Patent Publication Number: US-2012035498-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for improving eye-hand coordination

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for improving eye-hand coordination. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination using progressive displaying and tracing techniques and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Eye-hand coordination is the coordinated movement of a subject user&#39;s eye as the user&#39;s brain processes visual stimuli with the movement of the user&#39;s hand. In other words, it is the ability of the subject user&#39;s vision processing system to coordinate information received through the eyes to control and guide movement of the subject user&#39;s hands. 
     Eye-hand coordination is important for many day-to-day activities, such as writing, driving, or operating a computer. Beyond such basic needs, eye-hand coordination measurement and quantification is important to understand for particular individuals, such as athletes where activities may include catching a ball or making coordinated movements of the hands relative to a sports object (e.g., a baseball bat as a baseball approaches the subject user or a tennis racquet as a tennis ball moves towards the subject user). 
     Hand-eye coordination problems are usually first noted in children as a lack of skill in drawing or writing. For impaired children, drawing may show poor orientation on the page and the child may be unable to stay “within the lines” when using a coloring book. The child may continue to depend on his or her hand for inspection and exploration of toys or other objects. 
     Poor hand-eye coordination can have a wide variety of causes. Some common conditions responsible for inadequate eye-hand coordination include aging, vision problems and movement disorders. More specifically, impairments to eye-hand coordination are known to occur due to brain damage, degeneration of the brain, or other clinical conditions or problems. Adults having Parkinson&#39;s disease have a tendency to have increasing difficulty with eye-hand coordination as the disease progresses over time. Other movement disorders exhibiting eye-hand coordination issues include hypertonia (a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in muscle tension and a decreased ability of the muscle to stretch) and ataxia (a condition characterized by a lack of coordination while performing voluntary movements). 
     In order to treat such impairments, it is desired to repeatedly and consistently measure and quantify the eye-hand coordination of a subject user. Accordingly, there is a need to improve how to measure and quantify eye-hand coordination that permits individualized scoring from different visual stimuli presented to a subject user. Such improved methods and systems for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination may be used by insurance companies, which may desire quantifiable tests that analyze a subject user&#39;s eye-hand coordination and historically track the subject user&#39;s improvement over time. Thus, it may be desirable to provide an apparatus and/or related methods for improving eye-hand coordination that permits improved measuring and quantification of improvements to eye-hand coordination over time. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the aspects and embodiments, in their broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. Thus, it should be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary. 
     One aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination of a subject user. The apparatus may include a processor, a tablet, and a memory. The table is interfaced with the processor and configured to accept progressive input from the subject user. The memory is interfaced with the processor and configured to maintain a record associated with measuring the eye-hand coordination of the subject. The processor is configured to progressively display a visual symbol on the tablet, detect a progressive tracing of the displayed visual symbol from the progressive input of the subject user, determine a score based upon a characteristic of the progressive tracing, and store the determined score within the record in the memory. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination of a subject user, where the apparatus may include a housing, a processor disposed within the housing, a tablet, a stylus, a measurement result interface, and a memory. The housing has a first display opening and a second display opening. The tablet is in communication with the processor and disposed within the housing such that a display surface of the tablet is oriented for viewing through the first display opening of the housing. The tablet is configured to accept progressive input from the subject user, who is operating the stylus. The tablet is configured to detect the presence of the stylus as it moved relative to the display surface of the table by the subject user over time as the progressive input of the subject user. The measurement result interface is in communication with the processor and disposed within the housing such that the measurement result interface is viewable through the second display opening of the housing. The memory is in communication with the processor and configured to maintain a plurality of visual cues and a plurality of records associated with measuring the eye-hand coordination of the subject user. As part of this apparatus, the processor is configured to select one of a plurality of visual cues stored in the memory as a visual symbol to be progressively displayed for the subject user based upon an analysis of previously determined eye-hand coordination scores for the subject user stored within the records in the memory, progressively display the selected visual symbol on the tablet, detect a progressive tracing of the displayed visual symbol from the progressive input of the subject user, determine a new eye-hand coordination score based upon how quickly the progressive tracing follows the progressive display of the visual symbol over time and how far a path of the progressive tracing deviates from a path of the progressive display of the visual symbol over time, and store the new eye-hand coordination score within a new record in the memory. The processor may be configured to progressively remove an older portion of the visual symbol while progressively displaying a newer part of the visual symbol. 
