AU7199198A - Method and apparatus for stimulating the visual system - Google Patents

Description

WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STIMLULATING THE VISUAL SYSTEM BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A human being's visual system is comprised of a number of spacially separate regions, each of which have 5 distinct functional roles. Generally speaking a human being's visual system comprises a sensory component, stationary or form analysis component, motion analysis component, cortex, pupil motor pathway component and psychoptical component. Information from the sensory 10 component feeds into the stationary component and motion analysis component and finally into the cortex which functions as an end station of a human being's brain. The motion analysis component comprises a number of different cells and includes amacrine cells which respond 15 to motion and release dopamine when stimulated by such motion. The pupil motor pathway is controlled by an autonomic component of a nervous system of a human being. The pupil motor pathway is responsible for pupillary 20 reflexes which encompasses the following reflexes: (i) the light reflex whereby the pupil contracts if light directly enters the eye; (ii) the near reflex in which the curvature of 25 the lens is increased such that a close object may be brought into focus; (iii) the psychosensory reflex in which the pupils dilate following sensory or psychic stimuli. 30 The psychoptical component of the visual system is responsible for psychoptical reflexes which include fixation and fusion reflexes. There are two fusion reflexes, namely motor fusion and sensory fusion. Motor fusion enables extra ocular muscles of each eye to work 35 together and sensory fusion enables separate images from each eye to be joined to give depth perception. It is thought that emotion and pain may influence the psychoptical component. Fixation and fusion reflexes WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 2 enable the eyes to orientate themselves such that light rays from an object of interest fall on the most sensitive part of the retina, the fovea. They also allow the eyes to follow a moving object while keeping the 5 image focused on the fovea. These reflexes are also important for binocular vision. The fixation and fusion reflexes are stimulated by object movement and/or head movement. Operation and interaction of the aforementioned 10 components of the visual system is to date by no means thoroughly understood. It is thought by persons skilled in the relevant art that the cortex may be capable of functioning as a Fourier analyser which is capable of analysing wave motion and operating on a logarithmic as 15 opposed to a linear scale. It is desirable to provide an apparatus and method for stimulation of the visual system of a human being which enables pupillary reflexes, fixation and fusion reflexes and stationery and motion analysis components of 20 the visual system to be stimulated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present inventor has discovered that by applying a pattern to a surface, the pattern having regions which are located at a predetermined distance or arrangement 25 relative to each other and which contrast visually with the surface, and moving the pattern relative to the field of vision of a person at a speed equal to or greater than a speed where the regions begin to blur, each of the aforementioned components of the visual system may be 30 stimulated. Due to fixation and fusion reflexes a person's eyes attempt to follow the moving regions of the pattern and as such by forcing the eyes to remain focused upon a region which is not moving relative to the field of vision of the person the eyes are able to be exercised 35 in such a way so as to correct visual abnormalities such as squint, amblyopia, errors of refraction and the inability to correctly focus. Movement of a pattern relative to the field of WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 3 vision can produce a number of different results depending upon the details of the pattern and the speed of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision. As the speed of movement of the pattern 5 increases, the person views what appears, to the person, to be a blurred image that is typically unrecognisable; although, with certain patterns, which can usually be characterised as a wave form the pattern appears, to the person, to move relative to the field of vision at a 10 slower speed than the speed of movement of the pattern. If the speed is then further increased, the person views, depending upon the pattern, either what appears, to the person, to be a blurred image or banding wherein one or more bands are substantially aligned with the direction 15 of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision. Because of the above described findings regarding the visual system's response in relation to a moving pattern the present inventor postulates that the motion 20 analysis component and associated cortexual analysis are responsible for such findings and are therefore stimulated. It is therefore thought, by the present inventor, that the apparatus and method of the present invention may be capable of stimulating the motion 25 analysis component and cortex of the visual system for the purpose of producing associated beneficial affects such as increasing the processing capabilities of the person whose visual system is stimulated. The present inventor also considers that such stimulation may be used 30 to maintain cells of the brain which atrophy with age or otherwise degenerate and therefore suggests that the apparatus and method of the present invention has application in the treatment of degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. Furthermore stimulation of the 35 motion analysis component results in the release of dopamine and may also increase receptor uptake capacity in relation to dopamine which is important with respect to treatment of degenerative disease.

WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 -4 The autonomic nervous system is comprised of sympathetic and parasympathetic components or pathways which are integrated in the hypothalamus. To date the autonomic nervous system has been considered to be 5 involuntary; however, the present inventor has discovered that the autonomic nervous system can be influenced with the use of an appropriate apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention: awareness and vegetative functions such as eye and blood pressure 10 can be influenced. The present inventor has also found that the aforementioned use of the apparatus of the present invention results in elevated awareness while dreaming. Through use of the apparatus and method of the 15 preferred embodiment of the present invention it has also been found that stimulation of the visual system is useful for the purpose of effecting sleep onset, in a similar fashion to 8 Hz stimulation, which is considered to effect a higher centre which is thought to be 20 comprised of a diffuse system in the hypothalamus and frontal lobe and responsible for controlling circadian rhythms which effect dional variation in alertness. Circadian rhythms are at present not well understood; however, it is believed that the hypothalamus is 25 associated with the release of adrenocortico trophic hormone which in turn effects the release of cortisone from the suprarenal gland and consequently effects alertness and stress levels. The present invention provides an apparatus for 30 stimulating the visual system of a person, the apparatus comprising; a pattern having regions which contrast visually, the regions being located at a predetermined distance or arrangement relative to each other and means for moving the pattern relative to the field of vision of 35 the person at a speed equal to or greater than a speed where the regions appear, to the person, to begin to blur. The regions may be of any colour or intensity WO 98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 5 providing they contrast with each other. Typically a background region is a dark colour such as blue, navy, red or black and the remaining regions are of a lighter colour such as white, yellow or green. 5 The remaining regions may be a combination of lighter colours. The remaining regions or part thereof may be red if the background regions are not red. A suitable pattern may include recurring geometrical 10 shapes such as horizontal lines or planar geometrical shapes such a circles, triangles, rectangles, squares and the like. The shapes are preferably placed at equidistant intervals from each other. 15 The shapes may be of alternating sizes, lengths or orientation. The pattern may comprise repeating lines of short and long lengths. Another suitable pattern comprises alternating 20 triangles whose apexes are directed in substantially opposite directions. The patterns may comprise at least one wave form. The at least one wave form may be square, triangular, sinusoidal or any combination thereof. 25 The at least one wave form way be compressed or extended in the longitudinal direction. It is preferred that the at least one wave form has a constant pitch. The at least one wave form may have a constant 30 amplitude. The at least one wave form may be damped. The wave form may be represented by a continuous line or may be defined by a number of regularly spaced geometric shapes. 35 The regions may be in a predetermined relationship relative to each other. The pattern may include a number of overlapping sub patterns. For example, a series of equidistant WO 98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 6 vertically spaced lines may overlie a sine wave. It is preferred that movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision results in the person viewing a moving pattern which appears, to the person, to 5 be bands that are substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision. The pattern may be moved substantially linearly relative to the field of vision. 10 The pattern may be moved horizontally across the field of vision from either left to right or right to left, vertically across the field of vision in either direction or any combination thereof. The pattern may rotate relative to the field of 15 vision of the person. The rotating pattern may be viewed from a position such that in viewing the pattern from such a position, a direct line of sight from the viewing position to the pattern is substantially aligned with an axis about which 20 the pattern rotates. It is preferred that rotatory movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision about an axis which is substantially aligned with the direction of the direct line of sight results in the person viewing a 25 moving pattern which appears, to the person, to be at least one annular band. It is preferred that movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision results in the pathways of the visual system for motion analysis and stationery 30 form analysis, namely magnocellular and parvocellular respectively, being stimulated. It is preferred that movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision can be viewed with either one or both eyes. 35 It is preferred that if the pattern is moved substantially horizontally across the field of vision that it is viewed with only one eye. The apparatus of the present invention may include WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 7 any method of moving the pattern relative to the field of vision. The pattern may be applied to a surface. The apparatus of the present invention may include 5 any arrangement of surfaces and methods of moving the surfaces. The surface to which the pattern is applied may comprise the surface of a rotatable shape such as a sphere or cylinder wherein movement of the pattern 10 relative to the field of vision of the person is achieved by rotating the rotatable shape about a substantially central axis. The rotatable shape may be rotated manually or automatically about the substantially central axis. 15 Automatic rotation of the rotatable shape may comprise a mechanical or electrical device which imparts drive to the rotatable shape for rotation of the rotatable shape about the substantially central axis. It is preferred that the pattern is painted or 20 otherwise marked on the surface of the rotatable shape. Alternatively the rotatable shape may be hollow and the pattern represented by cut-out shapes illuminated by a light source which is housed within the hollow rotatable shape. 25 The pattern may be applied to the surface of the rotatable shape proximal the equator of the rotatable shape. It is preferred that the pattern is viewed from a position such that in viewing the pattern from such a 30 position a direct line of sight from the viewing position to the pattern is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shape. It is preferred that the pattern design is such that when the pattern is rotated at a speed equal to or 35 greater than a speed where the regions begin to appear blurred the viewer views what appears to be at least one substantially linear band. Preferably the at least one substantially linear WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 -8 band is substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision. A pattern may be applied to the surface of the rotatable shape proximal the poles of the rotatable 5 shape. The pattern may be viewed from a position such that in viewing the pattern from such a position a direct line of sight from the viewing position to the pattern is substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the 10 rotatable shape. It is preferred that the pattern which is rotated has a centre point with regions of contrast radiating therefrom. The pattern may comprise discrete lines radiating 15 from the centre point. Alternatively the pattern may comprise at least one spiral. The pattern may comprise at least one radiating line or the like. 20 The at least one radiating line may be continuous or may be formed from a plurality of spaced images. It is preferred that the plurality of spaced images are spaced geometric shapes. A suitable pattern includes alternating radiating 25 lines of different lengths. It is preferred that the pattern design is such that when the pattern is rotated at a speed equal to or greater than a speed where the regions begin to appear blurred, the viewer views what appears to be at least one 30 annular band. The pattern which is applied to the surface of the rotatable shape proximal the poles of the rotatable shape may comprise a complex number representation of a wave form or any combination of such complex number 35 representations of wave forms. Alternatively the pattern may be applied to a surface of a movable tape or revolving disc. Preferably the surface of the rotatable shape is WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 9 reflective. It is preferred that at least one light source is positioned so as to reflect from the surface to which the pattern is applied. 5 Preferably the at least one light source is visible to the person. Alternatively, at least one stationery object is positioned between the person and the pattern, enabling the person to focus on the at least one stationery object 10 while viewing the moving pattern. Preferably there are two at least one stationery objects. The at least one stationery object may be imagined by the person. 15 It is preferred that each of the at least one objects is such that the person can remain focused on one of such objects at any time. It is preferred that there are two objects such that the person is able to periodically move their point of 20 focus from one of the objects to the other of the objects. The surface to which the pattern is applied may be mirrored so as to reflect light, transparent so as to refract light or may have holes or cavities through which 25 light is diffracted. It is preferred that a pattern and its movement relative to the field of vision of the person may be produced via a computer and associated video screen or the like. 30 The pattern and its movement relative to the field of vision of a person may be produced by combining two software packages, namely 3DF/X Version 2.0 and Paint Shop Pro (4). It is preferred that square or triangular wave forms 35 are produced using Paint Shop Pro (4) and saved as BitMap Files for manipulation with 3DF/X Version 2.0 which enables animation of the square or triangular wave forms. It is preferred that "3D Model" is selected from the WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 10 3DF/X Version 2.0 to enable a virtual ball and associated colour and dimensions to be selected. It is preferred that the background upon which the virtual ball is positioned is either "late dawn" or "pale 5 haze". In accordance with 3DF/X Version 2.0 an axis, namely X, Y, Z or any combination thereof about which the virtual ball rotates may be selected. Preferably the intensity of light radiating from the 10 virtual ball may be varied to produce at least one region which is brighter than a surrounding region. It is preferred that each of the at least one bright regions is such that the person can remain focused on one of such regions at any time. 15 It is preferred that there are two separate and distinct bright regions of the pattern such that the person is able to shift their point of focus from one of the bright regions to the other of the bright regions. The intensity of light radiating from the virtual 20 ball may be varied between 0 and 100 percent wherein intensity levels between 65 and 100 percent are selected for a single central light source which is focused on the centre of the virtual ball. It is preferred that the square or triangular wave 25 forms which may be created using Paint Shop Pro (4) can be saved as a BitMap pattern and mapped onto the virtual ball which is created using 3DF/X Version 2.0. In mapping the square or triangular wave forms onto the virtual ball the wave form of constant amplitude 30 which was created using Paint Shop Pro (4), when mapped onto the virtual ball, may form a damped wave form of reducing amplitude. The virtual ball may be rotated about a virtual axis at a preselected speed of rotation. 35 It is preferred that the rotatable shape or virtual ball is rotated at a speed with a lower limit of one quarter of a revolution per second and an upper limit of 30 revolutions per second.

WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 11 Preferably the rotatable shape or virtual ball is rotated at a speed of 3 revolutions per second. It is preferred that movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision of the person produces, 5 what appears, to the person, to be bands of a predetermined width and separation. It is preferred that the width and separation of the bands is approximately equivalent. The present invention also provides a method of 10 stimulating the visual system of a person, the method comprising, moving the pattern of the apparatus relative to the field of vision of the person at a speed equal to or greater than a speed where the regions appear, to the person, to begin to blur for a predetermined period of 15 time. It is preferred that the method involves the person viewing the moving pattern for a predetermined period of time without eye glasses. The period of time for viewing the moving pattern 20 may be up to ten minutes or longer. Preferably the period of time for viewing the moving pattern ranges from 2-5 minutes. Preferably the speed of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision of the person is variable 25 according to the particular pattern being viewed by the person and is dependent upon the spacing between discreet regions of the pattern or pitch of a wave form of the pattern. The moving pattern may be located at a distance 30 which is approximately equivalent to an arms length of the person, from the person. Preferably the person focuses on at least one object or region which is stationery relative to the field of vision while viewing the moving pattern. 35 The at least one stationery object may comprise a reflection of a light source. Alternatively, the at least one stationery region may comprise a region of the pattern which is brighter WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 12 than a surrounding region. Preferably the at least one stationery object is between the person and the pattern enabling the person to focus on the at least one stationery object while viewing 5 the moving pattern. The at least one stationery object may be imagined by the person. It is preferred that the person focuses with one or both eyes on one of the at least one stationery object or 10 region at any one time. Preferably there are two at least one stationery regions or objects. It is preferred that the person periodically moves their point of focus from one of the stationery regions 15 or objects to the other of the stationery regions or objects. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to exercise one or both eyes of a person. 20 It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may also be used for the correction of squints, amblyopia and errors of refraction. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the 25 visual system of the person may also be used for general relaxation. The method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to promote relaxation. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the 30 visual system of the person may be used to improve vision, including night vision. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to promote sleep onset. 35 It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person enables hormone levels, including cortisone levels, to be regulated by regulating the circadian rhythm to reduce intraocular pressure and WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 13 the stress effects of cortisone. It is also preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to treat medical, movement disorders such as Parkinson's Disease 5 by stimulation of amacrine cells and other dopamine releasing cells which consequently release dopamine. Preferably the method for stimulating the visual system of the person by exercising the eye results in an increase in dopamine absorptive capacity of brain cells. 10 It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to treat psychological conditions or compliment psychoanalysis, stress and depression by influencing the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. 15 It is also preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to increase awareness, consciousness and information processing capabilities. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the 20 visual system of the person may be used to increase awareness, consciousness and information processing capabilities by increasing cortical processing. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to improve the 25 person's ability to focus. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person stimulates the cortex which inturn results in the cortex improving the person's focus. 30 The method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to improve the person's ability to focus when general lighting is other than dim if the person's quality of vision is limited. It is also preferred that the method for stimulating 35 the visual system of the person may be used to influence the type and amount of dreams of the person. Preferably the content of dreams can be programmed, by altering illumination levels, of the one or more light WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 14 sources which are focused on the pattern while it is moving within the field of vision of the person. Preferably scotopic or low levels of illumination results in dreams with fearful emotional content, the 5 subject matter of such dreams depending on the person's individual conscious and sub-conscious fears, while photopic or higher levels of illumination result in joyful and pleasurable dreams, the subject matter of such dreams depending on the person's conscious and sub 10 conscious joys and pleasures. The colour of dreams may be influenced by variations in colour of the regions of the pattern. The prominence of green/blue colours may result in the content of dreams being in relation to green/blue 15 objects or features such as grass, fields, lakes or the like. It is also preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to regulate intraocular pressure. 20 It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of a person may be used to exercise a pupil motor and voluntary eye movement motor pathway component of the visual system and consequently decreases intraocular pressure. 25 It is further preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to maintain an eye's tear film. Preferably the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to stimulate 30 parasympathetic nerves which inturn stimulate lacrimal glands to maintain smoothness of the ocular surface of the cornea. It is preferred that the pattern moves in a direction from one side of the person to the other side 35 of the person relative to the field of vision. It is preferred that when the pattern which moves from one side of the person to the other side of the person is viewed by the person, the moving pattern WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 15 appears, to the person, to be comprised of at least one band which is substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision. The pattern which moves from one side of the person 5 to the other side of the person may produce a first treatment pattern for use in correcting certain squints. It is preferred that for the purpose for correcting squints in relation to a left eye the person views the pattern moving from the left side of the person to the 10 right side of the person for a period of 2-5 minutes. It is preferred that for the purpose of correcting squints in a right eye the person views the pattern moving from a right side of the person to a left side of the person for a period of 2-5 minutes. 15 Preferably a second treatment pattern comprises a pattern which moves in a downward direction relative to the field of vision such that the person views, what appears to the person, to be at least one band which is substantially aligned with the direction of movement of 20 the second treatment pattern. The second treatment pattern may be useful for exercising and relaxation of the eyes. Alternatively, the second treatment pattern may be useful for tear film maintenance. 25 The second treatment pattern may find application in vision improvement. The second treatment pattern may also be useful for the purpose of inducing sleep onset. The second treatment pattern may be applicable in 30 relation to lucid dreaming and dream recall. The second treatment pattern may be suitable for brain cell stimulation for the purpose of maintaining brain cells. The second treatment pattern may also be useful for 35 treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. Preferably the second treatment pattern comprises a square wave form wherein movement of the square wave form WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 16 relative to the field of vision is such that the square waves have a frequency of between 40 and 200 Hz. The square wave form may be overlaid by a triangular wave form whose wave length is substantially equivalent 5 to the square wave form. The overlaying triangular wave form may comprise alternating inverted triangles. Alternatively, the square wave form and overlayed inverted triangular wave form of the second treatment 10 pattern may be moved relative to the field of vision so as to produce a resulting frequency of between 26 and 130 Hz. It is preferred that the person focuses with both eyes on the at least one stationery region or object for 15 a period of 2-5 minutes while viewing the second treatment pattern. The left eye may be closed to enable the person to focus with the right eye on the at least one stationery region or object for a period of 2-5 minutes while 20 viewing the second treatment pattern. The right eye may then be closed to enable the person to focus with the left eye on the at least one stationery region or object for a period of 2-5 minutes while viewing the second treatment pattern. 25 It is preferred that if the person focuses with one eye only on the at least one stationery region or object the person alternates viewing of the pattern between each eye. Use of the first and second treatment patterns may 30 result in elevated intraocular pressure due to reduced eye movement. It is preferred that the person's focus can be alternated between two stationery regions or objects for the purpose of exercising the eye to increase eye 35 movement and subsequently avoid elevation of intraocular pressure. Blood pressure may be elevated, depending on a wave length of wave forms and resulting frequency of the WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 17 moving pattern of the first and second treatment patterns, with use of the first and second treatment patterns and as such general exercise and weight maintenance is required to control blood pressure. 5 It is preferred that use of the first and second treatment patterns results in the person viewing what appears, to the person, to be four bands which are substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the pattern. 10 A third treatment pattern comprises a sine wave which is moved downwardly relative to the field of vision, the sine wave being moved relative to the field of vision at a frequency ranging from 32-160 Hz. The sine wave may be damped. 15 Methods of treatment similar to that used in relation to the second treatment pattern may be used in relation to the third treatment pattern. The third treatment pattern may be used for vision improvement. 20 Alternatively, the third treatment pattern may be used for eye exercise and relaxation. Preferably the third treatment pattern may be used for brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance. 25 The third treatment pattern may also be used in relation to treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. A fourth treatment pattern comprises a pattern which moves rotationally relative to the field of vision 30 wherein upon such rotational movement the person views, what appears, to the person, to be at least one annular band. Preferably the person views what appears, to the person, to be two annular bands with use of the fourth 35 treatment pattern. The fourth treatment pattern may be use for the purpose of vision improvement. Alternatively the fourth treatment pattern may be WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 18 useful for eye exercise and relaxation. It is preferred that the fourth treatment pattern may be applicable in relation to brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance. 5 The fourth treatment pattern may also be used in relation to treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. It is preferred that the fourth treatment pattern is rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per 10 second. A fifth treatment pattern may comprise at least one block which is rotated relative to the field of vision at a speed such that the person views what appears, to the person, to be at least one annular band. 15 Preferably the fifth treatment pattern corresponds to a zone plate wherein the radii of inner and outer edges of each annular band is equal to the square root of consecutive natural numbers. Preferably inner and outer edges of each annular 20 band have radii equal to the square root of consecutive natural numbers wherein the centre of each annular band substantially coincides with the axis of rotation of the pattern. The fifth treatment pattern may be used for eye 25 exercise and relaxation. Alternatively the fifth treatment pattern may be used for tear film maintenance. More preferably the fifth treatment pattern is useful for the purpose of reducing intraocular pressure. 30 The fifth treatment pattern may be used to correct double vision which may ensue from use of the first treatment pattern. More preferably the fifth treatment pattern comprises five blocks. 35 The fifth treatment pattern may comprise seven blocks. A sixth treatment pattern may comprise at least one radial array of blocks and/or segments which are able to WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 19 be rotated relative to the field of vision. It is preferred that each radial array of blocks and/or segments comprises at least four blocks and/or segments which are equally spaced radially about a centre 5 point of the array of blocks and/or segments. It is preferred that the sixth treatment pattern comprises at least three substantially concentrically arranged radial arrays of blocks and/or segments. It is preferred that rotation of the sixth treatment 10 pattern relative to the field of vision results in the person viewing, what to the person appears to be, substantially concentric bands which correspond to the blocks and/or segments. It is preferred that the sixth treatment pattern may 15 be used for the purpose eye exercise and relaxation. Alternatively the sixth treatment pattern may be used for tear film maintenance. The sixth treatment pattern may be used for vision improvement. 20 It is preferred that the blocks and/or segments of the sixth treatment pattern are either red, green or yellow in colour and overlay a dark coloured background which is preferably blue. It is preferred that the blocks and/or segments of 25 an inner radially arranged array of blocks and/or segments alternate in colour between white, red, white and green; bands and/or segments of the radial array which is adjacent to the inner radial array alternate between white, green, yellow and red; bands and/or 30 segments of the radial array which is outside of the inner and second most inner radial array alternate in colour between yellow and red while bands and/or segments of a most outside radial array are yellow. The sixth treatment pattern may be useful for 35 inducement of lucid dreaming and dream recall. Alternatively, the sixth treatment pattern may be useful for brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance.

WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 20 The sixth treatment pattern may also be used in relation to treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. It is preferred that the sixth treatment pattern is 5 rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second. It is preferred that in relation to the fourth, fifth and sixth treatment patterns that the following program be followed wherein, for the purpose of 10 explanation, the fourth, fifth and sixth treatment patterns are divided into four quadrants, as viewed from the position of the person viewing the treatment patterns, the first quadrant being the upper right hand quadrant, the second quadrant being the upper left hand 15 quadrant, the third quadrant being the lower left hand quadrant and the fourth quadrant being the lower right hand quadrant: (1) The pattern is rotated relative to the person in either direction while the person viewing the 20 treatment pattern focuses, with both eyes, on an outer band of the treatment pattern in a position substantially between the first and fourth quadrant and then proceeds to sequentially focus on inner bands in positions which lie substantially in a line between the point of focus on 25 the outer band and the concentric centre of such bands; (2) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting at an outer band at a position substantially between the first and second quadrant and moving toward the concentric centre of the bands; 30 (3) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting at an outer band at a position substantially between the second and third quadrants and moving toward the concentric centre of the bands; (4) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting 35 at the outer band at a position substantially between the third and fourth quadrant and moving in a direction towards the concentric centre of the bands; (5) The procedure of steps (1)-(4) is repeated WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 21 in a reverse direction starting at the outer band at a position between the second and third quadrants and moving about the treatment pattern in a clockwise, as opposed to anti-clockwise direction. 5 It is preferred that the fourth, fifth and sixth treatment patterns may be used in relation to just one eye wherein use in relation to the right eye requires (1)-(4) to be repeated with the pattern rotating in an anti-clockwise direction relative to the person and use 10 in relation to the left eye requires (5) to be repeated with the pattern rotating in a clockwise direction relative to the person. Preferably retuning of a person's vision or ability ot focus may be more effective with greater frequencies 15 of the moving pattern for person's with weak eyes. Persons with weak eyes may require several weeks of daily use of the apparatus in accordance with the relevant method to adjust to such a method. It is preferred that methods associated with 20 treatment patterns 1-6 are carried out on a daily basis. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to stimulate or regulate the entire nervous system by influencing hypothalamic centres and collection of nerve cells, the 25 frontal eye field and visual cortex which results in transmitters being released into the nervous system of the person. It is preferred that the method for stimulating the visual system of the person may be used to maintain 30 general health by stimulation of the hypothalamus which integrates functions of the autonomic nervous system and inturn corrects and co-ordinates different organs of the person. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 35 A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front elevation of an apparatus WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 22 according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an alternative apparatus to that of 5 Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows another alternative apparatus to that of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 shows a plan view of an upper pole of the apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 4 and a right pole of an 10 alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 6 shows an inverted plan view of a lower pole of the apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 4 and a left pole of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the 15 apparatus according to Figure 5; Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a further alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to Figures 5 and 6; 20 Figure 10 shows another alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to Figures 5 and 6; Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to Figure 5; Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the 25 apparatus according to Figure 6. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION According to Figure 1 an apparatus 10 of the present invention comprises a sphere 12 which is rotatably mounted on upper and lower axial pins 14 and 16 30 respectively which are supported by a semi-circular support bar 18 which is mounted in a mounting foot 20. The sphere 12 is blue. The sphere 12 has a combined square wave pattern 22 and compressed triangular wave pattern 24 which overlays 35 the equatorial surface of the sphere 12. In the right hand side of Figure 1 the pattern 22 is shown without the pattern 24 simply for illustration purposes. Pattern 22 is white and pattern 24 is yellow. As such, the blue WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 23 surface of the sphere 12 is visible in the form of adjacent, curved, substantially vertical, rectangular portions when viewing the pattern 22 while it is stationery relative to the viewer. Similarly, the blue 5 surface of the sphere 12 is visible in the form of adjacent, inverted triangular portions when viewing the pattern 24. The patterns 22 and 24 may be painted or otherwise marked on the sphere 12. It is preferred that the patterns 22 and 24 comprises adhesive strips such 10 that the patterns 22 and 24 may be replaced if so desired by the same or alternative patterns. The surface of the sphere 12 of Figure 2 also has red circles 26 which define a sign wave which extends about the surface of the sphere 12 obliquely relative to 15 the equator of the sphere 12. Referring to Figure 3 a blue sphere 28 rotates about a substantially horizontal axis which aligns with axial pins 14 and 16, the axial pins 14 and 16 being supported by a semi-circular support 18 which is mounted on a base 20 20. A yellow compressed triangular wave pattern 30 similar to that of pattern 24 of Figures 1 and 2 overlays an equatorial surface of sphere 28. Referring to Figure 4 a blue sphere 32 is mounted relative to axial pins 14 and 16 in a similar fashion to 25 the sphere 12 of Figures 1 and 2. A pattern 34 comprising a white damped sign wave overlays an equatorial surface of the sphere 32. It should be noted that the equatorial pattern of spheres 12, 28 or 32 may comprise any combination of wave 30 forms wherein each of the wave forms may be a square wave, triangular wave, sinusoidal wave or any one of the aforementioned wave forms which is either compressed or extended in the longitudinal direction. Referring to Figures 5 and 6 poles of the spheres 35 12, 28 and 32 comprise white lines 36-50 and 52-66 which radiate from axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and overlay spheres 12, 28 and 32. Lines 44-50 and 60-66 are equivalent in length and shorter than lines 36-42 and 52- WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 24 58 respectively. Lines 46-50 and 62-66 bisect the angle between adjacent longer lines 38-36 and 54-52 respectively. Line 44 is removed from line 36 by an angle of 30 degrees and from line 38 by an angle of 60 5 degrees; whereas, line 60 is removed from line 52 by an angle of 60 degrees and line 54 by an angle of 30 degrees. Referring to Figures 7 and 8 the poles of the apparatus of Figures 1-4 comprises white spirals 68 and 10 70 which spiral about axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and overlie the blue surface of the spheres of the apparatus of Figures 1-4. Referring to Figure 9 the poles of the apparatus of Figures 1-4 comprise a white block pattern 72 which 15 extends away from axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and overlays the blue surface of the spheres of the apparatus of Figures 1-4. The block pattern 72 corresponds to a zone plate wherein axial pins 14 and 16 equate to the centre of the zone plate. The distance of inner and 20 outer edges of each block from the relevant axial pin 14 or 16 correspond to the radii of inner and outer edges of bands of a zone plate and are equal to the square root of consecutive natural numbers. Referring to Figure 10 the poles of the apparatus of 25 Figures 1-4 comprise white lines 74-84 which overlay the blue surface of spheres of the apparatus of Figures 1-4. Line 74-82 extend from axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and line 84 connects a point part-way along line 80 with an end of line 82. 30 Referring to Figures 11 and 12 the poles of spheres 12, 28 and 32 comprise patterns 86 and 88 which radiate from axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and overlay the surface of the spheres 12, 28 and 32 which is blue. Patterns 86 and 88 are comprised of a number of coloured 35 concentric rings. Working from the axial pins 14 and 16 toward the outer concentric ring the rings are comprised of the following. A first concentric ring contains 8 segments 90-104 and 106-120 which radiate about axial WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 25 pins 14 and 16 respectively and blocks 122-128 and 130 136 which similarly radiate about axial pins 14 and 16 respectively. The segments 90-104 and 106-120 alternate in colour from red to green, segments 90 and 106 being 5 green and red respectively; whereas, the bands 122-128 and 130-136 are white. The segments 90-104 and 106-120 are removed 15 degrees radially from an adjacent segment. The blocks 124-128 and 132-136 bisect the angle between adjacent segments; whereas, the blocks 122 and 130 are 10 removed 15 degrees from an adjacent green segment and 45 degrees from an adjacent red segment. A second concentric ring of patterns 86 and 88 comprises blocks 138-168 which alternate in colour through white, red, yellow and green and 170-200 which 15 alternate in colour through white, green, yellow and red. The third concentric ring of patterns 86 and 88 comprises alternating yellow blocks 202 and red blocks 204. The fourth concentric ring of patterns 86 and 88 is formed of yellow blocks 206 which encompass the first, second and 20 third concentric rings of patterns 86 and 88. It should be noted that any complex number representation of a wave form or any combination of such complex number representations may be suitable for use as a polar pattern for application to one or both poles of 25 the spheres 12, 28 or 32. In use, spheres 12, 28 and 32 are located at approximately arm's length from the eyes of the user. Spheres 12 and 32 of Figures 1, 2 and 4 are capable of producing a first treatment pattern which is useful 30 for treatment of certain squints and is only used in relation to one eye at a time. In treating squints, it is preferred that two light sources are suitably positioned such that reflections of both the light sources are visible in the surface of the rotating sphere 35 which is suitably reflective. Such light sources makes it easier for the user to maintain focus on a region which is stationery relative to the user by enabling the user to focus on the reflection of one of the light WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 26 sources at any given moment. This enables the user to stimulate the form analysis component of the visual system and motion analysis component simultaneously. The reflections of the two light sources also enable the user 5 to exercise their eye by shifting the focal point of their eye periodically from one of the reflections to the other of the reflections. It is important to ensure the eye is exercised while following the below prescribed method of treatment for squints as such exercise 10 increases eye movement and subsequently avoids elevation of intraocular pressure. It must also be kept in mind that blood pressure may be elevated with use of the below prescribed method of treatment for squints regarding patterns 22 and 24 and as such general exercise and 15 weight maintenance is required to control blood pressure. Furthermore, double vision may ensue from use of the first treatment pattern and because a fifth treatment pattern which is discussed below is useful for correcting double vision, the first treatment pattern should be used 20 in conjunction with the fifth treatment pattern. The sphere 12 or 32 is orientated such that the user can view a pattern which extends about the equator of the sphere 12 or 32. Any one of patterns 22, 24, 30 or 34, or any combination of such patterns may be applied to 25 spheres 12 or 32. The user is to view the sphere without eye glasses for a period of time ranging from 2-5 minutes while the sphere 12 or 32 is rotated manually at a speed equal to or greater than a speed where the pattern upon the surface of the sphere 12 or 32 begins to blur. While 30 viewing the pattern the user must periodically shift the point of focus of their eyes from one of the reflections to the other of the reflections which reflect from the equatorial pattern. By rotating the pattern of Figures 1 and 3 at a 35 speed of 2-10 revolutions per second the user views what appears, to the user, to be seven bands which are aligned with the direction of movement of the pattern. Two outermost bands are white while two inner bands which are WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 27 adjacent to a central band are yellow. The white bands coincide with outer portions of the white square waves while the yellow bands correspond with outer portions of the yellow compressed triangular waves. Bands between 5 the white and yellow bands can be considered to be blurred and grey while the central band is blurred and creamy yellow. For treatment of a left eye the sphere is rotated such that the pattern moves in a direction from left to 10 right, relative to the user, for a period of time of 2-5 minutes. For treatment of a right eye a procedure the reverse of that described above in relation to the left eye is followed. The patterns 24 and/or 26 or 30 of Figures 1, 2 and 15 3 are capable of producing a second treatment pattern which can be used for eye exercises and relaxation, tear film maintenance, vision improvement or focal point adjustment, inducement of sleep onset, inducement of lucid dreaming and dream recall, brain cell stimulation 20 for the purpose of brain cell maintenance, and treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. In order to produce the second treatment pattern the applied patterns 24 and/or 26 or 30 must move in a downward direction relative to the field 25 of vision of the user. Such downward movement of the applied patterns can be provided with use of the apparatus of Figures 3. Sphere 28 is illuminated with two overhead light sources in a similar fashion to that explained above in relation to sphere 12 or 32 and the 30 sphere 28 is similarly located relative to the user such that the user can view the equatorially applied patterns which extend about the equator of sphere 28. The sphere 28 is rotated manually in a downward direction, relative to the field of vision of the user, at a speed equal to 35 or greater than a speed where the applied pattern begins to blur; the moving pattern is typically viewed with both eyes for a period of time ranging from 2-5 minutes. While viewing the applied pattern the user periodically WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 28 shifts the point of focus of their eyes from one of the reflections to the other of the reflections in a similar fashion to that described above in relation to the first treatment pattern such that the eyes of the user are 5 exercised while viewing the rotating pattern. The pattern may be viewed with only one eye. It is preferred that if the pattern is viewed with one eye that the user, if possible, alternates viewing between each eye of the user. 10 The sphere 28 is ideally rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second wherein the pattern 24 and 22, when applied to the sphere 28 are such that twenty wave lengths of the patterns 24 and 22 fit within the equatorial circumference. As such, patterns 24 and 15 26 move with respect to the field of vision of the user at a frequency ranging from 40-200 Hz. The pattern 30 as applied to sphere 28 is such that thirteen wavelengths of the pattern 30 fit within the equatorial circumference. As such, when the sphere 28, 20 with its surface displaying the pattern 30 is rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second, the pattern 30 moves with respect to the field of vision of the user with a frequency ranging from 26-130 Hz. Use of the second treatment pattern results in the 25 user viewing what appears, to the user, to be seven bands, as explained above in relation to the first treatment pattern with respect to similar patterns, with the exception of the red circles 26 of Figure 2 which, depending on the speed of rotation of the sphere 12 30 result in another source of stimulation being overlayed over the top of the aforementioned banding. As explained the path in relation to the first treatment pattern the blood pressure may be elevated with use of patterns 24 and 22 as applied to the apparatus of 35 Figure 3 and as such, general exercise and weight maintenance is required to control blood pressure. Pattern 34, when applied to sphere 28 and used in a manner as described in relation to the second treatment WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 29 pattern is capable of producing a third treatment pattern which is useful for vision improvement, eye exercise and relaxation, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative 5 diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. Sixteen wavelengths of the pattern 34 fit within the equatorial circumference of the sphere 28 or 32 such that when the sphere 28 is rotated at a speed ranging from 2 10 revolutions per second, the sine wave of the pattern 10 34 moves relative to the field of vision of the user at a frequency ranging from 32-160 Hz. Patterns of Figures 5-8 and 10, when applied to poles of any one of spheres 12, 28 or 32 is capable of producing a fourth treatment pattern which is useful for 15 the purpose of vision improvement, eye exercise and relaxation, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. Spheres 12, 28 or 32 are positioned relative to the user 20 such that the user is able to view one of the poles of such spheres. By accordingly positioning such spheres and rotating them at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second the user views two substantially concentric bands. 25 In using the fourth treatment pattern, the user should follow the following program wherein, for the purpose of explanation, the patterns of Figures 5-8 and 10 are divided into four quadrants, as viewed from the position of the user viewing the fourth treatment 30 patterns, the first quadrant being the upper right hand quadrant, the second quadrant being the upper left hand quadrant, the third quadrant being the lower left hand quadrant and the fourth quadrant being the lower right hand quadrant: 35 (1) The pattern is rotated relative to the user in either direction while the user, viewing any one of the patterns according to Figures 5-8 or 10 focuses, with both eyes, on an outer band of the fourth treatment WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 30 pattern in a position substantially between the first and fourth quadrant and then proceeds to sequentially focus on inner bands in positions which lie substantially in a line between the point of focus on the outer band and the 5 concentric centre of such bands; (2) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting at an outer band at a position substantially between the first and second quadrant and moving toward the concentric centre of the bands; 10 (3) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting at an outer band at a position substantially between the second and third quadrants and moving toward the concentric centre of the bands; (4) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting 15 at the outer band at a position substantially between the third and fourth quadrant and moving in a direction toward the concentric centre of the bands; (5) The procedure of (1)-(4) is repeated in a reverse direction starting at the outer band at a 20 position between the second and third quadrants and moving about the fourth treatment pattern in a clockwise direction, as opposed to anti-clockwise direction. The above program may be used in relation to just one eye wherein use in relation to the right eye requires 25 (1)-(4) to be repeated with the pattern rotating in an anti-clockwise direction relative to the user and use in relation to the left eye requires (5) to be repeated with the pattern rotating in a clockwise direction relative to the user. 30 The patterns of Figures 6 and 8 should be used in relation to (1)-(4) above while patterns of Figures 5 and 7 should be used in relation to (5) above. The patterns of Figure 10 can be used in relation to both (1)-(4) and (5) above. The pattern of Figure 10 can be rotated in 35 either direction when being viewed with either the left or right eye. The pattern of Figure 9 when applied to any one of spheres 12, 28 or 32 is capable of producing the fifth treatment pattern which may be used for eye exercise and WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 31 relaxation, tear film maintenance and is particularly useful for reducing intraocular pressure. The fifth treatment pattern is to be used in accordance with the method described above in relation to the fourth 5 treatment pattern. The pattern of Figure 9 is positioned relative to the user such that, when the sphere 12, 28 or 32, the poles of which contain the pattern of Figure 9, is manually rotated the user views, what to the user appears to be, seven substantially concentric bands. 10 The pattern of Figure 9 can be used in relation to both (1)-(4) and (5) of the procedure described above in relation to the fourth treatment pattern. The pattern of Figure 9 can be rotated in either direction when viewing with either the left or right eye. 15 It is preferred that the pattern of Figure 9, as applied to any one of spheres 12, 28 or 32 is rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second. Patterns of Figures 11 and 12 may be applied to any one of spheres 12, 28 or 32 for the purpose of producing 20 a sixth treatment pattern which is useful for eye exercise and relaxation, tear film maintenance, vision improvement, inducement of lucid dreaming and dream recall, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative diseases 25 and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease wherein the pattern which the user is viewing should be appropriately positioned relative to the user and rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second such that the viewer views what appears, to the user, to be four 30 substantially concentric bands. The user should follow the program outlined above in relation to the fourth treatment pattern wherein the pattern of Figure 12 should be used in accordance with (1)-(4) and the pattern of Figure 11 should be used in accordance with (5). 35 It should be noted that the methods described above in relation to treatment patterns 1-6 should be carried out on a daily basis wherein the particular details of the prescribed program or procedure may be modified according to the requirements of the user.

Claims (57)

1. An apparatus for stimulating the visual system of a person, the apparatus comprising; a pattern having regions which contrast visually, the regions being 5 located at a predetermined distance or arrangement relative to each other and means for moving the pattern relative to the field of vision of the person at a speed equal to or greater than a speed where the regions appear, to the person, to begin to 10 blur.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regions may be of any colour or intensity provided they contrast with each other.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding 15 claims wherein a suitable pattern includes recurring geometrical shapes such as horizontal lines or planar geometrical shapes such as circles, triangles, rectangles, squares and the like.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding 20 claims wherein the pattern comprises at least one wave form.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least one wave form is square, triangular, sinusoidal or any combination thereof. 25

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the at least one wave form has a constant pitch.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4-6 wherein the at least one wave form is damped. 30

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pattern includes a number of overlapping sub-patterns.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein movement of the pattern relative to 35 the field of vision results in the person viewing a moving pattern which appears, to the person, to be bands that are substantially aligned with the WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 33 direction of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the pattern is moved substantially linearly relative to 5 the field of vision.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the pattern is moved horizontally across the field of vision from either left to right or right to left, vertically across the field of vision in either 10 direction or any combination thereof.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the pattern rotates relative to the field of vision of the person.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the 15 rotating pattern is viewed form a position such that in viewing the pattern from such a position, a direct line of sight from the viewing position to the pattern is substantially aligned with an axis about which the pattern rotates. 20

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the rotatory movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision about an axis which is substantially aligned with the direction of the direct line of sight results in the person viewing a moving pattern 25 which appears, to the person, to be at least one annular band.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 wherein movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision results in the pathways of the 30 visual system for motion analysis and stationery form analysis, namely magnocellular and parvocellular respectively, being stimulated.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus includes any method of 35 moving the pattern relative to the field of vision.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pattern is applied to a surface. WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 34

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the apparatus includes any arrangement of surfaces and methods of moving the surfaces.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 5 wherein the surface to which the pattern is applied may comprise the surface of a rotatable shape such as a sphere or cylinder and movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision of the person is achieved by rotating the rotatable shape about a 10 substantially central axis.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the rotatable shape is rotated manually about the substantially central axis.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the 15 rotatable shape is rotated automatically about the substantially central axis.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein automatic rotation of the rotatable shape may comprise a mechanical or electrical device which 20 imparts drive to the rotatable shape or rotation of the rotatable shape about the substantially central axis.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-22 wherein the pattern is painted or otherwise marked 25 on the surface of the rotatable shape.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-22 wherein the rotatable shape is hollow and the pattern represented by cut-out shapes illuminated by a light source which is housed within the hollow 30 rotatable shape.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-23 wherein the pattern is applied to the surface of the rotatable shape proximal the equator of the rotatable shape. 35

26. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-25 wherein the pattern is viewed from a position such that in viewing the pattern from such a position a direct line of sight from the viewing WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 35 position to the pattern is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shape.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-23 5 wherein the pattern is applied to the surface of the rotatable shape proximal the poles of the rotatable shape.

28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein the pattern is viewed from a position such that in 10 viewing the pattern from such a position, a direct line of sight from the viewing position to the pattern is substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotatable shape.

29. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-28 15 wherein the surface of the rotatable shape is reflective.

30. An apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein at least one light source is positioned so as to reflect from the surface of the rotatable shape to which the 20 pattern is applied.

31. An apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein the at least one light source is visible to the person.

32. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-29 wherein at least one stationery object is positioned 25 between the person and the pattern, enabling the person to focus on at least one stationery object while viewing the moving pattern.

33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32 wherein the at least one object comprises two objects such that the 30 person is able to periodically move their point of focus from one of the objects to the other of the objects.

34. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-16 wherein the pattern and its movement relative to the 35 field of vision of the person is produced via a computer and associated video screen or the like.

35. A method of stimulating the visual system of a person, the method comprising, moving the pattern of WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 36 the apparatus relative to the field of vision of the person at a speed equal to or greater than a speed wherein the regions appear, to the person, to begin to blur for a predetermined period of time. 5

36. A method a claimed in claim 35 wherein the method involves the person viewing the moving pattern for a predetermined period of time.

37. A method as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36 wherein the period of time for viewing the moving pattern 10 ranges from 2-5 minutes.

38. A method as claimed in any one of claims 35-37 wherein the moving pattern is located at a distance which is approximately equivalent to an arms length of the person, from the person. 15

39. A method as claimed in any one of claims 35-38 wherein the person focuses on at least one object or region which is stationery relative to the field of vision while viewing the moving pattern.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39 wherein the at least 20 one stationery region comprises a region of the pattern which is brighter than a surrounding region.

41. A method as claimed in claim 40 wherein the person periodically moves their point of focus from one of the stationery regions or objects to the other of 25 the stationery regions or objects.

42. A method as claimed in any one of claims 35-41 wherein when the pattern moves from one side of the person to the other side of the person is viewed by the person, the moving pattern appears, to the 30 person, to be comprised of at least one band which is substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision.

43. A method as claimed in claim 42 wherein the pattern 35 which moves from one side of the person to the other side of the person may produce a first treatment pattern for using correcting certain squints.

44. A method as claimed in claim 43 wherein for the WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 37 purpose of correcting squints in relation to a left eye the person views the pattern moving from the left side of the person to the right side of the person for a period of 2-5 minutes. 5

45. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein for the purpose of correcting squints in a right eye the person views the pattern moving from a right side of the person to a left side of the person for a period of 2-5 minutes. 10

46. A method as claimed in any one of claims 35-41 wherein a second treatment pattern comprises a pattern which moves in a downward direction relative to the field of vision such that the person views, what appears to the person, to be at least one band 15 which is substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the second treatment pattern.

47. A method as claimed in claim 46 wherein the second treatment pattern is useful for exercising and relaxation of the eye, tear film maintenance, vision 20 improvement, inducing sleep onset, lucid dreaming and dream recall, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of maintaining brain cells and treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease. 25

48. A method as claimed in any one of claims 35-41 wherein a third treatment pattern comprises a sine wave which is moved downwardly relative to the field of vision, sine wave being moved relative to the field of vision at a frequency ranging from 30-160 30 Hz.

49. A method as claimed in claim 48 wherein the third treatment pattern is used for vision improvement, eye exercise and relaxation, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance and 35 treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease.

50. A method as claimed in any one of claims 35-41 wherein a fourth treatment pattern comprises a WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 38 pattern which moves rotationally relative to the field of vision and upon such rotational movement the person views, what appears, to the person, to be at least one annular band. 5

51. A method as claimed in claim 50 wherein the fourth treatment pattern may be useful for eye exercise and relaxation, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as 10 Parkinson's Disease.

52. A method of treatment as claimed in any one of claims 35-41 wherein a fifth treatment pattern comprises at least one block which is rotated relative to the field of vision at a speed such that 15 the person views what appears, to the person, to be at least one annular band.

53. A method as claimed in claim 52 wherein the fifth treatment pattern corresponds to a zone plate wherein the radii of inner and outer edges of each 20 band is equal to the square root of consecutive natural numbers.

54. A method as claimed in claim 53 wherein inner and outer edges of each annular band of radii equal to the square root of consecutive natural numbers and 25 the centre of each annular band substantially coincides with the axis of rotation of the pattern.

55. A method as claimed in any one of claims 52-54 wherein the fifth treatment pattern is used for eye exercise and relaxation, tear film maintenance, 30 reduction of intraocular pressure and to correct double-vision.

56. A method as claimed in any one of claims 35-41 wherein a sixth treatment pattern comprises at least one radial array of blocks and/or segments which are 35 able to be rotated relative to the field of vision.

57. A method as claimed in claim 56 wherein the sixth treatment pattern may be used for the purpose of eye exercise and relaxation, tear film maintenance, WO98/49992 PCT/AU98/00320 - 39 vision improvement, lucid dreaming and dream recall, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease.