measured pupillary response, wherein
determining whether the subject demonstrates the diminished or the
absent response to the stimulus is further based on the determined
secondary factor.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein determining
whether there is the secondary factor associated with the subject
comprises: determining, via the detector, an amount of
environmental light associated with the subject.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
intervention comprises at least one of a recommendation to take a
COVID-19 diagnostic test or a recommendation to seek medical
evaluation.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
reference comprises a default value.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
reference comprises a characterized pupillary response by the
subject to the olfactory stimulus.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
reference comprises a characterized pupillary response of a
population of individuals to the stimulus.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. A system for screening a subject for a response to a stimulus
as an indication for COVID-19, the system comprising: a dispenser
configured to store the stimulus; and a mobile device comprising: a
detector, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor, the
memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor,
cause the processor to: cause the dispenser to provide the stimulus
to the subject, measure, via the detector, a pupillary response of
the subject to the stimulus, compare the measured pupillary
response to a reference, determine whether the subject demonstrates
a diminished or an absent response to the stimulus according to
whether the measured pupillary response differs from the reference
by a threshold, and provide an alert according to whether the
subject has the diminished or the absent response to the stimulus,
wherein the alert comprises an intervention associated with
COVID-19.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the pupillary response
comprises a change in size of a pupil of the subject.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the memory further stores
instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the
processor to: determine whether there is a secondary factor
associated with the subject that could affect the measured
pupillary response, wherein determining whether the subject
demonstrates the diminished or the absent response to the stimulus
is further based on the determined secondary factor.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the secondary factor comprises
an amount of environmental light associated with the subject as
determined via the detector.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the intervention comprises at
least one of a recommendation to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test or
a recommendation to seek medical evaluation.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the alert comprises a push
notification.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the reference comprises a
default value.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the reference comprises a
characterized pupillary response by the subject to the
stimulus.
19. The system of claim 11, wherein the reference comprises a
characterized pupillary response of a population of individuals to
the stimulus.
20. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Transitory decrease (hyposmia) or loss (anosmia) of sense of
smell and transitory decrease (hypogeusia) or loss (ageusia) of
sense of taste are two symptoms that can differentiate COVID-19
from other respiratory and influenza-like infections. These
symptoms have been characterized as some of, or even, the earliest
and most commonly reported features of COVID-19 and may be better
indicators of the presence of the disease than other signs and
symptoms (such as fever). Research has shown that individuals who
tested positive for COVID-19 were 27.1 times more likely to
experience anosmia and/or dysgeusia than individuals who tested
negative for the disease, but only approximately 2.0 to 2.6 times
more likely to have fever or chills, cough, respiratory difficulty,
myalgia/arthralgia, and other symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Further, research has demonstrated that a clinically significant
percentage of people who test positive for COVID-19 report anosmia
(up to 87%) and an even higher percentage are diagnosed with
anosmia when tested using objective methods that measure the
function of smell. Therefore, impairment of sense of smell or taste
is a useful indicator that an individual should undergo medical
evaluation for COVID-19, because it is both more highly predictive
than other symptoms and a more unique symptom (one of the first
symptoms, or even the only symptom, in approximately 25% of cases)
than many other symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, chills, or
cough).
[0002] Further, it is known that activation of smell sense
receptors results in a change in nervous system tone, resulting in
pupillary dilation. Pupillary dilation in response to a scent is a
well-known scientifically employed measure of sense of smell.
Therefore, measuring an individual's pupillary response to an
olfactory stimulus can be used to determine whether the individual
could be suffering from hyposmia or anosmia.
[0003] A system that could screen for COVID-19 in an accurate,
reliable and quantitative manner based on individuals' responses
(or lack thereof) to olfactory stimuli would benefit the
individuals themselves and additionally provide a significant
public health benefit. Additionally, a variety of other conditions,
such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of
dementia, are associated with variations in sense of smell.
