A device, system and method for vibration sensitivity assessment

Abstract

A device, system and method for vibration sensitivity assessment are provided. The device has an attachment portion configured to detachably connect the device to a programmable vibration source and a probe configured to be applied to a test location on a test subject's skin and to convey vibrations generated by the programmable vibration source to the test location. The programmable vibration source may for example be a mobile telephone. A low-cost and widely usable device for vibration sensitivity assessment is thus provided.

1 . A device for vibration sensitivity assessment comprising:
 an attachment portion configured to detachably connect the device to a programmable vibration source; and   a probe configured to be applied to a test location on a test subject's skin and to convey vibrations generated by the programmable vibration source to the test location.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the probe comprises a helical portion. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the helical portion is configured to dampen vibrations generated by the programmable vibration source. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the helical portion is configured to resonate with vibrations generated by the programmable vibration source. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a proximal end of the probe connects to the attachment portion and a distal end of the probe tapers to a point. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in any of  claims 1 - 4 , wherein a proximal end of the probe connects to the attachment portion and a distal end of the probe is rounded. 
     
     
         7 . The device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the rounded distal end of the probe is provided by a substantially spherical portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the probe comprises at least one detachable pad configured to dampen the vibrations generated by the programmable vibration source. 
     
     
         9 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the probe has a non-uniform density. 
     
     
         10 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is formed as a single piece, wherein the single piece has preferably been manufactured by at least one of the techniques of:
 3D printing;   injection moulding; and   milling.   
     
     
         11 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachment portion is configured to dampen vibrations generated by the programmable vibration source. 
     
     
         12 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachment portion is configured directly contact a metallic rim of the programmable vibration source. 
     
     
         13 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is formed of a material having resilience, and the attachment portion is dimensioned such that when the device is connected to the programmable vibration source the resilience of the material urges the attachment portion to grip the programmable vibration source. 
     
     
         14 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachment portion comprises an adjustable holding device, wherein the adjustable holding device is configured to be opened to allow a part of the programmable vibration source to be inserted into the attachment portion and to be closed to grip the part of the programmable vibration source. 
     
     
         15 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the programmable vibration source is a mobile telephone. 
     
     
         16 . The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the programmable vibration source is a tablet computing device. 
     
     
         17 . A system for vibration sensitivity assessment comprising:
 the device as claimed in any of  claims 1 - 16 ; and   the programmable vibration source.   
     
     
         18 . The system as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the programmable vibration source is a portable computing device, wherein a capability of the portable computing device to generate the vibrations is provided as a notification mechanism for a user of the portable computing device. 
     
     
         19 . The system as claimed in  claim 17  or  claim 18 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to carry out a vibration sensitivity assessment procedure comprising:
 generating a predetermined intensity of the vibrations; and 
 receiving user input indicating the test subject's ability to feel the predetermined intensity of vibrations at the test location. 
 
     
     
         20 . The system as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to carry out the vibration sensitivity assessment procedure in iterative steps comprising:
 performing the generating and receiving steps;   increasing the predetermined intensity of the vibrations; and   repeating the generating and receiving steps.   
     
     
         21 . The system as claimed in any of  claims 17 - 20 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to set the intensity of the vibrations by selecting an assertion pattern of the vibrations over a predetermined time period. 
     
     
         22 . The system as claimed in any of  claims 17 - 21 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to set the intensity of the vibrations by selecting at least one of:
 a frequency of the vibrations; and   an amplitude of the vibrations.   
     
     
         23 . The system as claimed in any of  claims 17 - 22 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to set the intensity of the vibrations in dependence on a selected test location on the test subject's skin. 
     
     
         24 . The system as claimed in any of  claims 17 - 23 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to store data comprising an indication of the user input in association with an indication of the predetermined intensity of vibrations. 
     
     
         25 . The system as claimed in any of  claims 17 - 24 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to transmit to a predetermined recipient data comprising an indication of the user input in association with an indication of the predetermined intensity of vibrations. 
     
     
         26 . The system as claimed in  claim 24  or  25 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to perform geographical location determination, and wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to store or to transmit a geographical location indication in association with the stored or transmitted data. 
     
     
         27 . The system as claimed in any of  claims 24 - 26 , wherein the programmable vibration source is configured to store or to transmit received user responses to questions presented to the user by the programmable vibration source in association with the stored or transmitted data. 
     
     
         28 . Software configured to cause a programmable vibration source to operate as the programmable vibration source in the system of any of  claim 17 - 27 . 
     
     
         29 . A computer readable storage medium on which is stored software configured to cause a programmable vibration source to operate as the programmable vibration source in the system of any of  claim 17 - 27 . 
     
     
         30 . A method of vibration sensitivity assessment comprising:
 connecting the device of any of  claims 1 - 16  to the programmable vibration source;   generating a predetermined intensity of the vibrations with the programmable vibration source; and   receiving user input indicating the test subject's ability to feel the predetermined intensity of vibrations at the test location.