     The apparatus, according to this aspect of the disclosure, may also have the processor being configured to provide a ranking on measurement result interface of the new eye-hand coordination score for the subject user in comparison to at least one prior score for the subject user stored within the records in the memory so as to quantify an improvement factor of the eye-hand coordination of the subject user over time. 
     Yet a further aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination of a subject user. The method begins by progressively displaying a visual symbol on a tablet and accepting progressive input from a stylus operated by the subject user as a visual symbol is progressively displayed on the tablet. The method continues by detecting a progressive tracing of the displayed visual symbol from the progressive input of the subject user. Next, the method determines a score based upon a characteristic of the progressive tracing, the characteristic of the progressive tracing being at least one of how quickly the progressive tracing follows the progressive display of the visual symbol over time on the tablet and how far a path of the progressive tracing on the tablet deviates from a path of the progressive display of the visual symbol on the tablet over time. Finally, the method stores the determined score as a record on a memory device, where the record is associated with the subject user&#39;s eye-hand coordination at a particular instance in time. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination of a subject user applicable to a three-dimensional operating environment. The apparatus includes, at least in part, a three-dimensional display device, a processor, at least one sensor, and a memory. The three-dimensional display device provides a three-dimensional view of displayed information to the subject user. The processor is in communication with the three-dimensional display device and a sensor, which is configured to accept three-dimensional progressive input from the subject user. The memory is also in communication with the processor and configured to maintain a plurality of visual cues and a plurality of records associated with measuring the eye-hand coordination of the subject user. The processor is configured to progressively display at least one of the visual cues as a three-dimensional visual symbol on the three-dimensional display device, detect a three-dimensional progressive tracing of the displayed visual symbol from the progressive input of the subject user, determine a new eye-hand coordination score based upon how quickly the three-dimensional progressive tracing follows the progressive three-dimensional display of the visual symbol over time and how far a path of the three-dimensional progressive tracing deviates from a path of the three-dimensional progressive display of the visual symbol over time, and store the new eye-hand coordination score within a new record in the memory. 
     Additional advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. 
     Aside from the structural and procedural arrangements set forth above, the embodiments could include a number of other arrangements, such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following description are exemplary only. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this description, illustrate several exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments. In the drawings, 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  are perspective views of an exemplary apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are perspective views of an exemplary tablet illustrating a visual symbol being progressively displayed and removed along a progressive display path and a tracing being progressively detected and displayed along a progressive tracing path in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in three dimensions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. 
     In general, embodiments of an apparatus and method for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination of a subject user are described herein. One or more visual symbols are progressively displayed on a display surface, such as an interactive surface of a tablet, where a progressive tracing of the displayed symbols can be detected based upon progressive input received from the user. Based upon various characteristics of the tracing, such as its path, accuracy, and/or how quickly the user completes the tracing, a score is determined and stored relative to the specific user. Thus, through repeated performance of following the developing progressive lines of the visual symbol, the subject user&#39;s eye-hand coordination may be measured and repeatedly quantified. 
     In overview,  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  2  and  7  are perspective illustrations of different exemplary apparatus, while  FIG. 3  provides an general functional block diagram setting forth interrelated operational parts of such exemplary apparatus.  FIGS. 4A-4C  are illustrative diagrams showing how a visual symbol may be progressively displayed along a first path, with a newer part being displayed and an older part being removed, followed by a detected progressive tracing along another path that follows the appearing and disappearing visual symbol.  FIGS. 5 and 6  are flow diagrams providing overviews of exemplary steps performed during operation of exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , an exemplary testing unit  100  is shown as a housing that includes a tablet  110  and a display  120  disposed in respective openings of the unit&#39;s housing. In general, unit  100  is implemented as a processor-based, touch sensitive and self-contained unit, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . Unit  100  is used for measuring and quantifying the eye-hand coordination of a subject user. While not shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , unit  100  incorporates a memory that stores programmatic instructions that, when executed, provide functionality and control of the unit  100 . The memory also includes, amongst other things, records with scores and other data related to the eye-hand coordination of a particular subject user. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a processor is used herein as a general term for one or more logic devices that are able to control an apparatus with inputs and conditional outputs, including but not limited to combinational logic circuits, general purpose microprocessors, programmable logic devices or programmable logic arrays (PLA). And while exemplary unit  100  is described herein as microprocessor based, other variations of such a unit may be implemented with similar functionality with hard wired circuits or other logic circuits to function without the need for a programmable microprocessor. 
