US 6,045,515 A · Methods and apparatus for diagnosing and remediating reading disorders

Abstract

Reading disorders are diagnosed and remediated in a subject by respectively measuring and improving contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of the subject. A background is displayed on a monitor with a contrast and a spatial frequency. A test window is superimposed over the background and includes a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency. The contrasts and the spatial frequencies are within respective ranges which stimulate the visual cortical movement system of the subject. The test pattern is then moved within the test window. The subject provides a signal indicative of the direction the subject believes the test pattern moved. In response to this signal, the contrast of the test pattern, the spatial frequency of the background, or the spatial frequency of the test pattern is modified, either by increasing or decreasing its respective value. This process is then repeated a number of times, cycling through predetermined combinations of test patterns and backgrounds. Contrast sensitivity may be measured to determine whether a child is dyslexic. Repeated stimulation by the methods and apparatus of the invention improves contrast sensitivity, thereby remediating dyslexia and improving reading ability.

Claims86

Dependent claims

A method for diagnosing dyslexia by measuring contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of a subject having a visual cortical movement system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) displaying a background with a contrast and a spatial frequency;
(b) displaying a test window within said background, said test window including a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency, said test pattern replacing said background;
said contrasts being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
said spatial frequencies being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
(c) moving said test pattern within said test window in either a first direction or a second direction;
(d) receiving a signal from the subject indicative of either said first direction or said second direction;
(e) modifying at least one of said contrasts or said spatial frequencies in response to said signal;
(f) repeating steps (a) through (e);
and
(g) using the signals from the subject as criteria for forming a diagnosis of dyslexia.

7 more elements

A method for improving contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of a subject having a visual cortical movement system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) displaying a background with a contrast and a spatial frequency;
(b) displaying a test window within said background, said test window including a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency, said test pattern replacing said background;
said contrasts being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
said spatial frequencies being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
(c) moving said test pattern within said test window in either a first direction or a second direction;
(d) receiving a signal from the subject indicative of either said first direction or said second direction;
(e) modifying at least one of said contrasts or said spatial frequencies in response to said signal;
(f) repeating steps (a) through (e).

5 more elements

A method for improving reading speed of a subject having a visual cortical movement system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) displaying a background with a contrast and a spatial frequency;
(b) displaying a test window within said background, said test window including a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency, said test pattern replacing said background;
said contrasts being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
said spatial frequencies being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
(c) moving said test pattern within said test window in either a first direction or a second direction;
(d) receiving a signal from the subject indicative of either said first direction or said second direction;
(e) modifying at least one of said contrasts or said spatial frequencies in response to said signal;
and
(f) repeating steps (a) through (e).

6 more elements

Apparatus for diagnosing dyslexia by measuring contrast sensitivity for movement discrimination of a subject having a visual cortical movement system, said apparatus comprising:

a monitor;
and
a computer connected to said monitor, said computer being configured to:
(a) display a background with a contrast and a spatial frequency;
(b) display a test window within said background, said test window including a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency, said test pattern replacing said background;
said contrasts being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
said spatial frequencies being within a range which stimulates the visual cortical movement system of the subject;
(c) move said test pattern within said test window in either a first direction or a direction;
(d) receive a signal from the subject indicative of either said first direction or said second direction;
(e) modify at least one of said contrasts and/or said spatial frequencies in response to said signal;
(f) repeat steps (a) through (e) a plurality of times;
and
(g) use the signals from the subject as criteria for forming a diagnosis of dyslexia.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparatus for diagnosing and remediating reading disorders

Life of this patent

Methods and apparatus for diagnosing and remediating reading disorders

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims86