System for vestibular examination based on Kinect sensor

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to verify the ability of of modern game device such a Microsoft Kinect sensor for examinations in otoneurology. One of the traditional tests - Hautant’s test, was selected and its implementation based on Microsoft Kinect skeleton tracking feature will be presented. Hautant’s test has been programmed for laboratory experiments and the results are discussed and tested in cooperation with specialists in otoneurology. However, otoneurology has several other tests that are based on spontaneous or artificial unbalance human movement tracking. The combination of Kinect sensor and future software application therefore appear to be further applicable with possible benefits in practice. Using gaming equipment can also greatly accelerate the development. The research does not need to focus on the hardware development and the efforts may be directed to the implementation of the particular task. The objectives and results may be earlier deployed for practical tests and use. The price of the hardware, which is produced in the millions series for gaming devices is of course much lower than the equipment developed specifically for particular medicine examination. Nevertheless, to enforce any new device into practical use, especially in medicine is a complicated process and will require a lot of effort which will still need to spend. © 2014 North Atlantic University Union. All rights reserved.