     Tablet  110  may be implemented as a touch sensitive input device configured to display one or more different possible visual cues as a particular visual symbol, such as symbols  112 ,  113 ,  114 , and  115   a . The tablet  110  receives input from the subject user via touch by detecting the presence, relative location and movement of the user&#39;s finger when pressed against a display surface of tablet  110 . Alternatively, the tablet  110  may receive input from the user by detecting the presence, relative location and movement of a stylus (not shown) as it is held against the display surface of tablet  110  and moved relative to that surface. 
     Display  120  of unit  100  is shown as generally having various interfaces, e.g.,  125   a - 125   e , that provide useful information to the user. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-D , such interfaces include a previous scores interface display  125   a , a setup interface display  125   b , an accumulated error interface display  125   c , a time remaining interface display  125   d , and a patient I.D. interface display  125   e . Unit  100  may request the user to enter a patient I.D. through the tablet  110 , where the user may enter such information for display on interface  125   e . Based upon such patient identification information, the unit  100  looks up and displays previous eye-hand coordination test scores on interface display  125   e . The unit  100  is able to provide setup information, such as information on the particular test being run or information needed from the user, on interface display  125   b . As the test proceeds and the subject user interacts with unit  100  via tablet  110 , unit  100  shows the time remaining for the test on interface display  125   d . A score, such as an accumulated error score, may be displayed by unit  100  on interface display  125   c . The score may be determined and shown as an ongoing, substantially real-time score or, alternatively, as a score at the end of the test. 
     In operation, based upon patient identification and the subject user&#39;s prior scores, the tablet  110  of unit  100  displays a particular visual symbol to be traced by the subject user once the test begins. Patient identification may be in the form of a user response to a prompt appearing on one of unit  100 &#39;s displays (include the surface of tablet  110 ) or, alternatively, in the form of an electronic signal received by the unit  100  from an external source (not shown), such as a remote computer used in a rehabilitation or clinical environment. Visual cues may be of any type of scenes, shapes, objects, numbers or letters, such as the exemplary visual symbols shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . The unit  100  may select which of the possible visual cues to use as displayed visual symbols for a particular user based upon the user&#39;s prior scores and history of eye-hand coordination, including an improvement factor for the particular user. Alternatively, the user may select a group of visual cues to use as the visual symbols to be presented to the user. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1A , tablet  110  has already progressively displayed the visual symbols A  112 , B  113 , and C  114  to the subject user and is in the process of progressively displaying the visual symbol D  115   a . As shown in  FIGS. 1B-1D , the symbol D  115   b - 115   d  is progressively displayed on tablet  110 . As the symbol is progressively displayed, the subject user attempts to trace the symbol as it progressively appears. In one embodiment, unit  100  provides a score based upon a characteristic of the progressive tracing, such as how quickly or how accurately the user progressively traces the symbol, e.g.,  115   a - d , as it appears. The unit  100  may also provide a ranking of the user&#39;s current score in comparison to at least one prior score as a way to quantify an improvement factor for the user indicating improvement/degradation of eye-hand coordination for the user over time. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary testing unit  200  is shown as having separate components, such as a general purpose computer  230 , a housing  200  having an interactive tablet  210 , and a display  220 . Similar functions as described with the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D  are achieved with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , but with the components being physically separate rather than combined within a unitary housing, such as the housing of unit  100 . For instance, general purpose computer  230  need not be a dedicated processor committed solely for the function of measuring and quantifying a subject user&#39;s eye-hand coordination. Instead, the processing unit functionality of the general purpose computer  230  may allow further integration with remote memory storage (not shown) accessible via a data communications network (not shown), such as a local area network or wide area network. Similar display interfaces, e.g., interfaces  225   a - 225   e , may appear on the user interface of display  220  to provide a similar user interface to that described above regarding unitary housing unit  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the functional block diagram of unit  100  is shown diagrammatically as including a microprocessor (CPU)  300 , RAM  310 , non-volatile memory storage  320 , each of which are in operative communication with and interfaced to tablet  110  and display  120 . As previously mentioned, the tablet  110  may receive input from the user by detecting the presence, relative location and movement of a stylus, such as stylus  330 , as it is held against the display surface of tablet  110  and moved relative to that surface. The stylus  330  may be implemented with a simple mechanical device used to more accurately provide a distinct input point on the display tablet  110  when compared to that of the user&#39;s finger. Alternatively, the stylus  330  may be implemented as a more intelligent stylus that is electrically connected to unit  100  and the interfaced tablet  110  such that detecting a progressive tracing from progressive input of the subject user is coordinated with the interface between stylus  330  and tablet  110 . 
     CPU  300  is implemented as a microprocessor capable of accessing RAM  310 , where program code (not shown) for operating unit  100  resides during operation. The program code is initially stored within memory storage  320  as one or more sets of executable instructions. CPU  300  typically reads the appropriate program code from memory storage  320  upon initialization. From there, CPU  300  runs the program code, which in turn, controls operation of unit  100  as the subject user interacts with the unit  100  as part of measuring and quantifying the user&#39;s eye-hand coordination in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The steps shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  operationally describe exemplary algorithmic steps of such program code operation according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     Memory storage  320  is implemented within unit  100  as a local memory storage, but alternatively may be implemented as a remote memory storage device accessible by CPU  300  through a data communication network interface (not shown). Thus, embodiments of the present invention may implement memory storage  320  as a variety of computer-readable medium including, but not limited to, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a flash drive, an optical drive, or small format memory card such as a Secure Digital (SD) card. Thus, other embodiments of the present invention may provide the program code on removable memory storage or on memory storage located remotely from the actual testing unit, such as unit  100  or unit  200 . Memory storage  320  also stores and maintains determined scores after a subject user completes a test using unit  100  as well as prior scores for a particular subject user. 
     In operation, the visual symbol being progressively displayed may be selected from one of multiple possible visual cues (not shown) stored in memory storage  320  or generated from the program code resident on memory storage  320 . The visual cues may be stored in memory storage  320  as separate code representing the particular visual symbols to be displayed or, alternatively, may be stored in memory storage  320  as part of the operational program code initially loaded by CPU  300  into RAM  310  described above. Selection of which visual cues to use as part of the visual symbol being progressively displayed may depend upon the patient I.D. information associated with the user, prior scores stored in records of memory storage  320  indicative of past performance by the user on eye-hand coordination tests, or determined rankings of the user&#39;s improvement of eye-hand coordination. 
     Additionally, CPU  300  may cause the tablet  110  to progressively display the visual symbol by progressively removing an older portion of the visual symbol while progressively displaying a newer part of the visual symbol while detecting the progressive tracing of the appearing and disappearing visual symbol.  FIGS. 4A-4C  are perspective views of an exemplary tablet illustrating how a visual symbol may be progressively displayed and removed along a progressive display path and a tracing that is progressively detected and displayed along a progressive tracing path in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a display surface of tablet  110  is shown as depicting a visual symbol  405  being progressively displayed. Specifically, a newer portion  400  of the visual symbol  405  is progressively displayed while an older portion  410  of the visual symbol  405  is removed along a path  415  of the progressive display. Following the progressively displayed visual symbol  405 , a progressive tracing  425  is detected from progressive input  420  of the user. As the progressively displayed visual symbol  405  appears on tablet  110 , the subject user attempts to trace the symbol  405  as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C  where the progressive input  420  moves relative to the visual symbol  405  along a traced path. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of progressive display and removal of a displayed path or trace are equally applicable in the context of a three-dimensional input and display environment, such as the exemplary embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     In general, CPU  300  is configured to determine a score for the subject user upon completing the test based upon one or more characteristics of the detected progressive tracing. For example, in one embodiment, the score is based upon how quickly the user is able to trace the visual symbol over time. In another embodiment, the score may be based upon how accurate the progressive tracing is relative to the path of the progressively displayed visual symbol, such as how far the progressive tracing path deviates from a path of the progressively displayed visual symbol. In some embodiments, CPU  300  is configured to provide feedback and interim test results in the form of accumulated scores. However, other embodiments may configure the CPU  300  to determine the subject user&#39;s score at the completion of the test as a final score. 
     In addition to these general examples and accompanying description for how an embodiment of the present invention may determine a score, several more detailed examples for determining a score in accordance with principles of the present invention are provided with reference to Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Example 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Score 1 
                 (Multiplier × Distance)/(Speed of Trace) 
               
