Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STIMLULATING THE VISUAL SYSTEM
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
A human being's visual system is comprised of a
number of spacially separate regions, each of which have
distinct functional roles. Generally speaking a human
being's visual system comprises a sensory component,
stationary or form analysis component, motion analysis
component, cortex, pupil motor pathway component and
psychoptical component. Information from the sensory
component feeds into the stationary component and motion
analysis component and finally into tne cortex which
functions as an end station of a human being's brain.
The motion analysis component comprises a number of
different cells and includes amacrine cells which respond
to motion and release dopamine when stimulated by such
motion.
The pupil motor pathway is controlled by an
autonomic component of a nervous system of a human beins.
The pupil motor pathway is responsible for pupillary
re lexes which encompasses the following reflexes:
(i) the light re'lex whereby the pupil
contracts if light directly enters the
eye;
(ii) the near reflex in which the curvature of
the lens is increased such that a close
object may be brought into focus;
(iii) the psychosensory reflex in which the
pupils dilate following sensory or psychic
stimuli.
The psychoptical component of the visual system is
responsible for psychop~ical reflexes which include
fixation and fusion reflexes. There are two fusion
reflexes, namely motor fusion and sensory fusion. Motor
fusion enables extra ocular muscles of each eye to work
together and sensory fusion enables separate images from
each eye to be joined to give depth perception. lt is
thought that emotion and pain may influence the
psychoptical component. Fixatior and fusion reflexes
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enable the eyes to orientate themselves such that light
rays from an object of interest fall on the most
sensitive part of the retina, the fovea. They also allow
the eyes to follow a moving object while keeping the
image focused on the fovea. These reflexes are also
important for binocular vision. The fixation and fusion
reflexes are stimulated by object movement and/or head
movement.
Operation and interaction of the aforementioned
components of the visual system is to date by no means
thoroughly understood. It is thought by persons skilled
in the relevant art that the cortex may be capable of
functioning as a Fourier analyser which is capable of
analysing wave motion and operating on a logarithmic as
opposed to a linear scale.
It is desirable to provide an apparatus and method
for stimulation of the visual system of a human being
which enables pupilla-y reflexes, fixation and fusion
reflexes and stationery and motion analysis components of
the visual system to be stimulated.
SUM~IARY OF THE INVENTION
The present inventor has discovered that by applying
a pattern to a surface, the pattern having regions which
are located at a predetermined distance or arrangement
relative to each other and which contrast visually with
the surface, and moving the pattern relative to the field
of vision of a person at a speed equal to or greater than
a speed where the regions begin to blur, each of the
aforementioned components of the visual system may be
stimulated. Due to fixation and fusion reflexes a
person's eyes attempt to follow the moving regions of the
pattern and as such by forcing the eyes to remain focused
upon a region which is not moving relative to the field
of vision of the person the eyes are able to be exercised
in such a way so as to correct visual abnormalities such
as squint, amblyopia, errors of refraction and the
inability to correctly focus.
Movement of a pattern relative to the field of
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vision can produce a number of different results
depending upon the details of the pattern and the speed
of movement of the pattern relative to the field of
vision. As the speed of movement of the pattern
increases, the person views what appears, to the person,
to be a blurred imaae that is typically unrecognisable;
although, with certain patterns, which can usually be
characterised as a wave form the pattern appears, to the
person, to move relative to the field of vision at a
slower speed than the speed of movement of the pattern.
If the speed is then further increased, the person views,
depending upon the pattern, either what appears, to the
person, to be a blurred image or banding wherein one or
more bands are substantially aligned with the direction
of movement of the pattern relative to the field of
vision.
Because of the above described findings regardins
the visual system's response in relation to a moving
pattern the present inventor postulates that the mot~on
analysis component and associated co~.exual analysis are
responsible for such findings and are therefore
stimulated. It is therefore thought, by the present
inventor, that the apparatus and method of the present
invention may be capable of stimulating the motion
analysis component and cortex of the visual system for
the purpose of producing associated beneficial affects
such as increasing the processing capabilities of the
person whose visual system is stimulated. The present
inventor also considers that such stimulation may be used
to maintain cells of the brain which atrophy with age or
otherwise degenerate and therefore suggests that the
apparatus and method of the present invention has
application in the treatment of degenerative diseases
such as Parkinson's. Furthermore stimulation of the
motion analysis component results in the release of
dopamine and may also increase receptor uptake capacity
in relation to dopamine which is important with respect
to treatment of degenerative disease.
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The autonomic nervous system is comprised of
sympathetic and parasympathetic components or pathways
which are integrated in the hypothalamus. To date the
autonomic nervous system has been considered to be
involuntary; however, the present inventor has discovered
that the autonomic nervous system can be influenced with
the use of an appropriate apparatus and method of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention: awareness
and vegetative functions such as eye and blood pressure
can be influenced. The present inventor has also found
that the aforementioned use of the apparatus of the
present invention results in elevated awareness while
dreaming.
Through use of the apparatus and method of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention it has also
been found that stimulation of the visual system is
useful for the purpose of effecting sleep onset, in a
similar fashion to 8 Hz slimulation, which is considered
to effect a higher centre which is thought to be
comprised of a diffuse system in the hypothalamus and
frontal lobe and responsible for controlling circadian
rhythms which effect dional variation in alertness.
Circadian rhythms are at present not well understood;
however, it is believed that the hypothalamus is
associated with the release of adrenocortico trophic
hormone which in turn effects the release of cortisone
from the suprarenal gland and consequently effects
alertness and stress levels.
The present invention provides an apparatus for
stimulating the visual system of a person, the apparatus
comprising; a pattern having regions which contrast
visually, the regions being located at a predetermined
distance or arrangement relative to each other and means
for moving the pattern relative to the field of vision of
the person at a speed equal to or greater than a speed
where the regions appear, to the person, to begin to
blur.
