Virtual reality-based portable nystagmography device and diagnostic test method using same

There is provided a VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus that provides both a three-dimensional stereoscopic image and a voice to a subject such that efficiency and accuracy of a follow-up examination can be enhanced. The VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of an examination by inducing the subject to make a correct motion, during the examination on the subject who wears the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Stage application of PCT/KR2018/015293 filed 5 Dec. 2018, which claims priority to Korean Application No. 10-2018-0154209 filed 4 Dec. 2018, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus and an examination method using the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus that provides both a three-dimensional stereoscopic image and a voice to a subject such that efficiency and accuracy of a follow-up examination can be enhanced.

BACKGROUND ART

Nystagmus means ‘nystagmus as a vision condition’ and is an involuntary and rapid rhythmic eye movement. The nystagmus can be caused by a special condition even in normal circumstances, and this kind of nystagmus is referred to as physiologic nystagmus. However, another type of nystagmus is pathologic nystagmus which is caused by a congenital or acquired lesion of an eyeball, nerves, brain, or the like. A test of the nystagmus is an important diagnostic means in clinical investigation of a patient's organ disorder, and many studies on nystagmogram, nystagmus observation, nystagmography, and the like have been conducted for a long time.

A conventional nystagmus test is conducted by using Electro-Nystagmo-Graphy(ENG), Electro-Oculo-Graphy(EOG), Photo-electro-Nystagmo-Graphy(PENG), Frenzel Goggles, and the like.

Although the ENG and EOG are implemented as a very expensive system, there arise a problem of a possibility of interference in recording of eyeball movement due to a baseline change during measurement of electric potential, a problem of low test repeatability due to complexity of test, and a shortcoming of direct attachment of an electrode to a patient's skin during the test. In addition, the PENG has a problem in that a test has to be conducted in a state where an eyeball is open, and the Frenzel goggles have a problem in that it is not possible to record or store eyeball movement.

In this respect, there is development of a video nystagmus test apparatus that can observe and diagnose a patient's eyeball movement and direction relatively more easily than a conventional apparatus for a nystagmus test. Recently, the video nystagmus test apparatus is developed as a wearable apparatus that is worn on a patient such that portability and usability thereof are enhanced.

However, the existing wearable video nystagmus test apparatus induces movement such as eyeball movement and posture movement of a patient by a simple voice order, in a state where the patient is wearing the video nystagmus test apparatus. Hence, in case of a patient examination using an existing nystagmus test apparatus, when a patient does not make a correct motion, accuracy of the test is remarkably decreased, and thus reliability of the test is lowered.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

According to the present invention, there are provided a virtual reality (VR)-based portable nystagmus test apparatus and an examination method using the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus that provides both a three-dimensional stereoscopic image and a voice to a subject such that efficiency and accuracy of a follow-up examination can be enhanced.

Solution to Problem

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus is configured of a main body and a band and is worn on a subject. The VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus includes: a first display that is provided at an inner side of the main body and outputs a displaying image; an optical/imaging unit that is disposed between the first display and both eyes of the subject to provide the displaying image as a stereoscopic image to the subject and image an eyeball of the subject who gazes at the stereoscopic image once or more times; and a control unit that provides both the stereoscopic image and a voice order to the subject depending on a selected examination item and performs an examination on the subject based on one or more eyeball images captured by the optical/imaging unit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in an examination method using a VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus, a subject wears the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus, and an examination is conducted on the subject. The examination method includes: a step of generating a stereoscopic image for examination corresponding to an examination item after the examination item for the subject is selected; a step of conducting an examination corresponding to the examination item by providing a voice order along with the stereoscopic image for examination to the subject; a step of outputting an examination result of the subject depending on the examination; and a step of providing a treatment guide for the subject by using the examination result.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

A VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus of the present invention provides a stereoscopic image and a voice order to a subject to conduct an examination on the subject and thereby can induce the subject to make a correct motion during the examination, and thus accuracy and efficiency of the examination can be enhanced.

In addition, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus of the present invention provides various stereoscopic images and voice orders to the subject and thereby can be applied to various fields of examination, rehabilitation, and the like of ophthalmology-related fields in addition to a nystagmus test, such that applicability of the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus can be enhanced.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, configurations and operations of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It should be noted that like configurational elements will be represented by like reference numerals and signs throughout the drawings as much as possible, even though illustrated on different drawings. In the description of the present invention, when detailed description of a known function or configuration related to the invention is deemed to result in obscuring the gist of the present invention unnecessarily, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, a case where a certain part “comprises” a certain configurational element means that another configurational element is not excluded but can be further included unless specifically described otherwise.

A term or word, which is used in this specification or claims, is not to be construed in common and dictionary meanings but has to be construed in a meaning and a concept in accordance with a technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that the inventors can appropriately define a concept of a term in order to describe his or her invention in the best way. Consequently, since embodiments described in this specification and configurations illustrated in the drawings are provided only as the preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, there can be various equivalents and modification examples which can substitute for the embodiments and the configurations of the present invention at the time of this application, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments to be described below.

FIG.1is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG.2Ais a view illustrating a structure of the portable nystagmus test apparatus inFIG.1.FIG.2Bis an exploded perspective view illustrating a main body inFIG.2A.FIG.2Cis a view illustrating a worn state of the portable nystagmus test apparatus on a subject.

With reference to the drawings, a virtual reality (hereinafter, VR)-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the embodiment can have a shape of head mounted display (HMD) device which is worn on a user, that is, on a head part of a subject. The VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100can be configured of a main body101and a band102. The main body101can have a goggle shape to come into close contact with the subject's face to block a field of view of the subject from outside. The band102can secure the main body101to the subject's head.

The main body101can be configured of a combination of a front case110and a rear case120. A display unit140, an optical/imaging unit130, and a control unit150can be disposed inside and outside the main body101.

The front case110and the rear case120can have a frame structure which blocks external light. The rear case120comes into contact with the subject's face, and thus sealing (not illustrated) made of a flexible and fusible material of silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, or the like can be provided at a contact portion of the rear case. As a result, the rear case120can come into close contact with the subject's face.

The display unit140can include a first display141inside the main body101and a second display143outside the main body101. The first display141and the second display143can be disposed with the front case110interposed therebetween.

The first display141can display, to the subject, a predetermined image such as a superimposed image of a left eye image and a right eye image corresponding to both eyes of the subject, in response to control of the control unit150. The second display143can display an eyeball image of the subject or a diagnosis result of the subject to the outside in response to control of the control unit150.

Each of the first display141and the second display143can be configured of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In this case, the second display143can be configured of a touch display device so as to perform control through a touch from outside.

The optical/imaging unit130can be disposed between the first display141and the rear case120inside the main body101. The optical/imaging unit130can provide a displaying image of the first display141as a stereoscopic image to the subject in response to control of the control unit150. In addition, the optical/imaging unit130can image both eyes of the subject who watches an image in response to control of the control unit150once or more times, and can output one or more capture images. The optical/imaging unit130can be configured to be inserted into the rear case120in order to enhance providing accuracy of the stereoscopic image and imaging accuracy of the subject.

The control unit150can be disposed inside the main body101to control an operation of the display unit140and the optical/imaging unit130. The control unit150enables the subject to be provided with both the stereoscopic image and a voice order for examination. In this respect, the subject can conduct a predetermined examination such as a nystagmus test or various ophthalmology-related tests in accordance with the stereoscopic image and the voice order provided in a state of wearing the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100.

As described above, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the embodiment can conduct an examination on the subject by providing the voice order along with the stereoscopic image to the subject in a state where the subject is wearing the apparatus. Consequently, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus can induce the subject to make a correct motion for an examination, compared to a conventional portable nystagmus test apparatus, and thus accuracy and efficiency of the examination can be enhanced. Hereinafter, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the optical/imaging unit inFIG.1.

With reference toFIG.3, the optical/imaging unit130of the embodiment can include a first unit131aand a second unit131bcorresponding to both eyes of the subject and a screen136between the two units. The first unit131aand the second unit131bcan have substantially the same configuration.

The first unit131aand the second unit131bcan provide displaying images I_L and I_R of the first display141as stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject, respectively, in response to control of the control unit150. In other words, the first display141displays the two-dimensional displaying images I_L and I_R in which a left eye image I_L and a right eye image I_R are superimposed on each other, and the displaying images I_L and I_R can be provided as three-dimensional stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject through the first unit131aand the second unit131b, respectively. The stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R can include a left-eye stereoscopic image SI_L corresponding to the left eye of the subject and a right-eye stereoscopic image SI_R corresponding to the right eye of the subject.

In addition, the first unit131aand the second unit131bcan image both eyes of the subject who watches the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R, respectively, once or more times in response to control of the control unit150. A captured image can be provided to the control unit150and can be used for an examination of the subject.

The first unit131aand the second unit131bcan include half mirrors133aand133b, eyepieces134aand134b, polarized lenses135aand135b, and cameras132aand132b, respectively.

The half mirrors133aand133bof the respective units131aand131bcan be disposed between both eyes of the subject and the first display141, respectively. The half mirrors133aand133bcan be disposed to be inclined at an angle of 30 to 50 degrees with respect to the subject or the first display141.

The half mirrors133aand133bcan allow both transmission and reflection and thus can be configured of a mirror having a transmittance coefficient to a reflection coefficient of about 50 to 50. The half mirrors133aand133bcan provide an image incident to a rear surface thereof, that is, a surface corresponding to the first display141, for example, by transmitting the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R, to the subject. In addition, the half mirrors133aand133bcan reflect both eye images of the subject from front surfaces thereof, that is, surfaces corresponding to both eyes of the subject.

The eyepieces134aand134bof the respective units131aand131bcan be disposed between the half mirrors133aand133band the first display141, respectively. The eyepieces134aand134bcan adjust an inter-ocular distance (IOD) and convergence of the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R in response to control of the control unit150. Hence, the eyepieces134aand134bcan provide the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R subjected to adjustment of a sense of three-dimensional effect and a sense of distance to the subject.

The eyepieces134aand134bcan be configured as a retrofocus type configured of a combination of at least two lenses such as a concave lens and a convex lens. When the control unit150adjusts a distance between the two lenses or positions of the eyepieces134aand134b, a sense of three-dimensional effect and a sense of distance between the subject and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R can be adjusted on the eyepieces134aand134b.

The polarized lenses135aand135bof the respective units131aand131bcan be disposed between the eyepieces134aand134band the first display141, respectively. However, the polarized lenses135aand135bcan be disposed between the half mirrors133aand133band the eyepieces134aand134b, respectively.

The polarized lenses135aand135bcan divide and transmit the displaying images I_L and I_R of the first display141to correspond to both eyes of the subject, respectively. In other words, the polarized lens135aand135bof the first unit131acan transmit the left eye image I_L corresponding to the left eye of the subject of the displaying images I_L and I_R. The polarized lens135aand135bof the second unit131bcan transmit the right eye image I_R corresponding to the right eye of the subject of the displaying images I_L and I_R. The polarized lenses135aand135benables the displaying images I_L and I_R of the first display141to be recognized as the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject.

One or more cameras132aand132bof the respective units131aand131bcan be disposed at an upper front side of the half mirrors133aand133b, respectively. The cameras132aand132bcan image once or more times both eyes of the subject which are reflected from front surfaces of the half mirrors133aand133b, respectively, in response to control of the control unit150.

Since the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention is in a state where the external light is blocked from entering the inside of the main body101, the cameras132aand132bof the respective units131aand131bcan be configured of an infrared camera. In this case, the respective units131aand131bcan include one or more infrared illuminators (not illustrated) which provide light while the cameras132aand132bimage both eyes of the subject.

The screen136can be disposed between the first unit131aand the second unit131bto divide a field of view of both eyes of the subject. The screen136enables the left eye image I_L of the displaying images I_L and I_R to be provided through the first unit131ato the left eye of the subject and enables the right eye image I_R of the displaying images I_L and I_R to be provided through the second unit131bto the right eye of the subject.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit inFIG.1.

With reference toFIG.4, the control unit150of the embodiment can control an operation of the first display141and the optical/imaging unit130to provide the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject. In addition, the control unit150can conduct an examination on the subject by providing a voice order along with the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject.

The control unit150can include a sensor210, a communication unit220, a storage unit230, a voice outputting unit240, an image controller250, an imaging controller260, an image processor270, an examination selector280, and an examination unit290.

The sensor210can be disposed corresponding to an inner central portion of the main body101, such as the middle of the forehead of the subject, as illustrated inFIG.2C. The sensor210can detect a state of the portable nystagmus test apparatus100, such as a tilt or the like of the portable nystagmus test apparatus100due to, for example, a posture of the subject. The sensor210can transmit a detection result to the examination unit290to be described below. The sensor210can be configured of at least one of a gravity sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and a three-axis gyro sensor.

The communication unit220can be connected to an external device (not illustrated) in a wired or wireless communication way to perform communications between the portable nystagmus test apparatus100and the external device. The communication unit220can transmit an examination result of the subject which is obtained by the portable nystagmus test apparatus100to the external device or can transmit a control signal transmitted from the external device to the control unit150. When the communication unit220is connected to the external device by wire, a predetermined interface (not illustrated) that can be connected to the external device can be formed at an outer surface of the main body101of the portable nystagmus test apparatus100.

The storage unit230can store a program for operation control of the control unit150or can store the examination result of the subject.

The voice outputting unit240can provide a voice order to the subject depending on the examination, when the examination unit290conducts the examination on the subject. The voice order can be provided along with the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject.

The image controller250can control an operation of the first display141and the optical/imaging unit130to provide the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject.

The image controller250enables the displaying images I_L and I_R corresponding to an examination item selected by the examination selector280to be displayed on the first display141. In this case, the image controller250enables the two images, that is, both the left eye image I_L and the right eye image I_R, to be displayed on the first display141. The image controller250can output the left eye image I_L and the right eye image I_R to the first display141by encoding the left and right eye images in one way of a right/left way, an upper/down way, a chessboard-shaped way, or a sequential-frame-shaped way.

The image controller250can control an operation of the optical/imaging unit130to adjust a sense of three-dimensional effect and a sense of distance of the displaying images I_L and I_R of the first display141. In this respect, the subject can be provided with the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R corresponding to the selected examination item through the optical/imaging unit130. The image controller250can adjust an inter-ocular distance, that is, the sense of three-dimensional effect, of the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R by adjusting positions of the eyepieces134aand134bby a predetermined distance in a right/left direction such as a right/left direction with respect to both eyes of the subject in the respective units131aand131bof the optical/imaging unit130. In addition, the image controller250can adjust convergence, that is, the sense of distance, of the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R by adjusting positions of the eyepieces134aand134bby a predetermined distance in a front/rear direction such as a front/rear direction with respect to both eyes of the subject in the respective units131aand131bof the optical/imaging unit130.

Hence, as illustrated inFIG.3, the subject can recognize the displaying images I_L and I_R of the first display141as the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R displayed behind the first display141. It is needless to say that the image controller250can obviously control the optical/imaging unit130to provide the displaying images I_L and I_R displayed three-dimensionally in front of the first display141for the subject.

A distance D between the subject and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R subjected to adjustment of the sense of distance by the optical/imaging unit130can be changed depending on the selected examination item. For example, when the portable nystagmus test apparatus100is used to conduct the nystagmus test on the subject, the image controller250can control an operation of the optical/imaging unit130to have the distance D of about 1 m between the subject and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R.

The imaging controller260enables both eyes of the subject to be imaged at least once by the cameras132aand132bof the optical/imaging unit130, respectively. The imaging controller260can control an imaging operation of the cameras132aand132bin a state where the subject's motion is controlled by the examination unit290.

The image processor270can perform image processing on an image captured by the optical/imaging unit130, that is, an eyeball image for each of both eyes of the subject. The image processor270can transmit a product of image processing to the examination unit290such that the product can be used in the examination of the subject. In addition, the image processor270can transmit the product of image processing to the second display143outside the main body101such that the product can be displayed toward the outside. The product of image processing performed by the image processor270can contain an outline and a central point extracted from each of the eyeballs and pupils of the subject.

The examination selector280can select an examination item of the subject of various examination items. The examination selector280can select one of various examinations such as examination items of an eyesight test, vision rehabilitation, and the like in the field of ophthalmology, other than the nystagmus test on the subject. The image controller250and the imaging controller260can control an operation of the first display141and the optical/imaging unit130depending on an examination item selected by the examination selector280.

The examination unit290can conduct an examination on the subject depending on the examination item selected by the examination selector280. The examination unit290can induce the subject to have a gaze at the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R by providing a voice order to the subject through the voice outputting unit240and can control a motion of the subject to conduct the examination depending on the selected examination item.

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating an examination method using a VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the examination method of a subject will be described also with reference toFIGS.3and4described above for convenience of the description.

With reference toFIG.5, after a subject selects an examination item through the examination selector280, the subject can wear the portable nystagmus test apparatus100(S10).

For example, various examination items can be displayed on the second display143of the portable nystagmus test apparatus100, and the subject can select one of the various examination items by a motion of touching the second display143. In addition, the subject first wears the portable nystagmus test apparatus100, and then an external medical staff or the like can select an examination item of the subject.

Next, an examination on the subject depending on the selected examination item can be conducted by providing a voice order along with the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject depending on the selected examination item (S20).

First, the image controller250of the control unit150can generate the displaying images I_L and I_R corresponding to the selected examination item and enables the displaying images to be displayed on the first display141. Subsequently, the image controller250can control an operation of the optical/imaging unit130to provide the displaying images I_L and I_R of the first display141as the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for examination to the subject (S21).

The image controller250can generate the superimposed displaying images I_L and I_R of the two-dimensional left eye image I_L and right eye image I_R so as to correspond to the selected examination item and can display the superimposed displaying images on the first display141. The displaying images I_L and I_R can be provided as the three-dimensional stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to the subject through the optical/imaging unit130.

Subsequently, the image controller250can generate the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for examination by adjusting the sense of three-dimensional effect and the sense of distance of the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R so as to correspond to the selected examination item. The image controller250can adjust the inter-ocular distance and the convergence between the subject and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R by moving the eyepieces134aand134bof the optical/imaging unit130in a predetermined direction, thereby, adjusting the sense of three-dimensional effect and the sense of distance of the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R.

When the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for examination are completely generated, the examination unit290can provide the voice order depending on the examination to the subject through the voice outputting unit240and can control a motion of the subject who gazes at the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R (S23).

Subsequently, the imaging controller260of the control unit150causes the cameras132aand132bof the optical/imaging unit130to image both eyes of the subject once or more times, and the image processor270can perform the image processing on one or more capture images (S25).

Then, the examination unit290can conduct the examination on the subject based on an image, that is, an eyeball and pupil image of the subject, subjected to the image processing by the image processor270(S27).

The above-described examination steps S21to S27of the subject can be repeatedly executed for predetermined times depending on the selected examination item. In addition, the above-described examination steps S21to S27of the subject can be partially omitted depending on the selected examination item.

When the examination of the subject by the examination unit290is completed, the control unit150can output an examination result (S30). The examination result can be displayed toward the outside through the second display143of the portable nystagmus test apparatus100or can be transmitted to an external device through the communication unit220.

Subsequently, a treatment guide can be provided to the subject by using the examination result of the subject (S40).

In the step S40, the portable nystagmus test apparatus100can provide a stereoscopic image and a voice order for treatment to the subject, based on the treatment guide. In this respect, the subject can perform self-treatment in accordance with the treatment guide of a stereoscopic image and a voice order provided from the portable nystagmus test apparatus100. Regarding the treatment guide, treatment guides corresponding to various examination results for each examination item can be stored in the storage unit230of the control unit150of the portable nystagmus test apparatus100.

Meanwhile, the step S40of providing the treatment guide can be executed along with the examination step S27.

For example, while the portable nystagmus test apparatus100sequentially conducts an examination on the subject depending on the selected examination item, a treatment guide based on a result for each examination step can be provided to the subject in real time. In this case, while the portable nystagmus test apparatus100repeatedly conducts the examination on the subject and provides the treatment guide to the subject, the portable nystagmus test apparatus can control a motion of the subject depending on the treatment guide. In addition, the portable nystagmus test apparatus100can track a change in examination result due to the self-treatment of the subject in accordance with the treatment guide.

As described above, in the examination method using the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the embodiment, an examination on the subject can be conducted depending on the selected examination item by providing both the stereoscopic image and the voice order to the subject who is wearing the portable nystagmus test apparatus100, and a result thereof can be outputted. In this respect, the subject can make a correct motion when the examination is conducted in accordance with the stereoscopic image and the voice order which are visually and audibly provided, and thus the accuracy and efficiency of the examination on the subject are enhanced.

In addition, the examination method for the subject by using the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the embodiment can provide the treatment guide based on the examination result to the subject. In this respect, in a state where the subject is wearing the portable nystagmus test apparatus100, the subject can perform the self-treatment in accordance with the provided treatment guide, and thus the efficiency of the examination and treatment can be enhanced.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating a method for conducting a nystagmus test on the subject by using the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus of the present invention.

A general nystagmus test can be classified into a test depending on a change in gaze of the subject and a test depending on a change in posture of the subject. Hereinafter, a case where the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R and the voice order are provided to the subject using the portable nystagmus test apparatus100and the nystagmus test is conducted on the subject from a change in gaze of the subject due to the stereoscopic images and the voice order will be described. However, it is needless to say that the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention can also be used in the nystagmus test depending on a change in posture of the subject.

With reference toFIG.6, first, the nystagmus test can be selected by the examination selector280(S110).

Subsequently, the image controller250of the control unit150can generate the displaying images I_L and I_R for the nystagmus test and can generate the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the nystagmus test through adjustment of the sense of three-dimensional effect and the sense of distance of the displaying image (S120).

For example, the image controller250can generate the two-dimensional displaying images I_L and I_R for the nystagmus test and can provide the two-dimensional displaying images to the first display141. Besides, the image controller250can adjust the sense of three-dimensional effect and the sense of distance of the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R provided to the subject by adjusting positions of the eyepieces134aand134bof the optical/imaging unit130, thereby, providing the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the nystagmus test to the subject. In this case, since a distance between the subject and the images needs to be set to about 1 m during the nystagmus test, the image controller250can adjust the sense of distance between the subject and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the nystagmus test through control of the positions of the eyepieces134aand134bin a front/rear/right/left direction.

Next, the examination unit290can control a motion of the subject based on a sensing result of the sensor210(S130) and can conduct a spontaneous nystagmus test on the subject by providing the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R and the voice order together to the subject (S140).

First, the examination unit290can control the motion of the subject such that the subject gazes at the front by providing the voice order to the subject through the voice outputting unit240. In this case, the examination unit290enables the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to be provided in front of the subject through the image controller250and can induce the subject to gaze at the stereoscopic images. Subsequently, the examination unit290enables the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to be displayed at the front of the subject, that is, at the middle of both eyes of the subject, and can provide the voice order to induce a gaze of both eyes of the subject at the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R. In this case, the examination unit290can provide a voice order such that the eyes do not move in a state where the head of the subject is fixed. Besides, the optical/imaging unit130can image once or more times each of both eyes of the subject, who gazes at the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R, and one or more capture images can be subjected to the image processing to conduct the spontaneous nystagmus test on the subject.

In addition, the examination unit290can control the motion of the subject based on the sensing result of the sensor210(S130) and can conduct a gaze nystagmus test on the subject by providing the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R and the voice order together to the subject (S145).

