Neurotherapeutic video game for improving spatiotemporal cognition

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that uses a video game to improve spatial and / or temporal information-processing capabilities of a user. During operation, the system enables the user to play the video game. During execution of the video game, the system first measures spatial and / or temporal information-processing capabilities of the user during the course of playing the video game. Next, the system uses the measured spatial and / or temporal information-processing capabilities to control a spatial placement and / or a temporal presentation rate of target items that the user is required to respond to during subsequent game play to stimulate enhancement of the user's spatial and / or temporal information-processing capabilities.

Description

BACKGROUNDField[0001]The disclosed embodiments generally relate to therapeutic techniques for improving a person's spatiotemporal cognitive abilities. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a neurotherapeutic video game that improves spatiotemporal information-processing capabilities of impaired individuals.Related Art[0002]There presently exist millions of people in the United States for whom the ability to mentally represent, and thus cognitively process, spatial and temporal information is impaired in some way, for example due to neurogenetic disorders, brain damage, or the effects of aging. When a person has a reduced ability to represent spatial and temporal information, the condition has significant functional implications. These reduced abilities also have follow-on implications, because the abilities comprise the foundation of a wide range of quantitative reasoning skills. For example, a person with such reduced abilities may have a hard time un...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that uses a video game designed to improve spatial and temporal information processing in users. The system measures the user's mental representations of spatial and temporal information while playing the video game. Based on these measurements, the system adaptively controls the placement and presentation rate of target items in the game to stimulate enhancement of the user's spatial and temporal abilities. The target items are initially presented close to the user's spatial and temporal crowding thresholds to capture their attention. As the user's performance improves, the system presents the target items close to the outer rings of the screen to bias ongoing attention towards the middle. The system uses statistical analysis to determine which target items the user is less likely to respond to and adjusts its presentation accordingly. The system also adapts the duration of target item appearances based on the user's response rate. Overall, this system provides a novel approach for training and improving spatial and temporal information processing in users through engaging and adaptive game plays.

Problems solved by technology

For example, a person with such reduced abilities may have a hard time understanding numbers, distances, mathematics, time and money, and may not be able to travel by themselves.

It may also be dangerous for these individuals to drive and they may be more likely to fall.

Images