Touch-Sensitive Device Captures Motion Data for Fine Motor Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional neuropsychological tests for assessing fine motor function and neurological disorders are subjective and limited by human perception, failing to capture all features of a user's response due to their manual scoring methods.
Innovation Solution
A computer-mediated system using a touch-sensitive device to collect motion data from users performing tasks, such as drawing, which generates traces, determines anchor points, constructs reference paths, and calculates diagnostic features like line optimality, path velocity, and changes in direction to assess fine motor control and cognitive functions objectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scoring methods are used by human observers, then the test administration is simple and accessible, but the measurement precision and objectivity are limited by human perception thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human observation and scoring system with an automated computer-based system that captures motion data, generates traces, and calculates diagnostic features objectively. This substitution eliminates human perception limitations while maintaining test accessibility through standard computing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a touch-sensitive surface as an intermediary between the user's motor actions and the measurement system. This intermediary captures fine motor movements through motion data and translates them into digital traces for automated analysis, bridging the gap between physical action and objective measurement.
2Measurement precision
If automated computer-mediated testing is implemented, then measurement precision and objectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universally available touch-sensitive computing devices that serve multiple functions: presenting test items, capturing motion data, generating traces, and calculating diagnostic features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If detailed motion data collection is performed, then the quantity of information captured increases, but the loss of information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user's motor performance into discrete motion data points that are captured chronologically. These segmented data points are then processed to generate traces and calculate specific diagnostic features, allowing comprehensive information capture while organizing data for efficient analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent continuously captures motion data throughout the test administration, maintaining an unbroken record of the user's motor performance. This continuous data collection ensures no information is lost while the automated system efficiently processes the continuous stream into meaningful diagnostic metrics.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system and method to collect and analyze data produced through biometric and psychometric tasks on interactive computing devices. The collected biometric data can be used to quantify motor skills and to generate statistics that correlate with or predict ability in other functional domains. The biometric data tasks and data collection can be incidental to user interaction with a computing device using a touchpad or other input device—such as users drawing lines to connecting screen elements while using the user interface of an application on a computing device.