The regions may be of any colour or intensity
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providing they contrast with each other.
Typically a background region is a dark colour such
as blue, navy, red or black and the remaining regions are
of a lighter colour such as white, yellow or green.
The remaining regions may be a combination of
lighter colours.
The remaining regions or part thereof may be red if
the background regions are not red.
A suitable pattern may include recurring geometrical
shapes such as horizortal lines or planar geometrical
shapes such a circles, triangles, rectangles, squares and
the like.
The shapes are preferably placed at equidistant
intervals from each other.
The shapes may be of alternating sizes, lengths or
orientation.
The pattern may comprise repeating lines of short
and long lengths.
Another suitable pattern comprises alternating
triangles whose apexes are directed in substantially
opposite directions.
The patterns may comprise at least one wave form.
The at least one wave form may be square,
triangular, sinusoidal or any combination thereof.
The at least one wave form way be compressed or
extended in the longitudinal direction.
It is preferred that the at least one wave form has
a constant pitch.
The at least one wave form may have a constant
amplitude.
The at least one wave form may be damped.
The wave form may be represented by a continuous
line or may be defined by a number of regularly spaced
geometric shapes.
The regions may be in a predetermined relationship
relative to each other.
The pattern may include a number of overlapping sub-
patterns. Fcr example, a series of equidistant
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vertically spaced lines may overlie a sine wave.
It is preferred that movement of the pattern
relative to the field of vision results in the person
viewing a moving pattern which appears, to the person, to
be bands that are substantially aligned with the
direction of movement of the pattern relative to the
field of vision.
The pattern may be moved substantially linearly
relative to the field of vision.
The pattern may be moved horizonta'ly across the
field of vision from either left to right or right to
left, vertically across the field of vision in either
direction or any combination thereof.
The pattern may rotate relative to the field of
vision of the person.
The rotating pattern may be viewed from a position
such that in viewing the pattern from such a position, a
direct line of sight from the vlewing position to the
pattern is substantially aligned with an axis about which
the pattern rotates.
It is preferred that rotatory movement o, the
pattern relative to the field of vision about an axis
which is substantially aligned with the direction of the
direct line of sight results in the person viewing a
moving pattern which appears, to the person, to be at
least one annular band.
It is preferred that movement of the pattern
relative to the field of vision results in the pathways
of the visual system for motion analysis and stationery
form analysis, namely magnocellular and parvocellular
respectively, being stimulated.
It is preferred that movement of the pattern
relative to the field of vision can be viewed with either
one or both eyes.
It is preferred that if the pattern is moved
substantially horizontally across the field of vision
that it is viewed with only one eye.
The apparatus of the present invention may include
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any method of moving the pattern relative to the field of
vision.
The pattern may be applied to a surface.
The apparatus of the present invention may include
any arrangement of surfaces and methods of moving the
surfaces.
The surface to which the pattern is applied may
comprise the surface of a rotatable shape such as a
sphere or cylinder wherein movement of the pattern
relative to the field of vision of the person is achieved
by rotating the rotatable shape about a substantially
central axis.
The rotatable shape may be rotated manually or
automatically about the substantially central axis.
Automatic rotation of the rotatable shape may
comprise a mechanical or electrical device which imparts
drive to the rotatable shape for rotation of the
rotatable shape about the substantially central axis.
It is preferred that the patlern is painted or
otherwise marked on the surface of the rotatable shape.
Alternatively the rotatable shape may be hollow and
the pattern represented by cut-out shapes illuminated by
a light source which is housed within the hollow
rotatable shape.
The pattern may be applied to the surface of the
rotatable shape proximal the equator of the rotatable
shape.
It is preferred that the pattern is viewed from a
position such that in viewing the pattern from such a
position a direct line of sight from the viewing position
to the pattern is substantially perpendicular to the axis
of rotation of the rotatable shape.
It is preferred that the pattern design is such that
when the pattern is rotated at a speed equal to or
greater than a speed where the regions begin to appear
blurred the viewer views what appears to be at least one
substantially linear band.
Preferably the at least one substantially linear
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band is substantially aligned with the direction of
movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision.
A pattern may be applied to the surface of the
rotatable shape proximal the poles of the rotatable
shape.
The pattern may be viewed from a position such that
in viewing the pattern from such a position a direct line
of sight from the viewing position to the pattern is
substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the
rotatable shape.
It is preferred that the pattern which is rotated
has a centre point with regions of contrast radiating
therefrom.
The pattern may comprise discrete lines radiating
from the centre point.
Alternatively the pattern may comprise at least one
splral .
The pattern may comprise at least one ~adiating line
or the like.
The at least one radiating line may be continuous or
may be formed from a plurality of spaced images.
It is pre erred that the plurality of spaced images
are spaced geometric shapes.
A suitable pattern includes alternating radiating
l,nes of different lengths.
It is preferred that the pattern design is such that
when the pattern is rotated at a speed equal to or
greater than a speed where the regions begin to appear
blurred, the viewer views what appears to be at least one
annular band.
The pattern which is applied to the surface of the
rotatable shape proximal the poles of the rotatable shape
may comprise a complex number representation of a wave
form or any combination of such complex number
representations of wave forms.
Alternatively the pattern may be applied to a
surface of a movable tape or revolving disc.
Preferably the surface of the rotatable shape is
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reflective.
It is preferred that at least one light source is
positioned so as to reflect from the surface to which the
pattern is applied.
Preferably the at least one light source is visible
to the person.
Alternatively, at least one stationery object is
positioned between the person and the pattern, enabling
the person to focus on the at least one stationery object
while viewing the mcving pattern.