               
                 Score 2 
                 (Multiplier × (Speed of Trace))/(Distance + Constant) 
               
               
                 Score 3 
                 Multiplier × (Elapsed Contact Time) × (Contact Position 
               
               
                   
                 Error) 
               
               
                 Score 4 
                 Multiplier × (Maximum Distance Error for a Visual 
               
               
                   
                 Symbol) 
               
               
                 Score 5 
                 Multiplier × (Total Accumulated Position Error for a Visual 
               
               
                   
                 Symbol) 
               
               
                 Scores 6-10 
                 Scores 1-5 with Distance computed from straight line error 
               
               
                 Scores 11-18 
                 Scores 3-10 inverted (e.g., Score 11 = Multiplier/(Score 
               
               
                   
                 3 + constant) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Score 1 may be determined in one embodiment by determining the “Distance” as the length of the traced arc along the path of the progressive display (e.g., path  415  shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C  and not merely the straight line distance between the display and traced input point), and calculating the product of that Distance and a preselected “Multiplier” value, which is then divided by the speed of the trace. In this embodiment, a perfect score of zero indicates the subject user is tracing the progressively displayed visual symbol as it is being displayed with no lagging distance from where the newer portion  400  of the visual symbol  405  is displayed and the progressive input  420  of the user. Realistically, there is likely to be some minimal lagging distance as the “Distance” for Score 1, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that a lower score of Score 1 is indicative of an increased hand-eye coordination for the subject user. 
     Score 2 is an inverse of Score 1 with the “Constant” being added to the Distance to prevent divide-by-zero errors. Score 2 may also be determined as a percentage when compared to when the Distance is a zero value (the ideal perfect score). Thus, an implementation of Score 2 as a percentage may be determined as (100)×(Score 2)/(Score 2 when Distance is a zero value). 
     Score 3 is a type of score that may be helpful in gauging initial reaction time between observation with the eye and coordination with hand movements. The Mulitplier value is multiplied times two different factors: (1) the time between the first appearance of a particular visual symbol and when the subject user first provides the initial point of progressive input for tracing that visual symbol (i.e., the Elapsed Contact Time), and (2) the position error between the first appearance of the particular visual symbol and the initial point of progressive input from the subject user when attempting to trace that visual symbol (i.e., Contact Position Error). 
     Score 4 is the product of the Multiplier and a maximum value of the Distance determined when the subject user is attempting to trace a particular visual symbol. Likewise, Score 5 is the product of the Multiplier and a sum of the Distances incrementally determined over time as the subject user is attempting to trace a particular visual symbol. Thus, Score 4 is a maximum error type of scoring measurement while Score 5 is an accumulated error type of scoring measurement. 
     Another example of scoring alternatively determines the Distance as a pure linear distance between points (e.g., the straight line distance between the newest point displayed on the progressively displayed visual image and the latest progressive input point when the subject user attempts to trace the path of the progressively displayed visual symbol) as opposed to the distance computed along the progressively displayed path (which may be different than the straight line distance). Scores 6-10 are types of scores determined in accordance with the exemplary Scores 1-5, but with the Distance value determined as a straight line Distance. Depending on the configuration of the visual symbol being progressively displayed, using a straight line Distance may be less taxing on the unit to compute. 
     As with Scores 1 and 2, which have an inverted relationship, other scores may be used that are inverted versions of such exemplary scores. For example, Scores 11-18 correspond to the factors and calculations used to determine Scores 3-10, respectively, but are merely inverted. 
     In some embodiments, Scores 1 and/or Score 2 may be determined and displayed in substantially real time as instantaneous scores. In other embodiments, they may also or alternatively be determined as averages and, at the end of the test, the last average may be used as the respective final score for the test. Embodiments of the invention may also or alternatively determine Scores 3, 4 and/or 5 at the end of each progressively displayed visual symbol and, as such, Scores 3, 4 and/or 5 would be updated incrementally rather than in a continuous or near real time manner. However, it is anticipated that embodiments of the present invention implementing Scores 3, 4, and 5 may determine these scores as averages and, at the end of the test, the last average may be used as the final score for the test. 
     Further details of the operation and functionality of embodiments of the present invention may be understood with reference to the flow diagrams set forth in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  is a general flow diagram of an exemplary method for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method  500  begins by progressively displaying a visual symbol at stage  510 . In some embodiments, the visual symbol may have an older portion that is progressively removed while a newer portion of the visual symbol is progressively displayed. At stage  515 , a determination is made if any progressive input from the user is detected. If so, stage  515  proceeds to stage  520 . If not, stage  515  proceeds back to state  510  where the visual symbol continues to be progressively displayed. 
     At stage  520 , method  500  updates the progressive tracing from the detected progressive input from the user before proceeding to stage  525 . At stage  525 , if the time for the test is at an end, stage  525  proceeds to  530  for scoring. However, if the test is not yet ended, stage  525  proceeds back to stage  510  where the visual symbol continues to be progressively displayed and stages  515  and  520  where progressive input is received and the progressive tracing is continued to be detected. 
     At stage  530 , the method  500  determines a score based upon a characteristic of the progressive tracing. In one embodiment, the score may be based upon how quickly the progressive tracing follows the progressive display of the visual symbol over time. In another embodiment, the score may be based upon how far a path of the progressive tracing deviates from a path of the progressive display of the visual symbol over time. Such deviations may be computed as an average accumulated error distance of the tracing off the path of the progressively displayed visual symbol. In some embodiments, scoring may be determined on an ongoing, accumulated basis instead of just at the completion of the test, and as such, may be periodically shown to the user during the test. 
     After the score is determined at stage  530 , the determined score is stored within a record in memory at stage  535  before method  500  ends. The record may be of any predetermined format or data structure within volatile memory, such as RAM  310 , or non-volatile memory, such as memory storage  320 . The record may include the determined score at the end of the test or may also include details of the test (e.g., ongoing accumulated scores during the time, a time profile of such periodic accumulated scores, information relating to the tracing deviations and/or time lag information relating to how quickly the subject user was tracing the visual symbol, etc.). 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of another exemplary method for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , method  600  begins by receiving input of the subject user&#39;s identification at stage  610 . In some embodiments, the input may be in the form of a user response directly on tablet  110 . In other embodiments, the input may be in the form of an electronic signal received or electronic information read from a memory storage where the electronic signal/information stored reflects information associated with the subject user&#39;s identity (e.g., a patient number, name, etc.). At stage  615 , method  600  reads the records associated with the identified subject user. At stage  620 , method  600  selects one of the visual cues (or sets of visual cues) to be the visual symbol (or set of visual symbols) that will be displayed to the subject user during the test based upon the subject user&#39;s patient history. For example, the patient&#39;s history may reflect a particular progression of tests having been completed for certain visual cues or sets of visual cues according to a predetermined protocol of treatment and testing. 
     At stages  625  and  630 , method  600  receives progressive input from the subject user while progressively displaying a visual symbol from the selected visual cue(s). In some embodiments, the visual symbol may have an older portion that is progressively removed while a newer portion of the visual symbol is progressively displayed. At stage  635 , a determination is made if change in stylus position is detected as updated progressive input from the subject user. If so, stage  635  proceeds to stage  640 . If not, stage  635  proceeds back to state  630  where the visual symbol continues to be progressively displayed. 
     At stage  640 , the path of tracing is updated. In some embodiments, the location information of the user&#39;s latest trace input may be recorded with reference to elapsed time. At stage  645 , if the test had ended, method  600  proceeds to stage  650  for scoring. However, if the test has not yet ended, method  600  proceeds back to stage  630  where the visual symbol continues to be progressively displayed. 
     At stage  650 , method determines a new eye-hand coordination score based upon a characteristic of the progressive tracing. In one embodiment, the score may be based upon how quickly the progressive tracing follows the progressive display of the visual symbol over time. In another embodiment, the score may be based upon how far a path of the progressive tracing deviates from a path of the progressive display of the visual symbol over time. Such deviations may be computed as an average accumulated error distance of the tracing off the path of the progressively displayed visual symbol. In some embodiments, scoring may be determined on an ongoing, accumulated basis instead of just at the completion of the test, and as such, may be periodically shown to the user during the test and maintained for later storage in memory associated with the current test. 
     After the score is determined at stage  650 , the determined new score is stored within a new record in memory at stage  655 . As mentioned previously, such a new record may be of any predetermined format or data structure within volatile memory, such as RAM  310 , or non-volatile memory, such as memory storage  320 . The record may include the determined score at the end of the test or may also include details of the test (e.g., ongoing accumulated scores during the time, a time profile of such periodic accumulated scores, information relating to the tracing deviations and/or time lag information relating to how quickly the subject user was tracing the visual symbol, etc.). 
     At stage  660 , method  600  also may determine and provide a ranking of the new score in comparison to one or more prior scores for the subject user. Alternatively, the ranking may be in comparison to other standards or statistics other than the subject user&#39;s actual prior scores, such as general population statistical information relating to eye-hand coordination. Such rankings may provide an indication of progress for prescribed therapy that is intended to address and improve the subject user&#39;s eye-hand coordination skills. 
     While the principles of the present invention as exemplified through the embodiments described above for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination rely upon two-dimensional (2D) input and output, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with three-dimensional (3D) input and output. Generally, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may progressively display and remove the path and trace of a visual symbol in three-dimensions (e.g., via output seen through a three-dimensional head set, goggles or other vision system) and detect three-dimensional input from the subject user (e.g., via input from a user-manipulated three-dimensional input device, such as sensors in a hand glove). 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus for measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination implemented with the capability to receive 3D input from the subject user and outputting information to the subject user in a 3D manner in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary testing unit  700  is shown as having separate components, such as a general purpose computer  730 , a tracker system  740 , a display device  750 , and one or more sensors  760 . These components are coupled to and in operative communication with each other. The general purpose computer  730  may be similar to computer  230  used in a 2D embodiment with additional software and interfaces, as needed, to communicate with the tracker system  740 , display device  750  and input sensors  760 , so as to detect, process and provide information regarding 3D user input, 3D progressive displayed paths, 3D progressive traces, and other ongoing or scoring information to the user in a 3D manner. 
     In one embodiment, the tracker system  740  is generally implemented as one or more communication ports (such as a universal system bus (USB), serial, parallel, or other data communication interface) that links the computer and sensor/display device. The tracker system  740  provides access by computer  730  to positional signals generated by one or more input sensors  760  and the display device  750  while providing signals from the computer  730  to the display device  750  as a 3D user interface. In one embodiment, the tracker system  740  provides a wired interface between computer  750  and the sensors/display device. In other embodiments, the tracker system  740  may use a wireless transmitter and receiver in each of the respective devices to facilitate provision of signals from the computer  730  to each of the sensors  760  and display device  750  and reception by the computer  730  of signals generated from each of the sensors  760  and display device  750 . 
     The 3D embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 7  allows the user to view a progressively displayed visual symbol in 3D via display device  750 , such as a stereoscopic set of virtual reality goggles or other three-dimensional display systems where a user is presented with an item in what appears to be a three-dimensional virtual reality or projected 3D image against an otherwise real backdrop. Likewise, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  allows the subject user to move sensors  760 , such as spatially oriented sensors attached to a user-manipulated glove (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) or a user-manipulated stylus (not shown) that provides a 3D point of reference in space. Signals from the sensors provide a 3D coordinate position of the sensors relative to a reference point. Likewise, a signal from the display device, e.g., from transmitter  752 , provides a 3D position of the display device relative to the same reference point. In this manner, the sensors  760  and display device  750  are coordinated, via the tracker system  740 , by application software running in memory on computer  730 . The computer  730  is operative to detect points in three-dimensional space as detected input from the subject user and display three-dimensional representations of paths in a display space (e.g., progressively displayed and removed visual symbols, progressively displayed and removed paths of a subject user&#39;s attempt to trace the progressively displayed visual symbols). 
     In the context of such three-dimensional input and display output for the subject user, principles of the present invention, the application software running on computer  730  may implement the exemplary methods described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Additionally, applying the general principles of the present invention to a three-dimensional embodiment may also have the advantage of measuring and quantifying eye-hand coordination at a more complex or otherwise different level when compared with a two-dimensional embodiment. Testing, tracking, scoring and ranking of a subject user&#39;s ability to trace a progressively appearing visual symbol in three-dimensions may have also have further utility beyond that of therapy (e.g., training assessment, etc.). 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the details of a computer or processor-based apparatus and computer-implemented method for receiving three-dimensional user input and displaying three-dimensional output are well known. Such well known apparatus may provide the operating platform for embodiments of the present invention. For example, details of an implementation for such an apparatus consistent with the embodiment described in  FIG. 7  is disclosed in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0264527 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Principles of the present invention, which include measuring and qualifying eye-hand coordination of a subject user, may be applied with embodiments used in a teaching environment. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be used to help teach a subject user how to draw, sketch or paint in two dimensions (e.g., via a tablet interface) or in three-dimensions (e.g., via the 3D input and output devices referenced in  FIG. 7 ). In an exemplary teaching embodiment, the visual symbol to be traced or followed by the subject user may represent a 2D or 3D image of an object to be replicated by the subject user in a simple monochromatic fashion or in a multi-colored fashion. 
     In more detail, an embodiment of the present invention may be used to teach a subject user how to sketch or draw with a guided measurement and quantification of eye-hand coordination as set forth relative above. Relevant embodiments used to measure and quantify eye-hand coordination and teach drawing may have a memory that maintains files associated with one or more composite images to be drawn. Each file for a composite image may include one or more visual items. The visual items collectively make up the composite image to be drawn by the subject user. For example, one file may include four distinct visual items that collectively make up a composite image of a person&#39;s face (e.g., two eyes, a nose and a mouth). 
     In operation of such an embodiment, the processor in the apparatus is configured, via programmatic instructions, to follow steps outlined generally and described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6  as each visual item is progressively displayed to the subject user as a visual symbol. As the visual symbol is progressively traced by the user and the user completes tracing the visual symbol, another of the visual items making up the composite image may be progressively displayed. In this manner, different visual symbols are progressively shown to the subject user, who manipulates an input device (e.g., a stylus and tablet, a hand glove with positional sensors) that provides progressive input. The user&#39;s tracing is then progressively displayed and scored. Scoring, as described above, may be determined based upon how quickly the subject user&#39;s progressive tracing follows the progressive display of the visual symbol over time and how close the tracing comes to the displayed visual symbol (generally how far a path of the tracing deviates from a path of the displayed visual symbol). As such, scoring in this application is associated with a level of drawing skill, which may advantageously improve with time and practice using an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention may be used to teach a subject user how to paint as it measures and quantifies eye-hand coordination. In this embodiment, the memory maintains files associated with one or more composite images to be painted. Each file for a composite image may include one or more visual items and related color information assigned to the whole or parts of each visual item. The visual items, including their respective individually colored parts, collectively make up the composite image to be painted by the subject user. 
     In operation of such an embodiment, the user may be prompted to select a color from a predetermined palette to attempt to match the color associated with a particular visual symbol or part thereof. The visual symbol, or the part of the symbol, is then progressively traced by the user using the selected color. After the user completes painting of the visual symbol, including all of it&#39;s individual parts, another of the visual items making up the composite image may be progressively displayed. In this manner, different visual symbols are progressively shown to the subject user, who manipulates an input device (e.g., a stylus and tablet, a hand glove with positional sensors) that provides progressive input to represent painting of the composite image. The user&#39;s tracing, which includes outlining and filling of individual parts of the visual symbols, is then progressively displayed and scored. Scoring, as described above, may be determined based upon how quickly the subject user&#39;s progressive tracing follows the progressive display of the visual symbol over time and how close the tracing comes to the displayed visual symbol (generally how far a path of the tracing deviates from a path of the displayed visual symbol). Additionally, scoring may include a matching determination of the user&#39;s selected color and the visual symbol&#39;s assigned color (or it&#39;s individual part&#39;s color). As such, scoring in this application is associated with a level of painting skill, which may advantageously improve with time and practice using an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Similar to selection of color, other embodiments may also include selection of other reproduction characteristics (e.g., painting characteristics, drawing characteristics). For example, an embodiment may have the system or apparatus prompt selection of a pattern (e.g., dots, streaks, etc.), representative brush type and shape, (e.g., round, flat, fan, angle, Filbert, etc.), and texture to be applied (oil-like thick appearance, watercolor-like smooth appearance, charcoal-like rough appearance, etc). In such embodiments, the file for the composite image would maintain predetermined stored characteristics for each visual item&#39;s assigned painting characteristics (e.g., pattern, correct brush type to be used when painting, and texture to be applied). As the visual symbol is progressively displayed, the progressive input from the user is shown on the relevant display as corresponding to painting with the selected painting characteristics. 
     Although aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are explained in relation to a specific computer or microprocessor based system with programmatic instructions, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein could be used in systems with processors that are hard wired with programmatic instructions for providing the novel functionality and operations. 
     Thus, at least some portions of exemplary embodiments of the systems outlined above may used in association with portions of other exemplary embodiments. Moreover, at least some of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be used independently from one another and/or in combination with one another and may have applications to devices and methods not disclosed herein. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structures and methodologies described herein. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the subject matter discussed in the description. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations.