WO2008009833A2 - Prevention and compensation of cognitive deficits with the help of a device for lingual electrostimulation in a multireceptive home automation environment - Google Patents

Prevention and compensation of cognitive deficits with the help of a device for lingual electrostimulation in a multireceptive home automation environment Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008009833A2
WO2008009833A2 PCT/FR2007/051400 FR2007051400W WO2008009833A2 WO 2008009833 A2 WO2008009833 A2 WO 2008009833A2 FR 2007051400 W FR2007051400 W FR 2007051400W WO 2008009833 A2 WO2008009833 A2 WO 2008009833A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lingual
electrode
palatal
stimulation
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2007/051400
Other languages
French (fr)
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WO2008009833A3 (en
Inventor
Norbert Noury
Nicolas Vuillerme
Yohan Payan
Jacques Demongeot
Original Assignee
Universite Joseph Fourier
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Publication date
Application filed by Universite Joseph Fourier filed Critical Universite Joseph Fourier
Publication of WO2008009833A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008009833A2/en
Publication of WO2008009833A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008009833A3/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
    • A61N1/0526—Head electrodes
    • A61N1/0548—Oral electrodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6814—Head
    • A61B5/682—Mouth, e.g., oral cavity; tongue; Lips; Teeth
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/36014—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes
    • A61N1/3603—Control systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/011—Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B21/00—Teaching, or communicating with, the blind, deaf or mute
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B21/00—Teaching, or communicating with, the blind, deaf or mute
    • G09B21/001—Teaching or communicating with blind persons
    • G09B21/003—Teaching or communicating with blind persons using tactile presentation of the information, e.g. Braille displays
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B21/00—Teaching, or communicating with, the blind, deaf or mute
    • G09B21/009—Teaching or communicating with deaf persons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
    • A61N1/0452—Specially adapted for transcutaneous muscle stimulation [TMS]

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 illustrates, in sectional view, a portion of a lingual electro-stimulation device 1.
  • the device 1 comprises an array of electrodes 2 carried by a support 3.
  • the support 3 is a rigid or flexible artificial palace intended to be fixed on the teeth.
  • the electrodes 2 are arranged on the artificial palate so as to be able to contact the top or the side of the tongue.
  • the lingual electro-stimulation device is then used to compensate for deficiencies.
  • the device can be associated with the home automation environment to indicate that a telephone or the chime of a front door rings.
  • the device may also signal to the wearer that he has failed to complete a task, such as stopping a water or gas valve.
  • the device can also signal to the wearer that a specific task such as taking a medication should be performed.
  • the lingual electrostimulation device attached to the user's palate, it is based on the principle that the tongue constantly makes reflex movements that cause it to touch the palate, therefore the electrodes of the patient. 1 electro-stimulation.
  • the wearer may have reduced mobility of the tongue, for example age-related. Then, it may take some time before the person becomes aware of the presence of a message. Untreated information can lead to a household disaster or have a negative impact on the health status of the wearer.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of known electro-stimulation devices.
  • the present invention aims at providing a device for lingual electro-stimulation comprising means for informing its user of the presence of a message to be read.
  • Another object of the present invention is to pro- pose a device 1 having electro-stimulation means adapted to detect whether a message was actually acquired by the person wearing the device.
  • the present invention provides a device 1 having electro-lingual stimulation means adapted to signal the presence of a message at the electrodes of electro-stimulation lingual of the device.
  • the means comprise at least one palatal electrode intended to be kept in permanent contact with the palate.
  • the palatal electrode is capable of being excited by means of a pulse signal.
  • the excitation pulse signal of the palatal electrode consists of the repetition of a group of three pulses, each pulse having an amplitude of between 5 and 15 V, and a pulse of duration of 10 to 90 ⁇ s, two successive pulses being separated by a few milliseconds and two groups of three pulses being separated by a few tens of milliseconds.
  • the excitation signal of the palatal electrode comprises five repetitions of the group of three pulses.
  • the means are an electromechanical device embedded in a support (3) of the device.
  • writing amplifiers associated with the lingual electrodes of the device are provided with means for detecting their leakage current.
  • the detection means comprise an operational amplifier connected across a resistor connected in the path of the leakage current.
  • FIG. sectional view of a known lingual electro-stimulation device Figure 2 is a sectional view of a lingual electro-stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is a timing diagram illustrating electro-stimulation signals of a particular electrode of the device of Fig. 2
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of a device associated with an electro-stimulation device according to the present invention
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are timing diagrams that illustrate signals of the diagram of FIG. 4.
  • an artificial palate 3 which comprises not only the lingual electrodes 2 but also at least one electrode 10 placed on the side of the artificial palate 3 intended to be pressed against the wearer's palate.
  • the electrode 10 is adapted to receive an electro-stimulation signal that can be "read" by the wearer's palate.
  • the electrode 10 is arranged to be in permanent contact with the wearer's palate when the device is in place.
  • the electrode 10 is for example mounted on a spring or on a leaf spring.
  • a stimulation signal is sent on the palatal electrode 10.
  • the palatal electrode 10 delivers excitation signals indicating to the person that it must read a message present at the lingual electrodes 2.
  • This system operates on a reflex principle. Indeed, when an individual feels a tingling at the palate, here caused by the palatal stimulation signal, he tends to place his tongue at the tingling.
  • the person raises his tongue to the palace it receives through the lingual electrodes 2 the alert message.
  • the stimulation signal of the palatal electrode 10 is emitted similarly to the stimulation signals of the lingual electrodes in response to an instruction issued by the processing unit.
  • This device can be used in many applications. So, it can be used by a a person who may be in a cognitive overload environment that prevents them from perceiving external visual or audible signals such as a telephone ringing while the person is busy watching a television program or listening to a radio program .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of an alert signal V sent to the palatal electrode 10 of FIG. 2.
  • the alert signal V consists of pulse trains. .
  • the signal V is for example composed of several groups of three pulses. Each pulse has the same amplitude A between 5 and 15 volts. Each pulse has a duration of the order of a few tens of microseconds, for example from 10 to 90 ⁇ s. Two successive pulses of the same group are separated by a few milliseconds. Two consecutive groups of three pulses are separated by an interval of a few tens of milliseconds.
  • the alert signal comprises the repetition of five groups.
  • the artificial palate in substitution or in addition to the palatal electrode, is equipped with an electromechanical device embedded in the support 3 and able to make it vibrate.
  • the vibration of the artificial palate is felt by the wearer of the artificial palace. To stop the vibration, the wearer then becomes aware of the message delivered at the lingual electrodes.
  • an electromechanical device is for example a vibrator or a piezoelectric actuator.
  • the messages consist of stimulation according to a coded sequence of one or more lingual electrodes 2.
  • the electrodes 2 are connected individually or collectively to a write amplifier.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an equivalent electrical diagram of a writing device according to the present invention.
  • the device comprises a write amplifier 40 capable of transmitting an instruction IN from a processing unit 45 to a lingual electrode 2.
  • the writing amplifier 40 is connected between two supply rails respectively high V + and low GND.
  • the writing device is preferably connected to the support plate or artificial palate 3 of FIG.
  • the present invention proposes to connect a detection means 50 of the supply current of the write amplifier 40 or leakage current i and to send the information LI obtained on the leakage current to the processing unit 45.
  • the detection means 50 comprises a resistor R connected between the amplifier 40 and the ground GND.
  • a differential amplifier OP is connected across the resistor R.
  • the output signal LI of the amplifier OP is supplied to the unit 45.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are timing diagrams that illustrate the operation of the device of FIG. 4.
  • Figure 5A illustrates the IN signal.
  • Figure 5B illustrates the leakage current signal i.
  • the IN signal is a pulse signal repetitively repeated several times to ensure a reading by the wearer of the electro-stimulation device.
  • FIG. 5 ⁇ illustrates in the form of two slots P1 and P2 two successive pulse trains of the signal IN. Two successive pulse trains P1 and P2 are spaced from a dead time td.
  • the supply / leakage current i of the amplifier 40 remains at a relatively idle value. Istd bass. During the idle time td, the leakage current i is zero.
  • the leakage current i When the carrier "reads", for example during the train P2 from the moment tr, the leakage current i increases, the impedance constituted by the electrode 2 only passing virtually from a very high value to a low value when the tongue touches it. The leakage current i then expects a relatively high read value Iread which depends in particular on the composition of the saliva of the person.
  • the resistor R can have a value of the order of 10 to 100 ⁇ .
  • the value of the resistor R and the sensitivity of the operational amplifier OP are chosen so that the amplifier OP remains insensitive to the variation of leakage current i from 0 to the rest value Istd in the absence of reading, but triggers when the Istd rest value is changed to the Iread read value.
  • Such a reading detection makes it possible to stop the repetition of an alert or, conversely, to maintain the repetition of an alert until the message has been read. It is also possible, once the reading has been detected, to set a certain waiting period during which the processing unit 45 gives the person time to perform the required action.
  • the central unit 45 determines whether the person has received the message from the LI signal and then waits a reasonable time for example the travel time to reach the location of the alert - phone or door - before starting to provide the alert if the ringing is still present. This increases the comfort of the wearer in relation to maintaining the alert for a long time.
  • the present invention is susceptible of various variations and modifications which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • one palatal electrode 10 attached to the artificial palate comprising the device of one electro-lingual stimulation.
  • several palatal electrodes 10 can be provided.
  • the palatal electro-stimulation signal applied to the electrode 10 has only been described in a nonlimiting manner in relation with FIG. 3.
  • the modulation of the palatal warning signal can be modified as a function of the degree of sensitivity of the wearer's palate.
  • the read detection device according to the present invention described in connection with Fig. 4 may also be modified in any suitable manner.