Preferably there are two at least one stationery
objects.
The at least one stationery object may be imagined
by the person.
It is preferred that each of the at least one
objects is such that the person can remain focused on one
of such objects at any time.
It is preferred that there are two objects such that
the person is able to periodically move their point of
focus from one of the objects to the other of the
objec~s.
The surface to which the pattern is applied ~ay be
mirrored so as to reflect light, transparent so as to
refract light or may have holes or cavities through which
light is diffracted.
It is preferred that a pattern and its movement
relative to the field of vision of the person may be
produced via a computer and associated video screen or
the like.
The pattern and its movement relative to the field
of vision of a person may be produced by combining two
software packages, namely 3DF/X Version 2.0 and Paint
Shop Pro (4).
It is preferred that square or triangular wave forms
are produced using Paint Shop Pro (~) and saved as BitMap
Files for manipulation with 3DF/X Version 2.0 which
enables animation of the square or triangular wave forms.
It is preferred that "3D Model" is selected from the
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3DF/X Version 2.0 to enable a virtual ball and associated
colour and dimensions to be selected.
It is preferred that the background upon which the
virtual ball is positioned is either "late dawn" or "pale
haze".
In accordance with 3DF/X Version 2.0 an axis, namely
X, Y, Z or any combination thereof about which the
virtual ball rotates may be selected.
Preferably the intensity of light radiating from the
virtual ball may be varied to produce at least one region
which is brighter than a surrounding region.
It is preferred that each of the at least one bright
regions is such that the person can remain focused on one
of such regions at any time.
It is preferred that there are two separate and
distinct bright regions of the pattern such that the
person is able to shift their point of focus from one of
the bright regions to the other of the bright regions.
The intensity of light radiating from the virtual
ball may be varied between 0 and 100 percent wherein
intensity levels between 65 and lO0 per_ent are selected
for a single central light source which is focused on the
centre of the virtual ball.
It is preferred that the square or triangular wave
forms which may be created using Paint Shop Pro (4) can
be saved as a BitMap pattern and mapped onto the virtual
ball which is created using 3DF/X Version 2.0:
In mapping the square or triangular wave forms onto
the virtual ball the wave form of constant amplitude
which was created using Paint Shop Pro (4), when mapped
onto the virtual ball, may form a damped wave form of
reducing amplitude.
The virtual ball may be rotated about a virtual axis
at a preselected speed of rotation.
It is preferred that the rotatable shape or virtual
ball is rotated at a speed with a lower limit of one
quarter of a revolution per second and an upper limit of
30 revolutions per second.
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Preferably the rotatable shape or virtual ball is
rotated at a speed of 3 revolutions per second.
It is preferred that movement of the pattern
relative to the field of vision of the person produces,
what appears, to the person, to be bands of a
predetermined width and separation.
It is preferred that the width and separation of the
bands is approximately equivalent.
The present invention also provides a method of
stimulating the visual system of a person, the method
comprising, moving the pattern of the apparatus relative
to the field of vision of the person at a speed equal to
or greater than a speed where the regions appear, to the
person, to begin to blur for a predetermined period of
time.
It is preferred that the method involves the person
viewing the moving pattern for a predetermined period of
time without eye glasses.
The period of time for viewing the moving pattern
may be up to ten minutes or 'onger.
Preferably the period of time for viewing the moving
pattern ranges from 2-5 minutes.
Preferably the speed of movement of the pattern
relative to the field of vision of the person is variable
according to the particular pattern being viewed by the
person and is dependent upon .he spacing between discreet
regions of the pattern or pi_ch of a wave ~form of the
pattern.
The moving pattern may be located at a distance
which is approximately equivalent to an arms length of
the person, from the person.
Preferably the person focuses on at least one object
or region which is stationery relative to the field of
vision while viewing the moving pattern.
35The at least one stationery object may comprise a
reflection of a light source.
A1ternatively, the at least one stationery region
may comprise a region of the pattern which is brighter
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than a surrounding region.
Preferably the at least one stationery object is
between the person and the pattern enabling the person to
focus on the at least one stationery object while viewing
the moving pattern.
The at least one stationery object may be imagined
by the person.
It is preferred that the person focuses with one or
both eyes on one of the at least one stationery object or
region at any one time.
Preferably there are two at least one stationery
regions or objects.
It is preferred that the person periodically moves
their point of focus from one of the stationery regions
or objects to the other of the stationery regions or
objects.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to exercise one
or both eyes of a person.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person m~y also be used for the
correction of squints, amblyopia and errors of
refraction.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may also be used for general
relaxation.
The method for stimulating the visual system of the
person may be used to promote relaxation.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to improve
vision, including night vision.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to promote sleep
onset.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person enables hormone levels,
including cortisone levels, to be regulated by regulating
the circadian rhythm to reduce intraocular pressure and
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the stress effects of cortisone.
It is also preferred that the method for stimulating
the visual system of the person may be used to treat
medical, movement disorders such as Parkinson's Disease
by stimulation of amacrine cells and other dopamine
releasing cells which consequently release dopamine.
Preferably the method for stimulating the visual
system of the person by exercising the eye results in an
increase in dopamine absorptive capacity of brain cells.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to treat
psychological conditions or compliment psychoanalysis,
stress and depression by influencing the production of
neurotransmitters such as dopamine.
It is also preferred that the method for stimula~ing
the visual system of the person may be used to increase
awareness, consciousness and information processing
capabilities.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to increase
awareness, consciousness and information processing
capabilities by increasing cortical processing.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to improve the
pe~son's ability to focus.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person stimulates the ~ortex which
inturn results in the cortex improving the person's
focus.
The method for stimulating the visual system of the
person may be used to improve the person's ability to
focus when general lighting is other than dim if the
person's quality of vision is limited.
