VISUAL MEMORY, AN INTEGRATED MECHANISM IN THE INFORMATION TRANSFER FROM THE VISION PROCESS TO CONSTRUCTIVE PERCEPTION, USING SERIOUS GAMES

The visual function through its complexity determines the development of a cognitive and participatory process sequenced on several levels. The visual process begins with the formation of the image on the retina of the eyeball. It continues with information transfer to the central nervous system and then completes with the complex process of perception and feed-back reactions. This whole process includes a layer of memory (archiving) based on associations of shapes, colors, movement, dimensions and inter-action connections that constitute visual memory. Visual memory can be developed, information at this level can be "archived" and reused when "access passwords" are required or when combined with other levels of sensory memory. In the first part of the paper there are presented some aspects regarding the ways of creating and working with the elements of visual memory. In the second part of the paper are presented a series of experiments, based on serious games, designed to evaluate and train the visual memory in pre-school children. All the exercises proposed are based on the visual and auditory function of the children, which were previously evaluated and the possible dysfunctions were highlighted. The final part of the paper presents and analyzes the results obtained by the procedures mentioned in the paper. The analysis of these results revealed the interest and effective participation of children during the applications, the increase of the concentration power and the degree of understanding of abstract images or actions. These aspects form and train visual memory through all its components, allowing the child to evolve more dynamically in an interactive environment.