Automated assessment of cognitive, fine-motor, and memory skills

Abstract

An automated assessment of various capabilities, such as cognitive, fine-motor, and memory skills, includes the use of Tangible Geometric Games (TAG-Games), which are a play-based assessment tools. TAG-Games are based on Sensor-Integrated Geometric Blocks (SIG-Blocks) and an interactive graphical user interface (GUI), which provide a means for real-time and remote monitoring of a user through operative communication between blocks and a remote computer. The data made available by employing TAG-Games includes: 1) block accelerations, 2) time at stages of assembly completion, 3) total completion time for quizzes, and 4) correctness of assembly steps. In addition, a GUI can display the real-time assembly configuration of the blocks.

1 . A block for use in assessing a user, comprising:
 a control unit;   a power source;   a movement sensor in circuit communication with the control unit for detecting movement of the block and generating and communicating to the control unit movement data from which at least one of the orientation of the block and other movement of the block can be determined;   a transmitter in circuit communication with the control unit for transmitting movement data to a remote computer; and   a cover enclosing the control unit, the power source, the movement sensor, and the transmitter, the cover having at least six sides upon which the block can rest, each side having a face, and while the block is resting on a side, another side is facing upwards with its face exposed, and other sides are exposed or facing another block;   and wherein the block is further characterized by any one or by any two or more of the following:
 (a) at least one of the sides is capable of selectively presenting one of at least two different face images responsive to the control unit, each of the at least two different face images having a different symmetry selected from no symmetry, one-fold symmetry, two-fold symmetry, and four-fold symmetry, permitting assessments of different difficulties using the same block; 
 (b) each of the sides further comprises a proximity sensor in circuit communication with the control unit for detecting the positioning of an object proximate that side and generating and communicating to the control unit proximity data, the control unit transmitting via the transmitter proximity data for each block side to the remote computer; 
 (c) at least one of the sides has one or more indentations into which a piece may be inserted and each of the at least one sides further comprises a first sensor in circuit communication with the control unit for detecting the insertion of the piece into the indentation and generating and communicating to the control unit insertion data, the control unit transmitting via the transmitter insertion data for each of the at least one sides to the remote computer; 
 (d) each of the sides has at least one magnet positioned to physically couple to a second block when one face of the block is proximate to one face of the second block and their edges are aligned; and 
 (e) the block is one of a plurality of blocks in a block assembly, wherein movement of one or more of the plurality of blocks of the block assembly is limited by rotating or sliding mechanisms of the block assembly. 
   
     
     
         2 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the movement sensor comprises three generally orthogonal accelerometers or gyroscopic sensors in circuit communication with the control unit positioned inside the cover. 
     
     
         3 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the movement data transmitted by the control unit via the transmitter to the remote computer comprises at least one of raw data from the movement sensor and data determined from the raw data from the movement sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the sides comprises at least one lamp capable of selective illumination responsive to the control unit and where each side is capable of selectively presenting one of at least two different face images having a different symmetry responsive to the control unit selectively illuminating the lamp, permitting assessments of different difficulties using the same block. 
     
     
         5 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the sides is capable of selectively presenting responsive to the control unit either:
 (a) a face image having no symmetry, or a face having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or   (b) a face image having no symmetry, or a face image having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry; or   (c) a face image having no symmetry, or a face image having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or   (d) a face image having no symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or   (e) a face image having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or   (f) a face image having no symmetry or a face image having one-fold symmetry; or   (g) a face image having no symmetry or a face image having two-fold symmetry; or   (h) a face image having no symmetry or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or   (i) a face image having one-fold symmetry or a face image having two-fold symmetry; or   (j) a face image having two-fold symmetry or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or   (k) a face image having one-fold symmetry or a face image having four-fold symmetry.   
     
     
         6 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensor of each of the sides comprises at least one of the following:
 (a) an electromagnetic transmitter receiver pair in circuit communication with the control unit and positioned within the cover to detect the positioning of an object proximate a respective side of the block; and   (b) at least two electrical contacts in circuit communication with the control unit and extending from the face of the block to physically contact an electrically conductive portion of an object proximate the block and the control unit determines that the object having the electrically conductive portion is proximate the block using an electrical path from one of the electrical contacts, through the electrically conductive portion of the object, and back through another of the electrical contacts;   (c) at least two spring-loaded electrical contacts in circuit communication with the control unit and extending from the face of the block to physically contact an electrically conductive portion of an object proximate the block and the control unit determines that the object having the electrically conductive portion is proximate the block using an electrical path from one of the electrical contacts, through the electrically conductive portion of the object, and back through another of the electrical contacts; and   (d) a spring-loaded switch on the face of the block in circuit communication with the control unit to physically sense contact with an object proximate the block and the control unit determines that the object is proximate the block using an electrical path through the switch.   
     
     
         7 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines that one side of the block is proximate one of another block and a support surface in response to one of the proximity sensors indicating that an object is proximate that one side while the movement sensor indicates that there is no substantial movement of the block. 
     
     
         8 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the block is characterized at least by 1(d) and wherein the at least one magnet positioned to physically couple to the second block is strong enough to hold the block and the second block together, overcoming the force of gravity. 
     
     
         9 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter wirelessly transmits the data corresponding to movement of the block to the remote computer directly or via another block receiving and retransmitting the data to the remote computer. 
     
     
         10 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 :
 wherein the at least one block is characterized by at least 1(a), 1(b), and 1(d);   wherein the movement sensor comprises three generally orthogonal accelerometers or gyroscopic sensors in circuit communication with the control unit positioned inside the cover;   wherein at least one of the sides comprises at least one lamp capable of selective illumination responsive to the control unit and where each side is capable of selectively presenting one of at least two different face images having a different symmetry responsive to the control unit selectively illuminating the lamp, permitting assessments of different difficulties using the same block;   wherein each of the sides is capable of selectively presenting responsive to the control unit either:
 (a) a face image having no symmetry, or a face having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or 
 (b) a face image having no symmetry, or a face image having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry; or 
 (c) a face image having no symmetry, or a face image having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or 
 (d) a face image having no symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or 
 (e) a face image having one-fold symmetry, or a face image having two-fold symmetry, or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or 
 (f) a face image having no symmetry or a face image having one-fold symmetry; or 
 (g) a face image having no symmetry or a face image having two-fold symmetry; or 
 (h) a face image having no symmetry or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or 
 (i) a face image having one-fold symmetry or a face image having two-fold symmetry; or 
 (j) a face image having two-fold symmetry or a face image having four-fold symmetry; or 
 (k) a face image having one-fold symmetry or a face image having four-fold symmetry, 
   wherein the at least one magnet positioned to physically couple to a second block is strong enough to pull the block and the second block together when the distance between faces is about ½ inch or less, but not greater than 1 inch, when one face of the block is proximate to one face of the second block and their edges are aligned.   
     
     
         11 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is re-attachable or reconfigurable. 
     
     
         12 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , further including a receiver in circuit communication with the control unit for receiving data from other blocks, the remote computer, or other devices, wherein a communication module comprises the receiver and the transmitter. 
     
     
         13 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the block is configured as:
 an insertion block for insertion into an opening;   an assembly block for assembly with other geometric blocks; or   a reconfiguration block for changing the shape of the reconfiguration block, wherein the reconfiguration block comprises rotational or translational joints.   
     
     
         14 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 1 , wherein the block is characterized at least by 1(d) and wherein the at least one magnet positioned to physically couple to the second block is strong enough to pull the block and the second block together when the distance between faces is about ½ inch or less, but not greater than 1 inch, when one face of the block is proximate to one face of the second block and their edges are aligned. 
     
     
         15 . A method of using a geometric block to assess a user, comprising:
 providing at least one block having a control unit in circuit communication with a transmitter and at least one movement sensor, the control unit capable of transmitting via the transmitter movement data corresponding to the movement of the block, and the control unit, the transmitter and the at least one movement sensor being positioned in an enclosure of the block;   presenting to the user via a programmable display an image showing a target orientation of the at least one block and visual feedback based on user progress;   the control unit performing at least one of:
 (a) automatically transmitting movement data about the block to a remote computer while the user manipulates the block toward the target orientation; 
 (b) automatically collecting movement data about the block while the user manipulates the block toward the target orientation and then later transmitting movement data to a remote computer; and 
 (c) automatically transmitting movement data about the block to an intermediate device while the user manipulates the block toward the target orientation and then later transmitting movement data to a remote computer from the intermediate device, wherein the intermediate device is a local computer, a mobile phone, or a mobile device; 
   generating an assessment of the user based at least in part on movement data transmitted to the remote computer by the control unit;   storing in a computer memory the movement data for later use; and   displaying or transmitting the assessment of the user.   
     
     
         16 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , further comprising calculating and storing in a computer memory a difficulty level of the assessment using at least one entropy value calculated at least in part using the at least one characteristic of the target orientation of the at least one block. 
     
     
         17 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 16 , wherein the difficulty level of the assessment is predetermined automatically by the remote computer. 
     
     
         18 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 16 , wherein the difficulty level of a subsequent assessment is predetermined automatically based at least in part on a performance score of a previous assessment. 
     
     
         19 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 16 , wherein the assessment is:
 associated with mathematics, engineering, circuit design, or logic algorithms;   designed to assess intelligence, achievement, learning capability, motor proficiency, spatial memory, working memory, or attention; or   designed to diagnose symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), dementia, and other health problems related to physical or cognitive impairments.   
     
     
         20 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 16 , wherein the entropy value (C play ) used to calculate the difficulty level of the assessment is based on the complexity of the assessment using an information-theoretic approach and calculated using the following equation:
     C   play   =H   initial   −H   final      
       wherein H initial  is the discrete entropy for a given set of geometric blocks before play and H final  is the discrete entropy computed for the blocks after a user accomplishes the goal. 
     
     
         21 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 20 , wherein the complexity is based at least in part on the symmetry of different geometric patterns on the sides of the at least one geometric block. 
     
     
         22 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , further comprising providing at least one of sensory, auditory, visual, or tactile support during the assessment. 
     
     
         23 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 22 , wherein the support is changed for a subsequent assessment. 
     
     
         24 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , wherein the assessment comprises an assessor data report comprising at least one of a performance score, support information, identified behaviors, and difficulty of the assessment. 
     
     
         25 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , wherein the assessment is correlated with another standardized measure for assessing the user. 
     
     
         26 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , wherein the target orientation is associated with an assembly problem, a shape matching problem, or a memory problem. 
     
     
         27 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , wherein generating an assessment of the user based at least in part on movement data transmitted to the remote computer by the control unit comprises analyzing an orientation and movement of the block from the movement data as the user moved the block from an initial orientation to the target orientation and calculating and storing at least one value based on the movement data. 
     
     
         28 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , wherein generating an assessment of the user based at least in part on movement data transmitted to the remote computer by the control unit comprises calculating and storing in a computer memory a performance score for the user based at least in part on (a) correctness of the final orientation of the at least one block relative to the target orientation of the block based on at least the movement data sent from the block, (b) total completion time, and (c) difficulty of the assessment. 
     
     
         29 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 , wherein the transmitter further transmits time at assembly phases or total assessment time, and wherein generating an assessment of the user based at least in part on movement data transmitted to the remote computer by the control unit comprises:
 determining step by step correctness/incorrectness;   determining incremental completion time;   determining total completion time;   detecting repetitive and hyperactive behaviors;   analyzing how the at least one block is manipulated;   analyzing manipulation patterns;   analyzing how data changes over time through repeated assessments; and   analyzing how data changes based on varying levels of support.   
     
     
         30 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 :
 wherein the block comprises at least six sides; and   wherein at least one of the sides of the block are capable of selectively presenting one of at least two different face images responsive to the control unit, each of the at least two different face images having a different symmetry selected from no symmetry, one-fold symmetry, two-fold symmetry, and four-fold symmetry permitting assessments of different difficulties; and   further comprising:   communicating to the control unit a desired face image corresponding to a level of complexity for at least two faces of the block; and   prior to the user manipulating the block toward the target orientation, the control unit causing the at least two faces of the block to each present the desired face image.   
     
     
         31 . The method of using a geometric block to assess a user according to  claim 15 :
 wherein providing at least one block comprises providing at least two blocks, each block having a control unit in circuit communication with a transmitter and at least one movement sensor, the control unit capable of transmitting via the transmitter movement data corresponding to the movement of the block, and the control unit, the transmitter and the at least one sensor being positioned in an enclosure of the block;   wherein the at least two blocks each comprises at least six sides; and   wherein at least one of the sides of the at least two blocks are capable of selectively presenting one of at least two different face images responsive to the control unit, each of the at least two different face images having a different symmetry selected from no symmetry, one-fold symmetry, two-fold symmetry, and four-fold symmetry permitting assessments of different difficulties;   further comprising communicating to the respective control unit for at least two of the blocks a complexity value corresponding to a level of complexity the faces of the respective block;   wherein prior to the user manipulating the block toward the target orientation, the control units of the at least two blocks cause the at least one face of the block to present a face image having a degree of symmetry corresponding to the complexity value for that face;   wherein presenting to the user via a display an image showing a target orientation of the at least one block comprises presenting to the user via a display an image showing a target orientation of the at least four blocks;   wherein generating an assessment of the user based at least in part on movement data transmitted to the remote computer by the control unit comprises calculating and storing in a computer memory a performance score for the user based at least in part on (a) correctness of the final orientation of the at least one block relative to the target orientation of the block based on at least the movement data sent from the block, (b) total completion time, and (c) difficulty of the assessment.   
     
     
         32 . A computer system capable of assessing a user using a geometric block, comprising:
 at least one block having a control unit in circuit communication with a transmitter and at least one movement sensor, the control unit capable of transmitting via the transmitter movement data corresponding to the movement of the block, the control unit, the transmitter and the at least one sensor being positioned in an enclosure of the block, and the control unit performing at least one of:
 (a) automatically transmitting movement data about the block to a remote computer while the user manipulates the block toward the target orientation; and 
 (b) automatically collecting movement data about the block while the user manipulates the block toward the target orientation and then later transmitting movement data to a remote computer; 
   a computer system having at least a first display for displaying an image showing a target orientation of the at least one block;   a receiver for receiving movement data transmitted by the control unit of the at least one block via the transmitter; and   a processor configured to:
 generate an assessment of the user based at least in part on movement data transmitted to the remote computer by the control unit; 
 store in a memory of the computer system the movement data for later use; and 
 display or transmit the assessment of the user. 
   
     
     
         33 . The computer system capable of assessing a user using a geometric block according to  claim 32 , wherein the processor is further configured to calculate and store in a computer memory a difficulty level of the assessment using at least one entropy value calculated at least in part using the at least one characteristic of the target orientation of the at least one block. 
     
     
         34 . The computer system capable of assessing a user using a geometric block according to  claim 32 , further comprising an assessor interface comprising at least a second display for displaying assessment information to an assessor. 
     
     
         35 . The computer system capable of assessing a user using a geometric block according to  claim 34 , wherein the assessor interface is located in a remote location.