First, the examination unit290can control the motion of the subject such that the subject gazes at the front by providing the voice order to the subject through the voice outputting unit240. In this case, the examination unit290enables the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to be provided to the subject and can induce the subject to gaze at the stereoscopic images. Subsequently, the image controller250of the control unit150can move the image displayed on the first display141in a first direction such as a left direction with respect to each of both eyes of the subject. In this case, the subject can have recognition that the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R is moved in the first direction, by the optical/imaging unit130. The examination unit290can provide a voice order to induce a gaze to follow the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R which are moved, in a state where the head of the subject is fixed. Subsequently, the optical/imaging unit130can image once or more times each of both eyes of the subject as following of the gaze of the subject, who gazes at the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R, and one or more capture images can be subjected to the image processing to conduct a leftward gaze nystagmus test on the subject.

Next, the image controller250of the control unit150can move the image displayed on the first display141in a second direction such as a right direction with respect to each of both eyes of the subject. In this case, the subject can have recognition that the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R are moved in the second direction, by the optical/imaging unit130. The examination unit290can provide a voice order to induce a gaze to follow the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R which are moved, in a state where the head of the subject is fixed. Subsequently, the optical/imaging unit130can image once or more times each of both eyes of the subject as following of the gaze of the subject, who gazes at the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R, and one or more capture images can be subjected to the image processing to conduct a rightward gaze nystagmus test on the subject.

When both the above-described spontaneous nystagmus test and gaze nystagmus test on the subject are completed, the examination unit290can output an examination result (S150). The examination result can be displayed toward the outside through the second display143or can be transmitted to an external device through the communication unit220.

Subsequently, a nystagmus treatment guide can be provided to the subject by using the result of the nystagmus test of the subject such that the self-treatment by the subject can be performed (S160).

In general, dizzy patients often suffer from the nystagmus, and dizziness is mostly caused by otolithiasis. In this respect, in the above-described step S160of guiding a nystagmus treatment, a guide not for surgery of otolithiasis but for a physical treatment, such as a treatment guide of the Epley Maneuver, the BBQ Maneuver, the reverse Epley Maneuver, the Reverse Semont Maneuver, or the like can be provided. In this case, the portable nystagmus test apparatus100can provide a stereoscopic image and a voice order corresponding to the above-described treatment guide to the subject.

In addition, the above-described step S160of providing the guide for nystagmus treatment can be executed together with the nystagmus test, that is, the spontaneous nystagmus test S140and the gaze nystagmus test S145.

In other words, when the spontaneous nystagmus test or the gaze nystagmus test is conducted and eyeball movement of the subject is tracked in a state where the subject is wearing the portable nystagmus test apparatus100, the portable nystagmus test apparatus100can provide a treatment guide corresponding to tracked eyeball movement to the subject in real time.

In this case, the portable nystagmus test apparatus100can provide a treatment guide including the stereoscopic image and the voice order for the nystagmus treatment to the subject. Besides, the portable nystagmus test apparatus100can check whether a motion of the subject is accurately controlled in accordance with the provided nystagmus treatment guide using the optical/imaging unit130and the sensor210. As a result of the check, the portable nystagmus test apparatus can conduct a nystagmus test in the following step and can provide a nystagmus treatment guide.

As described above, in a method of conducting the nystagmus test on the subject by using the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the embodiment, the nystagmus test can be conducted by providing both the stereoscopic image and the voice order, which are visually and audibly provided, to the subject who is wearing the portable nystagmus test apparatus100, and thereby correct motion of the subject can be controlled in accordance with the nystagmus test. Hence, accuracy of the nystagmus test on the subject can be enhanced.

In addition, in the method of conducting the nystagmus test on the subject according to the other embodiment, a treatment guide is provided as a stereoscopic image and a voice order depending on the nystagmus test to the subject, and thereby the subject can execute a self-treatment for nystagmus in accordance with a treatment guide such that efficiency of the nystagmus test and the treatment thereof can be enhanced.

Meanwhile, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention can be used for various ophthalmology-related examinations in addition to the above-described nystagmus test on the subject. Hereinafter, a method for conducting an eye examination on a subject by using the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a method for conducting an eyesight test on a subject by using the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus of the present invention.

With reference toFIG.7, the eyesight test can be selected by the examination selector280of the control unit150(S210).

Subsequently, the image controller250can generate an image for the eyesight test, such as an image of a number or a figure, and can generate the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the eyesight test through adjustment of the sense of three-dimensional effect and the sense of distance of the image (S220).

The image controller250can generate a two-dimensional image for the eyesight test and can provide the two-dimensional image to the first display141. Subsequently, the operation control of the optical/imaging unit130enables the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R to be generated by adjusting the sense of three-dimensional effect and the sense of distance of the image displayed on the first display141. Here, since a distance between the subject and an eyesight test chart needs to be set to 4 m to 5 m in the general eyesight test, the image controller250can adjust the sense of distance between the subject and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the eyesight test through movement control of the eyepieces134aand134bin a front/rear/right/left direction.

Next, the examination unit290can control a motion of the subject based on a sensing result of the sensor210(S230). Subsequently, the eyesight test for the left eye can be conducted on the subject by providing both a voice order and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the eyesight test corresponding to the left eye of the subject (S240).

Subsequently, the examination unit290enables the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the eyesight test to be outputted to correspond the left eye of the subject and can detect that the subject outputs a feedback such as a voice by recognizing the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the eyesight test. In this respect, the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the embodiment can further include a microphone (not illustrated) that can collect a voice of the subject. The examination unit290can conduct the eyesight test for the left eye on the subject based on a feedback voice of the subject. In this case, no image can be displayed in a right region of the first display141by control of the image controller250such that a region corresponding to the right eye of the subject comes into a dark state.

In addition, the examination unit290can control a motion of the subject based on a sensing result of the sensor210(S230). Subsequently, the eyesight test for the right eye can be conducted on the subject by providing both a voice order and the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the eyesight test corresponding to the right eye of the subject (S245). In this case, no image can be displayed in a left region of the first display141by control of the image controller250such that a region corresponding to the left eye of the subject comes into a dark state.

When both the above-described eyesight tests for the right and left eyes on the subject are completed, the examination unit290can output an examination result (S250). The examination result can be displayed toward the outside through the second display143or can be transmitted to an external device through the communication unit220.

In addition, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention can also be used for rehabilitation training of the subject in addition to the above-described nystagmus test and the eyesight test. Hereinafter, a method for performing vision rehabilitation on a subject by using the portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing the vision rehabilitation on the subject by using the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus of the present invention.

With reference toFIG.8, the vision rehabilitation can be selected by the examination selector280of the control unit150(S310).

Subsequently, the image controller250can generate an image for the vision rehabilitation, such as an eyeball stretching image of the subject, and can generate the stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R for the vision rehabilitation through adjustment of the sense of three-dimensional effect and the sense of distance of the image (S320). Subsequently, the image controller250can control a two-dimensional stretching image and can generate stretching stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R from the two-dimensional stretching image by controlling an operation of the optical/imaging unit130.

Next, the examination unit290can control a motion of the subject depending on a sensing result of the sensor210(S330), and the stretching stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R can be moved in a predetermined direction by the image controller250(S340).

Besides, an eyeball movement of the subject can be stretched by inducing the subject to make the eyeball movement follow the moving stretching stereoscopic images SI_L and SI_R in accordance with the voice order (S350). The eyeball stretching of the subject can be repeatedly performed several times, and the vision rehabilitation of the subject can be performed through the eyeball stretching.

As described above, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention can conduct an examination on the subject by providing both the stereoscopic image and the voice order to the subject. In this respect, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention can induce a correct motion of the subject during conduction of the examination on the subject, and thus the accuracy and efficiency of the examination can be enhanced.

In addition, the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus100of the present invention provides the stereoscopic images and the voice order for various examinations to the subject and thereby can be used in the examinations and rehabilitation of various ophthalmology-related fields in addition to the nystagmus test of the subject, and thus applicability of the portable nystagmus test apparatus100can be enhanced.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to a VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus and an examination method for conducting various examinations on the subject by using the VR-based portable nystagmus test apparatus which can correctly control a motion of a subject during an examination by providing a stereoscopic image and a voice order to the subject and thus can be serviceably used in development of an HMD device-shaped portable nystagmus test apparatus and in application thereof to various examinations.