  • the detection resistor R can be modified as a function of the level of the leakage current i associated with a person that varies substantially according to the physiological properties of the person (size of the tongue, composition of the saliva).

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for lingual electrostimulation comprising suitable means for signaling the presence of a message on the level of the electrodes for lingual electrostimulation of the device.

Description

PREVENTION ET COMPENSATION DES DEFICITS COGNITIFS A L'AIDE D1X]N DISPOSITIF D'ELECTRO-STIMULATION LINGUALE DANS UN ENVIRONNEMENTPREVENTION AND COMPENSATION OF COGNITIVE DEFICITS USING D 1 X] N DEVICE ELECTRO-LINGUAL STIMULUS IN AN ENVIRONMENT
MULTIPERCEPTIF DOMOTIQUEMULTIPERCEPTIVE DOMOTIC
Domaine de l' inventionField of the invention
La présente invention concerne un dispositif d' électro-stimulation linguale. Exposé de l' art antérieur La figure 1 illustre, en vue en coupe, une partie d'un dispositif d'électro-stimulation linguale 1. Le dispositif 1 comporte une matrice d'électrodes 2 portées par un support 3. Le support 3 est un palais artificiel rigide ou souple destiné à être fixé sur les dents . Les électrodes 2 sont disposées sur le palais artificiel de façon à pouvoir contacter le dessus ou le côté de la langue.The present invention relates to a device for lingual electro-stimulation. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART FIG. 1 illustrates, in sectional view, a portion of a lingual electro-stimulation device 1. The device 1 comprises an array of electrodes 2 carried by a support 3. The support 3 is a rigid or flexible artificial palace intended to be fixed on the teeth. The electrodes 2 are arranged on the artificial palate so as to be able to contact the top or the side of the tongue.
Des dispositifs d' électro-stimulation linguale ont déjà été décrits. Notamment, le brevet américain 6 430 450 de Messieurs Bach-y-Rita et Kaczmarek, cédé à la société Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, propose d'utiliser un dispositif d'électro-stimulation linguale pour compenser des déficits visuels. La demande de brevet internationale W02006/008406 propose d'utiliser un dispositif similaire dans un système de prévention d'escarres. On a également proposé d'utiliser un tel dispositif pour assister une personne ayant des déficiences visuelles ou auditives, pour maintenir à domicile une personne âgée ou atteinte de déficiences dégénératives des perceptions cogni- tives .Lingual electro-stimulation devices have already been described. Notably, the US Pat. No. 6,430,450 issued by Messrs. Bach-y-Rita and Kaczmarek, assigned to Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, proposes the use of a lingual electro-stimulation device to compensate for visual deficits. International Patent Application WO2006 / 008406 proposes to use a similar device in a pressure ulcer prevention system. It has also been proposed to use such a device to assist a person with visual or hearing impairments, to maintain at home an elderly person or with degenerative impairment of cognitive perceptions.
Le dispositif d' électro-stimulation linguale est alors utilisé pour compenser les déficiences. Par exemple, pour une personne malentendante ou dont l'esprit est accaparé par une tâche en cours, le dispositif peut être associé à l'envi- ronnement domotique de façon à signaler qu'un téléphone ou le carillon d'une porte d'entrée sonne. Le dispositif peut également signaler au porteur qu'elle a omis d'achever une tâche, par exemple l'arrêt d'un robinet d'eau ou de gaz. Le dispositif peut également signaler au porteur qu'une tâche précise telle la prise d'un médicament doit être effectuée.The lingual electro-stimulation device is then used to compensate for deficiencies. For example, for a person who is hard of hearing or whose mind is busy with an ongoing task, the device can be associated with the home automation environment to indicate that a telephone or the chime of a front door rings. The device may also signal to the wearer that he has failed to complete a task, such as stopping a water or gas valve. The device can also signal to the wearer that a specific task such as taking a medication should be performed.
Quelle que soit l'utilisation du dispositif d'électro- stimulation linguale fixé au palais de l'utilisateur, elle est basée sur le principe que la langue effectue en permanence des mouvements réflexes qui l'amènent à toucher le palais, donc les électrodes d1 électro-stimulation.Whatever the use of the lingual electrostimulation device attached to the user's palate, it is based on the principle that the tongue constantly makes reflex movements that cause it to touch the palate, therefore the electrodes of the patient. 1 electro-stimulation.
Toutefois, les inventeurs ont constaté que le porteur peut présenter une mobilité réduite de la langue, par exemple liée à l'âge. Alors, il peut s'écouler un certain temps avant que la personne ne prenne conscience de la présence d'un message. L'information non traitée peut conduire à une catastrophe ménagère ou avoir impact négatif sur l'état de santé du porteur.However, the inventors have found that the wearer may have reduced mobility of the tongue, for example age-related. Then, it may take some time before the person becomes aware of the presence of a message. Untreated information can lead to a household disaster or have a negative impact on the health status of the wearer.
Un autre inconvénient des dispositifs d' électro-stimulation connus réside dans le fait qu'il n'est pas possible au système domotique de détecter si l'information a été effectivement reçue par son destinataire. Ainsi, une personne peut décider d'ignorer une alerte d'écoulement d'un fluide alors qu'elle remplit sa baignoire aux fins de prendre un bain. De même, une personne peut décider de ne pas répondre à la porte. Le système domotique est alors incapable de déterminer si la personne n'effectue pas la tâche intentionnellement ou non, en d'autres termes si elle a reçu le message ou non.Another disadvantage of known electro-stimulation devices lies in the fact that it is not possible for the home automation system to detect whether the information has actually been received by its recipient. Thus, a person may decide to ignore a fluid flow alert as she fills her bath for a bath. Similarly, a person may decide not to answer the door. The home automation system is then unable to determine if the nobody is doing the job intentionally or not, in other words whether or not she has received the message.
La présente invention vise à pallier les inconvénients des dispositifs d' électro-stimulation connus. En particulier, la présente invention vise à proposer un dispositif d' électro-stimulation linguale comportant des moyens propres à informer son utilisateur de la présence d'un message à lire.The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of known electro-stimulation devices. In particular, the present invention aims at providing a device for lingual electro-stimulation comprising means for informing its user of the presence of a message to be read.
Un autre objet de la présente invention vise à pro- poser un dispositif d1 électro-stimulation comportant des moyens propres à détecter si un message a été effectivement acquis par la personne portant le dispositif. Résumé de l' inventionAnother object of the present invention is to pro- pose a device 1 having electro-stimulation means adapted to detect whether a message was actually acquired by the person wearing the device. Summary of the invention
Pour atteindre ces objets et d'autres, la présente invention prévoit un dispositif d1 électro-stimulation linguale comportant des moyens propres à signaler la présence d'un message au niveau d'électrodes d' électro-stimulation linguale du dispositif.To achieve these and other objects, the present invention provides a device 1 having electro-lingual stimulation means adapted to signal the presence of a message at the electrodes of electro-stimulation lingual of the device.
Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, les moyens comportent au moins une électrode palatine destinée à être maintenue en contact permanent avec le palais .According to one embodiment of the present invention, the means comprise at least one palatal electrode intended to be kept in permanent contact with the palate.
Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, l'électrode palatine est susceptible d'être excitée au moyen d'un signal d'impulsions. Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le signal d'impulsions d'excitation de l'électrode palatine est constitué de la répétition d'un groupe de trois impulsions, chaque impulsion ayant une amplitude comprise entre 5 et 15 V, et une durée de 10 à 90 μs, deux impulsions successives étant séparées de quelques millisecondes et deux groupes de trois impulsions étant séparés de quelques dizaines de millisecondes .According to one embodiment of the present invention, the palatal electrode is capable of being excited by means of a pulse signal. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the excitation pulse signal of the palatal electrode consists of the repetition of a group of three pulses, each pulse having an amplitude of between 5 and 15 V, and a pulse of duration of 10 to 90 μs, two successive pulses being separated by a few milliseconds and two groups of three pulses being separated by a few tens of milliseconds.
Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le signal d'excitation de l'électrode palatine comporte cinq répétitions du groupe de trois impulsions. Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, les moyens sont un dispositif électro-mécanique noyé dans un support (3) du dispositif.According to one embodiment of the present invention, the excitation signal of the palatal electrode comprises five repetitions of the group of three pulses. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the means are an electromechanical device embedded in a support (3) of the device.
Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, des amplificateurs d'écriture associés aux électrodes linguales du dispositif sont munis de moyens propres à détecter leur courant de fuite.According to one embodiment of the present invention, writing amplifiers associated with the lingual electrodes of the device are provided with means for detecting their leakage current.
Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, les moyens de détection comprennent un amplificateur opéra- tionnel connecté aux bornes d'une résistante connectée sur le trajet du courant de fuite. Brève description des dessinsAccording to an embodiment of the present invention, the detection means comprise an operational amplifier connected across a resistor connected in the path of the leakage current. Brief description of the drawings
Ces objets, caractéristiques et avantages, ainsi que d' autres de la présente invention seront exposés en détail dans la description suivante de modes de réalisation particuliers faite à titre non-limitatif en relation avec les figures jointes parmi lesquelles : la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un dispositif d' électro-stimulation linguale connu ; la figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un dispositif d' électro-stimulation linguale selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ; la figure 3 est un chronogramme illustrant des signaux d' électro-stimulation d'une électrode particulière du dispositif de la figure 2 ; la figure 4 illustre un schéma électrique d'un dispositif associé à un dispositif d' électro-stimulation selon la présente invention ; et les figures 5A et 5B sont des chronogrammes qui illustrent des signaux du schéma de la figure 4. Description détailléeThese and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of particular embodiments in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIG. sectional view of a known lingual electro-stimulation device; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a lingual electro-stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a timing diagram illustrating electro-stimulation signals of a particular electrode of the device of Fig. 2; FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of a device associated with an electro-stimulation device according to the present invention; and FIGS. 5A and 5B are timing diagrams that illustrate signals of the diagram of FIG. 4. Detailed Description
Par souci de clarté, les mêmes éléments ont été désignés par les mêmes références aux figures 1 et 2. De plus, les diverses figures ne sont pas tracées à l'échelle. Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, comme illustre la vue en coupe de la figure 2, il est prévu un palais artificiel 3 qui comporte non seulement les électrodes linguales 2 mais aussi au moins une électrode 10 placée du côté du palais artificiel 3 destiné à être plaqué contre le palais du porteur. L'électrode 10 est propre à recevoir un signal d' électro-stimulation susceptible d'être "lu" par le palais du porteur. L'électrode 10 est disposée pour être en contact permanent avec le palais du porteur quand le dispositif est en place. L'électrode 10 est par exemple montée sur un ressort ou sur une lame de ressort.For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by the same references in Figures 1 and 2. In addition, the various figures are not drawn to scale. According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in sectional view of Figure 2, there is provided an artificial palate 3 which comprises not only the lingual electrodes 2 but also at least one electrode 10 placed on the side of the artificial palate 3 intended to be pressed against the wearer's palate. The electrode 10 is adapted to receive an electro-stimulation signal that can be "read" by the wearer's palate. The electrode 10 is arranged to be in permanent contact with the wearer's palate when the device is in place. The electrode 10 is for example mounted on a spring or on a leaf spring.
Lorsqu'un événement doit être signalé au porteur par 1 ' intermédiaire des électrodes linguales 2 placées du côté langue du palais artificiel 3 opposé au côté palais portant l'électrode palatine 10, un signal de stimulation est envoyé sur l'électrode palatine 10. Par exemple, si une personne atteinte de dégénérescence cognitive due à l'âge telle que la maladie d'Alzheimer a oublié de réaliser ou d'achever une tâche importante telle qu'une prise de médicaments, une préparation de repas, une fermeture d'un robinet de fluide (eau ou gaz) , l'électrode palatine 10 délivre des signaux d'excitation indiquant à la personne qu'elle doit lire un message présent au niveau des électrodes linguales 2. Ce système fonctionne sur un principe de réflexe. En effet, lorsqu'un individu ressent un picotement au niveau du palais, ici provoqué par le signal de stimulation palatin, il tend à placer sa langue au niveau des picotements. Alors, lorsque la personne fait monter sa langue vers le palais, elle reçoit par le biais des électrodes linguales 2 le message d'alerte. On notera que le signal de stimulation de l'électrode palatine 10 est émis de façon similaire aux signaux de stimulation des électrodes linguales en réponse à une instruction émise par l'unité de traitement.When an event is to be reported to the wearer via the lingual electrodes 2 placed on the tongue side of the artificial palate 3 opposite the palatal side carrying the palatal electrode 10, a stimulation signal is sent on the palatal electrode 10. By example, if a person with age-related cognitive degeneration such as Alzheimer's disease has failed to complete or complete an important task such as taking medication, preparing a meal, closing a fluid valve (water or gas), the palatal electrode 10 delivers excitation signals indicating to the person that it must read a message present at the lingual electrodes 2. This system operates on a reflex principle. Indeed, when an individual feels a tingling at the palate, here caused by the palatal stimulation signal, he tends to place his tongue at the tingling. Then, when the person raises his tongue to the palace, it receives through the lingual electrodes 2 the alert message. Note that the stimulation signal of the palatal electrode 10 is emitted similarly to the stimulation signals of the lingual electrodes in response to an instruction issued by the processing unit.
Ce dispositif peut être utilisé dans de très nom- breuses applications. Ainsi, il peut être utilisé par une personne susceptible de se trouver dans un environnement de surcharge cognitive qui l'empêche de percevoir des signaux extérieurs visuels ou sonores tels qu'une sonnerie de téléphone survenant alors que la personne est occupée à regarder un pro- gramme télévisé ou à écouter une émission radiophonique.This device can be used in many applications. So, it can be used by a a person who may be in a cognitive overload environment that prevents them from perceiving external visual or audible signals such as a telephone ringing while the person is busy watching a television program or listening to a radio program .
