Oklahoma Patent of the Month – June 2023
Innovations in the field of cognitive and neuropsychological assessment have revolutionized the way we measure various aspects of human performance. However, one area that has proven to be challenging is accurately measuring reaction time, especially in mobile devices. Traditional methods using desktop computers with mouse clicks or keyboard presses have shown consistent results, but these approaches lack the portability and accessibility offered by mobile devices. Given the prevalence of mobile devices, Sway Medical, Inc. has committed their R&D efforts to meeting this market demand.
Sway Medical has developed a method for measuring reaction time using a handheld computing device equipped with a motion sensor. The method involves instructing the subject to hold the device motionless until a stimulus is presented and then to move the device as quickly as possible in response to the stimulus. The device continuously reads digital values from the motion sensor, and by selecting a movement threshold value, it determines the earliest time of intentional movement. This time difference between the stimulus presentation and the intentional movement is considered the reaction time of the subject.
What makes Sway Medical’s method truly remarkable is its accuracy and adaptability. The motion sensor can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, and the digital values can be read at intervals as precise as 0.001 or 0.002 seconds. For triaxis accelerometers, composite acceleration values are formed from the X, Y, and Z directions, providing a comprehensive assessment. The method also addresses the latency issues commonly found in touch-screen devices, ensuring more precise measurements.
This innovation opens up new possibilities for reaction time assessment in a variety of settings. Mobile devices offer unparalleled convenience, allowing assessments to be conducted outside the confines of a clinic. The handheld computing device with an integral display ensures that stimuli can be presented directly on the device, further enhancing the user experience.
Sway Medical’s method not only provides accurate measurements but also enables reporting of reaction times using the handheld computing device itself. This feature eliminates the need for additional equipment and simplifies the entire assessment process.
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