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.

2 . A method of assessing a user capability, including:
 providing at least one geometric block to a user, wherein the at least one geometric block includes:   providing a user interface to display information to a user, wherein the information includes a goal of at least one assessment exercise, wherein the goal of the at least one assessment exercise includes a target orientation of the geometric block;
 wherein the at least one assessment exercise is an assembly problem, a shape matching problem, or a sequence memory problem; 
   providing an assessor interface to display information to a assessor, wherein the information includes a current state of the at least one assessment exercise;
 wherein the assessor interface receives motion data or position data;
 wherein the motion data or position data is received wirelessly;
 wherein the motion data or position data is received using the Zigbee protocol; 
 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received automatically; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received as the user attempts to achieve the goal of the assessment exercise; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received after the user attempts to achieve the goal of the assessment exercise;
 wherein the motion data or position data is received from an intermediate device; 
 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received via a network; determining a complexity associated with achieving the target orientation; 
 
 wherein the complexity indicates an amount of uncertainty reduced by successfully completing the assessment exercise; 
 wherein the complexity is based on an information-theoretic approach; 
 wherein the complexity is based at least in part on the symmetry of the different geometric patterns on the sides of the at least one geometric block; 
   receiving the motion data or position data of the geometric block;   automatically analyzing the movement of the geometric block based on the motion data or position data;
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises determining step by step correctness/incorrectness; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises determining incremental completion time; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises determining total completion time; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises detecting repetitive and hyperactive behaviors; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises analyzing how the blocks are manipulated; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises analyzing how long it takes the user to complete certain tasks; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises analyzing manipulation patterns; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises analyzing how data changes over time through repeated assessments; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises analyzing how data changes based on varying levels of support;
 wherein support comprises auditory feedback or visual feedback during the at least one assessment exercise; 
 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises filtering the motion data or position data; 
 wherein analyzing the movement of the geometric block comprises use of Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) for identifying a dominant frequency area of motions; 
   automatically determining the current state of the assessment exercise based on the motion data or position data;   automatically determining assessment exercise milestones of the assessment exercise based on the motion data or position data;   automatically determining intermediate orientations of the at least one geometric block based on the motion data or position data;   automatically determining the final orientation of the at least one geometric block based on the motion data or position data;   automatically determining a performance score of the user capability based at least in part on correctness, time, and quiz complexity of the at least one assessment exercise;   automatically presenting the user with a series of assessment exercises;
 wherein a subsequent assessment exercise is determined based on the assessment score of at least one previous assessment exercise;
 wherein the subsequent assessment exercise has a higher complexity than a previous assessment exercise; 
 wherein the subsequent assessment exercise has a lower complexity than a previous assessment exercise; 
 wherein the complexity of the subsequent assessment exercise is determined automatically; 
 
   changing the support associated with the subsequent assessment exercise;
 wherein support comprises auditory feedback, visual feedback or tactile feedback during the assessment exercise; 
   preparing an assessor data report comprising the performance score, the support, the behaviors, or the complexity;
 wherein data of the assessor data report is correlated with another standardized measure for assessing the user capability; 
   wherein the at least one assessment exercise is associated with mathematics, engineering, circuit design, or logic algorithms;   wherein the at least one assessment exercise is designed to assess intelligence, achievement, learning capability, motor proficiency, spatial memory, or attention;   wherein the at least one assessment exercise is designed to diagnose symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD).   
     
     
         3 . A geometric block for use in assessing a user capability, comprising:
 a covering associated with an assessment exercise;
 wherein the covering comprises 6 different geometric images, each with 1-, 2-, or 4-fold symmetry; 
 wherein the covering is re-attachable; 
 wherein the covering is reconfigurable; at least one LED; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises at least one LED on each of a plurality of sides of the geometric block; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises at least one LED on each side of geometric block; 
   at least one display for displaying information to the user;
 wherein the display is a screen; 
 wherein the display comprises at least one LED; 
 wherein the display is programmable;
 wherein the display is programmed with different shapes for different assessment exercises; 
 wherein the display is programmed with different colors for different assessment exercises; 
 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a display on a plurality of sides of the geometric block; 
 wherein the sides are plastic; 
 wherein the sides are covered with a soft material, for example a silicon sheet; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a display on each side of geometric block; 
 wherein the covering covers each side with a different color; 
 wherein the covering covers each side with a different geometric image; 
 wherein the geometric block is a six-sided cube;
 wherein the covering covers each side with a different geometric pattern; 
 
   a processor;
 wherein the processor is a microprocessor; 
 wherein the processor comprises an analog-to-digital converter; 
 wherein the processor includes a timer; 
   an integrated circuit;   at least one battery;
 wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable;
 wherein the at least one battery is recharged using a USB 
 
 cable connected to a power source; 
 wherein the geometric block uses four AAA batteries; 
 wherein the geometric block uses Li-ion polymer batteries; 
   at least one motion sensor to determine motion data of the geometric block;
 wherein the at least one motion sensor is an inertial measurement unit;
 wherein the inertial measurement unit comprises a plurality of axes; 
 
 wherein the at least one motion sensor is a gyroscope; 
 wherein the at least one motion sensor is an accelerometer;
 wherein the accelerometer is a tri-axial accelerometer; 
 wherein the accelerometer comprises signal conditioning, a low-pass filter, temperature compensation, and sensitivity selection; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a plurality of accelerometers;
 wherein the plurality of accelerometers are oriented orthogonally to each other; 
 
 
 wherein the at least one motion sensor is a tilt sensor;
 wherein the geometric block comprises a plurality of tilt sensors;
 wherein the plurality of tilt sensors are oriented orthogonally to each other; 
 
 
   at least one position sensor to determine position data of the geometric block;
 wherein the at least one position sensor is an optical sensor;
 wherein the optical sensor comprises an infrared emitting diode and an infrared phototransistor to detect the reflected signal; wherein the at least one position sensor is an proximity sensor; wherein the at least one position sensor is an infrared (IR) sensor; wherein the at least one position sensor is an contact sensor; 
 wherein the contact sensor is an electrical circuit;
 wherein the electrical circuit is open or closed based on position; 
 
 
 wherein the at least one position sensor is a magnet and magnetic switch; 
 wherein the at least one position sensor is a magnet and Hall-effect sensor; 
 wherein the at least one position sensor is inductive coil or LED and photo-detector to transfer information to and from the geometric block; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a position sensor associated with a plurality of sides of the geometric block; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a position sensor associated with each side of the geometric block; 
 at least one grip sensor to determine a gripping of the geometric block;
 wherein the at least one grip sensor is a tactile sensor, a temperature sensor, an optical proximity sensor, or a resistive sensor; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a grip sensor associated with a plurality of sides of the geometric block; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a grip sensor associated with each side of the geometric block; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a MEMS sensor; 
 
 wherein the MEMS sensor is a mote; 
 a transmitter for transmitting data;
 wherein the transmitted data comprises orientation of the geometric block, assembly detection among adjacent geometric blocks, time at assembly phases, or total game completion; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is transmitted wirelessly; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is transmitted using a TinyOS or Zigbee protocol; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is transmitted to a receiving device;
 wherein the receiving device is an intermediate device; 
 wherein the receiving device is an assessor device; 
 wherein the receiving device is another geometric block; 
 
 
 a receiver for receiving data;
 wherein the data is received using a TinyOS or Zigbee protocol; 
 
 wherein a communication module comprises the transmitter and the receiver;
 wherein the communication module is an XBee device; 
 
 wherein a core module comprises the processor, the communication module, the integrated circuit, the at least one motion sensor, the at least one position sensor, and the at least one battery; 
 wherein the geometric block comprises a unique identifier;
 wherein the unique identifier is an RFID; 
 
 an audio device for producing auditory feedback;
 wherein the auditory feedback is indicative of correct and incorrect positioning; 
 
 a vibration device for producing vibratory feedback;
 wherein the vibration device is a vibrating motor; 
 
 wherein the geometric block is configured as an insertion block for insertion into an opening; 
 wherein the geometric block is configured as an assembly block for assembly with other geometric blocks; 
 wherein the geometric block is configured as a reconfiguration block for changing the shape of the reconfiguration block;
 wherein the reconfiguration block comprises rotational or translational joints. 
 
   
     
     
         4 . A system for assessing a user capability, comprising:
 at least one geometric block comprising:   a user interface to display information to a user, wherein the information includes a goal of the assessment exercise, wherein the goal of the assessment exercise includes a target orientation of the geometric block;   an assessor interface to display assessment information to an assessor;
 wherein the assessment information comprises:
 a current state of the assessment exercise; 
 wherein the current state comprises incremental completion time; 
 wherein the current state comprises total completion time; 
 wherein the current state comprises acceleration data; 
 wherein the current state comprises a graphical representation of the current configuration;
 wherein the graphical representation is a three-dimensional model; 
 
 wherein the current state comprises a real-time animation of the assembly configurations of the at least one geometric block; 
 
 a summary of assessment exercise milestones; 
 wherein the assessor interface includes a receiver for receiving data associated with the geometric block, comprising the motion data or position data of the geometric block; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received wirelessly;
 wherein the motion data or position data is received using 
 
 the Zigbee protocol; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received automatically; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received as the user attempts to achieve the goal of the assessment exercise; 
 wherein the motion data or position data is received after the user attempts to achieve the goal of the assessment exercise;
 wherein the motion data or position data is received from an intermediate device; 
 
 wherein the assessor interface is located in a remote location; an external measurement device attached to the user to detect activity directly from motions of the user; 
 wherein the external measurement device comprises user motion sensors;
 wherein the user motion sensors comprise user accelerometers; 
 
 wherein the at least one geometric block, user interface, assessor interface or other device includes an audio device for producing auditory feedback during the at least one assessment exercise; 
 wherein the at least one geometric block, user interface, assessor interface, or other device includes a feedback display for producing visual feedback during the at least one assessment exercise;
 wherein the feedback display comprises at least one LED. 
 
   
       While the invention is described herein in conjunction with one or more exemplary embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments in the preceding description are intended to be illustrative, rather than limiting, of the spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it is intended that the invention embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the exemplary embodiments described herein that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. 
     
     
         1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A block for use in assessing a user, comprising:
 a control unit;   a power source;   a cover enclosing the block, the cover having at least four sides upon which the block can rest, each side having a face, and while the block is resting on a side other sides are exposed or proximate one or more objects; and   a plurality of position sensors on sides of the block in circuit communication with the control unit, wherein portions of the plurality of position sensors can operatively communicate with corresponding portions of position sensors associated with one or more objects proximate one or more sides of the block;   wherein signals generated by the plurality of position sensors indicate an identification of a proximate object and a relative orientation between the block and the proximate object.   
     
     
         22 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a transmitter in circuit communication with the control unit for transmitting signal data associated with the identification of the proximate object and the relative orientation between the block and the proximate object data to a remote computer.   
     
     
         23 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a receiver in circuit communication with the control unit for receiving data from a remote computer or another block.   
     
     
         24 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a motion sensor in circuit communication with the control unit for detecting motion of the block and generating and communicating to the control unit motion data from which at least one of the orientation of the block and other movement of the block can be determined, wherein the motion data comprises acceleration data indicative of motion of the block.   
     
     
         25 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein the control unit or a remote computer is configured to determine a user's performance during an assessment session based on the signals generated by the plurality of position sensors. 
     
     
         26 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 25 , wherein the cover is dynamically reconfigurable in real time during the assessment session, and wherein assessing the user during the assessment session comprises:
 presenting the user with a series of assessment exercises; and   automatically reconfiguring the reconfigurable cover in real time during the assessment session for each subsequent assessment exercise based on the user's performance during a previous assessment exercise, wherein different configurations of the reconfigurable cover are associated with different difficulties of assessment exercises using the same block.   
     
     
         27 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 26 , wherein assessing the user during the assessment session further comprises calculating the difficulty level of the assessment exercise using a computational measure of play complexity (C play ), wherein the computational measure of play complexity (C play ) is defined differently based on the one of a plurality of assessment exercises. 
     
     
         28 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 27 , wherein C play  is based on at least one of a number of blocks used in the assessment exercise, a complexity of patterns or images on the block sides, and a geometric property of patterns or images on the block sides. 
     
     
         29 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 28 , wherein the geometric property is symmetry. 
     
     
         30 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein the proximate object is another block. 
     
     
         31 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein the proximate object is a surface supporting the block. 
     
     
         32 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the plurality of position sensors comprises an optical sensor. 
     
     
         33 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the plurality of position sensors comprises at least one of a proximity sensor and a contact sensor. 
     
     
         34 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the plurality of position sensors comprises at least one of an electrical circuit, an electromechanical device, and an electromagnetic device. 
     
     
         35 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the plurality of position sensors comprises a spring-loaded switch. 
     
     
         36 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the plurality of position sensors comprises a pair of spring-loaded pins and a conductive surface, such that a circuit through the pair of spring-loaded pins on the block is completed when contact is made with the conductive surface on the proximate object or vice versa. 
     
     
         37 . The block for use in assessing a user according to  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the signals generated by the plurality of position sensors changes state when the object becomes proximate the side of the block. 
     
     
         38 . A method of using a block to assess a user, comprising:
 providing at least one block, wherein the block comprises:
 a control unit; 
 a cover enclosing the block, the cover having at least four sides upon which the block can rest, each side having a face, and while the block is resting on a side other sides are exposed or proximate one or more objects; and 
 a plurality of position sensors on sides of the block in circuit communication with the control unit, wherein portions of the plurality of position sensors can operatively communicate with corresponding portions of position sensors associated with the one or more objects proximate one or more sides of the block; 
   determining an identification of a proximate object based on signals generated by the plurality of position sensors; and   determining a relative orientation between the block and the proximate object, based on signals generated by the plurality of position sensors.   
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 38 , wherein the cover is dynamically reconfigurable in real time during an assessment session, and further comprising:
 presenting the user with a series of assessment exercises;   determining a user's performance during the assessment session based on the signals generated by the plurality of position sensors; and   automatically reconfiguring the reconfigurable cover in real time during the assessment session for each subsequent assessment exercise based on the user's performance during a previous assessment exercise, wherein different configurations of the reconfigurable cover are associated with different difficulties of assessment exercises using the same block.   
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 39 , further comprising calculating the difficulty level of the assessment exercise using a computational measure of play complexity (C play ), wherein the computational measure of play complexity (C play ) is defined differently based on the one of a plurality of assessment exercises.