Testing device measures simple and disjunctive reaction time of human subject to light stimuli. Tester consists of reaction key, logic card, panel mounted neon indicators, and interconnecting wiring. Device is used for determining reaction times of patients undergoing postoperative neurological therapy

Brown, H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Photo
Transistor 
.
Key Block'	 \o) 
Plug Outlet
Groove 
Reaction Key
Incandescent	
\ Bulb	 Channel Recess 
Section A-A 
1972	 B72-10031 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Manned Spacecraft Center
	 -4r 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield; Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the. Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology. Utilization Off ice, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
New Reaction Tester Accurate Within 56 Microseconds 
Face Plate
Key 
Groove	 Block	 Side Recess Channel 
Face
	 Openings	s ....... ...... 
Channel	 Plate 
/Member 
A
Side 
Recess 
Key Block
	 Face Plate 
A new testing device measures the simple and dis-
junctive reaction time of a human subject to light stim-
uli. It consists of a reaction key, a logic card, panel 
mounted neon indicators, and interconnecting wiring. 
The logic circuitry indicates correct or incorrect re-
sponses and determines the reaction times with a maxi-
mum uncertainty of 56 microseconds. This includes all 
delays in the logic, light stimuli turn-on, and reaction 
key.
The reaction key is essentially a bar with two 
grooves for the subject's index fingers. Openings in the 
sides bf the grooves are aligned and a light beam pro-
jected from one to a photo transistor in the other. The 
subject's finger normally blocks the beam but when 
moved in response to a command allows the beam to 
actuate the transistor.
The logic circuitry connects the key to neon in-
dicators on the panel, selectively actuates "ready", 
"left" or "right" indicators, and provides counter and 
error outputs. The "ready" light informs the subject that 
a test is about to begin. The "left" and "right" indi-
cators tell the subject which finger (or fingers) to move. 
When one or both of these indicators comes on, an elec-
tronic counter is started. If the subject reacts by moving 
the correct finger, the indicator light is extinguished 
and the counter stopped. If the wrong response is made 
an error output is produced, the counter continues to 
count, and the neon indicator remains on until the sub-
ject responds correctly. A correct response turns off the 
error signal, extinguishes the neon indicator, and stops 
the counter.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned.rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19720000031 2020-03-17T03:23:53+00:00Z
Since the response time of this device is short, it 
may be useful for determining accurate reaction times of 
patient's undergoing post-operative neurological therapy. 
Note:
Requests for further information may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center, Code JM7 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: TSP72-1003 1
Patent status: 
This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent 
application has been filed. Royalty-free, nonexclusive 
licenses for its commercial use will be granted by NASA. 
Inquiries concerning license rights should be made to: 
Patent Council 
Code AM 
NASA Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058
Source: H. Brown
General Electric Company 
under contract to
Manned Spacecraft Center 
(MSC-13604)
fl 
. 
. 
Category: 05


New reaction tester accurate within 56 microseconds

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