Therefore, such a system could also be used to screen for these
types of conditions.
SUMMARY
[0004] There are provided systems and methods for screening
subjects for changes in response to a provided stimulus, such as an
olfactory stimulus.
[0005] In some embodiments, there is provided a
computer-implemented method for screening a subject for a response
to an olfactory stimulus as an indication for a condition, the
method comprising: providing, via a scent dispenser, the olfactory
stimulus to the subject; measuring, via a detector, a pupillary
response of the subject to the olfactory stimulus; comparing the
measured pupillary response to a reference; determining whether the
subject demonstrates a diminished or an absent response to the
olfactory stimulus according to whether the measured pupillary
response differs from the reference by a threshold; and providing
an alert according to whether the subject has the diminished or the
absent response to the olfactory stimulus, wherein the alert
comprises an intervention associated with the condition.
[0006] In some embodiments, the condition comprises COVID-19.
[0007] In some embodiments, the measured pupillary response
comprises a change in size of a pupil of the subject.
[0008] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
determining whether there is a secondary factor associated with the
subject that could affect the measured pupillary response, wherein
determining whether the subject demonstrates the diminished or the
absent response to the olfactory stimulus is further based on the
determined secondary factor.
[0009] In some embodiments, determining whether there is the
secondary factor associated with the subject comprises:
determining, via the detector, an amount of environmental light
associated with the subject.
[0010] In some embodiments, the intervention comprises at least one
of a recommendation to take a diagnostic test or a recommendation
to seek medical evaluation.
[0011] In some embodiments, the diagnostic test recommended could
be a COVID-19 diagnostic test.
[0012] In some embodiments, the reference comprises a default
value.
[0013] In some embodiments, the reference comprises a characterized
pupillary response by the subject to the olfactory stimulus.
[0014] In some embodiments, the reference comprises a characterized
pupillary response of a population of individuals to the olfactory
stimulus.
[0015] In some embodiments, the olfactory stimulus comprises a
peppermint scent.
[0016] In some embodiments, the detector is associated with a
mobile device.
[0017] In some embodiments, the alert comprises a push
notification.
[0018] In some embodiments, there is provided a system for
screening a subject for a response to an olfactory stimulus as an
indication for a condition, the system comprising: a scent
dispenser configured to store an olfactory stimulus; and a mobile
device comprising: a detector, a processor, and a memory coupled to
the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed
by the processor, cause the processor to: cause the scent dispenser
to provide an olfactory stimulus to the subject, measure, via the
detector, a pupillary response of the subject to the olfactory
stimulus, compare the measured pupillary response to a reference,
determine whether the subject demonstrates a diminished or an
absent response to the olfactory stimulus according to whether the
measured pupillary response differs from the reference by a
threshold, and provide an alert according to whether the subject
has the diminished or the absent response to the olfactory
stimulus, wherein the alert comprises an intervention associated
with the condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the
invention and together with the written description serve to
explain the principles, characteristics, and features of the
invention. In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a screening system, in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of
the screening system of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the first embodiment of
the screening system of FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a second embodiment of
the screening system of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of
the screening system of FIG. 3A.
[0025] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a third embodiment of
the screening system of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of
the screening system of FIG. 4A.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a process for screening
a subject for a condition via an olfactory stimulus, in accordance
with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] As used herein, "COVID-19" means the infectious disease
caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
[0029] As used herein, a "subject" refers to a human
individual.
[0030] Generally described herein are various systems and processes
for screening subjects for degree of response by providing a
subject with a stimulus (e.g., an olfactory stimulus) and measuring
a response (e.g., pupillary response) by the subject to the
stimulus. In one embodiment, the measured response could include an
autonomic response by the subject to the stimulus. These systems
and methods can be used for screening subjects for findings that
indicate reduction or absence of subjects' responses to the
stimulus. The changes in response to screening could be used, for
example, to trigger recommendation for medical evaluation for
conditions which may include COVID-19, multiple sclerosis,
Alzheimer's disease, or other forms of dementia. Because hyposmia
and/or anosmia are associated with each of these conditions, the
systems and processes described herein can be used to screen a
subject by assessing the subject's response to an olfactory
stimulus. Degree of response during screening may be used to prompt
the subject to seek medical evaluation, possible further testing,
or take a variety of other actions (e.g., self-quarantine or
isolation). Accordingly, the systems and processes described herein
can be used to accurately, reliably, qualitatively, and
quantitatively screen individuals for abnormal responses that may
indicate need for medical evaluation.
[0031] Systems for Screening Subjects
[0032] In one embodiment, a screening system 100 can include a
scent dispenser 102 that is configured to provide an olfactory
stimulus to a subject and a detector 104 (e.g., a camera, an image
sensor, or another sensing and/or recording device) that is
configured to sense a change in a response (e.g., pupillary
response) by the subject simultaneous with or shortly after the
subject has been provided the stimulus. In one embodiment, the
detector 104 could be configured to capture images and/or video of
the subject. The detector 104 could include standalone sensing
devices or be incorporated into another device (e.g., a mobile
device 122, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) or
system. Further, in some embodiments, the detector 104 could
include one sensor or a set of sensors (i.e., a sensor assembly).
The screening system 100 can be configured to execute various
processes, such as those described below, to screen individuals
based on their response or responses to stimuli provided by the
screening system. In one embodiment, the screening system 100 can
further include a processor 106 coupled to a memory 108 for storing
data, including logic or instructions embodying processes to be
executed by the processor.
[0033] The scent dispenser 102 can be configured to store and
deliver a dose of one or more scents or olfactory stimuli to the
subject. The scent dispenser 102 can be communicably coupled to the
processor 106 such that the scent dispenser 102 can be controlled
or triggered thereby. In one embodiment, the olfactory stimulus
could include selected scents and/or scent-producing compounds or
inhalants (e.g., peppermint scent).
[0034] The detector 104 can be configured to capture images or
video of a subject in sufficient detail such that the subject's
pupillary response to the olfactory stimulus can be measured. In
other words, the detector 104 can be configured to capture images
or video in a sufficiently high resolution and with sufficient
clarity such that image processing algorithms can identify the
subject's pupils and measure changes associated therewith. In
various embodiments, the pupillary response measured by the
detector 104 could include a change in the size (e.g., diameter or
area) of the subject's pupil or pupils, timing information (e.g.,
hesitancy or delay in the pupil's movement), and other pupillary
parameters. For example, the detector 104 could be used to take a
first measurement of the size of the subject's pupil or pupils and
take a second measurement of the size of the subject's pupil or
pupils after the subject has been provided the olfactory stimulus.
In this example, the pupillary response could include the
difference between the measurements of the subject's pupillary
size. As another example, the detector 104 could be configured to
measure the hesitancy or delay in the change in size of the
subject's pupil or pupils after the subject was provided the
olfactory stimulus. In this example, the pupillary response could
include the time delay between when the olfactory stimulus is
provided and when the subject's pupil or pupils begin to change in
size.
[0035] The screening system 100 can be embodied as a variety of
different objects, devices, or systems. In one embodiment, the
screening system 100 could include a mobile device (e.g., a
smartphone) and the processes executed thereby could include an
app. In this embodiment, the screening system 100 could be
beneficial by allowing individuals to self-screen for a particular
condition or set of conditions using their own mobile device. In
some embodiments, the scent dispenser 102 could be embodied as an
accessory or dongle that is connectable (either wirelessly or via a
wired connection) or attachable to the mobile device. In other
embodiments, the scent dispenser 102 could be a device that is
manually operated by the user. Further, the detector 104 could
include the onboard camera of the mobile device. Other embodiments
could be suitable for screening individuals for entry to
potentially crowded locations (e.g., schools, airports, or stadia).
In one such embodiment, the screening system 100 could include a
kiosk or station that includes the scent dispenser 102 and the
detector 104. In this embodiment, the screening system 100 could be
beneficial by allowing individuals to be screened for potential
abnormalities (e.g., such as those associated with COVID-19) prior
to being permitted entry into a location. An abnormal response
could be used as one of the tools to decide whether individuals
should be permitted access to a venue, or require additional
screening, thereby potentially avoiding significant adverse
consequences (e.g., disease transmission events).
[0036] The screening system 100 can further include or be
communicably connected to a database 110. In one embodiment, the
database 110 could be stored locally (i.e., in the memory 108). In
another embodiment, the database 110 could be remote from the
screening system 100. In this embodiment, the database 110 could be
stored in a cloud computing storage system (e.g., Amazon Web
Services), a remote server, and other such remote systems. The
database 110 can be configured to store information including user
parameters and settings, such as the user's preferred and
previously calibrated scents. The user parameters could be embodied
as a user profile, for example. The user parameters could include
previously recorded values or measurements associated with the
response measured by the screening system 100. The recorded
parameters can be used to define a characterized or default
response by the subject to the stimulus, which can in turn be used
by the screening system 100 to determine when the subject's
measured response deviates from this characterized or default
response by the subject. Accordingly, the screening system 100 can
determine when there has been a change in the patient's response to
the stimulus, which could indicate that the patient has a condition
that is screened by the screening system 100. The characterized or
default response could be used to define various thresholds or
ranges that could be used to determine whether the subject has
passed or failed the screening. Accordingly, the screening system
100 can be configured to take measurements (e.g., via the detector
104) associated with the subject's response to the stimulus,
retrieve a user profile associated with the subject (e.g., from the
database 110), and determine whether the subject has passed or
failed the screening based on a comparison between the measurements
of the response and the user profile parameters. For example, the
screening system 100 can be configured to administer a dose of an
olfactory stimulus to the subject via the scent dispenser 102 and
measure the resulting pupillary response (e.g., pupil size). If no
dilation of the subject's pupils occurs (e.g., as compared to the
stored profile associated with the subject or a universal
characterized response), then the subject may be suffering from
anosmia. Further, less pupil dilation than normal may indicate
hyposmia. In either of these cases, the screening system 100 could
prompt the subject regarding the need for medical evaluation (such
as a physician checkup and/or testing including COVID-19 test), and
that the individual take corresponding appropriate precautions
(e.g., self-quarantine or isolation).
[0037] The screening system 100 can further be configured to
account for various secondary factors and be calibrated for each
individual subject. For example, the screening system 100 may need
to be calibrated to determine the degree of dilation by the subject
that exceeds a threshold so that the screening system can
distinguish between anosmia and lesser abnormalities, such as from
partial nasal blockage (e.g., nasal congestion) blunting of the
sense of smell.
[0038] In one embodiment, the screening system 100 can be
configured to determine the amount of light in the patient's
environment (e.g., via the detector 104) and, accordingly, account
for the amount of light employed to determine response to the
screening. The amount of ambient or environmental light can be an
important factor because one of the principal reasons for the
contraction and dilation of the pupils is to control the amount of
light entering the interior of the eye. Thus, the amount of light
present during a screening test can have a significant effect on
the amount of pupil dilation in response to a dose of scent. In
particular, a brightly lit ambient environment would decrease the
pupil opening and, because the pupil is constricted, it may not
dilate normally in response to an olfactory stimulus. Conversely,
in a dimly lit ambient environment, the pupil may already be
dilated, or the screening system 100 may be unable to detect the
degree of dilation in response to a dose of the olfactory stimulus.
Thus, in some embodiments, the screening system 100 can measure the
amount of environmental light and recommend or effect adjustments
for appropriate screening, such as blocking environmental light. In
some embodiments, the screening system 100 can additionally be
configured to control the amount of light in the test environment,
such as by activating or controlling lights in the test
environment.