It is also preferred that the method for stimulating
the visual system of the person may be used to influence
the type and amount of dreams of the person.
Preferably the content of dreams can be programmed,
by altering illumination levels, of the one or more light
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sources which are focused on the pattern while it is
moving within the field of vision of the person.
Preferably scotopic or low levels of illumination
results in dreams with fearful emotional content, the
subject matter of such dreams depending on the person's
individual conscious and sub-conscious fears, while
photopic or higher levels of illumination result in
joyful and pleasurable dreams, the subject matter of such
dreams depending on the person's conscious and sub-
conscious joys and pleasures.
The colour of dreams may be influenced by variationsin colour of the regions of the pattern.
The prominence of green/blue colours may result in
the content of dreams being in relation to green/blue
objects or features such as grass, fields, lakes or the
like.
It is also preferred that the method for stimulating
the visual system of the person may be used to regulate
intraocular pressure.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of a person may be used to exercise a pupil
motor and voluntary eye movement motor pathway component
of the visual system and consequently decreases
intraocular pressure.
It is further preferred that the method for
stimulating the visual system of the person may be used
to maintain an eye's tear film.
Preferably the method for stimulating the visual
system of the person may be used to stimulate
parasympathetic nerves which inturn stimulate lacrimal
glands to maintain smoothness of the ocular surface of
the cornea.
It is preferred that the pattern moves in a
direction from one side of the person to the other side
of the person relative to the field of vision.
It is preferred that when the pattern which moves
from one side of the person to the other side of the
person is viewed by the person, the moving pattern
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appears, to the person, to be comprised of at least one
band which is substantially aligned with the direction of
movement of the pattern relative to the field of vision.
The pattern which moves from one side of the person
to the other side of the person may produce a first
treatment pattern for use in correcting certain squints.
It is preferred that for the purpose for correcting
squints in relation to a left eye the person views the
pattern moving from the left side of the person to the
right side of the person for a period of 2-5 minutes.
It is preferred that for the purpose of correcting
squints in a right eye the person views the pattern
moving from a right side of the person to a left side or
the person for a period of 2-5 minutes.
Preferably a second treatment pattern comprises a
pattern which moves in a downward direction relative to
the field of vision such that the person views, what
appears tG the person, to be at least one band which is
substantially aligned with the direction of movement of
the second treatment pattern.
The second treatment pattern may be useful for
exercising and relaxation of the eyes.
Alternatively, the second treatment pattern may be
useful for tear film maintenance.
The second treatment pattern may find application in
vision improvement.
The second treatment pattern may also be useful for
the purpose of inducing sleep onset.
The second treatment pattern may be applicable in
relation to lucid dreaming and dream recall.
The second treatment pattern may be suitable for
brain cell stimulation for the purpose of maintaining
brain cells.
The second treatment pattern may also be useful for
treatment of degenerative diseases and/or processes such
as Parkinson's Disease.
Preferably the second treatment pattern comprises a
square wave form wherein movement of the square wave form
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relative to the field of vision is such that the square
waves have a frequency of between 40 and 200 Hz.
The square wave form may be overlaid by a triangular
wave form whose wave length is substantially equivalent
to the square wave form.
The overlaying triangular wave form may comprise
alternating inverted triangles.
Alternatively, the square wave form and overlayed
inverted triangular wave form of the second treatment
pattern may be moved relative to the field of vision so
as to produce a resulting frequency of between 26 and 130
Hz.
It is preferred that the person focuses with both
eyes on the at least one stationery region or object for
a period of 2-5 minutes while viewing the second
treatment pattern.
The left eye may be closed to enable the person to
focus with the right eye on the at least one stationery
region or object for a per~od of 2-5 minu~es wh~le
viewing the second treatment pat~ern.
The right eye may ther be closed to enable the
person to focus with the left eye on the at least one
stationery region or object for a period of 2-5 minutes
while viewing the second treatment pattern.
It is preferred that if .he person focuses with one
eye only on the at least one stationery region or object
the person alternates viewing of the pattern between each
eye.
Use of the first and second treatment patterns may
result in elevated intraocular pressure due to reduced
eye movement.
It is preferred that the person's focus can be
alternated between two stationery regions or objects for
the purpose of exercising the eye to increase eye
movement and subsequently avoid elevation of intraocular
pressure.
Blood pressure may be elevated, depending on a wave
length of wave forms and resulting frequency of the
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moving pattern of the first and second treatment
patterns, with use of the first and second treatment
patterns and as such general exercise and weight
maintenance is required to control blood pressure.
It is preferred that use of the first and second
treatment patterns results in the person viewing what
appears, to the person, to be four bands which are
substantially aligned with the direction of movement of
the pattern.
A third treatment pattern comprises a sine wave
which is moved downwardly relative to the field of
vision, the sine wave being moved relative to the field
of vision at a frequency ranging from 32-160 Hz.
The sine wave may be dampea.
Methods of treatment similar to that used in
~elation to the second treatment pattern may be used in
relation to the third treatment pattern.
The third treatment pat-ern may be used for vision
improvement.
Alternatively, the thira treatment pattern may be
used for eye exercise and re'axa~ion.
Preferably the third treatment pattern may be used
for brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain cell
maintenance.
The third treatment pattern may also be used in
relation to treatment of degenerative diseases and/or
processes such as Parkinson's Disease.
A fourth treatment pattern comprises a pattern which
moves rotationally relative to the field of vision
wherein upon such rotational movement the person views,
what appears, to the person, to be at least one annular
band.
Preferably the person views what appears, to the
person, to be two annular bands with use of the fourth
treatment pattern.
The fourth treatment pattern may be use for the
purpose of vision improvement.
