A compact representation of drawing movements with sequences of parabolic primitives.

ABSTRACT: Some studies suggest that complex arm movements in humans and monkeys may optimize several objective functions, while others claim that arm movements satisfy geometric constraints and are composed of elementary components. However, the ability to unify different constraints has remained an open question. The criterion for a maximally smooth (minimizing jerk) motion is satisfied for parabolic trajectories having constant equi-affine speed, which thus comply with the geometric constraint known as the two-thirds power law. Here we empirically test the hypothesis that parabolic segments provide a compact representation of spontaneous drawing movements. Monkey scribblings performed during a period of practice were recorded. Practiced hand paths could be approximated well by relatively long para

SUBMITTER: Polyakov F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2699652 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature