WO2016071710A1

WO2016071710A1 - Method and apparatus for use with an eye covering

Info

Publication number: WO2016071710A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/053376
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tariq Aslam; Hujun Yin; Frank Podd
Original assignee: The University Of Manchester
Priority date: 2014-11-06
Filing date: 2015-11-06
Publication date: 2016-05-12
Also published as: GB201419796D0

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of monitoring usage of a covering, comprising receiving usage data from a monitoring device associated with the covering, the usage data being indicative of a duration of use of the covering,and selectively allowing access to one or more software resources based upon the usage data.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USE WITH AN EYE COVERING

Field of the Invention Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and a method for use with an ophthalmological device, such an eye covering.

Background Medical conditions relating to the eye such as, although not exclusively, amblyopia, or 'lazy- eye', and extra-ocular muscle palsy, can be improved by wearing an eye patch or covering. These conditions are best addressed at an early age. Failing to address these conditions can result in interference with clear vision in either eye and, because this usually occurs in only one eye, children are often unaware of the condition.

An ophthalmologist will often prescribe that an eye covering is placed over an unaffected eye for several hours during the day. This can be irritating and a burden for young persons, and may lead to non-compliance. By reducing the stimulation to the unaffected eye this causes the affected eye to be used, thereby strengthening the affected eye and reducing the symptoms.

Young children often find it difficult to wear an eye covering for a prescribed amount of time. Unfortunately, this can have a detrimental effect on their progress, and may result in the medical condition remaining the same or in some cases worsening.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to aspects of the present invention there is provided methods and apparatus as set forth in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring usage of an eye covering, comprising receiving usage data from a monitoring device associated with the eye covering, the usage data being indicative of a duration of use of the eye covering, and selectively allowing access to one or more software resources based upon the usage data.

The selectively allowing access to the one or more software resources may comprise permitting execution of one or more reward software resources when the usage data indicates the eye covering has been worn more than a predetermined amount of time.

Access to the reward software resources may be permitted within one or more predetermined time periods.

Access to the reward software resources is permitted when the user is wearing the eye covering. Access to the reward software resources may be permitted only in response to data indicative of completion of a vision test.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a system, comprising a monitoring device associated with an eye covering, the monitoring device comprising a control unit, a sensing unit for determining when the eye covering is being worn, and a communication unit for communicating usage data indicative of an amount of time the eye covering is worn, and a computing device communicably coupleable to the communication unit of the monitoring device to receive the usage data, wherein the computing device is arranged to selectively allow access to one or more software resources based upon the usage data.

The sensing unit may comprise a sensor for detecting when the eye covering is a predetermined distance from the user. The sensor may comprise one or more capacitive sensors. The control unit may comprise a memory unit and a processor arranged to determine the usage data and to store the usage data in the memory. The communication unit is arranged to wirelessly transmit the usage data to the computing device. The communication unit may be arranged to transmit the data via one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a cellular network, or near-field communication method.

Embodiments of the invention comprise an eye covering with an associated monitoring device which may indicate, via some means such as a light emitting diode, whether the covering is being worn, and record data indicative of the usage of the eye covering ('usage data'), storing this usage data on a memory module. The eye covering may take the form of a traditional eye patch, a covering placed over a user's glasses, or an eye patch formed with arms for wearing in a manner similar to a pair of glasses.

To encourage younger patients to wear the covering for the prescribed amount of time the eye covering, the monitoring device transmits the stored usage data to a computing device. This computing device processes the usage data and compares it to predefined variables. Based upon the results of the comparison, access to a piece of software on the computing devices is granted. The software on the computing device comprises features which are attractive to young users. In certain embodiments this could be a game or video.

The software on the computing device may have up to three functions. Firstly it may act as a reward to encourage compliance with wearing the eye covering by granting access to entertainment features such as games. Secondly, it may act as a means to periodically test the patient's vision. This vision test can be run at periodic intervals, such as every day, if the results of a previous vision test indicate the patient's vision is below a certain vision threshold, or if the ophthalmologist determines it is necessary to test the patient's vision every day. Alternatively, the vision test can be run at a period predetermined by the ophthalmologist should be patient's vision be above the vision threshold. Thirdly, it may be used as a means to treat amblyopia. By ensuring the user is wearing the eye covering whilst accessing the reward features of the software may result in an improvement of their condition by ensuring the affected eye is being actively used. An additional feature of some embodiments of the invention, is to provide the ophthalmologist details about how long the patient has worn the eye covering for since their last appointment. This can aid the ophthalmologist in determining the success of the treatment, and determine the most effective course of treatment. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of an eye covering according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method of controlling access according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a monitoring device 100 associated with an eye covering 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 100 comprises a control unit 110, a sensing unit 120 and a communication unit 130. In some embodiments of the invention the eye covering 200 may further comprise an output device 140 for outputting an indication to a user of the eye covering. Although not illustrated the eye covering 200 further comprises a power source such as a rechargeable battery for providing power to the components illustrated in Figure 1. The eye covering 200 is a device for substantially covering a patient's eye. The eye covering 200 comprises a covering portion which is placed in use over the eye and a retainer, such as a strap, for retaining the covering portion over the eye. The retainer may comprise a pair of arms for affixing about the patient's ears and a structure, such as frame, mounted between the arms for supporting the covering portion over the eye. The covering portion may be made of a number of materials, including fabric, plastic, or metal. The eye covering 200 also supports the monitoring device 100 further described below.

Figure 2 provides a representation of an eye covering 210 worn by a user. In this embodiment the eye covering is secured by a strap 220. The sensing unit 120 comprises one or more sensors for determining when the eye covering 200 associated with the device 100 is being worn. In one embodiment the sensing unit 120 comprises a proximity sensor such as a capacitive sensor, to determine when the eye covering 200 is positioned over the affected eye. A value output by the sensing unit 120 may indicate when the eye covering is located at a predetermined distance from the eye, such as spaced apart from the eye by, for example, 5mm, although other distances may be used. In this way the control unit 110 may determine, based on the output value being within a predetermined range, whether the eye covering is being worn as opposed to, for example, being placed on the user's arm to artificially replicate the eye covering being worn. Some embodiments may contain other sensors instead of, or in combination with, the capacitive sensor, for example an environmental sensor to detect one or more environmental conditions such as a light sensor. The environmental sensor may be arranged to detect when the eye covering obscures the eye, or a physical switch activated by the covering being held in position.

In one embodiment the sensing unit 120 comprises a proximity sensor arranged to detect proximity at a rear i.e. user facing side of the covering 200 and an environmental sensor arranged to detect an environment at a front i.e. forward facing side of the eye covering 200. In order to successfully determine the covering 200 being worn and to output a value from the sensing unit 120 indicative thereof, in some embodiments both the proximity sensor and the environmental sensor are required to output respective values indicative of proximity to the user and a normal environment i.e. such as a value indicative of ambient lighting conditions. In this way, advantageously, the sensing unit 120 is operable to better authenticate use of the covering 200 i.e. by not indicating use when the covering 200 is, for example, located in a user's pocket.

The sensing unit 120 is connected to the control unit 110 and outputs an indication of the eye covering being in place i.e. worn to the control unit 110.

The control unit 110 comprises a memory and processor for executing software instructions. The control unit is arranged to record in the memory usage data indicative of an amount of time the eye covering 200 is worn based on information received from the sensing unit 120. The communication unit 130 comprises a transmitter to wirelessly communicate the usage data to a computing device. The communication unit 130 comprises, in one embodiment, a relatively short range radio frequency communication device which operates according to a protocol, such as Bluetooth, radio frequency identification ( FID) or near-field communication (NFC). In other embodiments, the communicator unit 130 may operate according to a relatively longer range protocol, such as Wi-Fi or a cellular connection such as LTE. In another embodiment the usage data may be transmitted via a physical connection with the computing device, such as via a USB connection. The output device 140 comprises a means to alert the user when the eye covering 200 associated with the monitoring device 100 has been worn for a predetermined duration of time. In some embodiments the output device 140 may consist of one of more light emitting diodes. The computing device is a device capable of receiving data from the monitoring device 100 and therefore comprises a corresponding communication unit for receiving data. The computing device may be a portable computing device, such as a laptop, tablet computer or mobile telephone. The computing device comprises a memory for storing received data, a processor and a display device. The memory stores one or more software applications for execution by the processor, as will be explained.

The computing device is pre-programmed by a supervising user, which may be the user's ophthalmologist. The supervising user sets variables associated with the user's level of vision as well as diagnostic information, including but not limited to, a period of time a user is required to wear the eye covering 200. The period of time may be defined as a period per unit time such as a period per 24 hours or day.

Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 of controlling access according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 300 is performed by the computing device.

In step 310 the usage data stored in the memory unit of the control unit 110 of the monitoring device 100 is transmitted via the communication unit 130 and received by the computing device. The usage data received by the computing device 310, may be processed by the computing device, to determine a cumulative time the eye covering 200 has been worn, which is stored in the computing device's memory. The cumulative time may be per unit time such as per day. The usage data stored in the control unit 110 of the monitoring device 100 is then reset. In step 320, the cumulative time worn is compared against the stored period of time the user is required to wear the eye covering 200. Should the recorded cumulative time worn be lower than the predetermined time the eye covering is required to be worn, then the method moves to step 330. In step 330 the computing device alerts the user to insufficient use of the eye covering 200. The user is prompted 330 by the computing device to continue wearing the covering, such as by output of a suitable message. However, in step 320 should the recorded cumulative time worn equal or exceed the amount of time the covering is required to be worn then the method moves to step 340.

In step 340 the user's current vision level, either determined by one or more a desired previous tests performed by the computing device or by an supervising user and stored in the computing device, is compared against a desired vision level. If the user's vision level is less than the desired vision level then the method moves to step 350, or else the method moves to step 360. Step 350 comprises executing a vision test to measure the user's current vision. Step 350 may be executed whenever usage data is uploaded, such as every day, if the user's vision level is below the desired vision level. Step 350 comprises executing software on the computing device which assesses the user's vision level. The software may display text or images on the display device and receive a user input to assess the user's vision level.

Step 350 may comprise a number of instructions for the user to undertake, including placing the eye covering 200 over each eye in turn, and recording the user's vision level through a series of challenges. This allows the software to record the vision level of the user, and reduces the need for the user to be assessed by an ophthalmologist as often.

If the method moves to step 360, then it is determined whether the vision test performed in step 350 has been performed within a threshold period of time. The threshold period of time may be a number of days, for example three days although it will be realised that this is merely exemplary. It will be appreciated that when the user's vision is above the threshold vision level in step 340 the vision test of step 350 may be performed with less frequency.

Furthermore, undertaking a vision test using the computing device allows the user's vison levels to be tracked and recorded over a period of time. This allows an ophthalmologist to assess the success of any treatment and monitor the patient between appointments.

After step 350 has been completed, the vision test data is stored in the memory of the computing device.

In step 370 following step 360 when the vision test performed in step 350 has been performed within the threshold period of time, or following the vision test in step 350, access is allowed by the computing device to one or more reward software resources. The reward software resources may comprise executing gaming software on the computing device, or allowing Internet access. In one embodiment access to the reward software resources is permitted within one or more predetermined periods of time, such as corresponding to, for example, evening time, or lunch time.

The reward features serve as an inducement to overcome the problem that young users have following the treatment plan and wearing the eye covering for the prescribed period of time. By providing a reward at the end of the period during which the user is required to wear the eye covering, it encourages compliance with the treatment plan. Alternatively, the access to the reward may be granted when the user is wearing the eye covering 200. For example the access may be allowed when the user next wears the eye covering 200 after communication of the usage data. This would enable the user to use the reward features when their unaffected eye is obscured, ensuring the affected eye is being actively used. This may have beneficial treatment outcomes. The software resource may be a game which is intended to specifically exercise the user's affected eye thereby providing a treatment effect. In order to only allow access to the software resource when the eye covering 200 is being worn, the communication unit 130 may be arranged to output data to the computing device indicative of the eye covering being worn i.e. being in use.

These additional features could be further customised. The time at which the patient is allowed access to them could be controlled, and also the features they are allowed access to, and the amount of time they are allowed access to them could also be specified by either a parent or the ophthalmologist.

Once the prescribed course of treatment has been completed, or when the patient next visits the ophthalmologist, the data can be downloaded from the computing device to another computer for analysis by the ophthalmologist. This data can include the cumulative time worn, the amount of time worn each day, and the results of the vision test. This low level information will allow the ophthalmologist to accurately diagnose any problem and also evaluate the success of the treatment and any issues with it, such as the patient not wearing the eye covering for the prescribed amount of time.

Once this data has been downloaded to the ophthalmologist's computer the relevant variables can be reset and a new or different course of treatment using the eye covering can commence.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A method of monitoring usage of an eye covering, comprising: receiving usage data from a monitoring device associated with the eye covering, the usage data being indicative of a duration of use of the eye covering; and selectively allowing access to one or more software resources based upon the usage data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selectively allowing access to the one or more software resources comprises permitting execution of one or more reward software resources when the usage data indicates the eye covering has been worn more than a predetermined amount of time.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein access to the reward software resources is

permitted within one or more predetermined time periods.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein access to the reward software resources is

permitted when the user is wearing the eye covering.

5. The method of any preceding claim, comprising determining the usage data at the monitoring device indicative of the duration of use of the eye covering.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the determining the usage data comprises

determining one or both of proximity to the user of the eye covering and environmental conditions associated with the eye covering.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the environmental conditions are determined from a forward facing surface of the eye covering.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the access to the reward software resources is permitted only after completing a vision test.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the vision test is required to be completed at least at a first predetermined frequency if a vision level of a user is determined to be lower than a predefined vision threshold.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein a vision test is required to be completed at least at a second predetermined frequency if a vision level of a user is determined to be above a predefined vision threshold.

11. A system, comprising: a monitoring device associated with an eye covering, the monitoring device comprising a control unit, a sensing unit for determining when the eye covering is being worn, and a communication unit for communicating usage data indicative of an amount of time the eye covering is worn; and a computing device communicably coupleable to the communication unit of the monitoring device to receive the usage data, wherein the computing device is arranged to selectively allow access to one or more software resources based upon the usage data.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensing unit comprises one or more sensors for detecting when the eye covering is worn.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensing unit comprises one or more capacitive sensors arranged to detect when the eye covering is a predetermined distance from the user.

14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the sensing unit comprises one or more

environmental sensors arranged to determine environmental conditions proximal to the eye covering.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the environmental sensors comprise one or more light sensors arranged to determine an ambient lighting level external to the eye covering.

16. The system of claim 11 to 15, wherein the control unit comprises a memory unit and a processor arranged to determine the usage data and to store the usage data in the memory.

17. The system of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the communication unit is arranged to wirelessly transmit the usage data to the computing device.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the communication unit is arranged to transmit the data via one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a cellular network, or near-field communication method.

19. A method of monitoring usage of a covering, comprising: receiving usage data from a monitoring device associated with the covering, the usage data being indicative of a duration of use of the covering; and selectively allowing access to one or more software resources based upon the usage data.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the selectively allowing access to the one or more software resources comprises permitting execution of one or more reward software resources when the usage data indicates the covering has been used for a predetermined amount of time.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein access to the reward software resources is

permitted within one or more predetermined time periods.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein access to the reward software resources is

permitted when the covering is currently in use.