The present disclosure relates to the field of medical apparatus and instruments. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vertex perimetry device to assess cervical spine mobility.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Head movement is a multi-axial complex movement and it is supported by eight cervical vertebrae. Simple measurement of various axes of movement is likely to underestimate it. Moreover, shoulder movement also contributes on head positioning. The head movement or perse neck movement may be affected by various ailments like rheumatoid illness, trauma, post-surgery, muscle sprains, dislocations and post radiation. Vertex, the most prominent part of head on top, is easy to observe from above. Circumferential movement of vertex can be used to assess cervical spine mobility. So, it is important to have an objective measurement of this movement. It will help to quantify and make the deficit measurable. It will be helpful in developing objective morbidity assessment and improvement assessment.
[0003] Considering existing methods of measuring cervical range of motion (CROM), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is having gold standard position. However, MRI is a bulky, costly machine and it is not feasible to use it for routine evaluation. Universal Goniometer is a validated equipment to measure CROM. It is based on electromagnetic 3D fast track measurement system or ultrasound based measurement system. It has excellent validity but it is costly and requires training to use. It is fragile in design and likely to be damaged with frequent and rough use.
[0004] Various equipments and methodologies have been tried for measuring CROM and compared with universal Goniometer. CROM measured by the optical motion capture system used a design of three axes, tied to head and movement measured by inclinometer. However, device need fixation to subject and a smooth movement is desired. Rapid movement can hamper the smooth movement of inclinometer compass. Method like measuring sternal- chin length has been studied and found to be inferior, axis dependent. Same is true for simple goniometer used for CROM. While sternal- chin length measurement by tape showed good correlation with universal Goniometer for sagittal plane but poor correlation in lateral rotation and lateral flexion. Simple goniometer also showed poor correlation in these planes, rendering them non suitable for routine use. However it can be used as screening tool.
[0005] In light of the above stated discussion, there exists a need of a robust, easy to use, and simple device which overcomes the above cited drawbacks. In addition, the present device is designed to measure maximal circumferential vertex movement, trace it and print it.

OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] A primary object of the disclosure is to provide a vertex perimetry device to assess cervical spine mobility.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a robust, easy to use, and simple device to measure maximal circumferential vertex movement, trace it and print it.

SUMMARY
[0008] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a vertex perimetry device to assess cervical spine mobility. The vertex perimetry device is a camera mounted mechanical device which traces and print the circumferential movement of vertex, the highest point of the head. It includes a chair base for subject to sit, at least two arm rests fix to the base of the chair, a back rest, a long stand with forward bend attached to back rest of the chair, at least two shoulder stabilizing arms, a camera for example an overhanging camera at a predefined distance from vertex point, mechanical adjustment provisions for at least two shoulder stabilizing arms and for camera to adjust height, a fluorescent green pointer (small ball) attached with a wearable strap. In addition, the at least two shoulder stabilizing arms is fixing the shoulder while subject is attempting head movement. Further, the overhanging camera is attached to the tip of a long stand with forward bend.
[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of use of vertex perimetry device to assess cervical spine mobility. The method of use of vertex perimetry device comprises the steps of: (a) Subject sits on a chair base resting his arms on at least two arm rests fix to the base of the chair and rest his back on a back rest. (b) The shoulders of the subject are stabilized using at least two shoulder stabilizing arms. The mechanical adjustment provisions are used to adjust height of at least two shoulder stabilizing arms as per the height of the subject. (c) The mechanical adjustment provisions are used to adjust height of an overhanging digital camera at a predefined distance such as 12 inches from vertex point as per the height of the subject. (d) Then, a fluorescent green pointer (small ball) attached with a wearable strap is attached to the vertex [most prominent part of the top of the head]. There should not be anything of same colour around or on clothes. (e) After the all the assemblies of the device, the subject is instructed to slowly start moving his head in maximal circumference, trying to draw a circular path with his head. (f) The subject repeats the step (e) thrice and best of the results are considered final. (g) A fluorescent green pointer (small ball) attached with a wearable strap starts tracing a path on the application window. The application has a graph calibrated and adjusted to the distance of camera from object. Once the movement is traced out on the graph in form of area covered, this can be saved and the number of boxes shaded can be counted to measure the area covered. This data can be printed and given to the subject as a record.
[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a vertex perimetry device, the device includes: a seating apparatus configured to enable a person to set in an erect position, wherein the seating apparatus has a vertical back rest to facilitate the person sitting on the seating apparatus to sit in the erect position; a set of resting members coupled to the vertical back rest such that the person sitting on the seating apparatus is able to rest the arms on the set of resting members; a set of shoulder stabilizing members coupled to the vertical back rest, configured to fit shoulders of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, wherein the set of shoulder stabilizing members facilitates in keeping the shoulder of the person stable; and a camera coupled to the vertical back rest through a vertical member, wherein the vertical member facilitates in positioning the camera over the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
[0011] In an aspect, the vertical member is detachably coupled to the vertical back rest.
[0012] In an aspect, the camera is configured to capture any of a combination of one or more images or a video of the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
[0013] In an aspect, an identifier is placed on the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus such that the camera configured to track the position of the identifier to enable determining cervical spine mobility.
[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for determining cervical spine mobility, the method includes: sitting of a person on a seating apparatus configured to enable a person to set in an erect position, wherein the seating apparatus has a vertical back rest to facilitate the person sitting on the seating apparatus to sit in the erect position; resting of arms of the person on a set of shoulder stabilizing members coupled to the vertical back rest, configured to fit shoulders of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, wherein the set of shoulder stabilizing members facilitates in keeping the shoulder of the person stable; and capturing of any or a combination of a video and one or more images of the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, the camera is coupled to the vertical back rest through a vertical member, wherein the vertical member facilitates in positioning the camera over the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.

BRIEFDESCRIPTIONOFFIGURES
[0015] Having thus described the disclosure, in general, terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vertex perimetry device.
[0017] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present technology.
[0019] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.
[0021] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0022] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a vertex perimetry device, the device includes: a seating apparatus configured to enable a person to set in an erect position, wherein the seating apparatus has a vertical back rest to facilitate the person sitting on the seating apparatus to sit in the erect position; a set of resting members coupled to the vertical back rest such that the person sitting on the seating apparatus is able to rest the arms on the set of resting members; a set of shoulder stabilizing members coupled to the vertical back rest, configured to fit shoulders of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, wherein the set of shoulder stabilizing members facilitates in keeping the shoulder of the person stable; and a camera coupled to the vertical back rest through a vertical member, wherein the vertical member facilitates in positioning the camera over the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
[0023] In an aspect, the vertical member is detachably coupled to the vertical back rest.
[0024] In an aspect, the camera is configured to capture any of a combination of one or more images or a video of the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
[0025] In an aspect, an identifier is placed on the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus such that the camera configured to track the position of the identifier to enable determining cervical spine mobility.
[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for determining cervical spine mobility, the method includes: sitting of a person on a seating apparatus configured to enable a person to set in an erect position, wherein the seating apparatus has a vertical back rest to facilitate the person sitting on the seating apparatus to sit in the erect position; resting of arms of the person on a set of shoulder stabilizing members coupled to the vertical back rest, configured to fit shoulders of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, wherein the set of shoulder stabilizing members facilitates in keeping the shoulder of the person stable; and capturing of any or a combination of a video and one or more images of the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, the camera is coupled to the vertical back rest through a vertical member, wherein the vertical member facilitates in positioning the camera over the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vertex perimetry device.
[0028] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a vertex perimetry device to assess cervical spine mobility. The vertex perimetry device is a camera mounted mechanical device which traces and print the circumferential movement of vertex, the highest point of the head. It includes a chair base for subject to sit, at least two arm rests fix to the base of the chair, a back rest, a long stand with forward bend attached to back rest of the chair, at least two shoulder stabilizing arms, a camera such as an overhanging camera at a predefined distance such as, but not limited to, 12 inches from vertex point, mechanical adjustment provisions for at least two shoulder stabilizing arms and for camera to adjust height, a fluorescent green pointer (small ball) attached with a wearable strap. In addition, the at least two shoulder stabilizing arms is fixing the shoulder while subject is attempting head movement. Further, the overhanging camera is attached to the tip of a long stand with forward bend.
[0029] The present disclosure provides a method of use of vertex perimetry device to assess cervical spine mobility. The method of use of vertex perimetry device comprises the steps of: (a) Subject sits on a chair base resting his arms on at least two arm rests fix to the base of the chair and rest his back on a back rest. (b) The shoulders of the subject are stabilized using at least two shoulder stabilizing arms. The mechanical adjustment provisions are used to adjust height of at least two shoulder stabilizing arms as per the height of the subject. (c) The mechanical adjustment provisions are used to adjust height of the overhanging camera at the predefined distance from vertex point as per the height of the subject. (d) Then, a fluorescent green pointer (small ball) attached with a wearable strap is attached to the vertex [most prominent part of the top of the head]. There should not be anything of same colour around or on clothes. (e) After the all the assemblies of the device, the subject is instructed to slowly start moving his head in maximal circumference, trying to draw a circular path with his head. (f) The subject repeats the step (e) thrice and best of the results are considered final. (g) A fluorescent green pointer (small ball) attached with a wearable strap starts tracing a path on the application window. The application has a graph calibrated and adjusted to the distance of camera from object. Once the movement is traced out on the graph, this can be saved and the number of boxes shaded can be counted to measure the area covered. This data can be printed and given to the subject as a record.
[0030] The device uses an image processing technique for object tracking that looks for a particular colour and in a video captured through the camera and would keep a record of any movement of it by continuously tracking unless it is stopped manually by a user input. The tracked history is then saved and can be printed or saved as a file on the computer.
[0031] The present invention has various advantages over the prior art. The present invention provides a vertex perimetry device to assess cervical spine mobility. In addition, the present disclosure provides the a robust, easy to use, and simple device to measure maximal circumferential vertex movement, trace it and print it in form of area covered in mm3. Further, the present disclosure provides the vertex perimetry device for measuring vertex circumferential movement in form of printed area measurement, which seems more informative for complex cervical joint. It can be used without any training required by any health worker. It has no delicate part, thus wear and tear is less likely. It is cheap and can be produced at nominal cost. Contact with subject is limited to sitting chair only, which can be easily cleaned. It can be installed easily at outdoor or field level, can be used for general population.
[0032] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope.
[0033] While several possible embodiments of the invention have been described above and illustrated in some cases, it should be interpreted and understood as to have been presented only by way of illustration and example, but not by limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

I/We Claim:

1. A vertex perimetry device, said device comprising:
a seating apparatus configured to enable a person to set in an erect position, wherein the seating apparatus has a vertical back rest to facilitate the person sitting on the seating apparatus to sit in the erect position;
a set of resting members coupled to the vertical back rest such that the person sitting on the seating apparatus is able to rest the arms on the set of resting members;
a set of shoulder stabilizing members coupled to the vertical back rest, configured to fit shoulders of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, wherein the set of shoulder stabilizing members facilitates in keeping the shoulder of the person stable; and
a camera coupled to the vertical back rest through a vertical member, wherein the vertical member facilitates in positioning the camera over the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical member is detachably coupled to the vertical back rest.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera is configured to capture any of a combination of one or more images or a video of the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein an identifier is placed on the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus such that the camera configured to track the position of the identifier to enable determining cervical spine mobility.
5. A method for determining cervical spine mobility, said method comprising:
sitting of a person on a seating apparatus configured to enable a person to set in an erect position, wherein the seating apparatus has a vertical back rest to facilitate the person sitting on the seating apparatus to sit in the erect position;
resting of arms of the person on a set of shoulder stabilizing members coupled to the vertical back rest, configured to fit shoulders of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, wherein the set of shoulder stabilizing members facilitates in keeping the shoulder of the person stable; and
capturing of any or a combination of a video and one or more images of the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus, the camera is coupled to the vertical back rest through a vertical member, wherein the vertical member facilitates in positioning the camera over the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein an identifier is placed on the head of the person sitting on the seating apparatus such that the camera configured to track the position of the identifier to enable determining cervical spine mobility