Alternatively the fourth treatment pattern may be
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useful for eye exercise and relaxation.
It is preferred that the fourth treatment pattern
may be applicable in relation to brain cell stimulation
for the purpose of brain cell maintenance.
5The fourth treatment pattern may also be used in
relation to treatment of degenerative diseases and/or
processes such as Parkinson's Disease.
It is preferred that the fourth treatment pattern is
rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per
second.
A fifth treatment pattern may comprise at least one
block which is rotated relative to the field of vision at
a speed such that the person views what appears, to the
person, to be at least one annular band.
15Preferably the fifth treatment pattern corresponds
to a zone plate wherein the radii of inner and outer
edges of each annular band is equal to the square root of
consecutive natural numbers.
?referably inner and outer edges of each annular
band have radii equal to the square root of consecutive
na~ural numbers wherein the centre of each annular band
substantially coincides with the axis of rotation of the
pattern.
The fifth treatment pattern may be used for eye
exercise and relaxation.
Alternatively the fifth treatment pattern may be
used for tear film maintenance.
More preferably the fifth treatment pattern is
useful for the purpose of reducing intraocular pressure.
30The fifth treatment pattern may be used to correct
double vision which may ensue from use of the first
treatment pattern.
More preferably the fifth treatment pattern
comprises five blocks.
35The fifth treatment pattern may comprise seven
blocks.
A sixth treatment pattern may comprise at least one
radial array of blocks and/or segments which are able to
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be rotated relative to the field of vision.
It is preferred that each radial array of blocks
and/or segments comprises at least four blocks and/or
segments which are equally spaced radially about a centre
point of the array of blocks and/or segments.
It is preferred that the sixth treatment pattern
comprises at least three substantially concentrically
arranged radial arrays of blocks and/or segments.
It is preferred that rotation of the sixth treatment
pattern relative to the field of vision results in the
person viewing, what to the person appears to be,
substantially concen~ric bands which correspond to the
blocks and/or segments.
It is preferred that the sixth treatment pattern may
be used for the purpose eye exercise and relaxation.
Alternatively the sixth ~reatment pattern may be
used for tear film maintenance.
The sixth treatment pattern may be used for vision
improvement.
It is preferred that the blocks and/or segments of
the sixth treatment pattern are either red, green or
yellow in colour and overlay a dark coloured background
which is preferably blue.
It is preferred that the blocks and/or segments of
an inner radially arranged array of blocks and/or
segments alternate in colour between white, red, white
and green; bands and/or segments of the radial array
which is adjacent to the inner radial array alternate
between white, green, yellow and red; bands and/or
segments of the radial array which is outside of the
inner and second most inner radial array alternate in
colour between yellow and red while bands and/or segments
of a most outside radial array are yellow.
The sixth treatment pattern may be useful for
inducement of lucid dreaming and dream recall.
Alternatively, the sixth treatment pattern may be
useful for brain cell stimulation for the purpose of
brain cell maintenance.
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
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The sixth treatment pattern may also be used in
relation to treatment of degenerative diseases and/or
processes such as Parkinson's Disease.
It is preferred that the sixth treatment pattern is
rotated at a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per
second.
It is preferred that in relation to the fourth,
fifth and sixth treatment patterns that the following
program be followed wherein, for the purpose of
explanation, the fourth, fifth and sixth treatment
patterns are divided into four quadrants, as viewed from
the position of the person viewing the treatment
patterns, the first quadrant being the upper right hand
quadrant, the second quadrant being the upper left hand
quadrant, the third quadrant being the lower left hand
quadrant and the fourth quadrant being the lower right
hand quadrant:
(1) The pattern is rotated relative to the
person in either direction while the person viewing the
treatment pattern focuses, w~th both eyes, on an outer
band of the treatment pattern in a posltion substantially
between the first and fourth quadrant and then proceeds
to sequentially focus on inner bands in positions which
lie substantially in a line between the point of focus on
the oucer band and the concentric centre of such bands;
(2) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting
at an outer band at a position substantially-between the
first and second quadrant and moving toward the
concentric centre of the bands;
(3) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting
at an outer band at a position substantially between the
second and third quadrants and moving toward the
concentric centre of the bands;
(4) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting
at the outer band at a position substantially between the
third and fourth quadrant and moving in a direction
towards the concentric centre of the bands;
(5) The procedure of steps (1)-(4) is repeated
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
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in a reverse direction starting at the outer band at a
position between the second and third quadrants and
moving about the treatment pattern in a clockwise, as
opposed to anti-clockwise direction.
It is preferred that the fourth, fifth and sixth
treatment patterns may be used in relation to just one
eye wherein use in relation to the right eye requires
(1)-(4) to be repeated with the pattern rotating in an
anti-clockwise direction relative to the person and use
in relation to the left eye requires (5) to be repeated
with the pattern rotating in a clockwise direction
relative to the person.
Preferably retuning of a person's vision or ability
ot focus may be more effective with greater frequencies
of the moving pattern for person's with weak eyes.
Persons with weak eyes may require several weeks or
daily use of the apparatus in accordance with the
~eievan. method to adjust to such a method.
It is preferred that methods associated with
treatment patterns 1-6 are carried out on a daily basis.
It is pre erred that the method -or stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to stimulate or
regulate the entire nervous system by influencing
hypothalamic centres and collection of nerve cells, the
frontal eye field and visual cortex which results in
transmitters being released into the nervous system of
the person.
It is preferred that the method for stimulating the
visual system of the person may be used to maintain
general health by stimulation of the hypothalamus which
integrates functions of the autonomic nervous system and
inturn corrects and co-ordinates different organs of the
person.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will
now be described, by way of example only, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a front elevation of an apparatus
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the
apparatus according to Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows an alternative apparatus to that of
Figures l and 2;
Figure 4 shows another alterna.tive apparatus to that
of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 5 shows a plan view of an upper pole of the
apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 4 and a right pole of an
alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 3;
Figure 6 shows an inverted plan view of a lower pole
of the apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 4 and a left pole of
an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 3;
Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the
apparatus according to Figure 5;
Figu~e 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the
apparatus according to Figure 6;
Figure 9 shows a further alte~rative embodiment of
the apparatus according to Figures 5 and 6;
Figure i0 shows another alternative embodiment of
~he apparatus according to Figures 5 and 6;
Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the
apparatus according to Figure 5;
Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the
apparatus according to Figure 6.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
According to Figure 1 an apparatus 10 of~the present
invention comprises a sphere 12 which is rotatably
mounted on upper and lower axial pins 14 and 16
respectively which are supported by a semi-circular
support bar 18 which is mounted in a mounting foot 20.
The sphere 12 iS blue.
The sphere 12 has a combined square wave pattern 22
and compressed triangular wave pattern 24 which overlays
the equatorial surface of the sphere 12. In the righl
hand side of Figure 1 the pattern 22 iS shown without the
pattern 24 simply for illustration purposes. Pattern
22 iS white and pattern 24 is yellow. As such, the blue
. . ~ .
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
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surface of the sphere 12 iS visible in the form of
adjacent, curved, substantially vertical, rectangular
~portions when viewing the pattern 22 while it is
stationery relative to the viewer. Similarly, the blue
surface of the sphere 12 iS visible in the form of
adjacent, inverted triangular portions when viewing the
pattern 24. The patterns 22 and 24 may be painted or
otherwise marked on the sphere 12. It is preferred that
the patterns 22 and 24 comprises adhesive strips such
10 that the patterns 22 and 24 may be replaced if so desired
by the same or alternative patterns.
The surface of the sphere 12 of Figure 2 also has
red circles 26 which define a sign wave which extends
about the surface of the sphere 12 obliquely relative to
15 the equator of the sphere 12.
Referring to Figure 3 a blue sphere 28 rotates about
a substantially horizontal axis which aligns wi~h axial
pins 14 and 16, the axial pins 14 and 16 being supported
by a semi-circular support 18 which is mounted on a base
20 20. A yellow compressed triangular wave pattern 30
similar to that of pattern 24 of Figures 1 and 2 overlays
an equatorial surface of sphere 28.
Referring to Figure 4 a blue sphere 32 iS mounted
relative to axial pins 14 and 16 in a similar fashion to
25 the sphere 12 of Figures 1 and 2. A pattern 34
comprising a white damped sign wave overlays an
equatorial surface of the sphere 32.
It should be noted that the equatorial pattern of
spheres 12, 28 or 32 may comprise any combination of wave
30 forms wherein each of the wave forms may be a square
wave, triangular wave, sinusoidal wave or any one of the
aforementioned wave forms which is either compressed or
extended in the longitudinal direction.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6 poles of the spheres
35 12, 28 and 32 comprise white lines 36-50 and 52-66 which
radiate from axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and
overlay spheres 12, 28 and 32. Lines 44-50 and 60-66 are
equivalent in length and shorter than lines 36-42 and 52-
.... .... .... . . ...
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
- 24 -
58 respectively. Lines 46-50 and 62-66 bisect the ansle
between adjacent longer lines 38-36 and 54-52
respectively. Line 44 iS remGved from line 36 by an
angle of 30 degrees and from line 38 by an angle of 60
degrees; whereas, line 60 is removed from line 52 by an
angle of 60 degrees and line 54 by an angle of 30
degrees.
Referring to Figures 7 and 8 the poles of the
apparatus of Figures 1-4 comprises white spirals 68 and
1070 which spiral about axial pins 14 and 16 respectively
and overlie the blue surface of the spheres of the
apparatus of Figures 1-4.
Referring to Figure 9 the poles of the apparatus of
Figures 1-4 comprise a white block pattern 72 which
15extends away from axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and
overlays the blue surface of the spheres o the appara~us
of Figures 1-4. The block pattern 72 corresponds to a
zone plate wherein axial pins 14 and 16 equate to the
centre of the zone plate. The distance of inner and
20outer edges of each block from the relevant axial pin 14
or 16 correspond to the radii of inner and outer edges of
bands of a zone plate and are equal to the square root of
consecutive natural numbers.
Referring to Figure 10 the poles of the apparatus of
25Figures 1-4 comprise white lines 74-84 which overlay the
blue surface of spheres of the apparatus of Figures 1-4.
Line 74-82 extend from axial pins 14 and 16 -respectively
and line 84 connects a point part-way along line 80 with
an end of line 82.
30Referring to Figures 11 and 12 the poles of spheres
12, 28 and 32 comprise patterns 86 and 88 which radiate
from axial pins 14 and 16 respectively and overlay the
surface of the spheres 12, 28 and 32 which is blue.
Patterns 86 and 88 are comprised of a number of coloured
35concentric rings. Working from the axial pins 14 and 15
toward the outer concentric ring the rings are comprised
of the following. A first concentric ring contains 8
segments 90-104 and 106-120 which radiate about axial
CA 02262420 1999-02-02
pins 14 and 16 respectively and blocks 122-128 and 130-
136 which similarly radiate about axial pins 14 and 16
respectively. The segments 90-104 and 106-120 alternate
in colour from red to green, segments 90 and 106 being
5 green and red respectively; whereas, the bands 122-128
and 130-136 are white. The segments 90-104 and 106-120
are removed 15 degrees radially from an adjacent segment.
The blocks 124-128 and 132-136 bisect the angle between
adjacent segments; whereas, the blocks 122 and 130 are
removed 15 degrees from an adjacent green segment and 45
degrees from an adjacent red segment.
A second concentric ring of patterns 86 and 88
comprises blocks 138-168 which alternate in colour
through white, red, yellow and green and 170-200 which
alternate in colour through white, green, yellow and red.
The third concentric ring of patterns 86 and 88 comprises
alternating yellow blocks 202 and red blocks 204. The
fourth concentric ring of patterns 85 and 88 is formed of
yellow blocks 206 which encompass the first, second and
third concentric rings of patterns 86 and 88.
It should be noted that any complex number
representation of a wave form or any combination of such
complex number representations may be suitable for use as
a polar pattern for application to one or both poles of
the spheres 12, 28 or 32.
In use, spheres 12, 28 and 32 are located at
approximately arm's length from the eyes of the user.
Spheres 12 and 32 of Figures 1, 2 and 4 are capable
of producing a first treatment pattern which is useful
for treatment of certain squints and is only used in
relation to one eye at a time. In treating squints, it
is preferred that two light sources are suitably
positioned such that reflections of both the light
sources are visible in the surface of the rotating sphere
which is suitably reflective. Such light sources makes
it easier for the user to maintain focus on a region
which is stationery relative to the user by enabling the
user to focus on the reflection or one of the light
... .
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
sources at any given moment. This enables the user to
stimulate the form analysis component of the visual
system and motion analysis component simultaneously. The
reflections of the two light sources also enable the user
to exercise their eye by shifting the focal point of
their eye periodically from one of the reflections to the
other of the reflections. It is important to ensure the
eye is exercised while following the below prescribed
method of treatment for squints as such exercise
increases eye movement and subsequently avoids elevation
of intraocular pressure. It must also be kept in mind
that blood pressure may be elevated with use of the below
prescribed method of treatment for squints regarding
patterns 22 and 24 and as such general exercise and
weight maintenance is required to control blood pressure.
Furthermore, double vision may ensue f~om use of the
first treatment pattern and because a fifth treatment
pattern which is discussed below is useful for correcting
double vision, the first treatment pattern should be used
in conjunction with the fifth treatment pattern.
The sphere 12 or 32 iS orientated such that the user
can view a pattern which extends about the equator of the
spnere 12 or 32. Any one of patterns 22, 24, 30 or 34,
or any combination of such patterns may be applied to
spheres 12 or 32. The user is to view the sphere without
eye glasses for a period of time ranging from 2-5 minutes
while the sphere 12 or 32 iS rotated manually at a speed
equal to or greater than a speed where the pattern upon
the surface of the sphere 12 or 32 begins to blur. While
viewing the pattern the user must periodically shift the
point of focus of their eyes from one of the reflections
to the other of the reflections which reflect from the
equatorial pattern.
By rotating the pattern of Figures 1 and 3 at a
speed of 2-10 revolutions per second the user views what
appears, to the user, to be seven bands which are aligned
with the direction of movement of the pattern. Two
outermost bands are white while two inner bands which are
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
- 27 -
adjacent to a central band are yellow. The white bands
coincide with outer portions of the white square waves
while the yellow bands correspond with outer portions of
the yellow compressed triangular waves. Bands between
the white and yellow bands can be considered to be
blurred and grey while the central band is blurred and
creamy yellow.
For treatment of a left eye the sphere is rotated
such that the pattern moves in a direction from left to
right, relative to the user, for a period of time of 2-5
minutes. For treatment of a right eye a procedure the
reverse of that described above in relation to the left
eye is followed.
The patterns 24 and/or 2 6 or 30 of Figures 1, 2 and
3 are capable of producing a second treatment pattern
which can be used for eye exercises and relaxation, tear
film maintenance, vision improvement or focal point
adjustment, inducement of sleep cnset, inducement of
lucid dreaming and dream recall, brain cell stimulation
for the purpose of brain cell maintenance, and treatment
of degenerative diseases and/or processes such as
Parkinson's Disease. In order to produce the second
treatment pattern the applied patterns 24 and/or 25 or 30
must move in a downward direction relative to the field
of vision of the user. Such downward movement of the
applied patterns can be provided with use of the
apparatus of Figures 3. Sphere 28 iS illuminated with
two overhead light sources in a similar fashion to that
explained above in relation to sphere 12 or 32 and the
sphere 28 is similarly located relative to the user such
that the user can view the equatorially applied patterns
which extend about the equator of sphere 28. The sphere
28 iS rotated manually in a downward direction, relative
to the field of vision of the user, at a speed equal to
or greater than a speed where the applied pattern begins
to blur; the moving pattern is typically viewed with both
eyes for a period of time ranging from 2-5 minutes.
While view ng the applied pattern the user periodically
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
- 28 -
shifts the point of focus of their eyes from one of the
reflections to the other of the reflections in a similar
fashion to that described above in relation to the first
treatment pattern such that the eyes of the user are
exercised while viewing the rotating pattern. The
pattern may be viewed with only one eye. It is preferred
that if the pattern is viewed with one eye that the user,
if possible, alternates viewing between each eye of the
user.
The sphere 28 iS ideally rotated at a speed ranging
from 2-10 revolutions per second wherein the pattern 24
and 22, when applied to the sphere 28 are such that
twenty wave lengths of the patterns 24 and 22 fit within
the equatorial circumference. As such, patterns 24 and
26 move with respect to the field of vision of the user
at a frequency ranging from 40-200 HZ.
The pattern 30 as applied ~o sphe~e 28 iS such that
thirteen wavelengths of the pattern 30 fit within the
equatorial circumference. As such, when the sphere 28,
with its surface displaying the pattern 30 iS rotated at
a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second, the
pattern 30 moves with respect to the field of vision of
the user with a freauency ranging from 26-130 HZ.
Use of the second treatment pattern results in the
user viewing what appears, to the user, to be seven
bands, as explained above in relation to the first
treatment pattern with respect to similar patterns, with
the exception of the red circles 26 of Figure 2 which,
depending on the speed of rotation of the sphere 12
result in another source of stimulation being overlayed
over the top of the aforementioned banding.
As explained the path in relation to the first
treatment pattern the blood pressure may be elevated with
use of patterns 24 and 22 as applied to the apparatus of
Figure 3 and as such, general exercise and weight
maintenance is required to control blood pressure.
Pattern 34, when applied to sphere 28 and used in a
manner as described in relation to the second treatment
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
- 29 -
pattern is capable of producing a third treatment pattern
which is useful for vision improvement, eye exercise and
relaxation, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of
brain cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative
diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease.
Sixteen wavelengths of the pattern 34 fit within the
equatorial circumference of the sphere 28 or 32 such that
when the sphere 28 iS rotated at a speed ranging from 2-
10 revolutions per second, the sine wave of the pattern
34 moves relative to the field of vision of the user at a
frequency ranging from 32-160 HZ.
Patterns of Figures 5-8 and 10, when applied to
poles of any one of spheres 12, 28 or 32 iS capable of
producing a fourth treatment pattern which is useful for
the purpose of vision improvement, eye exercise and
relaxation, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of
brain cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative
diseases and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease.
Spheres 12, 28 or 32 are positioned relative to the user
such that the user is able to view one cf the poles of
such spheres. By accordingly positioning such spheres
and rotating them at a speed ranging from 2-10
revolutions per second the user views two substantially
concentric bands.
In using the fourth treatment pattern, the user
should follow the following program wherein, for the
purpose of explanation, the patterns of Figures 5-8 and
10 are divided into four quadrants, as viewed from the
position of the user viewing the fourth treatment
patterns, the first quadrant being the upper right hand
quadrant, the second quadrant being the upper left hand
quadrant, the third quadrant being the lower left hand
quadrant and the fourth quadrant being the lower right
hand quadrant:
(1) The pattern is rotated relative to the
user in either direction while the user, viewing any one
of the patterns according to Figures 5-8 or 10 focuses,
with both eyes, on an outer band of the fourth treatment
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
- 30 -
pattern in a position substantially between the first and
fourth quadrant and then proceeds to sequentially focus
on inner bands in positions which lie substantially in a
line between the point of focus on the outer band and the
concentric centre of such bands;
(2) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting
at an outer band at a position substantially between the
first and second quadrant and moving toward the
concentric centre of the bandsi
(3) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting
at an outer band at a position substantially between the
second and third quadrants and moving toward the
concentric centre of the bandsi
(4) The procedure of (1) is repeated starting
at the outer band at a position substantially between the
third and fourth quadrant and moving in a direction
toward the concentric centre of the bands;
(5) The procedure cf (1)--(4) is repeated in a
reverse direc~ion star~ing a. the outer band at a
position be_ween the second and third quadrants and
moving about the fourth treatment pat,_rn in a clockwise
direction, as opposed to anti-clockwise direction.
The above program may be used in relation to just
one eye wherein use in relation to the right eye requires
(1)-(4) to be repeated with the pattern rotatlng in an
anti-clockwise direction relative to the user and use in
relation to the left eye requires (5) to be repeated with
the pattern rotating in a clockwise direction relative to
the user.
The patterns of Figures 6 and 8 should be used in
relation to (1)-(4) above while patterns of Figures 5 and
7 should be used in relation to ( 5) above. The patterns
of Figure 10 can be used in relation to both (1)-(4) and
(5) above. The pattern of Figure 10 can be rotated in
either direction when beins viewed with either ~he left
or ~ight eye.
The pattern of Figure 9 when applied to any one of
spheres 12, 28 or 32 iS capable of producing the fifth
treatment pat,ern which may be used for eye exercise and
CA 02262420 l999-02-02
- 31 -
relaxation, tear film maintenance and is particularly
useful for reducing intraocular pressure. The fifth
treatment pattern is to be used in accordance with the
method described above in relation to the fourth
treatment pattern. The pattern of Figure 9 is positioned
relative to the user such that, when the sphere 12, 28 or
32, the poles of which contain the pattern of Figure 9,
is manually rotated the user views, what to the user
appears to be, seven substantially concentric bands.
The pattern of Figure 9 can be used in relation to both
(1)-(4) and (5) of the procedure described above in
relation to the fourth treatment pattern. The pattern of
Figure 9 can be rotated in ei~her direction when viewing
with either the left or right eye.
It is preferred that the pattern of Figure 9, as
applied to any one of spheres 12, 28 or 32 iS rotated at
a speed ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second.
Patterns of Figures 11 and 12 may be applied to any
one of spheres 12, 28 or 32 for the purpose of produci.~lg
20 a sixth treatment pattern which is useful for eye
exercise and relaxation, tear film maintenance, vision
improvement, inducement of lucid dreaming and dream
recall, brain cell stimulation for the purpose of brain
cell maintenance and treatment of degenerative diseases
25 and/or processes such as Parkinson's Disease wherein the
pattern which the user is viewing should be appropriately
positioned relative to the user and rotated at a speed
ranging from 2-10 revolutions per second such that the
viewer views what appears, to the user, to be four
30 substantially concentric bands. The user should follow
the program outlined above in relation to the fourth
treatment pattern wherein the pattern of Figure 12 should
be used in accordance with (1)-(4) and the pattern of
Figure 11 should be used in accordance with ( 5).
It should be noted that the methods described above
in relation to treatment patterns 1-6 should be carried
out on a daily basis wherein the particular details of
the prescribed program or procedure may be modified
according to the requirements of the user.
