Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device to record and visualize drawing and writing movements during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of brain activity. The system includes a touch-sensitive tablet, an elevated mounting platform, a stylus, and a controller box, as well as the necessary cabling and software. All equipment residing inside the magnet room is non-ferromagnetic and does not interfere with scanner operation and does not affect fMRI data quality. Individuals lying inside the scanner interact with device in a natural, intuitive way, similar to writing with pen and paper. Drawing motions captured by the tablet are displayed through a pair of fMRI-compatible goggles or by using a projector and screen. Other visual stimuli can be concurrently presented with the drawing motions for the purpose of assessing specific aspects of human behavior. The system allows for a plurality of experiments to be performed, all while brain activity is measured and recorded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device to record and visualize drawing and writing movements during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of brain activity. The system includes a touch-sensitive tablet, an elevated mounting platform, a stylus, and a controller box, as well as the necessary cabling and software. All equipment residing inside the magnet room is non-ferromagnetic and does not interfere with scanner operation and does not affect fMRI data quality. Individuals lying inside the scanner interact with device in a natural, intuitive way, similar to writing with pen and paper. Drawing motions captured by the tablet are displayed through a pair of fMRI-compatible goggles or by using a projector and screen. Other visual stimuli can be concurrently presented with the drawing motions for the purpose of assessing specific aspects of human behavior. The system allows for a plurality of experiments to be performed, all while brain activity is measured and recorded.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR)-based test battery wherein various neurobehavioral performance skills, including motor skills, sensory-perceptual skills, attention, and decision-making can be measured in human subjects. The invention can be used as a screening method within a virtual environment to provide an overall measure of general brain function relating to behavioral ability. In addition, the invention provides comprehensive VR-based neurobehavioral examinations tailored to individual subjects which can automatically self-adjust during operation in accordance with the specific purpose of the assessment, or for forms of cognitive or physical rehabilitation. According to the invention, patients with neurological and psychiatric dysfunctions can be assessed with physiologic monitoring as well as with anatomical and functional neuroimaging to non-invasively map the functional neuroanatomic correlates of VR-based test performance.