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US11857349B2 — Apparatus and related method to facilitate test via a computing device

Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Biogen MA Inc · Inventors: Jay L. Alberts, David D. Schindler, Jane Rhodes Filed: 2016-04-18 (US16/578,892) · Granted: 2024-01-02 · Status: Active · Assigned to Biogen MA, Inc. (2020-02-21)

Abstract

A device to mechanically and electrically connect with a touchscreen computing device (tablet). A movable platform contacts the touch screen surface via capacitive coupling, enabling detection of contact members (pegs) even without user contact. The apparatus includes a test fixture with receptacles (2D array of rows/columns) that receive pegs, rendering each peg detectable by the tablet’s touchscreen.

Key technical features

  • Brain recording: NO — no EEG, no electrodes; uses touchscreen capacitive coupling + peg/receptacle physical apparatus + accelerometer (14 mentions)
  • Species: Human — 24 “human” mentions; 90 “user”; 141 “patient”; 8 “subject”; 1 “animal” (minor mention); 0 rodent/monkey/primate
  • Test type: Cognitive/neurological function test via physical peg placement on touchscreen overlay
  • Platform: Tablet computer with touchscreen (capacitive)
  • Purpose: Neurological or cognitive function assessment (MS, concussion, motor function)
  • Classification: A61B5/103 (body movement measurement), A61B5/11 (head/hand tremor/mobility), A61B3/028 (visual acuity/refraction testing), G09B5/02 (educational appliances)
  • Biogen partnership: Assigned to Biogen MA Inc. — likely for multiple sclerosis (MS) cognitive/motor assessment

Claims (selected)

  • Claim 1: Test fixture with base overlaying display screen; receptacles receive contact members (pegs); pegs detectable by computing device via capacitive coupling; second housing attaches to perimeter; hinge connects first and second portions; hinge forms part of electrical path to ground.
  • Claim 8: 2D array of receptacles as rows and columns.
  • Claim 9: First + second arrays of receptacles.
  • Claim 10: Computing device stores test module instructions for neurological/cognitive function test; records results data in response to user interaction.
  • Claim 11: Receptacle inner sidewall with electrically conductive material.
  • Claim 12: Apertures extending completely through test fixture so display is viewable through receptacles.

Significance

A physical apparatus (pegboard overlay) that converts a standard tablet touchscreen into a cognitive/motor testing device — no brain recording. The capacitive coupling means pegs are detected without user finger contact, enabling tasks where pegs are placed and removed (pegboard/9-hole-peg-test style). The Biogen/Cleveland Clinic partnership suggests MS-focused motor-cognitive assessment. This is conceptually similar to CANTAB’s touchscreen paradigm but adds a physical manipulandum layer.

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