La figure 3 illustre un exemple non-limitatif de signal d'alerte V envoyé sur l'électrode palatine 10 de la figure 2. Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le signal d'alerte V est constitué de trains d'impulsions. Le signal V est par exemple composé de plusieurs groupes de trois impulsions . Chaque impulsion a une même amplitude A comprise entre 5 et 15 volts. Chaque impulsion a une durée de l'ordre de quelques dizaines de microsecondes, par exemple de 10 à 90 μs. Deux impulsions successives d'un même groupe sont séparées de quelques millisecondes. Deux groupes consécutifs de trois impulsions sont séparés d'un intervalle de quelques dizaines de millisecondes. De préférence, le signal d'alerte comporte la répétition de cinq groupes .FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of an alert signal V sent to the palatal electrode 10 of FIG. 2. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the alert signal V consists of pulse trains. . The signal V is for example composed of several groups of three pulses. Each pulse has the same amplitude A between 5 and 15 volts. Each pulse has a duration of the order of a few tens of microseconds, for example from 10 to 90 μs. Two successive pulses of the same group are separated by a few milliseconds. Two consecutive groups of three pulses are separated by an interval of a few tens of milliseconds. Preferably, the alert signal comprises the repetition of five groups.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l ' invention, en substitution ou en supplément de l'électrode palatine, le palais artificiel est équipé d'un dispositif électromécanique noyé dans le support 3 et propre à le faire vibrer. La vibration du palais artificiel est ressentie par le porteur du palais artificiel. Pour faire cesser la vibration, le porteur prend alors connaissance du message délivré au niveau des électrodes linguales . Un tel dispositif électro-mécanique est par exemple un vibrateur ou un actionneur piézo-électrique.According to another embodiment of the invention, in substitution or in addition to the palatal electrode, the artificial palate is equipped with an electromechanical device embedded in the support 3 and able to make it vibrate. The vibration of the artificial palate is felt by the wearer of the artificial palace. To stop the vibration, the wearer then becomes aware of the message delivered at the lingual electrodes. Such an electromechanical device is for example a vibrator or a piezoelectric actuator.
Une fois que l'alerte est donnée de l'une des façons décrites précédemment au porteur du dispositif de la présence d'un message à acquérir au niveau des électrodes linguales 2, il serait souhaitable de détecter si la personne lit effectivement le message.Once the alert is given in one of the ways previously described to the bearer of the device of the presence of a message to be acquired at the level of the lingual electrodes 2, it would be desirable to detect whether the person actually reads the message.
Les messages sont constitués d'une stimulation selon une séquence codée d'une ou plusieurs électrodes linguales 2. Pour ce faire, les électrodes 2 sont connectées individuellement ou collectivement à un amplificateur d'écriture.The messages consist of stimulation according to a coded sequence of one or more lingual electrodes 2. To do this, the electrodes 2 are connected individually or collectively to a write amplifier.
La figure 4 illustre un schéma électrique équivalent d'un dispositif d'écriture selon la présente invention. Le dispositif comporte un amplificateur d'écriture 40 susceptible de transmettre une instruction IN provenant d'une unité de traitement 45 à une électrode linguale 2. L'amplificateur d'écriture 40 est connecté entre deux rails d'alimentation respectivement haut V+ et bas GND. Le dispositif d'écriture est de préférence lié à la plaque support ou palais artificiel 3 de la figure 2.FIG. 4 illustrates an equivalent electrical diagram of a writing device according to the present invention. The device comprises a write amplifier 40 capable of transmitting an instruction IN from a processing unit 45 to a lingual electrode 2. The writing amplifier 40 is connected between two supply rails respectively high V + and low GND. The writing device is preferably connected to the support plate or artificial palate 3 of FIG.
La présente invention propose de connecter un moyen de détection 50 du courant d'alimentation de l'amplificateur d' écriture 40 ou courant de fuite i et d' envoyer l ' information LI obtenue sur le courant de fuite à l'unité de traitement 45. Par exemple, le moyen de détection 50 comporte une résistance R connectée entre l'amplificateur 40 et la masse GND. Un amplificateur différentiel OP est connecté aux bornes de la résistance R. Le signal de sortie LI de l'amplificateur OP est fourni à l'unité 45. Les figures 5A et 5B sont des chronogrammes qui illustrent le fonctionnement du dispositif de la figure 4. La figure 5A illustre le signal IN. La figure 5B illustre le signal de courant de fuite i.The present invention proposes to connect a detection means 50 of the supply current of the write amplifier 40 or leakage current i and to send the information LI obtained on the leakage current to the processing unit 45. For example, the detection means 50 comprises a resistor R connected between the amplifier 40 and the ground GND. A differential amplifier OP is connected across the resistor R. The output signal LI of the amplifier OP is supplied to the unit 45. FIGS. 5A and 5B are timing diagrams that illustrate the operation of the device of FIG. 4. Figure 5A illustrates the IN signal. Figure 5B illustrates the leakage current signal i.
On suppose qu'à un instant 0 on commence à exciter au moins une électrode 2 au moyen d'un signal IN. Le signal IN est un signal d'impulsions répétées classiquement plusieurs fois pour garantir une lecture par le porteur du dispositif d' électro-stimulation.It is assumed that at a time 0 begins to excite at least one electrode 2 by means of an IN signal. The IN signal is a pulse signal repetitively repeated several times to ensure a reading by the wearer of the electro-stimulation device.
La figure 5Δ illustre sous forme de deux créneaux Pl et P2 deux trains d'impulsions successifs du signal IN. Deux trains d'impulsions Pl et P2 successifs sont espacés d'un temps mort td.FIG. 5Δ illustrates in the form of two slots P1 and P2 two successive pulse trains of the signal IN. Two successive pulse trains P1 and P2 are spaced from a dead time td.
Tant que le porteur ne lit pas le message présent sur les électrodes linguales, le courant d'alimentation/de fuite i de l'amplificateur 40 demeure à une valeur de repos relativement basse Istd. Pendant le temps mort td, le courant de fuite i est nul. Lorsque le porteur "lit", par exemple pendant le train P2 à partir de l'instant tr, le courant de fuite i augmente, l'impédance constituée par l'électrode 2 seule passant virtuellement d'une valeur très élevée à une valeur faible lorsque la langue l'effleure. Le courant de fuite i attend alors une valeur de lecture Iread relativement élevée qui dépend notamment de la composition de la salive de la personne.As long as the wearer does not read the message present on the lingual electrodes, the supply / leakage current i of the amplifier 40 remains at a relatively idle value. Istd bass. During the idle time td, the leakage current i is zero. When the carrier "reads", for example during the train P2 from the moment tr, the leakage current i increases, the impedance constituted by the electrode 2 only passing virtually from a very high value to a low value when the tongue touches it. The leakage current i then expects a relatively high read value Iread which depends in particular on the composition of the saliva of the person.
Selon la présente invention, en détectant au moyen de l'amplificateur OP cette variation brutale du courant de fuite i de l'amplificateur d'écriture 40, il est possible de détecter si une personne est en train de lire ou non un message. Le niveau Iread étant par exemple de l'ordre de 1 à 10 μA la résistance R peut avoir une valeur de l'ordre de 10 à 100 Ω. La valeur de la résistance R et la sensibilité de l'amplificateur opérationnel OP sont choisies de façon que l'amplificateur OP demeure insensible à la variation de courant de fuite i de 0 à la valeur de repos Istd en l'absence de lecture, mais se déclenche lors de la variation de la valeur de repos Istd à la valeur de lecture Iread.According to the present invention, by detecting by means of the amplifier OP this sudden variation of the leakage current i of the write amplifier 40, it is possible to detect whether a person is reading a message or not. The Iread level being for example of the order of 1 to 10 μA the resistor R can have a value of the order of 10 to 100 Ω. The value of the resistor R and the sensitivity of the operational amplifier OP are chosen so that the amplifier OP remains insensitive to the variation of leakage current i from 0 to the rest value Istd in the absence of reading, but triggers when the Istd rest value is changed to the Iread read value.
Une telle détection de lecture permet de cesser la répétition d'une alerte ou au contraire de maintenir la répétition d'une alerte jusqu'à ce que le message ait été lu. Il est également possible, une fois la lecture détectée, de fixer une certaine durée d'attente pendant laquelle l'unité de traitement 45 laisse le temps à la personne d'effectuer l'action requise.Such a reading detection makes it possible to stop the repetition of an alert or, conversely, to maintain the repetition of an alert until the message has been read. It is also possible, once the reading has been detected, to set a certain waiting period during which the processing unit 45 gives the person time to perform the required action.
Par exemple, pour une personne malentendante ou ayant un environnement cognitif en surcharge, lorsqu'une sonnerie (porte ou téléphone) survient, l'unité centrale 45 détermine si la personne a reçu le message à partir du signal LI, puis attend un temps raisonnable correspondant par exemple au temps de déplacement pour atteindre le lieu de l'alerte - téléphone ou porte - avant de recommencer à fournir l ' alerte si la sonnerie est toujours présente. Cela accroît le confort du porteur par rapport au maintien de l'alerte pendant une longue durée. Bien entendu, la présente invention est susceptible de diverses variantes et modifications qui apparaîtront à l'homme de l'art. En particulier, on a représenté en figure 2 une seule électrode palatine 10 fixée au palais artificiel constituant le dispositif d1 électro-stimulation linguale. Toutefois, plusieurs électrodes palatines 10 peuvent être prévues. De même, le signal d' électro-stimulation palatine appliquée sur l'électrode 10 n'a été décrit qu'à titre non-limitatif en relation avec la figure 3. La modulation du signal d'alerte palatin peut être modifié en fonction du degré de sensibilité du palais du porteur.For example, for a hearing-impaired person or having an overloaded cognitive environment, when a ringing (door or telephone) occurs, the central unit 45 determines whether the person has received the message from the LI signal and then waits a reasonable time for example the travel time to reach the location of the alert - phone or door - before starting to provide the alert if the ringing is still present. This increases the comfort of the wearer in relation to maintaining the alert for a long time. Of course, the present invention is susceptible of various variations and modifications which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular it has been shown in Figure 2 one palatal electrode 10 attached to the artificial palate comprising the device of one electro-lingual stimulation. However, several palatal electrodes 10 can be provided. Likewise, the palatal electro-stimulation signal applied to the electrode 10 has only been described in a nonlimiting manner in relation with FIG. 3. The modulation of the palatal warning signal can be modified as a function of the degree of sensitivity of the wearer's palate.
Le dispositif de détection de lecture selon la présente invention décrit en relation avec la figure 4 peut également être modifié de toute manière appropriée. En particulier, la résistance de détection R peut être modifiée en fonction du niveau du courant de fuite i associé à une personne qui varie sensiblement en fonction des propriétés physiologiques de la personne (taille de la langue, composition de la salive) . The read detection device according to the present invention described in connection with Fig. 4 may also be modified in any suitable manner. In particular, the detection resistor R can be modified as a function of the level of the leakage current i associated with a person that varies substantially according to the physiological properties of the person (size of the tongue, composition of the saliva).

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif d'électro-stimulation linguale (1), caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens propres à signaler la présence d'un message au niveau d'électrodes d' électrostimulation linguale du dispositif. 1. Apparatus for lingual electro-stimulation (1), characterized in that it comprises means for signaling the presence of a message at lingual electrostimulation electrodes of the device.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens comportent au moins une électrode palatine (10) destinée à être maintenue en contact permanent avec le palais .2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means comprise at least one palatal electrode (10) intended to be maintained in permanent contact with the palate.
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'électrode palatine (10) est adaptée à être excitée au moyen d'un signal d'impulsions.3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the palatal electrode (10) is adapted to be excited by means of a pulse signal.
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le signal d'impulsions d'excitation de l'électrode palatine (10) est constitué de la répétition d'un groupe de trois impulsions, chaque impulsion ayant une amplitude comprise entre 5 et 15 V, et une durée de 10 à 90 μs, deux impulsions successives étant séparées de quelques millisecondes et deux groupes de trois impulsions étant séparés de quelques dizaines de millisecondes .4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the excitation pulse signal of the palatal electrode (10) consists of the repetition of a group of three pulses, each pulse having an amplitude of between 5 and 15 V , and a duration of 10 to 90 μs, two successive pulses being separated by a few milliseconds and two groups of three pulses being separated by a few tens of milliseconds.
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le signal d'excitation de l'électrode palatine (10) comporte cinq répétitions du groupe de trois impulsions.5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the excitation signal of the palatal electrode (10) comprises five repetitions of the group of three pulses.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens sont un dispositif électro-mécanique noyé dans un support (3) du dispositif. 6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the means are an electromechanical device embedded in a support (3) of the device.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel des amplificateurs d'écriture (40) associés aux électrodes linguales (2) du dispositif sont munis de moyens (50) propres à détecter leur courant de fuite (i) .7. Device according to claim 1, wherein writing amplifiers (40) associated with the lingual electrodes (2) of the device are provided with means (50) for detecting their leakage current (i).
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens de détection (50) comprennent un amplificateur opérationnel (OP) connecté aux bornes d'une résistante (R) connectée sur le trajet du courant de fuite (i) . 8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means (50) comprise an operational amplifier (OP) connected across a resistor (R) connected in the path of the leakage current (i).
PCT/FR2007/051400 2006-06-09 2007-06-08 Prevention and compensation of cognitive deficits with the help of a device for lingual electrostimulation in a multireceptive home automation environment WO2008009833A2 (en)

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FR0652079 2006-06-09
FR0652079A FR2902016B1 (en) 2006-06-09 2006-06-09 PREVENTION AND COMPENSATION OF COGNITIVE DEFICITS USING A LINGUAL ELECTRO-STIMULATION DEVICE IN A DOMOTIC MULTIPERCEPTIVE ENVIRONMENT

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2455882A1 (en) * 1979-05-10 1980-12-05 Rion Co ARTIFICIAL PALACE FOR ELECTROPALATOGRAPHER
US5792067A (en) * 1995-11-21 1998-08-11 Karell; Manuel L. Apparatus and method for mitigating sleep and other disorders through electromuscular stimulation
US6430450B1 (en) * 1998-02-06 2002-08-06 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Tongue placed tactile output device
US6598006B1 (en) * 1999-10-18 2003-07-22 Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International Data input device using a palatal plate
WO2006008406A1 (en) * 2004-06-24 2006-01-26 Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique Eschar prevention device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2455882A1 (en) * 1979-05-10 1980-12-05 Rion Co ARTIFICIAL PALACE FOR ELECTROPALATOGRAPHER
US5792067A (en) * 1995-11-21 1998-08-11 Karell; Manuel L. Apparatus and method for mitigating sleep and other disorders through electromuscular stimulation
US6430450B1 (en) * 1998-02-06 2002-08-06 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Tongue placed tactile output device
US6598006B1 (en) * 1999-10-18 2003-07-22 Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International Data input device using a palatal plate
WO2006008406A1 (en) * 2004-06-24 2006-01-26 Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique Eschar prevention device

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WO2008009833A3 (en) 2008-04-17
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