Patent Description:
Many prior art devices have been developed to assist a person with eye focus defects to perform orthoptic eye exercises. These exercises are adapted to correct mainly fusion deficiencies, such as, but not limited to convergence insufficiency, divergence excess or intermittent strabismus. Convergence insufficiencies include exophoria or esophoria. Intermittent strabismus includes intermittent exotropia and esotropia. These prior systems currently in use are based on the stereoscopic effect or binocular vision, wherein each eye is presented a separate picture, and the patient is required to exert the eyes muscles to integrate the two pictures into one focused image.

Moreover, these prior art devices are not useful for the intermittent suppression deficiency, that is while one eye ceases at times from participating in the image forming process. When this happens, the usual eye exercises are no more effective.

In prior art <CIT>, the present inventor disclosed a device which can be used at home. However, the picture movement is made manually by the user himself. Sometimes the velocity of movement is not appropriate for the desired exercise. There may not be sufficient consistency in the exercise, when performing it at a different rate each time.

Moreover, the user has no indication, while performing the exercise, of the actual performance having been achieved. Only after finishing the exercise, the user can look at the achieved performance; this may not be enough an incentive for improvement, nor does it give an intuitive feeling for what is done, in real time.

Yet another possible problem in prior art is that the user is responsible for deciding when picture tracking is lost - this is important in evaluating the success of the exercise, as well as motivating the user. However, the non-professional user may not be aware of his losing track, or may become aware of it only after a time delay - thus the effectiveness of the device may be impaired.

<CIT>describes an optical apparatus for performing eye exercise comprising base means shaped generally like an elongated beam; picture means which is suitable for eye exercise and includes positioning means for positioning said picture means at various locations along said base means; electrical light means attached to said base means, including lamp means and switch means for turning said lamp on and off; ocular means including two viewing apertures, each located in front of one eye, said ocular means being mounted on or close to one end of said base means; audio feedback means for generating, during the eye exercise performance, an audio signal whose characteristics are indicative of the distance of the moving picture from the user's eyes.

<CIT>describes a computerized operator-controlled optical system and method for tracking eye exercises of a patient, the system including an optical tracking device adapted to allow an operator to track eye exercises of a patient, a patient-activated apparatus for performing eye exercises of binocular vision and a processor adapted to receive data from the optical tracking device and from the patient-activated apparatus thereby providing the operator with at least one indication of the eye exercises of the patient over time.

None of the prior art devices are standalone nor automatically activated, without requiring a professional operator, such as an optician, a physician or a technician to track the user or patient's progress and to compare his/her progress over time. There thus remains a need to provide improved standalone automated orthoptic devices and methods.

<CIT> discloses a study training device based on the dialogue of VR real scene, more particularly to VR apparatus field, including VR glasses portion and background process portion, the background process portion is set on rear side of VR glasses portion, VR glasses portion front end face two sides are equipped with scene and capture camera, display component and eye movement tracing system are equipped with inside VR glasses portion, the display component two sides are equipped with multistage retractable rod, described multistage retractable rod one end is fixedly connected with VR glasses portion and the other end is fixedly connected with background process portion, background process portion front end is equipped with bayonet, control chamber is equipped with inside the background process portion, partition is equipped on front side of the control chamber.

The present invention is provided by the appended claims. The following disclosure serves a better understanding of the present invention. It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automated AI-controlled optical system for tracking eye exercises of a user or patient, the system including a user-activated apparatus for performing eye exercises of both eyes together and an AI-controlled optical tracking device for track user eye movement thereby providing the user with eye exercises for improving user eye function over time. The invention further provides a standalone compact, foldable, automated AI-controlled optical system, which is around <NUM> in length, when folded. The system is controlled by software, which is configured to enable a user to use it unattended. The software is further configured to provide the user with audible real-time instructions. These instructions include verbal instructions for straining and for relaxing an eye or both eyes.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, the automated AI-controlled optical system further provides audible sounds which vary according to the different levels of exercise.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, the automated AI-controlled optical system is further constructed and configured to perform eyesight tests and depth sight tests.

This invention further relates to an automated orthoptic eye exercise device having two fixation centers and using AI-controlled audio feedback.

According to the present invention, there is provided an automated optical device for performing orthoptic eye exercise at a user's/patient's home.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device includes two fixation centers screens, each located on the axis of symmetry between the eyes, each screen adapted to display an image or images, used for eye exercise.

The patient can choose to look at screen at a time, with the other screen appearing double.

The two screens are adapted to display any image, letter, number or item, adapted for understanding by the user, by age, literacy, eyesight etc..

The eye exercise device may include a trial frame, whose distance between the two eyes is adjustable, with replaceable optical accessories. The replaceable optical accessories may include lenses and/or prisms.

The distance to the first and second screen is adjustable. The eye exercise device includes two lights, each included in one fixation center, with means for the activation of each light. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the device further includes colored filters for eye exercise purposes.

Furthermore, the invention includes a geared members for moving the closer screen towards the user's eyes at a controlled speed, to achieve a consistent framework for eye exercising.

The invention also includes audio feedback means for indicating to the user, in real time, the measure of closeness of the screen to the eyes, that is the index of user's achievement in the present exercise.

Moreover, the eyes tracking performance is continuously automatically recorded by the AI-controlled optical system such that loss of tracking by the user's eye or eye is automatically detected, to achieve a more reliable index.

Further objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinafter.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated audio feedback computerized AI-controlled optical system for tracking eye exercises of a user, the system including;.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical system further includes software for downloading data to a memory in the system, the data being associated with the user and the eye exercises performed by the user.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical system further includes software readable by the processor, wherein the software is adapted to form user records over time.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the automated optical tracking device incudes a camera.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the automated optical tracking device is a video camera.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera is adapted to capture images of each the patient's eyes of semi-continuously or continuously during use of the system by the user.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the software is adapted to output patient records to an external computer system.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system is constructed and configured to improve eye fusion deficiencies of the patient over time.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fusion deficiencies, are selected from convergence insufficiency, divergence excess, intermittent strabismus and combinations thereof.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the convergence insufficiencies are selected from exophoria and intermittent exotropia.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the intermittent strabismus is intermittent exotropia.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one screen is configured to display at least one of an image, a video, a picture, a photo, an alphanumeric symbol, a three dimensional (3D) item and at least one red colored shape.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user-activated apparatus further includes an audio feedback element for generating, during the eye exercises, an audio signal whose characteristics are indicative of a distance of one of the at least two screens from the at least one viewing aperture.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the carrier element further includes a distance adjusting element adapted to position the at least one screen at a distance from the at least one viewing aperture.

Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a computerized operator-controlled optical system further including a remote controlled motor for moving the at least one screen towards the at least one viewing aperture.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the audio feedback signal's characteristics include its frequency.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the audio feedback signal includes pulses and the signal's characteristics include its pulse repetition rate.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the signal's characteristics further include the signal's frequency.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings.

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood.

With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts.

In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specific embodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also in different ways that embody the characterizing features of the invention as described and claimed herein.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a perspective view of an opened automated AI-controlled optical system <NUM> for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System <NUM> comprises an eye piece section <NUM>, a middle section <NUM> and a rear section <NUM>. The eyepiece section has two lens holders <NUM>, <NUM> (as well as lens storage receptacles, not shown) and a nose recess <NUM> there-between, as well as a polymer head receiving band <NUM> or rubber sealing member (typically made of rubber) for receiving an upper part of a person's face. The middle section comprises an openable stand <NUM> and a knob <NUM> for adjusting a tilt of the stand. The eye piece section further comprises a casing <NUM> with a receiving element <NUM> for receiving extension teeth <NUM> on a casing <NUM> of the eye piece section, to extend or nest it.

The middle section further comprises a dashed rail <NUM>, configured to be received by a second receiving element <NUM> on the rear section. The middle section further comprises another dashed rail <NUM>, adapted to be received by the rear section to reduce the system length, or to nest the sections together, in a telescopic manner. Many options for opening and closing the system are possible.

In the current embodiment, the dashed rail and receiving elements act like step wise extendable arms on each side of the system, enabling the eyepiece section to be nested in the middle section, the middle section into the rear section. Thus, the eye piece section has a smaller cross section than the middle piece section and the middle piece section has a smaller cross section than the rear section.

The length in the open mode of the system is around <NUM>, with the aim to provide an effective eye training for convergence, accommodation, and physiological diplopia.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a view of a lower side <NUM> of an automated AI-controlled optical system <NUM> for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

This illustration shows a rear, anti-slip element <NUM> disposed on lower side of the rear section, as well as a label receiving element <NUM>. An adjustable foldable front leg shown in the open mode, a bolt for locking the leg in selected angles of use , two locations for informative stickers: the first in the lower side and the second in the back side of the device.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a view of a front view <NUM> of an opened automated AI-controlled optical system <NUM> for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; A large window <NUM> is seen for the user's eyes. In one embodiment, it is in the shape of a diving mask, without separation between the two eyes. This is to optimize the binocular convergence of the user's eyes, when exercising.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a view <NUM> of a lower side of a partially folded automated AI-controlled optical system for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; This illustration shows in the middle of the system, an adjustable, foldable front leg, which allows the device to stand at a suitable height in front of the user's eyes.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a side view <NUM> of a closed automated AI-controlled optical system <NUM> for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; In this closed mode, the device has <NUM> length and can be easily stored when not in use.

On the right side are shown inner dotted rails <NUM> restraining the horizontal opening and closing movement; these rails exist in the left side too <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a side view <NUM> of an opened (extended) automated AI-controlled optical system for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

On each side (here the right side is shown), a dashed rail <NUM> is localized to restrain the horizontal opening and closing movement of the eyepiece section into the middle section and a second dashed rail <NUM> on the middle section for being received by the rear section.

Two rail supports are shown: the front rail support and the middle rail support; the back rail support is not shown in <FIG>.

The adjustable front stand is shown, with a knob for locking the stand at various selected angles.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a side view <NUM> of a closed (retracted) automated AI-controlled optical system for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The length of the device is halved for easier storage or transport.

The adjustable front stand is folded and stored into its cell <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of a screen on an inner rail apparatus <NUM> of the system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure the device is in its closed mode. A moving LED screen <NUM> is disposed on the top of an extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which is activated by a stepper motor <NUM> shown, along the telescopic <NUM>-step rail element. inner rail apparatus <NUM> further comprises a conveyor bel cartridge <NUM> and a rail support element <NUM> (there are further support elements, not seen in the diagram).

<FIG>is a simplified diagram of an inside extension rail mechanism <NUM> of the system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

A metallic spring belt <NUM> is used to extend or retract the extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element <NUM> of <FIG>. One of the three rail supports <NUM> is shown. The extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element <NUM> comprises a rear rail element <NUM>, a middle rail element <NUM>, and an eyepiece rail element <NUM>. These three elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> act as a horizontal "fireman's ladder" with <NUM> being nested in <NUM> and <NUM> being nested into <NUM>.

The moving LED screen <NUM> is here shown in a nearer location to the front the eye piece section of the system, and the final location of the moving LED screen is at a front end of the rail <NUM>, in the left side of <FIG>. The LED screen can also be moved along the extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element <NUM> to a rear end <NUM> of the rear section.

<FIG> shows the first moveable screen <NUM> on extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element <NUM> and a second larger (rear) static screen <NUM> of the system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. On the right side of the drawing, is seen a rear backing <NUM> of an outer casing <NUM> (<FIG>). The telescopic <NUM> steps rail is shown, and one <NUM> of the three said support is shown, and also shown a stepper motor.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram <NUM> of a casing <NUM> of the rear section, encasing the screens of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the two screens: the first front one <NUM> is movable but the second (rear) screen <NUM> is static. The screens are seen through a cutout view of the outer shell in its first section (in the rear section of the system).

<FIG> is a simplified perspective view <NUM> of the eyepiece section of the system of <FIG>, showing an internal camera <NUM> disposed distally to and centrally above the nose recess of the system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This internal camera acts as a gaze tracker of the user's eyes and supported by a movable arm <NUM>, configured to move and hold the camera at a certain angle in front of the middle of a user's eyes, as shown.

<FIG> is a simplified perspective view <NUM> of the system of <FIG>, from below the right side, showing the internal camera <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; the camera is a gaze tracker camera, held on a support member <NUM>, in front of the shown visor, and around the user is a rubber sealing member, for sealing the eyepiece section from light from outside the system and is in ergonomic form. Also seen, is a right side of dashed rail, for restraining opening and closing of the system. The system further comprises two lens holders <NUM> and <NUM>, for holding two lenses <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The lens holders can be extended (as shown) or conveniently stored within the system, when not in use (retracted, not shown).

<FIG> is a simplified perspective cross-section top view <NUM> of an internal camera <NUM> of the system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the location of the camera in front of the two eyes and in a symmetric distance from each eye. A virtual eye <NUM> is shown.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of a side view <NUM> of the open (extended) system <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A profile of a user's head <NUM> is seen with his eyes (not seen) placed proximally to an ergonomically-shaped shape visor <NUM>, configured to seal the system from outside light. The dashed rail, also seen in in <FIG> is shown again, as is the adjustable front leg, and said knob for locking it in a selected angle for use.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of a perspective view <NUM> of the eyepiece section 110of the system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This picture shows the frontal part of the system. The rubber forehead, ergonomically- shaped visor( shown) includes a location for the user's nose also shown in this figure. The dashed rail of said section is also shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of a side view <NUM> of the casing of the middle section <NUM> of system <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An adjustable stand <NUM> is shown and knob <NUM> for locking the stand in a selected angle for use. The dashed rail <NUM> is also shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of a rear view <NUM> of the open (extended) system <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

A flat rear surface <NUM> is seen for sticking an informative sticker, is shown at a rear end <NUM> of the system. Also shown in this figure in the rear the system, is a on/off power switch <NUM>. A LED indicator light <NUM>, and the rear, anti-slip element <NUM> (typically made of rubber/ silicone).

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of an inner perspective view of the middle (second) casing section <NUM> of system <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a dashed rail <NUM> is localized to restrain the horizontal opening and closing movement of the telescopic parts of the system. A middle section of rail support (of three) is shown. A receiving element <NUM> is shown for receiving the middle section rail element <NUM> (also called extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element herein). This casing section also comprises a depressed outer silicone element <NUM>. It also houses a microprocessor, computer or processor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of an inner perspective view <NUM> of the eyepiece casing section <NUM> of system <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A second receiving element <NUM> is seen for receiving a third section of the extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element <NUM> of <FIG>, disposed to restrain the horizontal opening and closing move of the parts telescopic system.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration showing a perspective front view <NUM> of an opened eyepiece (third) section <NUM> of the automated AI-controlled optical system <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, an image <NUM> is seen on the front screen <NUM>. The inner surfaces of the system are coated in black.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration <NUM> showing details of stepper motor <NUM> and an inner conveyor belt <NUM> of the automated AI-controlled optical system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The stepper motor is in mechanical connection via a toothed wheel (or cogwheel) <NUM>, which connects perpendicularly with the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt comprises cut-outs <NUM> along its length, the cut-outs being matched in size and longitudinal spacing to receive the teeth (or cogs) <NUM> of the toothed/cog wheel.

<FIG> is a simplified illustration <NUM> of an example of a set of images <NUM> with superimposed symbols or instructions as appearing on a near (front) screen (<NUM>, <FIG>) in the system of <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, in the top line is shown an example of a picture <NUM> which can appear on screens <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>). In the second line, arrows <NUM> in four directions are shown, superimposed on the picture. May be other directions not shown; the direction of the arrows is showing in which direction the user is asked to move his eyes: to the right, to the left, up, down or other directions not shown. In the third line, are superimposed different sets of dots <NUM>, used also for testing and also for the treating the binocular vision.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flowchart <NUM> of an automated audio feedback computerized AI-controlled optical method for tracking eye exercises of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In a user viewing step <NUM>, the user views a near screen.

Thereafter, in a small screen moving step <NUM>, the small screen moves towards user's eyes and system emits a sound.

In an eye tracking step <NUM>, the eye tracker detects the user's binocular fixation.

In a first user's eyes fixation checking step <NUM>, the system checks to see if the user's eyes' fixation is correct.

If yes, then a second small screen moving step <NUM> is performed, in which the small screen moves towards user's eyes.

In a second user's eyes fixation checking step <NUM>, the system checks to see if the user's eyes' fixation is correct.

If yes, a user's eyes' near point checking step <NUM> is performed to check if the near point has been reached.

If no, the system resets to step <NUM> and steps <NUM>- <NUM> are repeated.

If yes, then in a user instructing step <NUM>, the user instructed to relax in far gaze looking at large screen (far screen?).

Thereafter in a small screen reversing step <NUM>, the small screen reverses and vocal instructions to the user are made.

If the user has repeated steps <NUM>-<NUM> more than n times, and the outcome is negative, then a go to corrective action step <NUM> is performed and the system is operative to continue with a wrong fixation corrective action step <NUM>.

In a take wrong fixation corrective action step <NUM>, the system is operative to review the user exercise history.

Typically, the system then performs a stop small screen motion forwards and stop sound step <NUM>.

In an instructing user step <NUM>, the system instructs the user to close his/her eyes.

In another user's eyes fixation checking step <NUM>, the system checks to see if the user's eyes' fixation is correct.

If yes, then the system is operative to perform a go to step <NUM> and to go to step <NUM>.

If no, then the system performs a stop small screen movement step <NUM>, in which the movement of the small screen is stopped.

Thereafter, in a reverse small screen movement step <NUM>, the movement of the small screen is reversed.

In another user instruction step <NUM>, the system is operative to instruct user to look near and far and to repeat this.

In a user fusion recovery checking step <NUM>, the system is operative to check if there is user's eyes' fusion recovery. If yes, the system is operative to go to step <NUM>.

If no, the user/an operator inserts a lens or filter in an inserting lens and/or filter step <NUM>. Thereafter, the system is operative to go to step <NUM>.

The user performs eye exercises according to this method until an exercise session is completed- typically <NUM>-<NUM> minutes.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the systems and apparatus described herein are used to treat convergence insufficiency in a patient. A non-limiting list of some of the common symptoms in convergence insufficiency appears in Table <NUM> herein below. These symptoms are monitored over the period of treatment of several months and can be used to define qualitative and/or quantitative improvements/changes during the treatment period.

According to some further embodiments of the present invention, the systems and apparatus described herein are used to treat for eye training in a patient. There are several accessories, which are used in a number of different stages. One non-limiting example appears in Table <NUM> herein below.

The systems of the present invention may be built to any suitable size and dimensions, such as <NUM> cmx <NUM> x <NUM>. These exemplary dimensions should not be deemed limiting.

It should also be understood that the systems of the present invention may be activated by guests and host users in combinations other than those described herein.

The references cited herein teach many principles that are applicable to the present invention.

Claim 1:
An automated, standalone, audio-feedback AI-controlled optical system (<NUM>) for tracking eye exercises of a patient, the system (<NUM>) comprising:
i. an eye piece section (<NUM>);
ii.a middle section (<NUM>);
iii. a rear section (<NUM>), the sections being nestable in a telescopic manner;
an extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element (<NUM>) including an extension rail mechanism (<NUM>), comprising:
a rear rail element (<NUM>),
a middle rail element (<NUM>),
an eyepiece rail element (<NUM>), wherein the middle rail element (<NUM>) is nested in the rear rail element (<NUM>) and the eyepiece rail element (<NUM>) is nested in the middle rail element (<NUM>); and
a metallic spring belt (<NUM>) used to extend or retract the extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element (<NUM>); and
a first movable screen (<NUM>) movable along the extendable telescopic <NUM>-step rail element (<NUM>);
wherein the telescopic sections house:
a) an AI-controlled optical tracking device adapted to continuously, automatically, track eye exercises of a patient;
b) a user-activated apparatus for performing eye exercises of both eyes together; and
c) a processor adapted to receive data from the AI-controlled eye tracking device and from the user-activated apparatus thereby providing the user with eye exercises.