EP2173306A1 - Intraoral device for tactile stimulation and activation - Google Patents

Intraoral device for tactile stimulation and activation

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Publication number
EP2173306A1
EP2173306A1 EP08775113A EP08775113A EP2173306A1 EP 2173306 A1 EP2173306 A1 EP 2173306A1 EP 08775113 A EP08775113 A EP 08775113A EP 08775113 A EP08775113 A EP 08775113A EP 2173306 A1 EP2173306 A1 EP 2173306A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
information
individual
signal
stimulator
stimulators
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP08775113A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Nicolas Vuillerme
Yohan Payan
Jacques Demongeot
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Universite Joseph Fourier Grenoble 1
Original Assignee
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Universite Joseph Fourier Grenoble 1
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Universite Joseph Fourier Grenoble 1 filed Critical Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Publication of EP2173306A1 publication Critical patent/EP2173306A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/08—Devices or methods enabling eye-patients to replace direct visual perception by another kind of perception
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
    • A61N1/0526—Head electrodes
    • A61N1/0548—Oral electrodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
    • A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an endo-oral device for tactile stimulation, which may further comprise actuating elements.
  • the devices of tactile stimulation knew an important development since a few years. They aim to send information to an individual, by means of tactile stimulations, particularly electro-tactile or vibro-tactile.
  • the device is sought to implant the device in a region of the body provided with many nerve endings, so as to benefit from optimal receptivity vis-à-vis these stimulations.
  • a lingual electro-stimulation device comprising a matrix of stimulators implanted in an artificial palate, so that, when the tongue comes into contact with the palate, information may be transmitted to him.
  • This device benefits from the very great sensitivity of the anterior part of the tongue, due to a large number of nerve endings, and the very great mobility of this organ, which often spontaneously comes into contact with the palate.
  • This type of device has very varied applications, such as the compensation of visual deficiencies, the management of equilibrium disorders (WO 2005/051329), or the prevention of pressure ulcers and plantar ulcers (WO 2006/008406). ).
  • the artificial palate represents a large congestion of the oral cavity and generates difficulties of speech and swallowing. Its effectiveness is also dependent on the mobility of the language, which varies among individuals; however, in the case where the language is not very mobile, there may be a significant lapse of time between the transmission of the signal and its perception by the individual.
  • the matrix of stimulators like the palate, is substantially flat, so that it can easily transmit three-dimensional spatial information (2D), for example of the left / right / forward / backward type.
  • 3D three-dimensional information
  • 3D also integrating the notions of up / down, it is necessary to resort to a transcoding of the 3D information in 2D signal.
  • a first object of the invention is therefore to provide a tactile stimulation device, implanted in a region of the body having a high sensitivity, but small and aesthetic, and which can be associated with actuating elements.
  • Another object of the invention is to allow the perception of a signal by the individual as soon as it is transmitted, independently of parameters such as the mobility of the language.
  • Another object of the invention is to develop a tactile stimulation device for transmitting 3D information without transcoding.
  • the invention provides a device for tactile stimulation of an individual, comprising at least one of three stimulators distributed in the oral cavity in contact with the gums of the inside of the lips and / or the cheeks of the individual so to communicate three-dimensional information.
  • the device comprises at least four stimulators that do not belong to the same plane.
  • Stimulation is performed by means of an electrical or mechanical pulse signal.
  • each stimulator comprises a matrix of stimulation elements.
  • the device further comprises a power source, means for generating a signal as a function of information to be transmitted to the individual, and each stimulator comprises means for receiving said signal.
  • the device may comprise means for processing information from sensors.
  • the various components of the device are connected by wireless transmission means.
  • the energy source and / or the receiving means have dimensions such that they can be inserted in an inter-dental space, or in a dental prosthesis.
  • the device further comprises means for controlling, by the individual, at least one actuator.
  • the device comprises at least one support adapted to be removably attached to a tooth, and in that a stimulator, if necessary means for controlling at least one actuator, the means of reception, and / or the energy source of said stimulator and, if appropriate, said control means, are integral with said support.
  • the device comprises: at least one sensor for measuring a physical quantity or a means for receiving external information,
  • the invention also relates to a method of communicating information by means of a device according to the invention as defined above and hereinafter.
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents the regions of the oral cavity where the invention may be implemented;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the invention in the context of the rendering of an image (visual substitution; )
  • FIG. 3 and 4 illustrate an embedded device that can be clipped on one or more teeth.
  • the device according to the invention is based on the electrotactile stimulation or vibro-tactile stimulation of the oral cavity, and more specifically the gums or the inside of the cheeks, or even the lips.
  • the dashed line delimits schematically the endo-oral cavity CEB and the regions concerned by the stimulation: the upper GS and lower GI gums, the inside of the IJ cheeks and the L-lips.
  • the device comprises: means for generating a signal as a function of one or more information (s) to be transmitted to the individual, at least one stimulator adapted to receive this signal, located inside the oral cavity, in contact with a gum, inside the lips or the wall of a cheek, and at least one energy source capable of supplying the signal generating means , the means of reception (typically, by radio) of the signal and the stimulator.
  • at least one second stimulator is symmetrically placed in the oral cavity, thereby transmitting to the individual two-dimensional information.
  • At least three stimulators in contact with the gums or the inside of the cheeks or lips (for example, two arranged symmetrically in a horizontal plane and a third disposed above or below this plan) in order to transmit to the individual three-dimensional information.
  • At least four stimulators are available so that they do not belong to the same plane.
  • the oral cavity can be likened to a geode, on the surface of which an image is projected.
  • information can be transmitted to the individual which is three-dimensional in nature, without transcoding.
  • This is a considerable advantage over known devices, all of which are substantially two-dimensional, such as, for example, electrode matrices implanted on the palate and used for lingual electro-stimulation described in US Pat. No. 6,430,450.
  • the number of stimulators and their location in the oral cavity are defined according to the number and nature of the information to be transmitted or, in the particular case where the information is an image, the level of definition of the image that the we want to restore.
  • the number of stimulators is however limited by the discriminating power of the regions on which they are located (gums, lips or cheeks), which is of the order of 2 to 3 mm.
  • Figure 2 shows a head on which is delimited by a broken line: in the left side, the inside of the face, in the right part, the outside of the face.
  • the endo-oral cavity CEB is schematically defined by the dashed line. Inside the latter, a plurality of stimulators 1, for example electrodes, have been arranged.
  • the stimulators 1 are represented by tablets, the white pellets corresponding to inactive stimulators, the black pellets corresponding to the active stimulators making it possible to transmit to the individual the 3D image of the letter "C".
  • the stimulation delivered by the device may be of electro-tactile or vibro-tactile nature.
  • Each stimulator may be punctual or in the form of a matrix comprising a plurality of stimulating elements, which makes it possible to increase the stimulation surface.
  • each stimulation element can be powered by a different electrical signal (in intensity and / or in frequency), which makes it possible to increase the number of information that can be transmitted, by defining in advance on the matrix a map of the information.
  • all stimulation elements can be powered by the same electrical signal.
  • the stimulator comprises an electrical pulse generator which may be in the form of an electrode or an electrode matrix.
  • an array of electrodes comprises about 16 electrodes per cm 2 .
  • the stimulator comprises an electromechanical device embedded in a support and able to make it vibrate.
  • an electromechanical device is for example a vibrator or a piezoelectric actuator, or a matrix of vibrators typically comprising approximately
  • the device further comprises means for controlling one or more actuators.
  • the control means are presented by example in the form of one or more actuating elements (such as pushbuttons or contactors) that can for example be pushed by slight pressure of the end of the tongue.
  • actuating elements such as pushbuttons or contactors
  • An interface in the form of a multi-button keyboard called "Tongue Touch Keypad", integrated in an artificial palace, is described for example in the article by Tang and Beebe cited above.
  • the pressure of the tongue on the button generates an electrical signal which is transmitted to the actuator of the device that one wishes to control. Concrete examples will be described below.
  • each of the push buttons is arranged in the oral cavity, for example against a tooth or under the tongue, so as to be easily accessible by the tongue of the individual, as shown in Figure 4 which will be described lower.
  • Placement of stimulators in the oral cavity can be done by various means, depending on the use - routine or occasional - that will be made of the device.
  • the on-board stimulation and actuation device 10 comprises, on a support 2 capable of being clipped onto one or more teeth, a stimulator 1 (for example, an electrode), a microprocessor 3 with a battery, and an actuating element 4 (for example, a push button).
  • a stimulator 1 for example, an electrode
  • a microprocessor 3 with a battery
  • an actuating element 4 for example, a push button
  • the stimulator 1 is disposed on the support 2, preferably on the outer side of the gum, so as to be in contact with either the gum or the inside of the cheek.
  • the actuating element 4 is preferably located on the inner side of the gingiva, so as to be accessible by the tongue.
  • the signals are transmitted by means of a wireless link, which simplifies the implementation of the device and allows a discrete use.
  • the definition of the transmission means is within the reach of those skilled in the art.
  • the transmitted signals correspond to either raw information or processed information.
  • the information comes from one or more sensors that can be part of the environment of the individual, attached to it or attached to another individual.
  • the sensors themselves are known to those skilled in the art who will know how to choose them according to the application.
  • the sensors there may be mentioned cameras, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, heart rate sensors or any other means of analysis of a specific environment, such as the physiological components of an individual.
  • the sensors can also measure information that is not directly perceivable by the individual, such as night vision, in military applications, or the presence of toxic substances. More detailed examples will be described below.
  • raw information is meant a measurement directly from a sensor, which is simply transformed into a pulse signal by the signal generator.
  • processing information is meant for example an alert that is triggered only when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.
  • the processing consists in comparing the value measured by the sensor with this threshold. This allows the individual to be stimulated only when a particular situation - especially a risk - has to be reported to him. For example, in the prevention of pressure sores, the patient is alerted only when the pressure at the bearing area of a limb is above a given threshold.
  • the processing can also be more complex and can produce information called “merged", that is to say information resulting from the combination of signals from different sensors (eg pressure, humidity, temperature), and the generating an alert when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. This threshold can of course be adapted according to the individual or the conditions of use of the device.
  • the stimulation device may therefore comprise, upstream of the signal generator, a data processing unit from the sensors.
  • Each signal has a coding specific to activate each stimulator.
  • the stimulators are in the form of pacing element matrices
  • the signal can be encoded to activate predefined areas of the array.
  • the mode of coding is chosen according to the nature of the information, the individual and his ability to analyze the situation.
  • each stimulation element then emits an electrical or vibratory pulse that is perceived by the individual and associated with a given piece of information.
  • Example 1 Visual Substitution or Substitution
  • a first example of application of the invention relates to visual substitution (for the blind) or visual substitution (for the visually impaired: "low vision").
  • Visual substitution can be applied to any person temporarily in a situation of visual impairment, for example in darkness or fog.
  • the invention can thus advantageously be applied to airplane pilots traveling in the fog: the endo-oral stimulation can indicate to them the position to be held, or even warn of possible dangers (obstacles) or deviation from at their cap.
  • the invention proposes the use of a device (for example the coupling of at least two cameras) making it possible to reconstruct a 3D image, the sampling by a processing unit which decomposes the 3D image into a a plurality of elements corresponding to "voxels" (themselves projected into a series of "pixels" 2D, for example projected on a 3D surface of geode type), each pixel being associated with a stimulator placed in the endo-oral cavity .
  • the stimulators are homogeneously distributed within the oral cavity, which is substantially in the form of a geode. The decomposition of the image into a plurality of signals sent to each of the stimulators can then be assimilated to the projection of the 3D image on the oral geode, as illustrated in FIG.
  • This projection has a double advantage.
  • the regions of the oral cavity have a discriminating power of the order of 2 or 3 mm, which means that, for a given surface, the number of stimulators that can be implanted is limited.
  • the matrices have a maximum surface of 4 cm ⁇ 4 cm, on which a maximum of 12 ⁇ 12 electrodes can be implanted.
  • the invention makes it possible to install stimulators on the entire inner surface of the oral cavity, which is much larger. It is therefore possible to increase the number of stimulators, allowing the individual to transmit a finer representation of the 3D image.
  • Example 2 Substitution of perceptive deficiencies Another example in disability assistance concerns the replacement of perceptual deficiencies, in para- or quadriplegic, diabetic, or amputee individuals.
  • the invention makes it possible to transmit to the individual the information coming from sensors.
  • pressure sensors located on limbs in contact with the bed or the chair, perform measurements that are processed so that a signal is sent to the patient if the measured pressures exceed a predetermined threshold.
  • This type of application is particularly suitable for incorporating, at the stimulation device, at least one control means of an actuator, as described above.
  • control means receiving signals transmitted by the control means.
  • the control means will be disposed in the oral cavity so that they can be actuated by the language of the individual in the most intuitive manner possible. This case is particularly adapted to the tetraplegic patient whose language remains one of the few organs still mobile.
  • Example 3 Location, guidance or assistance to 3D navigation
  • a first case is that of a deep-water diver, who can not use his sight to orient himself. If, as shown in Figure 4, it is equipped with 4 stimulators respectively located in the left and right, upper and lower regions of the oral cavity, it can receive in this way indications on the direction in which it must move.
  • Another case is that of the guidance of the surgical gesture.
  • a surgeon to perform a percutaneous insertion of a tool, the exact position of the end of which must be known to the patient's body.
  • Stimulators placed appropriately in his mouth can provide information on the inclination he must give his tool (forward / to the left, ).
  • the number of pacemakers is chosen according to the number of information that must be transmitted to it.
  • the advantage of endo-oral stimulation is to allow the transmission of additional information to the practitioner who operates in an environment already saturated with information: the operation in fact solicits its auditory abilities (communication with its assistants) manual (manipulation of tools) and visual (operative field and spot monitoring of patient monitoring screens).
  • a third case concerns astronauts whose vestibular organs no longer function in weightlessness. But it is important for them to know their orientation in space. At present, they are for example equipped with vests with vibrators, which are heavy and grossly account for reality.
  • Another possibility of application relates to the guidance of a motorist by a GPS-type system (acronym for "Global Positioning”).
  • System “), where the directions to be taken (in relation to the cardinal points or in relation to the road axis where the automobile is traveling) are indicated by endo-oral stimulation.
  • the motorist is provided with a sufficient number of stimulators to transmit all possible directions.
  • the device according to the invention can advantageously be used in the field of multimedia entertainment, such as video games.
  • an interface of the game communicates to the player three-dimensional information, which allows to draw his attention to an event that can come from anywhere - for example, by signaling the arrival of an object outside of his field of vision and the origin of this object.
  • the stimulation device will advantageously include actuator control means such as a joystick.
  • control means can make it possible to move a mouse in an office application.
  • the endo-oral stimulation and actuation device can be used for communication between two individuals by means of a coded language, such as walrus for example.
  • a coded language such as walrus for example.
  • the two individuals are equipped with pacemakers and actuating elements as described above.
  • the "sending" individual activates certain buttons with his language according to a learned coding; the "receiving” individual receives stimuli that he interprets as a low-level message - for example, instruction to move to the right - or high-level (Morse type), and can, if necessary, respond to the other individual by the same means.
  • the information transmitted may not be only spatial information: it is indeed possible to communicate to the individual other information: external information - such as a signal emitted by another individual as in the example previous, or a physical quantity measured in the environment of the individual.
  • external information such as a signal emitted by another individual as in the example previous, or a physical quantity measured in the environment of the individual.
  • the patient is equipped with the appropriate sensors, which measure the desired magnitudes and transmit them to a treatment unit.
  • the treatment unit assigns the measurement to a predetermined range of values associated with one or more pacemakers in the surgeon's mouth.
  • three temperature ranges are defined: a low, an average and a high.
  • the 3 stimulators are placed for example one above the other in contact with the inside of the cheek of the surgeon, and, depending on the one that stimulates, the surgeon knows if the temperature of the patient is normal or if it increases worryingly.
  • the device according to the invention therefore has a much smaller footprint than known devices and is disposed in regions of the oral cavity where it is less likely to disrupt oral functions such as speech or swallowing. In addition, it allows the transmission of information to the individual that is denser and more complex than is possible with existing devices without the need for transcoding.

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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
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  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for tactile stimulation of an individual, comprising at least three stimulators distributed within the oral cavity, in contact with the gums, the inside of the cheeks and/or lips, in such a way as to communicate three-dimensional information to the individual.

Description

DISPOSITIF ENDO-BUCCAL DE STIMULATION TACTILE ET D'ACTIONNEMENT ENDO-MOBILE DEVICE FOR TOUCH STIMULATION AND ACTUATION
DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION L'invention se rapporte à un dispositif endo-buccal de stimulation tactile, pouvant comporter en outre des éléments d'actionnement.FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an endo-oral device for tactile stimulation, which may further comprise actuating elements.
ARRIERE-PLAN DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Les dispositifs de stimulation tactile ont connu un développement important depuis quelques années. Ils ont pour objectif d'envoyer des informations à un individu, au moyen de stimulations tactiles, notamment électro-tactiles ou vibro- tactiles.The devices of tactile stimulation knew an important development since a few years. They aim to send information to an individual, by means of tactile stimulations, particularly electro-tactile or vibro-tactile.
A cet effet, on cherche à implanter le dispositif dans une région du corps munie de nombreuses terminaisons nerveuses, de manière à bénéficier d'une réceptivité optimale vis-à-vis de ces stimulations.For this purpose, it is sought to implant the device in a region of the body provided with many nerve endings, so as to benefit from optimal receptivity vis-à-vis these stimulations.
En ce qui concerne la stimulation électro-tactile, des dispositifs stimulant la langue et le palais ont été développés. En particulier, Bach-y-Rita (brevet US 6,430,450) a développé un dispositif d'électro-stimulation linguale comprenant une matrice de stimulateurs implantés dans un palais artificiel, de sorte que, lorsque la langue entre en contact avec le palais, des informations peuvent lui être transmises. Ce dispositif bénéficie de la très grande sensibilité de la partie antérieure de la langue, due à un grand nombre de terminaisons nerveuses, et sur la très grande mobilité de cet organe, qui entre fréquemment spontanément en contact avec le palais. Ce type de dispositif connaît des applications très variées, telles que la compensation de déficiences visuelles, la prise en charge des troubles de l'équilibre (WO 2005/051329), ou encore la prévention des escarres et des ulcères plantaires (WO 2006/008406).With regard to electro-tactile stimulation, tongue and palate stimulating devices have been developed. In particular, Bach-y-Rita (US Pat. No. 6,430,450) has developed a lingual electro-stimulation device comprising a matrix of stimulators implanted in an artificial palate, so that, when the tongue comes into contact with the palate, information may be transmitted to him. This device benefits from the very great sensitivity of the anterior part of the tongue, due to a large number of nerve endings, and the very great mobility of this organ, which often spontaneously comes into contact with the palate. This type of device has very varied applications, such as the compensation of visual deficiencies, the management of equilibrium disorders (WO 2005/051329), or the prevention of pressure ulcers and plantar ulcers (WO 2006/008406). ).
Toutefois, il présente des inconvénients ; en particulier le palais artificiel représente un encombrement important de la cavité buccale et génère des difficultés d'élocution et de déglutition. Son efficacité est en outre dépendante de la mobilité de la langue, qui varie selon les individus ; or, dans le cas où la langue est peu mobile, il risque de s'écouler un laps de temps important entre l'émission du signal et sa perception par l'individu. De plus, la matrice de stimulateurs, comme le palais, est sensiblement plane, de sorte qu'elle permet aisément de transmettre des informations spatiales tridimensionnelles (2D), par exemple du type gauche / droite / avant / arrière. Par contre, pour la transmission d'informations tridimensionnelles (3D), intégrant également les notions de haut / bas, il est nécessaire de recourir à un transcodage des informations 3D en signal 2D. Ceci implique également un apprentissage de la part de l'individu pour le rendre apte à reconnaître ces informations. Or, on sait que la durée et le succès de l'apprentissage sont très variables d'un individu à l'autre. II a également été développé, pour la navigation en aveugle, un dispositif d'électro-stimulation du palais, comprenant en outre une interface tactile actionnable avec la langue (article de Tang et Beebe, An Oral Tactile Interface for Blind Navigation, IEEE Transactions on neural Systems and rehabilitation engineering, Vol. 14, N°1 , March 2006, p. 1 16-123), mais ce dispositif nécessite également un palais artificiel avec une matrice 2D et présente donc les mêmes inconvénients.However, it has disadvantages; in particular, the artificial palate represents a large congestion of the oral cavity and generates difficulties of speech and swallowing. Its effectiveness is also dependent on the mobility of the language, which varies among individuals; however, in the case where the language is not very mobile, there may be a significant lapse of time between the transmission of the signal and its perception by the individual. In addition, the matrix of stimulators, like the palate, is substantially flat, so that it can easily transmit three-dimensional spatial information (2D), for example of the left / right / forward / backward type. On the other hand, for the transmission of three-dimensional information (3D), also integrating the notions of up / down, it is necessary to resort to a transcoding of the 3D information in 2D signal. This also implies learning from the individual to make him able to recognize this information. However, we know that the duration and success of learning vary widely from one individual to another. II has also been developed, for the blind navigation, a device for electro-stimulation of the palate, further comprising a tactile interface operable with the tongue (article of Tang and Beebe, An Oral Tactile Interface for Blind Navigation, IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, Vol 14, No. 1, March 2006, pp.116-123), but this device also requires an artificial palate with a 2D matrix and therefore has the same drawbacks.
D'autres sites de stimulation ont donc été envisagés, par exemple, la lèvre inférieure (on pourra à cet égard se référer à l'article de Shim et al, System Development for multichannel electrotactile stimulation on the lips, Médical Engineering & Physics, Vol. 28, N°7, Sept. 2006, p. 734-739), mais la surface disponible pour la stimulation est beaucoup plus restreinte, et l'installation peu esthétique.Other stimulation sites have therefore been considered, for example, the lower lip (in this respect reference may be made to the article by Shim et al., System Development for multichannel electrotactile stimulation on the lips, Medical Engineering & Physics, Vol. 28, No. 7, Sept. 2006, 734-739), but the area available for stimulation is much smaller, and the installation unattractive.
Une implantation sous-cutanée a également été mise en œuvre (faisant notamment l'objet de la demande WO 2005/040989). Cependant, elle nécessite une opération chirurgicale pour l'installation et le retrait éventuel du dispositif, et se révèle donc une méthode beaucoup plus contraignante. En outre, l'implantation est généralement effectuée dans une région du corps sensiblement plane, telle que le dos, l'abdomen ou la cuisse, et n'est donc pas adaptée à la transmission d'informations 3D. Un premier but de l'invention est donc de fournir un dispositif de stimulation tactile, implanté dans une région du corps présentant une grande sensibilité, mais peu encombrant et esthétique, et auquel on peut associer des éléments d'actionnement. Un autre but de l'invention est de permettre la perception d'un signal par l'individu dès son émission, indépendamment de paramètres tels que la mobilité de la langue. Un autre but de l'invention est de développer un dispositif de stimulation tactile permettant la transmission d'informations 3D sans transcodage.Subcutaneous implantation has also been implemented (in particular the subject of the application WO 2005/040989). However, it requires a surgical operation for the installation and possible removal of the device, and is therefore a much more restrictive method. In addition, the implantation is generally performed in a substantially flat region of the body, such as the back, the abdomen or the thigh, and is therefore not suited to the transmission of 3D information. A first object of the invention is therefore to provide a tactile stimulation device, implanted in a region of the body having a high sensitivity, but small and aesthetic, and which can be associated with actuating elements. Another object of the invention is to allow the perception of a signal by the individual as soon as it is transmitted, independently of parameters such as the mobility of the language. Another object of the invention is to develop a tactile stimulation device for transmitting 3D information without transcoding.
BREVE DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A cet effet, l'invention propose un dispositif de stimulation tactile d'un individu, comprenant au moins un trois stimulateurs répartis dans la cavité buccale au contact des gencive de l'intérieur des lèvres et/ou des joues de l'individu de manière à lui communiquer des informations tridimensionnelles. De manière particulièrement avantageuse, le dispositif comprend au moins quatre stimulateurs n'appartenant pas à un même plan.For this purpose, the invention provides a device for tactile stimulation of an individual, comprising at least one of three stimulators distributed in the oral cavity in contact with the gums of the inside of the lips and / or the cheeks of the individual so to communicate three-dimensional information. In a particularly advantageous manner, the device comprises at least four stimulators that do not belong to the same plane.
La stimulation est effectuée au moyen d'un signal d'impulsions électriques ou mécaniques.Stimulation is performed by means of an electrical or mechanical pulse signal.
De manière optionnelle, chaque stimulateur comprend une matrice d'éléments de stimulation.Optionally, each stimulator comprises a matrix of stimulation elements.
Le dispositif comprend en outre une source d'énergie, des moyens de génération d'un signal en fonction d'une information à transmettre à l'individu, et chaque stimulateur comprend des moyens de réception dudit signal.The device further comprises a power source, means for generating a signal as a function of information to be transmitted to the individual, and each stimulator comprises means for receiving said signal.
En amont des moyens de génération du signal, le dispositif peut comprendre des moyens de traitement d'informations issues de capteurs.Upstream of the signal generation means, the device may comprise means for processing information from sensors.
De manière particulièrement avantageuse, les différents composants du dispositif sont reliés par des moyens de transmission sans fil.Particularly advantageously, the various components of the device are connected by wireless transmission means.
Selon un mode particulier de réalisation, la source d'énergie et/ou les moyens de réception présentent des dimensions telles qu'ils puissent être insérés dans un espace inter-dentaire, ou dans une prothèse dentaire.According to a particular embodiment, the energy source and / or the receiving means have dimensions such that they can be inserted in an inter-dental space, or in a dental prosthesis.
De manière optionnelle, le dispositif comprend en outre des moyens de commande, par l'individu, d'au moins un actionneur.Optionally, the device further comprises means for controlling, by the individual, at least one actuator.
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation, le dispositif comprend au moins un support apte à être fixé de manière amovible sur une dent, et en ce qu'un stimulateur, le cas échéant des moyens de commande d'au moins un actionneur, les moyens de réception, et/ou la source d'énergie dudit stimulateur et, le cas échéant, desdits moyens de commande, sont solidaires dudit support.According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one support adapted to be removably attached to a tooth, and in that a stimulator, if necessary means for controlling at least one actuator, the means of reception, and / or the energy source of said stimulator and, if appropriate, said control means, are integral with said support.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, le dispositif comprend : - au moins un capteur de mesure d'une grandeur physique ou un moyen de réception d'une information extérieure,According to another embodiment, the device comprises: at least one sensor for measuring a physical quantity or a means for receiving external information,
- des moyens de traitement de la valeur mesurée ou de l'information reçue,means for processing the measured value or the information received,
- des moyens de génération d'un signal vers un stimulateur choisi parmi une série de stimulateurs, en fonction de la valeur ou de l'information traitée, ladite information extérieure pouvant être un signal codé émis par un autre individu également équipé d'un dispositif de stimulation et d'actionnement conforme à l'invention comprenant au moins un moyen de commande, l'émission du signal étant effectuée par un moyen de commande de ce dispositif.means for generating a signal to a stimulator chosen from a series of stimulators, as a function of the value or information processed, said external information being able to be a coded signal transmitted by another individual also equipped with a device stimulation and actuation according to the invention comprising at least one control means, the transmission of the signal being performed by a control means of this device.
L'invention concerne aussi un procédé de communication d'information au moyen d'un dispositif selon l'invention tel que défini ci-dessus et ci-après.The invention also relates to a method of communicating information by means of a device according to the invention as defined above and hereinafter.
BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux figures annexées sur lesquelles :BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures in which:
- la figure 1 représente schématiquement les régions de la cavité buccale où l'invention peut être mise en œuvre, - la figure 2 illustre un exemple de mise en œuvre de l'invention dans le cadre de la restitution d'une image (suppléance visuelle),FIG. 1 schematically represents the regions of the oral cavity where the invention may be implemented; FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the invention in the context of the rendering of an image (visual substitution; )
- les figures 3 et 4 illustrent un dispositif embarqué pouvant être clippé sur une ou plusieurs dents.- Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an embedded device that can be clipped on one or more teeth.
DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Le dispositif conforme à l'invention est basé sur la stimulation électrotactile ou vibro-tactile de la cavité buccale, et plus précisément des gencives ou de l'intérieur des joues, voire les lèvres. Sur la figure 1 , le trait en pointillés délimite de manière schématique la cavité endo-buccale CEB et les régions concernées par la stimulation : les gencives supérieures GS et inférieures Gl, l'intérieur des joues IJ et les lèvres L.The device according to the invention is based on the electrotactile stimulation or vibro-tactile stimulation of the oral cavity, and more specifically the gums or the inside of the cheeks, or even the lips. In FIG. 1, the dashed line delimits schematically the endo-oral cavity CEB and the regions concerned by the stimulation: the upper GS and lower GI gums, the inside of the IJ cheeks and the L-lips.
Il s'avère en effet que ces régions de la cavité buccale sont presque aussi sensibles que la zone palatine ou la langue, et se prêtent donc bien à la stimulation tactile. D'une manière générale, le dispositif selon l'invention comprend : des moyens de génération d'un signal en fonction d'une ou plusieurs information(s) à transmettre à l'individu, au moins un stimulateur apte à recevoir ce signal, situé, à l'intérieur de la cavité buccale, au contact d'une gencive, de l'intérieur des lèvres ou de la paroi d'une joue, et au moins une source d'énergie apte à alimenter les moyens de génération du signal, les moyens de réception (typiquement, par radio) du signal et le stimulateur. De préférence, au moins un deuxième stimulateur est placé de manière symétrique dans la cavité buccale, ce qui permet de transmettre à l'individu des informations bidimensionnelles.It turns out that these areas of the oral cavity are almost as sensitive as the palatal area or the tongue, and thus lend themselves to tactile stimulation. In general, the device according to the invention comprises: means for generating a signal as a function of one or more information (s) to be transmitted to the individual, at least one stimulator adapted to receive this signal, located inside the oral cavity, in contact with a gum, inside the lips or the wall of a cheek, and at least one energy source capable of supplying the signal generating means , the means of reception (typically, by radio) of the signal and the stimulator. Preferably, at least one second stimulator is symmetrically placed in the oral cavity, thereby transmitting to the individual two-dimensional information.
De manière encore plus avantageuse, on dispose au moins trois stimulateurs au contact des gencives ou de l'intérieur des joues ou des lèvres (par exemple, deux disposés symétriquement dans un plan horizontal et un troisième disposé au-dessus ou en-dessous de ce plan) de manière à transmettre à l'individu des informations tridimensionnelles.Even more advantageously, there are at least three stimulators in contact with the gums or the inside of the cheeks or lips (for example, two arranged symmetrically in a horizontal plane and a third disposed above or below this plan) in order to transmit to the individual three-dimensional information.
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation, on dispose au moins quatre stimulateurs de telle sorte qu'ils n'appartiennent pas à un même plan. En effet, la cavité buccale peut être assimilée à une géode, sur la surface de laquelle on projette une image. En répartissant un nombre approprié de stimulateurs sur cette surface courbe, on peut transmettre à l'individu des informations qui sont de nature tridimensionnelle, et ce, sans transcodage. Ceci constitue un avantage considérable par rapport aux dispositifs connus, qui sont tous sensiblement bidimensionnels, comme par exemple les matrices d'électrodes implantées sur le palais et utilisées pour l'électro-stimulation linguale décrites dans le brevet US 6,430,450.According to a preferred embodiment, at least four stimulators are available so that they do not belong to the same plane. Indeed, the oral cavity can be likened to a geode, on the surface of which an image is projected. By distributing an appropriate number of stimulators on this curved surface, information can be transmitted to the individual which is three-dimensional in nature, without transcoding. This is a considerable advantage over known devices, all of which are substantially two-dimensional, such as, for example, electrode matrices implanted on the palate and used for lingual electro-stimulation described in US Pat. No. 6,430,450.
Le nombre de stimulateurs et leur localisation dans la cavité buccale sont définis en fonction du nombre et de la nature des informations à transmettre ou, dans le cas particulier où l'information est une image, du niveau de définition de l'image que l'on souhaite restituer. Le nombre de stimulateurs est toutefois limité par le pouvoir discriminant des régions sur lesquelles ils sont disposés (gencives, lèvres ou joues), qui est de l'ordre de 2 à 3 mm. Ainsi, la figure 2 représente une tête sur laquelle on délimite par un trait discontinu : dans la partie gauche, l'intérieur du visage, dans la partie droite, l'extérieur du visage. La cavité endo-buccale CEB est délimitée schématiquement par le trait en pointillés. A l'intérieur de celle-ci, on a disposé une pluralité de stimulateurs 1 , par exemple des électrodes. Les stimulateurs 1 sont schématisés par des pastilles, les pastilles blanches correspondant à des stimulateurs inactifs, les pastilles noires correspondant aux stimulateurs actifs permettant de transmettre à l'individu l'image 3D de la lettre « C ».The number of stimulators and their location in the oral cavity are defined according to the number and nature of the information to be transmitted or, in the particular case where the information is an image, the level of definition of the image that the we want to restore. The number of stimulators is however limited by the discriminating power of the regions on which they are located (gums, lips or cheeks), which is of the order of 2 to 3 mm. Thus, Figure 2 shows a head on which is delimited by a broken line: in the left side, the inside of the face, in the right part, the outside of the face. The endo-oral cavity CEB is schematically defined by the dashed line. Inside the latter, a plurality of stimulators 1, for example electrodes, have been arranged. The stimulators 1 are represented by tablets, the white pellets corresponding to inactive stimulators, the black pellets corresponding to the active stimulators making it possible to transmit to the individual the 3D image of the letter "C".
La stimulation délivrée par le dispositif peut être de nature électro-tactile ou vibro-tactile.The stimulation delivered by the device may be of electro-tactile or vibro-tactile nature.
Chaque stimulateur peut être ponctuel ou se présenter sous la forme d'une matrice comprenant une pluralité d'éléments de stimulation, ce qui permet d'augmenter la surface de stimulation. En outre, chaque élément de stimulation peut être alimenté par un signal électrique différent (en intensité et/ou en fréquence), ce qui permet d'augmenter le nombre d'informations que l'on peut transmettre, en définissant au préalable sur la matrice une cartographie des informations. De manière alternative, tous les éléments de stimulation peuvent être alimentés par le même signal électrique.Each stimulator may be punctual or in the form of a matrix comprising a plurality of stimulating elements, which makes it possible to increase the stimulation surface. In addition, each stimulation element can be powered by a different electrical signal (in intensity and / or in frequency), which makes it possible to increase the number of information that can be transmitted, by defining in advance on the matrix a map of the information. Alternatively, all stimulation elements can be powered by the same electrical signal.
Dans le cas d'une stimulation électro-tactile, le stimulateur comprend un générateur d'impulsions électriques pouvant se présenter sous la forme d'une électrode ou d'une matrice d'électrodes. Typiquement, une matrice d'électrodes comprend environ 16 électrodes par cm2.In the case of electro-tactile stimulation, the stimulator comprises an electrical pulse generator which may be in the form of an electrode or an electrode matrix. Typically, an array of electrodes comprises about 16 electrodes per cm 2 .
Dans le cas d'une stimulation vibro-tactile, le stimulateur comprend un dispositif électromécanique noyé dans un support et propre à le faire vibrer. Un tel dispositif électromécanique est par exemple un vibrateur ou un actionneur piézo-électrique, ou une matrice de vibrateurs comprenant typiquement environIn the case of a vibro-tactile stimulation, the stimulator comprises an electromechanical device embedded in a support and able to make it vibrate. Such an electromechanical device is for example a vibrator or a piezoelectric actuator, or a matrix of vibrators typically comprising approximately
16 vibrateurs par cm2.16 vibrators per cm 2 .
L'homme du métier saura définir les électrodes ou vibrateurs appropriés, notamment parmi ceux décrits dans le brevet US 6,430,450.Those skilled in the art will know how to define the appropriate electrodes or vibrators, especially those described in US Pat. No. 6,430,450.
De manière particulièrement avantageuse, le dispositif comprend en outre des moyens de commande d'un ou plusieurs actionneurs. Ainsi, l'individu a la possibilité non seulement de recevoir des informations, mais aussi d'exécuter des commandes. A cet effet, les moyens de commande se présentent par exemple sous la forme d'un ou plusieurs éléments d'actionnement (tels que des boutons poussoirs ou des contacteurs) que l'on peut par exemple enfoncer par légère pression de l'extrémité de la langue. Une interface se présentant sous la forme d'un clavier à plusieurs boutons (dénommée « Tongue Touch Keypad »), intégrée à un palais artificiel, est décrite par exemple dans l'article de Tang et Beebe cité plus haut. La pression de la langue sur le bouton génère un signal électrique qui est transmis à l'actionneur du dispositif que l'on souhaite commander. Des exemples concrets seront décrits plus bas.In a particularly advantageous manner, the device further comprises means for controlling one or more actuators. Thus, the individual has the opportunity not only to receive information, but also to execute orders. For this purpose, the control means are presented by example in the form of one or more actuating elements (such as pushbuttons or contactors) that can for example be pushed by slight pressure of the end of the tongue. An interface in the form of a multi-button keyboard (called "Tongue Touch Keypad"), integrated in an artificial palace, is described for example in the article by Tang and Beebe cited above. The pressure of the tongue on the button generates an electrical signal which is transmitted to the actuator of the device that one wishes to control. Concrete examples will be described below.
Conformément à l'invention, chacun des boutons poussoirs est disposé dans la cavité buccale, par exemple contre une dent ou sous la langue, de manière à être accessibles aisément par la langue de l'individu, comme illustré à la figure 4 qui sera décrite plus bas.According to the invention, each of the push buttons is arranged in the oral cavity, for example against a tooth or under the tongue, so as to be easily accessible by the tongue of the individual, as shown in Figure 4 which will be described lower.
Il est en outre possible de miniaturiser la source d'énergie et/ou les moyens de réception de manière à pouvoir les insérer dans une cavité interdentaire, par exemple à l'intérieur d'une prothèse dentaire installée à la place d'une dent de sagesse. De manière encore plus avantageuse, on peut réaliser des stimulateurs indépendants complètement autonomes : à cet effet, on intègre à un crochet apte à être clippé sur une dent, un microprocesseur consommant très peu d'énergie, une pile miniature et un stimulateur, voire un élément d'actionnement.It is furthermore possible to miniaturize the energy source and / or the receiving means so as to be able to insert them into an interdental cavity, for example inside a dental prosthesis installed in place of a denture tooth. wisdom. Even more advantageously, independent independent stimulators can be produced: for this purpose, a hook that can be clipped onto a tooth is integrated into a microprocessor that consumes very little energy, a miniature battery and a stimulator, or even a actuating element.
La mise en place des stimulateurs dans la cavité buccale peut se faire par différents moyens, selon l'utilisation - routinière ou occasionnelle - qui sera faite du dispositif.Placement of stimulators in the oral cavity can be done by various means, depending on the use - routine or occasional - that will be made of the device.
Ainsi, pour un individu qui doit pouvoir être stimulé en permanence, comme c'est le cas dans la suppléance de déficiences perceptives, on pourra choisir de coller les stimulateurs sur les gencives ou sur les parois internes des lèvres ou joues. Le choix de la colle appropriée est à la portée de l'homme du métier. Il est également envisageable de fixer par des points de suture des supports de stimulateurs.Thus, for an individual who must be able to be stimulated permanently, as is the case in the replacement of perceptual deficiencies, we can choose to stick the stimulators on the gums or on the inner walls of the lips or cheeks. The choice of the appropriate glue is within the reach of the skilled person. It is also possible to fix stitches of stimulators by stitches.
En revanche, pour des utilisations occasionnelles - typiquement, les applications de guidage ou multimédia décrites plus bas - on préférera un mode de mise en place et de retrait plus simple. A cet effet, on peut par exemple disposer le stimulateur sur un crochet apte à être clippé sur une dent ou dans un intervalle inter-dentaire, de sorte que le stimulateur soit au contact de la gencive ou de la paroi interne de la joue. Ainsi, l'utilisateur est apte à poser et à retirer lui-même les stimulateurs. Un tel dispositif embarqué est représenté à la figure 3. Le dispositif embarqué 10 de stimulation et d'actionnement comprend, sur un support 2 apte à être clippé sur une ou plusieurs dents, un stimulateur 1 (par exemple, une électrode), un microprocesseur 3 avec une pile, et un élément d'actionnement 4 (par exemple, un bouton poussoir). Le stimulateur 1 est disposé, sur le support 2, de préférence du côté extérieur de la gencive, de manière à être au contact soit de la gencive, soit de l'intérieur de la joue. L'élément d'actionnement 4 est situé de préférence du côté intérieur de la gencive, de manière à être accessible par la langue.On the other hand, for occasional uses - typically the guidance or multimedia applications described below - a simpler setup and removal mode will be preferred. For this purpose, we can example arrange the stimulator on a hook capable of being clipped on a tooth or in an inter-dental interval, so that the stimulator is in contact with the gum or the inner wall of the cheek. Thus, the user is able to install and remove the stimulators himself. Such an onboard device is shown in FIG. 3. The on-board stimulation and actuation device 10 comprises, on a support 2 capable of being clipped onto one or more teeth, a stimulator 1 (for example, an electrode), a microprocessor 3 with a battery, and an actuating element 4 (for example, a push button). The stimulator 1 is disposed on the support 2, preferably on the outer side of the gum, so as to be in contact with either the gum or the inside of the cheek. The actuating element 4 is preferably located on the inner side of the gingiva, so as to be accessible by the tongue.
Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la transmission des signaux se fait au moyen d'une liaison sans fil, ce qui simplifie la mise en place du dispositif et en permet une utilisation discrète. La définition des moyens de transmission est à la portée de l'homme du métier.According to a preferred embodiment, the signals are transmitted by means of a wireless link, which simplifies the implementation of the device and allows a discrete use. The definition of the transmission means is within the reach of those skilled in the art.
Fonctionnement du dispositifOperation of the device
Lorsqu'une information doit être transmise à l'individu par l'intermédiaire des stimulateurs, des signaux sont envoyés vers ceux-ci.When information is to be transmitted to the individual through pacemakers, signals are sent to them.
On précise que les signaux transmis correspondent soit à une information brute, soit à une information traitée. Les informations sont issues d'un ou plusieurs capteurs qui peuvent faire partie de l'environnement de l'individu, lui être attachés ou être attachés à un autre individu. Les capteurs eux-mêmes sont connus de l'homme du métier qui saura les choisir en fonction de l'application. Parmi les capteurs, on peut citer des caméras, des capteurs de pression, des capteurs de température, des capteurs de fréquence cardiaque ou tout autre moyen d'analyse d'un environnement déterminé, comme par exemple les composantes physiologiques d'un individu. Les capteurs peuvent également mesurer des informations qui ne sont pas perceptibles directement par l'individu, comme par exemple la vision nocturne, dans des applications militaires, ou encore la présence de substances toxiques. Des exemples plus détaillés seront décrits plus bas.It is specified that the transmitted signals correspond to either raw information or processed information. The information comes from one or more sensors that can be part of the environment of the individual, attached to it or attached to another individual. The sensors themselves are known to those skilled in the art who will know how to choose them according to the application. Among the sensors, there may be mentioned cameras, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, heart rate sensors or any other means of analysis of a specific environment, such as the physiological components of an individual. The sensors can also measure information that is not directly perceivable by the individual, such as night vision, in military applications, or the presence of toxic substances. More detailed examples will be described below.
Par « information brute », on entend une mesure directement issue d'un capteur, qui est simplement transformée en signal d'impulsions par le générateur de signaux.By "raw information" is meant a measurement directly from a sensor, which is simply transformed into a pulse signal by the signal generator.
Par « information traitée », on entend par exemple une alerte qui n'est déclenchée que lorsqu'un seuil prédéterminé est dépassé. Le traitement consiste dans ce cas à la comparaison de la valeur mesurée par le capteur avec ce seuil. Ceci permet de ne stimuler l'individu que lorsqu'une situation particulière - notamment un risque - doit lui être signalée. Par exemple, dans la prévention d'escarres, on n'alerte le patient que lorsque la pression au niveau de la zone d'appui d'un membre est supérieure à un seuil donné. Le traitement peut également être plus complexe et permettre de produire des informations dites « fusionnées », c'est-à-dire des informations résultant de la combinaison de signaux issus de différents capteurs (par exemple : pression, humidité, température), et la génération d'une alerte lorsqu'un seuil prédéterminé est dépassé. Ce seuil peut bien sûr être adapté en fonction de l'individu ou des conditions d'utilisation du dispositif.By "processed information" is meant for example an alert that is triggered only when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. In this case, the processing consists in comparing the value measured by the sensor with this threshold. This allows the individual to be stimulated only when a particular situation - especially a risk - has to be reported to him. For example, in the prevention of pressure sores, the patient is alerted only when the pressure at the bearing area of a limb is above a given threshold. The processing can also be more complex and can produce information called "merged", that is to say information resulting from the combination of signals from different sensors (eg pressure, humidity, temperature), and the generating an alert when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. This threshold can of course be adapted according to the individual or the conditions of use of the device.
En fonction du type d'informations que l'on doit transmettre à l'individu, le dispositif de stimulation conforme à l'invention pourra donc comprendre, en amont du générateur de signaux, une unité de traitement des informations issues des capteurs.Depending on the type of information that must be transmitted to the individual, the stimulation device according to the invention may therefore comprise, upstream of the signal generator, a data processing unit from the sensors.
Chaque signal présente un codage propre à activer chacun des stimulateurs. Dans le cas où les stimulateurs se présentent sous la forme de matrices d'éléments de stimulation, le signal peut être codé de manière à activer des zones prédéfinies de la matrice. Le mode de codage est choisi en fonction de la nature de l'information, de l'individu et de sa capacité à analyser la situation.Each signal has a coding specific to activate each stimulator. In the case where the stimulators are in the form of pacing element matrices, the signal can be encoded to activate predefined areas of the array. The mode of coding is chosen according to the nature of the information, the individual and his ability to analyze the situation.
Selon les cas, chaque élément de stimulation émet alors une impulsion électrique ou vibratoire qui est perçue par l'individu et associée à une information donnée.Depending on the case, each stimulation element then emits an electrical or vibratory pulse that is perceived by the individual and associated with a given piece of information.
Le dispositif selon l'invention peut avantageusement être employé dans les applications suivantes. Exemple 1 - Substitution ou suppléance visuelleThe device according to the invention can advantageously be used in the following applications. Example 1 - Visual Substitution or Substitution
Un premier exemple d'application de l'invention concerne la substitution visuelle (pour les aveugles) ou la suppléance visuelle (pour les malvoyants : « basse vision »). La suppléance visuelle peut concerner toute personne momentanément en situation de déficience visuelle, par exemple dans l'obscurité ou le brouillard. L'invention peut ainsi s'appliquer avantageusement à des pilotes d'avion circulant dans le brouillard : la stimulation endo-buccale peut leur indiquer la position à tenir, voire les avertir d'éventuels dangers (obstacles) ou d'une déviation par rapport à leur cap. A cet effet, l'invention propose l'utilisation d'un dispositif (par exemple le couplage d'au moins deux caméras) permettant de reconstituer une image 3D, l'échantillonnage par une unité de traitement qui décompose l'image 3D en une pluralité d'éléments correspondant à des « voxels » (eux-mêmes projetés en une suite de « pixels » 2D, par exemple projetés sur une surface 3D de type géode), chaque pixel étant associé à un stimulateur placé dans la cavité endo- buccale. De manière particulièrement avantageuse, les stimulateurs sont répartis de manière homogène à l'intérieur de la cavité buccale, qui a sensiblement la forme d'une géode. La décomposition de l'image en une pluralité de signaux envoyés à chacun des stimulateurs peut alors être assimilée à la projection de l'image 3D sur la géode buccale, comme illustré à la figure 2.A first example of application of the invention relates to visual substitution (for the blind) or visual substitution (for the visually impaired: "low vision"). Visual substitution can be applied to any person temporarily in a situation of visual impairment, for example in darkness or fog. The invention can thus advantageously be applied to airplane pilots traveling in the fog: the endo-oral stimulation can indicate to them the position to be held, or even warn of possible dangers (obstacles) or deviation from at their cap. For this purpose, the invention proposes the use of a device (for example the coupling of at least two cameras) making it possible to reconstruct a 3D image, the sampling by a processing unit which decomposes the 3D image into a a plurality of elements corresponding to "voxels" (themselves projected into a series of "pixels" 2D, for example projected on a 3D surface of geode type), each pixel being associated with a stimulator placed in the endo-oral cavity . Particularly advantageously, the stimulators are homogeneously distributed within the oral cavity, which is substantially in the form of a geode. The decomposition of the image into a plurality of signals sent to each of the stimulators can then be assimilated to the projection of the 3D image on the oral geode, as illustrated in FIG.
Cette projection présente un double avantage.This projection has a double advantage.
D'une part, elle permet à l'utilisateur d'interpréter facilement les informations transmises, puisqu'elle retransmet de façon relativement fidèle, sans transcodage, la réalité 3D.On the one hand, it allows the user to easily interpret the information transmitted, since it retransmits in a relatively faithful manner, without transcoding, the 3D reality.
D'autre part, on sait que les régions de la cavité buccale ont un pouvoir discriminant de l'ordre de 2 ou 3 mm, ce qui signifie que, pour une surface donnée, le nombre de stimulateurs que l'on peut implanter est limité. Ainsi, dans les matrices d'électrodes palatines de l'art antérieur, les matrices ont une surface maximale de 4 cm x 4 cm, sur laquelle on peut implanter au maximum 12 x 12 électrodes. En revanche, l'invention permet d'installer des stimulateurs sur toute la surface intérieure de la cavité buccale, qui est nettement plus grande. Il est donc possible d'augmenter en conséquence le nombre de stimulateurs, ce qui permet de transmettre à l'individu une représentation plus fine de l'image 3D.On the other hand, it is known that the regions of the oral cavity have a discriminating power of the order of 2 or 3 mm, which means that, for a given surface, the number of stimulators that can be implanted is limited. . Thus, in the palatal electrode matrices of the prior art, the matrices have a maximum surface of 4 cm × 4 cm, on which a maximum of 12 × 12 electrodes can be implanted. On the other hand, the invention makes it possible to install stimulators on the entire inner surface of the oral cavity, which is much larger. It is therefore possible to increase the number of stimulators, allowing the individual to transmit a finer representation of the 3D image.
Exemple 2 - Suppléance de déficiences perceptives Un autre exemple dans l'assistance au handicap concerne la suppléance de déficiences perceptives, chez des individus para ou tétraplégiques, diabétiques, ou encore amputés. L'invention permet de transmettre à l'individu les informations issues de capteurs.Example 2 - Substitution of perceptive deficiencies Another example in disability assistance concerns the replacement of perceptual deficiencies, in para- or quadriplegic, diabetic, or amputee individuals. The invention makes it possible to transmit to the individual the information coming from sensors.
Par exemple, pour les patients immobilisés susceptibles de souffrir d'escarres, des capteurs de pression situés sur les membres en contact avec le lit ou le fauteuil, effectuent des mesures qui font l'objet d'un traitement de sorte qu'un signal est envoyé au patient si les pressions mesurées dépassent un seuil prédéterminé. Avec le dispositif conforme à l'invention, on dispose au moins quatre stimulateurs correspondant à des informations de type droite / gauche / avant / arrière, qui indiquent à l'individu comment déplacer le membre pour éviter la formation d'escarres. De manière encore plus avantageuse, on peut disposer au moins un autre stimulateur qui donne à l'individu la consigne de se soulever.For example, for immobilized patients susceptible to pressure sores, pressure sensors located on limbs in contact with the bed or the chair, perform measurements that are processed so that a signal is sent to the patient if the measured pressures exceed a predetermined threshold. With the device according to the invention, there are at least four stimulators corresponding to information type right / left / front / rear, which indicate to the individual how to move the member to prevent the formation of bedsores. Even more advantageously, one can have at least one other stimulator that gives the individual the instruction to lift.
Ce type d'application se prête particulièrement bien à l'incorporation, au dispositif de stimulation, d'au moins un moyen de commande d'un actionneur, tel que décrit plus haut.This type of application is particularly suitable for incorporating, at the stimulation device, at least one control means of an actuator, as described above.
Ainsi, on peut équiper un fauteuil roulant d'actionneurs recevant des signaux transmis par les moyens de commande. En équipant l'individu de 6 boutons poussoirs, on peut par exemple lui permettre de commander le déplacement de son fauteuil vers la gauche ou la droite, vers l'avant ou l'arrière, mais aussi de commander la montée ou la descente de l'assise ou encore le basculement de celle-ci vers l'avant ou vers l'arrière. Selon le nombre de degrés de liberté souhaités, on disposera les moyens de commande dans la cavité buccale de manière à ce qu'ils puissent être actionnés par la langue de l'individu de la manière la plus intuitive possible. Ce cas de figure est particulièrement adapté au patient tétraplégique dont la langue reste un des rares organes encore mobile.Thus, it is possible to equip a wheelchair with actuators receiving signals transmitted by the control means. By equipping the individual with 6 push buttons, it can for example allow him to control the movement of his chair to the left or right, forwards or backwards, but also to control the rise or fall of the sitting or tilting it forward or backward. Depending on the desired number of degrees of freedom, the control means will be disposed in the oral cavity so that they can be actuated by the language of the individual in the most intuitive manner possible. This case is particularly adapted to the tetraplegic patient whose language remains one of the few organs still mobile.
Un autre exemple de la suppléance de déficiences perceptives concerne les pompiers en intervention sur un incendie. Leur veste peut être équipée de capteurs de température, de CO2 ou de gaz toxiques, et les informations issues de ces capteurs leur sont transmises sous forme de stimulations endo-buccales afin de les avertir des situations à risque.Another example of the replacement of perceptual deficiencies concerns the firefighters in intervention on a fire. Their jacket can be equipped with sensors of temperature, CO 2 or toxic gases, and the information from these sensors are transmitted to them in the form of endo-oral stimulations to warn them of risk situations.
Exemple 3 - Localisation, guidage ou assistance à la navigation 3DExample 3 - Location, guidance or assistance to 3D navigation
Cet exemple regroupe une grande diversité de situations. Un premier cas est celui d'un plongeur en eaux profondes, qui ne peut se servir de sa vue pour s'orienter. Si, comme représenté à la figure 4, il est équipé de 4 stimulateurs situés respectivement dans les régions gauche et droite, supérieure et inférieure de la cavité buccale, il peut recevoir par ce biais des indications sur la direction dans laquelle il doit se déplacer.This example brings together a wide variety of situations. A first case is that of a deep-water diver, who can not use his sight to orient himself. If, as shown in Figure 4, it is equipped with 4 stimulators respectively located in the left and right, upper and lower regions of the oral cavity, it can receive in this way indications on the direction in which it must move.
Un autre cas est celui du guidage du geste chirurgical. Lors d'une intervention, il est fréquent qu'un chirurgien effectue une insertion percutanée d'un outil, dont il doit connaître avec précision la position de l'extrémité dans le corps du patient. Des stimulateurs placés de manière appropriée dans sa bouche permettent de lui communiquer des informations sur l'inclinaison qu'il doit donner à son outil (vers l'avant / vers la gauche,...). On choisit le nombre de stimulateurs en fonction du nombre d'informations que l'on doit lui transmettre. En pareil cas, l'avantage de la stimulation endo-buccale est de permettre la transmission d'informations supplémentaires au praticien qui opère dans un environnement déjà saturé d'informations : l'opération sollicite en effet ses capacités auditives (communication avec ses assistants), manuelles (manipulation des outils) et visuelles (champ opératoire et surveillance ponctuelle des écrans de monitorage du patient). Un troisième cas concerne les spationautes, dont les organes vestibulaires ne fonctionnent plus en apesanteur. Or, il est important pour eux de connaître leur orientation dans l'espace. A l'heure actuelle, ils sont par exemple équipés de gilets avec des vibrateurs, qui sont lourds et rendent compte grossièrement de la réalité. L'utilisation du dispositif conforme à l'invention, avec au moins deux stimulateurs, situés par exemple l'un dans la partie supérieure et l'autre dans la partie inférieure de la cavité buccale, permettrait de leur indiquer, de manière plus confortable, la position de leur tête (en haut ou en bas).Another case is that of the guidance of the surgical gesture. During an operation, it is common for a surgeon to perform a percutaneous insertion of a tool, the exact position of the end of which must be known to the patient's body. Stimulators placed appropriately in his mouth can provide information on the inclination he must give his tool (forward / to the left, ...). The number of pacemakers is chosen according to the number of information that must be transmitted to it. In such a case, the advantage of endo-oral stimulation is to allow the transmission of additional information to the practitioner who operates in an environment already saturated with information: the operation in fact solicits its auditory abilities (communication with its assistants) manual (manipulation of tools) and visual (operative field and spot monitoring of patient monitoring screens). A third case concerns astronauts whose vestibular organs no longer function in weightlessness. But it is important for them to know their orientation in space. At present, they are for example equipped with vests with vibrators, which are heavy and grossly account for reality. The use of the device according to the invention, with at least two stimulators, located for example one in the upper part and the other in the lower part of the oral cavity, would indicate to them, more comfortably, the position of their head (up or down).
Une autre possibilité d'application concerne le guidage d'un automobiliste par un système de type GPS (acronyme anglo-saxon de « Global Positioning System »), où les directions à prendre (par rapport aux points cardinaux ou encore par rapport à l'axe routier où circule l'automobile) sont indiquées par stimulation endo-buccale. L'automobiliste est muni d'un nombre suffisant de stimulateurs permettant de lui transmettre toutes les directions possibles.Another possibility of application relates to the guidance of a motorist by a GPS-type system (acronym for "Global Positioning"). System "), where the directions to be taken (in relation to the cardinal points or in relation to the road axis where the automobile is traveling) are indicated by endo-oral stimulation. The motorist is provided with a sufficient number of stimulators to transmit all possible directions.
Exemple 4 - Applications multimédia et loisirsExample 4 - Multimedia and entertainment applications
Le dispositif selon l'invention peut avantageusement être utilisé dans le domaine des loisirs multimédia, tels que les jeux vidéo. A cet effet, une interface du jeu communique au joueur des informations tridimensionnelles, ce qui permet d'attirer son attention sur un événement qui peut provenir de toute part - par exemple, en lui signalant l'arrivée d'un objet en-dehors de son champ de vision et la provenance de cet objet. Comme ce type d'application suppose que le joueur soit actif, le dispositif de stimulation comprendra avantageusement des moyens de commande d'actionneurs tels qu'une manette de jeu.The device according to the invention can advantageously be used in the field of multimedia entertainment, such as video games. For this purpose, an interface of the game communicates to the player three-dimensional information, which allows to draw his attention to an event that can come from anywhere - for example, by signaling the arrival of an object outside of his field of vision and the origin of this object. As this type of application assumes that the player is active, the stimulation device will advantageously include actuator control means such as a joystick.
Toujours dans le domaine multimédia, les moyens de commande peuvent permettre de déplacer une souris dans une application bureautique.Still in the multimedia field, the control means can make it possible to move a mouse in an office application.
Exemple 5 - Communication Enfin, on peut utiliser le dispositif endo-buccal de stimulation et d'actionnement pour la communication entre deux individus au moyen d'un langage codé, tel que le morse par exemple. A cet effet, on équipe les deux individus de stimulateurs et d'éléments d'actionnement tels que décrits plus haut. L'individu « émetteur » active certains boutons avec sa langue selon un codage appris ; l'individu « récepteur » reçoit des stimulations qu'il interprète comme un message de bas niveau - par exemple, instruction de se diriger vers la droite - ou de haut niveau (type morse), et peut, le cas échéant, répondre à l'autre individu par le même moyen.Example 5 - Communication Finally, the endo-oral stimulation and actuation device can be used for communication between two individuals by means of a coded language, such as walrus for example. For this purpose, the two individuals are equipped with pacemakers and actuating elements as described above. The "sending" individual activates certain buttons with his language according to a learned coding; the "receiving" individual receives stimuli that he interprets as a low-level message - for example, instruction to move to the right - or high-level (Morse type), and can, if necessary, respond to the other individual by the same means.
En outre, les informations transmises peuvent ne pas être uniquement des informations spatiales : il est en effet possible de communiquer à l'individu d'autres informations : une information extérieure - telle qu'un signal émis par un autre individu comme à l'exemple précédent, ou encore une grandeur physique mesurée dans l'environnement de l'individu. A titre d'illustration, on peut reprendre l'exemple du chirurgien lors d'une intervention. En plus de l'orientation spatiale de l'outil, on peut lui transmettre des informations importantes sur le patient, telles par exemple que sa température, sa pression artérielle ou encore sa fréquence cardiaque. A cet effet, le patient est équipé des capteurs adéquats, qui mesurent les grandeurs souhaitées et les transmettent à une unité de traitement. L'unité de traitement affecte la mesure à une plage de valeurs prédéterminée, associée à un ou plusieurs stimulateurs situés dans la bouche du chirurgien. Par exemple, si l'on souhaite transmettre au moyen d'une série de 3 stimulateurs l'information sur la température du patient, on définit 3 plages de température : une basse, une moyenne et une haute. Les 3 stimulateurs sont placés par exemple l'un au-dessus de l'autre en contact avec l'intérieur de la joue du chirurgien, et, en fonction de celui qui le stimule, le chirurgien sait si la température du patient est normale ou si elle augmente de manière inquiétante.In addition, the information transmitted may not be only spatial information: it is indeed possible to communicate to the individual other information: external information - such as a signal emitted by another individual as in the example previous, or a physical quantity measured in the environment of the individual. As an illustration, we can take the example of the surgeon during an intervention. In addition to the spatial orientation of the tool, it can be transmitted important information about the patient, such as its temperature, blood pressure or heart rate. For this purpose, the patient is equipped with the appropriate sensors, which measure the desired magnitudes and transmit them to a treatment unit. The treatment unit assigns the measurement to a predetermined range of values associated with one or more pacemakers in the surgeon's mouth. For example, if it is desired to transmit information on the temperature of the patient by means of a series of 3 pacemakers, three temperature ranges are defined: a low, an average and a high. The 3 stimulators are placed for example one above the other in contact with the inside of the cheek of the surgeon, and, depending on the one that stimulates, the surgeon knows if the temperature of the patient is normal or if it increases worryingly.
Le dispositif conforme à l'invention présente donc un encombrement beaucoup moins important que les dispositifs connus et est disposé dans des régions de la cavité buccale où il est moins susceptible de perturber les fonctions buccales telles que la parole ou la déglutition. De plus, il permet de transmettre à l'individu des informations plus denses et plus complexes que ne le permettent les dispositifs existants, et ce, sans recourir à un transcodage.The device according to the invention therefore has a much smaller footprint than known devices and is disposed in regions of the oral cavity where it is less likely to disrupt oral functions such as speech or swallowing. In addition, it allows the transmission of information to the individual that is denser and more complex than is possible with existing devices without the need for transcoding.
Enfin, comme on l'a vu, la mise en œuvre de l'invention peut se faire de manières très diverses, et les exemples décrits plus hauts ne sont en aucun cas limitatifs. Finally, as we have seen, the implementation of the invention can be done in very different ways, and the examples described above are in no way limiting.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 . Dispositif de stimulation tactile d'un individu, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins trois stimulateurs répartis dans la cavité buccale, au contact des gencives, de l'intérieur des joues et/ou des lèvres de manière à communiquer à l'individu des informations tridimensionnelles.1. Device for tactile stimulation of an individual, characterized in that it comprises at least three stimulators distributed in the oral cavity, in contact with the gums, inside the cheeks and / or lips so as to communicate to the individual three-dimensional information.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins quatre stimulateurs n'appartenant pas à un même plan.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least four stimulators not belonging to the same plane.
3. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la stimulation est effectuée au moyen d'un signal d'impulsions électriques ou mécaniques.3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the stimulation is performed by means of a signal of electrical or mechanical pulses.
4. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que chaque stimulateur comprend une matrice d'éléments de stimulation.4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each stimulator comprises a matrix of stimulation elements.
5. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre une source d'énergie, des moyens de génération d'un signal en fonction d'une information à transmettre à l'individu, et en ce que chaque stimulateur comprend des moyens de réception dudit signal.5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a power source, means for generating a signal based on information to be transmitted to the individual, and in that each stimulator comprises means for receiving said signal.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, en amont des moyens de génération du signal, des moyens de traitement d'informations issues de capteurs.6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises, upstream of the signal generating means, information processing means from sensors.
7. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que ses différents composants sont reliés par des moyens de transmission sans fil.7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that its various components are connected by wireless transmission means.
8. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la source d'énergie et/ou les moyens de réception présentent des dimensions telles qu'ils puissent être insérés dans un espace inter-dentaire. 8. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the energy source and / or the receiving means have dimensions such that they can be inserted into an inter-dental space.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la source d'énergie et/ou les moyens de réception présentent des dimensions telles qu'ils puissent être insérés dans une prothèse dentaire.9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the energy source and / or the receiving means have dimensions such that they can be inserted into a dental prosthesis.
10. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre des moyens de commande, par l'individu, d'au moins un actionneur.10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises control means, by the individual, at least one actuator.
1 1 . Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 à 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un support apte à être fixé de manière amovible sur une dent, et en ce qu'un stimulateur, le cas échéant des moyens de commande d'au moins un actionneur, les moyens de réception, et/ou la source d'énergie dudit stimulateur et, le cas échéant, desdits moyens de commande, sont solidaires dudit support.1 1. Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one support adapted to be removably attached to a tooth, and in that a stimulator, if necessary control means of at least one actuator, the receiving means, and / or the energy source of said stimulator and, if appropriate, said control means are integral with said support.
12. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 1 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that it comprises:
- au moins un capteur de mesure d'une grandeur physique ou un moyen de réception d'une information extérieure, - des moyens de traitement de la valeur mesurée ou de l'information reçue,at least one sensor for measuring a physical quantity or a means for receiving external information, means for processing the measured value or the information received,
- des moyens de génération d'un signal vers un stimulateur choisi parmi une série de stimulateurs, en fonction de la valeur ou de l'information traitée.- Means for generating a signal to a stimulator selected from a series of stimulators, depending on the value or information processed.
13. Dispositif selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que ladite information extérieure est un signal codé émis par un autre individu équipé d'un dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 1 ou 12 comprenant au moins un moyen de commande, l'émission du signal étant effectuée par un moyen de commande du dispositif. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said external information is a coded signal transmitted by another individual equipped with a device according to one of claims 1 1 or 12 comprising at least one control means, the transmission signal being effected by means of control of the device.
EP08775113A 2007-07-31 2008-07-16 Intraoral device for tactile stimulation and activation Ceased EP2173306A1 (en)

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