[0039] In one embodiment, the screening system 100 could be
configured to measure the subject's pupillary response to various
levels and spectra of light during a calibration process for the
subject. Because each individual can react differently to various
levels and spectra of light, a particular subject's response to
these conditions could provide a basis for deciding the optimal
level of light for screening each subject. Similarly, the screening
system 100 could be configured to determine an optimal color
spectrum of light for the subject and/or the particular hardware of
the detector (e.g., the camera 104).
[0040] In one embodiment, the screening system 100 could be
configured to determine whether the subject is unable to respond to
light and/or olfactory stimuli. For example, the screening system
100 could automatically detect the presence of various indicators
(e.g., cataracts), retrieve patient information (e.g., electronic
medical records) from a database, or prompt the user to enter such
information. This information is important because some indicators
(such as cataracts) affect pupillary response. Pupillary responses
may be affected in different ways by different indicators. Thus, in
some embodiments, the screening system 100 could be configured to
detect and differentiate among such indicators. The screening
system 100 could be configured to incorporate the presence of these
indicators into the determination of the likelihood that the
decrease or lack of pupillary change is related to anosmia. In
addition, the screening system 100 could be configured to recommend
additional screenings in the event that more determinations or more
time would be advantageous in achieving a successful screening.
[0041] In one embodiment, the screening system 100 could be
configured to detect scents in the subject's environment. For
example, the screening system 100 could include one or more scent
sensors (i.e., electronic noses). The presence of environmental
scents could be important because environmental scents may
interfere with pupil dilation in response to an olfactory stimulus.
In particular, some scents, especially very strong scents, may
trigger responses that could override the subject's normal
pupillary dilation response. Accordingly, environmental scents
could generate both false positive and false negative test results.
In some embodiments, the screening system 100 could be configured
to control the level of scents in the test environment. For
example, the screening system 100 could include an air filtering
system. In some embodiments, the screening system 100 could be
configured to measure the presence, intensity, and/or types of
scents in the subject's environment. In these embodiments, the
screening system 100 could evaluate whether the environment is
appropriate for screening, recommend or adjust the screening
environment conditions, and/or reschedule the subject for a retest,
for example.
[0042] In some embodiments, the screening system 100 could be
configured to account for a variety of other events or
subject-specific or environmental conditions. For example, the
screening system 100 could be configured to detect when the user
was startled at the time of the test (e.g., due to a loud sound or
bright flash) and adjust environmental conditions or recommend that
the subject be retested, for example. In one implementation, the
screening system 100 could ask the subject one or more questions,
such as "Are you currently suffering from nasal congestion?", prior
to beginning the screening test and act accordingly based on the
subject's responses (e.g., recommending that the test be
postponed).
[0043] All of the various data associated with the subject that are
discussed above, such as the subject's amount of pupil dilation at
various lighting levels, the subject's response to spectra of
light, and so on, could be stored in a user profile associated with
the subject. As discussed above, this data can be stored by and/or
retrieved by the screening system 100 at the time of the screening
test to assist in the determination of positive or negative results
of screening.
[0044] One embodiment for the screening system 100 is shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this embodiment, the screening system 100 could
include a headpiece 120 that can be worn on the head 115 of the
subject. In the illustrated embodiment, the headpiece 120 includes
a holder 121 that is configured to hold a mobile device 122 (e.g.,
a smartphone or another smart device) that includes a detector 104
(e.g., a camera). The holder 121 can be configured to hold the
mobile device 122 such that the detector 104 is oriented towards
the subject's face when the headpiece 120 is worn by the subject.
The mobile device 122 executing the app can be used to guide the
subject through the screening steps with audio, images, text, or
combinations thereof. Accordingly, in one implementation, users
could place their mobile device 122 in the holder 121 and the
mobile device can in turn execute an app stored thereon that
performs the screening test, as described herein. In another
embodiment, the detector 104 could be integral to the headpiece
120. The headpiece 120 can include one or more straps 124 or other
securement devices for securing the headpiece to the subject's head
115 and keep the mobile device 122 in a fixed relationship to the
subject's face.
[0045] In one embodiment, the headpiece 120 could define an
enclosed air chamber 126 that is configured to provide a fixed
environment suitable for the screening test for the subject. The
headpiece 120 could further include an air inlet 128 (which can
further include a filter 130, such as a P100 filter) and a
corresponding outlet 129 for allowing the subject to exhale. The
headpiece 120 can further include the scent dispenser 102 that
delivers an olfactory stimulus to the subject. In one embodiment,
the olfactory stimulus delivered by the scent dispenser 102 could
be selected based upon its ability to produce the desired response.
System calibration could include testing of different scents and
scent intensities to determine the most appropriate for a
particular subject. The scent dispenser 102 could be activated by
the subject or automatically by the screening system 100 (e.g., by
the software app running on a mobile device 122). In embodiments
where the screening system 100 activates the scent dispenser 102,
the subject may not be aware of when the scent is provided. This
could be advantageous because having the scent provided without the
user's knowledge could prevent anticipatory changes from
confounding findings of response.
[0046] In various embodiments, the headpiece 120 can include
various additional components to assist in the administration and
assessment of the screening test. For example, the headpiece 120
could further include one or more air flow meters 132 that are
configured to measure the intake and outflow of air. In some
embodiments, the amount of airflow through the headpiece 120 may be
used as a secondary factor by the screening system 100 to assist in
the assessment of the subject's response. In some embodiments, the
headpiece 120 may include a focus dot 134 that can be used to focus
the subject's gaze and attention during the screening procedure. In
some embodiments, the headpiece 120 may include a scent measuring
device 136 that is configured to measure the intensity and types of
scents in the air chamber 126 and/or the subject's environment. As
noted above, environmental scents can affect the results of the
screening test, so the screening system 100 can be configured to
identify environmental scents via the scent measuring device 136
and use this information in the assessment of the subject during
the screening test, for example.
[0047] In still other embodiments, the headpiece 120 could include
earphones 138 to control or reduce environmental noise and direct
sounds from the mobile device 122 or sensor to the subject. As yet
another example, the headpiece 120 could include an air dam 140 to
separate the air chamber 126 from the eye chamber 142 so that air
flow and scents do not interfere with the pupillary measurements.
Such embodiments can be beneficial because they provide a
controlled environment for the performance of the screening test,
which can increase reliability of the results.
[0048] Another embodiment of the screening system 100 is shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this embodiment, rather than using the
headpiece assembly described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
the subject could instead hold their mobile device 122 (or a
detector 104) in close proximity to his or her face (or rest the
mobile device 122 in an appropriate location) with the scent
dispenser 102 in close proximity. In this embodiment, the
relationship between the subject's head 115 and the mobile device
122 is not fixed, so the mobile device (or the software app
executed thereby) can therefore be configured to compensate for
motion of the subject relative to the mobile device. Such an
embodiment can be beneficial because of its ease of use. In
particular, such an embodiment does not require a substantial
number of components or for the subject to wear a head assembly or
otherwise be within a fixed environment.
[0049] Yet another embodiment of the screening system 100 is shown
in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, the screening system 100 is
embodied as a high-throughput, touch-free system that could be
suitable for screening at airports, stadia, and so on. In
particular, this embodiment of the screening system 100 can include
an enclosure 150 into which the subject can enter. The enclosure
150 could be an enclosure that is environmentally controlled, for
example. The enclosure 150 could include a complete or partial
enclosure. (e.g., from the waist up). In such an embodiment, the
subject enters the enclosure 150 and faces the detector 104. As
noted above, the detector 104 could include a camera or an image
sensor, for example. The detector 104 could be positioned on a wall
of the enclosure at a height suitable for visualizing individuals'
faces, for example, or at adjustable heights to optimize the
relationship to the face. The detector 104 could provide
appropriate instructions to the subject (e.g., where to stand),
what information to provide to the screening system 100 (e.g.,
whether the subject has any relevant information that may inform
results of screening), or when to exit. The detector 104 could
include a smart device or a specialized sensor apparatus. The scent
dispenser 102 could be integral to the enclosure 150 and/or the
detector 104 or otherwise located within the enclosure 150. In one
embodiment, the scent dispenser 102 could be communicably coupled
to the detector 104 such that it is controlled thereby (e.g., to
release the olfactory stimulus).
[0050] Screening Based on Olfactory Stimuli
[0051] In one embodiment, systems, such as the system 100 described
above, can be configured to execute various processes for screening
subjects for certain responses based on olfactory stimuli. One
example of such a process 200 is shown in FIG. 5. In the following
discussion of the process 200, reference should also be made to
FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the process 200 can be embodied as
instructions stored in a memory 108 that, when executed by a
processor 106, cause the screening system 100 to perform the
process. In various embodiments, the process 200 can be embodied as
software, hardware, firmware, and various combinations thereof.
[0052] Accordingly, the screening system 100 executing the process
200 can measure 202 the subject's pupil. For example, the screening
system 100 can measure 202 the size of the subject's pupil. In one
embodiment, the screening system 100 can take the measurement via
the detector 104. Prior to, contemporaneous with, or after
measuring 202 the subject's pupil, the screening system 100 can
retrieve 204 information associated with the subject, the subject's
ambient environment, or other testing parameters that could be used
to control aspects of the measurement 202 performed by the
screening system (e.g., shutter speed of a camera being used to
measure the subject's pupillary response). In various embodiments,
the retrieved 204 information could include a reference against
which the subject's measured pupillary response is compared. In one
embodiment, the reference could include a default value, such as a
preprogrammed value associated with the given olfactory stimulus.
In another embodiment, the reference could include a characterized
pupillary response by the subject to the olfactory stimulus. For
example, the screening system 100 could be programmed to store a
number of pupillary response measurements by the subject and
characterize the tusual range of pupillary responses for the
subject for the given olfactory stimulus. In yet another
embodiment, the reference could include characterized pupillary
responses of a population of individuals to the olfactory stimulus.
In this embodiment, data from a population of users could be pooled
and analyzed to characterize the usual range of pupillary responses
for particular stimuli.
[0053] In various embodiments, the reference could be stored in a
profile associated with the subject. As discussed above, the
subject's user profile can include one or more parameters or
references associated with the subject's pupillary response, such
as characterized pupillary response values for different olfactory
stimuli that have been pre-characterized for the subject (e.g.,
during a calibration process performed by the screening system
100). In various embodiments, the reference could be stored in a
database 110 that that screening system 100 is associated with or
communicably coupled to. In these embodiments, the screening system
100 could be programmed to retrieve the reference from the database
110.
[0054] Accordingly, the screening system 100 can provide 206 an
olfactory stimulus to a subject via the scent dispenser 102. As
noted above, the olfactory stimulus could include a variety of
different scents or compositions. Further, the screening system 100
can measure 208 the pupillary response of the subject to the
provided olfactory stimulus via the detector 104.
[0055] Accordingly, the screening system 100 can determine 210
whether the subject has a absent or diminished pupillary response
to the olfactory stimulus. In one embodiment, the screening system
100 can compare the measured pupillary response to a reference for
the subject (e.g., which could be included in the retrieved 204
information described above) and determine whether the measured
pupillary response differs from the retrieved reference. In one
embodiment, the screening system 100 may determine whether the
measured pupillary response differs from the reference by a
threshold. For example, in an embodiment where the pupillary
response includes the size of the subject's pupil, the threshold
could be based on the usual difference between the subject's
pre-stimulus and the post-stimulus pupillary sizes. In another
embodiment, the screening system 100 could determine whether the
measured pupillary response falls outside of a particular range of
values associated with the pupillary response profile. If the
measured pupillary response does differ from the reference, the
screening system 100 can provide 212 an alert to the subject. As
noted above, if the measured pupillary response differs from the
pupillary response profile, the screening system 100 could
recommend medical evaluation and/or testing. In various
embodiments, the results of screening could be used to prompt
medical evaluation (for COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's
disease, or other forms of dementia, for example). The alert could
include a push notification provided via a mobile device, a text
message, an email, a popup message, and so on. The alert could
provide additional recommendations, such as that the user should
seek medical evaluation and advice regarding additional testing or
whether to take precautionary measures (e.g., self-quarantine or
isolation). If the measured pupillary response does not differ from
the pupillary response profile, the screening system 100 could
record 214 the data associated with the screening test. In one
embodiment, the screening system 100 could likewise record the data
associated with the screening test when the measured pupillary
response differs from the reference. In one embodiment, the
screening system 100 could further add the recorded 214 data to a
database, such as the database from which the information is
retrieved 204 as described above.
[0056] While various illustrative embodiments incorporating the
principles of the present teachings have been disclosed, the
present teachings are not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations,
uses, or adaptations of the present teachings and use its general
principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such
departures from the present disclosure as come within known or
customary practice in the art to which these teachings pertain.
[0057] In the above detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,
similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless
context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described
in the present disclosure are not meant to be limiting. Other
embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without
departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented
herein. It will be readily understood that various features of the
present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated
in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated,
and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of
which are explicitly contemplated herein.
[0058] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as illustrations of various features. Many modifications
and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and
scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of
the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
descriptions. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not
limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or
biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be
limiting.
[0059] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0060] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms
(for example, the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," et cetera). While
various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms
of "comprising" various components or steps (interpreted as meaning
"including, but not limited to"), the compositions, methods, and
devices can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the
various components and steps, and such terminology should be
interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.
[0061] In addition, even if a specific number is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited
number (for example, the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or
more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a
convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, et cetera" is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having skill in the art would understand the convention (for
example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would
include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C
alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or
A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a
convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera" is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having skill in the art would understand the convention (for
example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include
but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone,
A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B,
and C together, et cetera). It will be further understood by those
within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase
presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the
description, sample embodiments, or drawings, should be understood
to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms,
either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or
B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or
"A and B."
[0062] In addition, where features of the disclosure are described
in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any
individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[0063] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and
all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description,
all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible
subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range
can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling
the same range being broken down into at least equal halves,
thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, et cetera. As a non-limiting
example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down
into a lower third, middle third and upper third, et cetera. As
will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such
as "up to," "at least," and the like include the number recited and
refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into subranges
as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled
in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for
example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or
3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups
having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.
[0064] The term "about," as used herein, refers to variations in a
numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through measuring
or handling procedures in the real world; through inadvertent error
in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture,
source, or purity of compositions or reagents; and the like.
Typically, the term "about" as used herein means greater or lesser
than the value or range of values stated by 1/10 of the stated
values, e.g., .+-.10%. The term "about" also refers to variations
that would be recognized by one skilled in the art as being
equivalent so long as such variations do not encompass known values
practiced by the prior art. Each value or range of values preceded
by the term "about" is also intended to encompass the embodiment of
the stated absolute value or range of values. Whether or not
modified by the term "about," quantitative values recited in the
present disclosure include equivalents to the recited values, e.g.,
variations in the numerical quantity of such values that can occur,
but would be recognized to be equivalents by a person skilled in
the art.
[0065] Various of the above-disclosed and other features and
functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other
different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the
disclosed embodiments.
[0066] The functions and process steps herein may be performed
automatically or wholly or partially in response to user command.
An activity (including a step) performed automatically is performed
in response to one or more executable instructions or device
operation without user direct initiation of the activity.
* * * * *