Interactive two-dimensional image analysis in the assessment of visual-motor integration through figure copying

Figure-copying tasks are an important component in many tests for the evaluation of visual-motor integration. Such tests, however, can be resource intensive and require specialist staff for their application and assessment and there can be significant lack of objectivity in scoring test output. This paper describes an approach to the administration and assessment of such tests which utilises computer-supported image analysis algorithms to address these issues. Two approaches are considered, the first corresponding to the provision of a software environment to support improved test evaluation by a human scorer, while the second seeks a completely automated environment which analyses subjects' responses free of human intervention. It is shown that, while neither approach offers a complete solution, an integrated environment based on an automated analysis with the option of human intervention provides the opportunity for very efficient evaluation of figure copying tests.