AT515976B1 - Device for detecting tremors - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for detecting involuntary muscle contractions in the hand and arm region of a patient, in particular tremor, have a handpiece (1) with a housing (4), which essentially has the shape of a writing instrument with a grip region (5), which acts like a Pen is held. The housing (4) has at least one pressure sensor in the grip area (5), at least one gyroscopic sensor and at least one acceleration sensor, the sensors detecting different characteristics of the tremor. Furthermore, a data processing device and at least one means (3) for transmitting data are provided, which transmits data from the sensors (6, 7) of the handpiece (1) to the data processing device. With at least one sensor (6) for the skin resistance arranged on the housing (4), the skin conductivity of the patient is determined prior to the detection of the characteristics.

Description

Description: [0001] The invention relates to a device for detecting involuntary contraction of muscles in the hand and arm region, in particular tremor, with a handpiece having a housing which essentially has the shape of a writing instrument with a grip region, wherein the housing at least a pressure sensor in the grip area, at least one gyroscopic sensor and at least one acceleration sensor, with a data processing device and with at least one means for transmitting data.

There are several types of involuntary muscle contractions or tremors that may have various causes. However, for a human it is only with a great deal of experience possible to differentiate the individual types of tremores on the basis of various parameters. Therefore, it often leads to misdiagnosis. In order to remedy this malady and to objectify the diagnosis, there are approaches to detect the muscle contractions, especially in the hand and arm area, by sensors and thus to detect the differences in the different tremor types and strengths.

As already disclosed in WO 2011/141734 A1, possible parameters that can be detected in support of the diagnosis are frequency, orientation, amplitude of the tremor as well as the power of the muscles, the ability to control the exercise of the muscles and the typeface and the ability to draw certain shapes. However, this does not take account of the fact that the data acquired in this case can be falsified by the situation of the measurement itself. Thus, situations which are to be detected by a subject whose possible symptoms are to be felt as stress. This stress itself can be the cause of a tremor.

The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to avoid or reduce falsification of measurement data.

This object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned, which is characterized in that on the housing at least one sensor for the skin resistance is arranged.

By detecting the skin resistance can be recognized how strong a subject is under stress. If an operator, in particular a physician, has recognized the stress of the test subject with the assistance of the device according to the invention, this can be incorporated in the measurement of the various parameters for the determination of the tremor or in the assessment of the measured values.

With the at least one skin resistance sensor disposed on the housing, the skin conductance of the patient is determined prior to sensing the characteristics.

Other factors by which one can detect a possible falsification of the measurement results when detecting involuntary muscle contractions are the pulse and circulation of the subject or the subject's hand. On the one hand, the pulse rate can be another indication of possible stress in the subject, on the other hand, even a meager supply of the muscles can trigger a tremor. Therefore, in a preferred development of the invention, the device, in particular the handpiece of the device, has a plethysmograph, in particular a photoplethysmograph.

It goes without saying for the person skilled in the art that the various types of sensors mentioned are frequently sensor groups.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plethysmograph is placed on the handpiece. By placing all the sensors on the handpiece, the part of the device which processes the data obtained by the sensors can be made more free. For example, the handpiece can be connected to a simple computer if all sensory elements are housed in the handpiece. The computer then only needs to be equipped with appropriate software to complete the device.

Since computers are already part of the usual inventory in most practices, the purchase price for a device according to the invention can thus be considerably reduced, which makes the advantages of the invention more accessible to people. Furthermore, a handpiece according to the invention can also be operated together with a laptop. Thus, it is also possible to reach patients for whom it is not possible to visit even a doctor who has appropriate technical support for diagnostics, for example because his state of health does not allow him or she to live in a remote location.

In a further development of the invention, it is also possible to record the various data of the sensors and to transmit to a remote Datenverarbeitungseinrich¬, for example via an Internet connection. Since the device can also be used by an operator without special training, it is thus possible to record all the data and then to transmit to a physician, in particular a neurologist, who uses the acquired data for diagnosis.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a means for reproduction, preferably for visualization, of data processed by the data processing device. Not only the various tremor characteristics, as known from the prior art, should be reproduced, but also preferably the previously recorded stress levels. This can be done, for example, by displaying an offset to the detected tremor characteristics, which gives the physician an indication of which measured values he should otherwise evaluate. In addition to visual displays, others may be used. For example, acoustic signals can reproduce the beginning and end of a measurement.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for transmitting data is a means for wireless data transmission. In addition to the obvious advantages, such as increased comfort in the use of the device, a further source of error when detecting tremor characteristics can thus be overcome. Cables on the handpiece obstruct, although in part only to a small extent, the free movement of the handpiece. Thus, the measurements can be falsified. In contrast, a wireless handpiece is advantageous. Therefore, it is also provided in a development of the invention that the handpiece has an optionally rechargeable energy store.

It is particularly advantageous if the energy storage, such as inductive, can be charged wirelessly. Thus, the handpiece (hermetically) can be made closed, which significantly simplifies disinfecting the handpiece, as is often prescribed in medical Anwendungs¬bereichen.

Further preferred and advantageous embodiments and further developments of the inventions are the subject of the remaining dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings described by way of example closer. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a rough schematic representation of a first embodiment of a

Handpiece of a device according to the invention, which is connected to a data processing device, Fig. 2 is a rough schematic representation of a second embodiment of a

3 is a block diagram roughly outlining the function of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram roughly outlining the function of the second embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flowchart; which outlines a possible procedure in the application of the two embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a rough schematic representation of a first embodiment of a handpiece 1 of a device 2 according to the invention, which is connected to a means 3 for transmitting data. The housing 4 has, analogously to a pin, a handle region 5. In the grip region 5 of the handpiece 1 Hautleitwiderstandensensoren 6 are arranged, which protrude through the housing 4 to the outside of the handpiece 1. Since these are usually made very thin, 6Drucksensoren (not shown) may be arranged under the Hautleitwider-condition sensors. In order to achieve optimum positioning of the fingers of a patient's hand embracing the handpiece 1, it is preferred that the handle portion 5 be ergonomically shaped so as to direct the fingers to the desired positions relative to the sensors. This also increases the reproducibility of the measurements under conditions that are as constant as possible, since the positioning of the fingers relative to the sensors is crucial both for the measurement of the mechanical resistance and for the detection of the pressure exerted at different activities.

Further, in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the handpiece 1 has a group of sensors 7. This may include, for example, three-dimensional acceleration sensors, three-dimensional gyroscopic sensors and other sensors known from the prior art for detecting the characteristics of tremores, such as earth magnetic field sensors or the like. All sensors 6, 7 are connected via lines 8 to the means 3 for transmitting data, which serves in the illustrated embodiment simultaneously as an energy source for the sensors 6, 7. From the means 3 for transmitting data, for example a USB interface, the data acquired by the sensors 6, 7 are forwarded to a data processing device (not shown), for example a computer.

In addition, the illustrated embodiment has an external plethysmograph 9. In the embodiment shown, it is a photoplethysmograph. The values detected by the plethysmograph are also forwarded to the data processing device via the means 3 for transmitting data.

Furthermore, the handpiece 1 has a conductive tip 11. Thus, the handpiece 1 can be used in combination with almost all conventional touchscreen technologies. In addition to the other sensor information, there is the possibility of a machine-assisted handwriting analysis of the patient In particular, changes in the script image in the course of a disease can be quantified more easily, which considerably simplifies the diagnosis for a medical doctor.

Fig. 2 shows a rough schematic representation of a second embodiment of a handpiece of a device according to the invention. The second embodiment is constructed in principle like the first embodiment and differs from the first of the three essential points which will be discussed in detail below. Incidentally, the two embodiments are the same.

The first essential difference from the first embodiment is that the handpiece 1 has a means for wireless data transmission 12. Thus, the handpiece can be verwen¬det without cables affect the handling of the handpiece. A device for the wireless transmission and reception of data 13 is connected to the data processing device (not shown). The means for wireless data transmission 12 and the device for wireless transmission and reception of data 13 thereby take over the task of the means 3 for transmitting data of the first embodiment.

The second essential difference of the second embodiment to the first Ausfüh¬ form is that the (photo) Plethysmograph 9 is arranged directly in the handpiece 1. The patient can no longer be obstructed by the plethysmograph when using the handpiece. In addition, the transport of the device is further simplified.

The third essential difference of the second embodiment to the first Ausfüh¬ form is that the second embodiment, an optionally rechargeable

Energy storage 14 has. This is connected to the sensors 6, 7, 9 and the means for wireless data transmission 12 and supplies them with energy. Embodiments in which the means for wireless data transmission 12 are supplied with energy by the device for the wireless transmission and reception of data 13, comparable to the technology used in RFIDs, are likewise conceivable.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the tip 11 of the handpiece 1 is connected via the remaining sensors 7 and the means 3 for transmitting data to the Datenverarbeitungsein¬richtung. By means of this optional development of the invention, it is possible to acquire further measurement data, such as the force with which the penpoint tip is placed when writing or drawing.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram outlining the function of the first embodiment. The sensors 6, 7 in the handpiece and the external sensor, the plethysmograph 9, acquire data and pass them on to the data processing device via the means for transmitting data. This can be, for example, a PC, a tablet or even a suitable smartphone. In the data processing device, the data is then processed in two significant ways. On the one hand, descriptive parameters are extracted from the measured values. These may be, for example, the frequency, the direction of impact and the width of the tremor. On the other hand, the measured values are visualized user-specifically.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram roughly outlining the function of the second embodiment. Initially, all the data acquired by the sensors 6, 7, 9 in the handpiece converge in the means for the wireless transmission of data. There, the data are preprocessed, in particular converted into transferable data packets, and then transferred wirelessly. The type of preprocessing depends on the selected type of transmission. Bluetooth connections may have other data properties than, for example, connections via NFC. The skilled person can freely choose between the available transmission methods and adapt the pre-processing of the data accordingly. The wirelessly transmitted data is then received by the device for wireless transmission and reception of data and transferred to the data processing device. There, the data, optionally after they have been retransmitted from a transmission format, can be further processed as in the first embodiment.

Although it is not necessary for the actual function of the device that also data from the data processing device can be transmitted to the handpiece 1, this development is advantageous for both wireless and wired embodiments, for example the various components to calibrate in the handpiece or, if necessary, to change a Bluetooth protocol deposited in the means for wireless data transmission.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart outlining a possible procedure in the application of the two embodiments. The patient first takes the handpiece or the pen in a first hand and forms a fist around the pen. Optionally, according to the embodiment, an external (photo) plethysmograph can be connected. The plethysmograph and the skin conductance sensors on the handpiece detect the skin conductance and the pulse of the patient. From these data, a stress level of the patient is determined. If this is below a predetermined threshold, the stress level has no further influence on the measurement. If the threshold is exceeded, it becomes an "offset". determined, which later flows into the other recorded measured values or their Visuali¬sierung.

Then the patient takes the handpiece in the second (other) hand and forms a fist again. The device then determines, based on a first (coarse) measurement, which is the patient's dominant tremor hand. This step greatly improves the measurement, since the patient's dominant hand (writing hand) is used, which need not necessarily be the dominant tremor hand, for which reason, for example, deteriorations are often recognized too late, even with electronic assistance. Optionally, already at this point a visualization can take place, which for example gives an indication of which hand is preferred for the measurement.

In the next step, the patient takes the handpiece or the sensor pen in the previously determined dominant tremor hand and draws with this, for example on a touchscreen or touchpad, simple figures. In a further development of the invention, these figures can also be displayed on the touch screen and the patient follows the lines of the figures. This can be helpful, in particular, when the dominant hand and the dominant tremor hand are not the same, since uncertainties due to lack of exercise on the part of the patient can thus be alleviated. As the patient draws, the sensors of the handpiece detect the parameters relevant to the tremor and relay them to the data processing device.

In a development of the invention, the stress level can also be determined continuously during the actual measurement of the tremor parameters. If the stress level of the patient then rises during the measurement, the measurement can be aborted, for example. Alternatively, an "offset" can also be continuously which is then displayed at a later time together with the measurement data in support of the diagnosis.

Then, the acquired measurement data are merged and processed, whereupon they are displayed user-specifically. Thus, for example, a caregiver who carries out the measurement in order then to forward it to a physician for diagnosis can receive the information as to whether the measurement was successful. On the other hand, if the diagnosis is to take place immediately, all measured values can be displayed directly. In addition, the user can also define a sequence of the measured data according to their significance for the diagnosis. If, for example, no fundamental cause for the tremor is still certain, the frequency of the tremor is of great importance for the diagnosis. For example, tremors, which result from a disease of the muscles themselves, have a measurably higher tremor frequency than, for example, tremors, which are caused by Parkinson's disease. However, if the cause has already been determined, and the objective of the measurement is, for example, the documentation of the course of the disease or the effectiveness of medicaments, the tremor frequency fades into the background and can be given a lower priority by the user in the display.

If the measurement was successful, the process can be completed, if not, must be started from scratch.

The sequence shown is to be understood purely by way of example. Thus, for example, it is largely irrelevant to the function of the invention whether the stress level is determined while the patient forms a fist with the first or second hand.

Claims (6)

1. A device for detecting involuntary muscle contractions in the hand and Armbe¬reich, in particular tremor, with a handpiece (1) with a housing (4), which has substantially the shape of a writing instrument with a handle portion (5), wherein the Ge At least one pressure sensor in the grip area, at least one gyroscopic sensor and at least one acceleration sensor, with a data processing device and at least one means (3) for transmitting data, characterized in that at least one sensor (6 ) is arranged for the skin resistance. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a plethysmograph (9), preferably a photoplethysmograph. 3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the plethysmograph (9) on the handpiece (1) is arranged. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device comprises a means for playback, preferably for visualization, processed by the data processing means data. 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means (3) for transmitting data is a means for wireless data transmission. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the hand piece (1), optionally rechargeable, energy store (14). 4 sheets of drawings