Cognitive function diagnostic device, cognitive function diagnostic system, cognitive function diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

To provide a cognitive function diagnostic device, a cognitive function diagnostic system, a cognitive function diagnostic method, and a program that enable appropriate measures to be taken according to core symptoms occurring to a user, for the user of equipment, who has developed dementia.SOLUTION: A cloud server 1 includes: an operation information acquisition unit 111 for acquiring operation information indicating operation contents of each of at least one piece of equipment 3 by an object person that is a cognitive function diagnostic object; a cognitive function level calculation unit 112 for calculating a cognitive function level of each of a plurality of types of cognitive functions set beforehand on the basis of the operation information; and a specification unit 113 for specifying diagnostic comment information indicating a diagnostic result on the cognitive functions of the object person on the basis of a combination of the cognitive function level of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cognitive function diagnosis device, a cognitive function diagnosis system, a cognitive function diagnosis method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a dementia determination device that determines whether an operator of a household electric appliance may have dementia based on the operation history of the household electric appliance, and when it is determined that there is a possibility of dementia, transmits information indicating that the operator may have dementia to an external device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, dementia has core symptoms and behavioral and psychological symptoms (peripheral symptoms). Here, the "core symptoms" mean memory impairment, disorientation, decline in understanding and judgment, executive function impairment, language impairment (aphasia), apraxia, agnosia, etc. On the other hand, the peripheral symptoms are symptoms caused by the core symptoms, and mean delusions, depression, excitement, wandering, insomnia, hallucinations, decline in motivation, etc. However, the dementia determination device described in Patent Document 1 only determines whether an operator of a household electric appliance has dementia, and cannot specify even the types of its core symptoms. Therefore, there is a need to specify the core symptoms in order to appropriately deal with a person who has developed dementia according to the core symptoms.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a cognitive function diagnostic device, cognitive function diagnostic system, cognitive function diagnostic method, and program that enable appropriate measures to be taken for users of devices who have developed dementia, in accordance with the core symptoms that occur in the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the cognitive function diagnostic device relating to this disclosure is An operation information acquisition unit acquires operation information indicating the operation content of at least one device by a subject who is the subject of a cognitive function diagnosis, A cognitive function level calculation unit calculates the cognitive function level for each of several pre-set types of cognitive functions based on the aforementioned operation information. The system includes an identification unit that identifies diagnostic comment information indicating the diagnostic result regarding the subject's cognitive function based on a combination of cognitive function levels for each of the aforementioned multiple types of cognitive functions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the cognitive function level calculation unit calculates the cognitive function level for each of several pre-set types of cognitive functions based on the user's operation information of at least one device. The identification unit then identifies diagnostic comment information indicating the diagnostic result regarding the user's cognitive function based on the combination of cognitive function levels for each of the several types of cognitive functions. This makes it possible to identify the core symptoms of dementia in the user caused by the decline of several types of cognitive functions, enabling appropriate treatment for the user who has developed dementia, according to the type of core symptoms that occur in that user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cognitive function diagnostic system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the cognitive function diagnostic system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cloud server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of information stored by the operation history storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the cognitive function level correction amount storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of information stored by the cognitive function level memory unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the information stored by the diagnostic comment storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] (A) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the user information storage unit according to the embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the item setting storage unit. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the information stored by the aggregated result storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the cognitive function diagnostic system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] (A) is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing another example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] (A) is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing another example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing an example of the flow of cognitive function diagnostic processing performed by the cloud server according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cloud server in the modified version. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of the information stored in the weight coefficient storage unit related to the modified example.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a cognitive function diagnosis system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The cognitive function diagnosis system according to the present embodiment includes at least one device, an operation history acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each of the at least one device by a subject who is a diagnosis target of cognitive function, and based on the operation information of each of the at least one device of the subject, a cognitive function level calculation unit that calculates the cognitive function level of each of a plurality of preset types of cognitive functions, and a specifying unit that specifies diagnosis comment information indicating a diagnosis result regarding the cognitive function of the subject based on a combination of the cognitive function levels of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the cognitive function diagnosis system according to the present embodiment includes a cloud server 1 and a plurality of terminal devices 6 (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F). This cognitive function diagnosis system is used together with a plurality of devices 3 installed in, for example, a residence where a subject who is a target for diagnosing cognitive function resides. The plurality of devices 3 are connected to a local network NW2 laid in the residence. The terminal devices 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F are respectively owned, for example, by a subject, a caregiver of the subject, a nursing facility, an insurance company, a driver's license renewal center, and a long-term care certification office. Further, the local network NW2 is connected to a wide area network NW1 via a router 8. The cloud server 1 and the terminal devices 6 can communicate with each other via the wide area network NW1, and the cloud server 1 can communicate with each of the plurality of devices 3 via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2. The local network NW2 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, and the wide area network NW1 is, for example, the Internet. Further, the router 8 is, for example, a broadband router.

[0011] Device 3 includes electrical appliances such as air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, water heaters, induction cooktops, washing machines, rice cookers, dryers, vacuum cleaners, and smart speakers. Each device 3 comprises a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the device 3 and stores operation information indicating the operations performed by the user on the device 3, and a communication adapter (not shown) connected to the local network NW2. The communication adapter controls communication between the control unit and the cloud server 1 via the local network NW2, router 8, and wide-area network NW1. The control unit operates the device 3 according to the operations performed by the user on the operation panel (not shown) of the device 3. When an operation is performed on the device 3, the control unit generates operation information indicating the content of the operation and device status information indicating whether the device 3 is normal or abnormal, and transmits them to the cloud server 1. Here, the operation information includes user identification information that identifies the user who performed the operation, device identification information that identifies the device 3 being operated on, operation information indicating the content of the operation, and operation date information and operation start time information indicating the date the operation was performed and the start time of the operation.

[0012] The terminal device 6 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal, and comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601, a main memory unit 602, an auxiliary memory unit 603, a display unit 604, an input unit 605, a wide-area communication unit 606, and a bus 609 connecting these to each other. The main memory unit 602 has volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a workspace for the CPU 601. The auxiliary memory unit 603 is non-volatile memory such as semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 601 to execute various processes. The display unit 604 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 605 is, for example, a transparent touchpad placed on top of the display unit 604. The wide-area communication unit 606 is connected to a wide-area network NW1 and transmits information transferred from the CPU 601 to the cloud server 1 and transfers information received from the cloud server 1 to the CPU 601.

[0013] The CPU 601 functions as an acquisition unit 611 and a display control unit 612 as shown in FIG. 3 by reading out and executing the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 603 in the main storage unit 602. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary storage unit 603 shown in FIG. 2 has an image storage unit 631 that stores image information for constructing a notification screen for notifying the user of various types of information related to cognitive function diagnosis. When the acquisition unit 611 acquires diagnosis comment information, aggregation result information, and cognitive function level information from the cloud server 1, the acquisition unit 611 notifies the acquired diagnosis comment information, aggregation result information, and cognitive function level information to the display control unit 612. Here, the cognitive function level information indicates, for example, the levels of memory, language ability, judgment ability, calculation ability, execution ability, activity amount, and the level of the comprehensive cognitive function ability derived from these. The diagnosis comment information indicates a comment regarding the cognitive function corresponding to the cognitive function level information. The aggregation result information is information obtained by aggregating the cognitive function levels of a plurality of subjects. The display control unit 612 generates a notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit 604 using the image information stored in the image storage unit 631 based on the diagnosis comment information, aggregation result information, user information, and cognitive function level information notified from the acquisition unit 611. Then, the display control unit 612 causes the generated notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit 604.

[0014] When the reception unit 613 receives an operation for the user to perform a diagnosis of the cognitive function on the input unit 605, the reception unit 613 receives the operation content and notifies the request unit 614. The request unit 614 generates cognitive function diagnosis request information for requesting the transmission of diagnosis comment information, aggregation information, and cognitive function level information to the cloud server 1 according to the operation content notified from the reception unit 613, and transmits the information to the cloud server 1.

[0015] Returning to Figure 2, the cloud server 1 comprises a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a wide-area communication unit 106, a timing unit 107, and a bus 109 connecting these units, and functions as a cognitive function diagnostic device that performs a diagnosis of the user's cognitive function. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 consists of volatile memory and is used as a workspace for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 consists of large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 1. The wide-area communication unit 106 is connected to the wide-area network NW1. The timing unit 107 has, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock).

[0016] The CPU 101 functions as an operation information acquisition unit 111, a cognitive function level calculation unit 112, a specification unit 113, a notification unit 114, and an aggregation unit 115, as shown in Figure 3, by reading the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executing it. The auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Figure 2 has, as shown in Figure 3, an operation history storage unit 131, a cognitive function level correction amount storage unit 132, a cognitive function level storage unit 133, a diagnostic comment storage unit 134, a user information storage unit 135, an aggregation result storage unit 136, and an item setting storage unit 137. The operation history storage unit 131 stores, for example as shown in Figure 4, device identification information for each user of device 3, operation information indicating the operation content, operation date information and operation start time information indicating the date the operation was performed and the start time of the operation, and device status information, in association with user identification information that identifies the user. Here, the device identification information is information that identifies the device 3 that the user operated, and the device status information is information that indicates the state of device 3 at the time the operation started.

[0017] The cognitive function level correction amount storage unit 132 stores correction amount information indicating the amount of correction to the cognitive function level corresponding to the operation content and timing of the operation performed by the user for each of the multiple devices 3, in association with the device identification information, operation information indicating the operation content, and operation timing information indicating the timing of the operation for each of the multiple devices 3. For example, the cognitive function level correction amount storage unit 132 stores cognitive function level correction amount information indicating the amount of correction to be made according to the user's operation content for the initial levels of memory, language ability, judgment, calculation ability, executive ability, and activity level assigned to the user of device 3 at the start of the cognitive function diagnosis. Here, as shown in Figure 5, for example, the cognitive function level correction amount storage unit 132 stores cognitive function level correction amount information for memory, language ability, judgment, calculation ability, executive ability, and activity level in association with combinations of device identification information that identifies device 3, operation condition information indicating the conditions for the operation content performed on device 3, operation season information indicating the season and time of day the operation was performed, and operation time information. For example, if an air conditioner with device identification information IDD(1) is continuously turned on for 24 hours during April-June, October, and November, the cognitive function levels for memory and activity will each decrease by "1". On the other hand, if an air conditioner with device identification information IDD(1) is operating normally and is turned on between 6:00 and 24:00, the cognitive function levels for judgment and activity will each increase by "1". The information indicating the amount of correction for each cognitive function level is created based on information showing the correlation between the operation status of each user of device 3 and each user's cognitive function level, obtained, for example, in nursing homes, elderly care facilities, etc.

[0018] The cognitive function level memory unit 133 stores cognitive function level information calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 for each user of the device 3, as shown in Figure 6, for example, in association with the date the cognitive function level was calculated and the user identification information. The notations "A", "B", etc. in Figure 6 are set based on the numerical range of the cognitive function level. For example, if the initial level is "100", the cognitive function level score is set to "A+" if it is 95 or higher, "A" if it is 85 or higher but less than 95, "A-" if it is 80 or higher but less than 85, "B+" if it is 75 or higher but less than 80, "B" if it is 70 or higher but less than 75, "B-" if it is 65 or higher but less than 70, "C+" if it is 60 or higher but less than 65, "C" if it is 55 or higher but less than 60, and "C-" if it is less than 55.

[0019] The diagnostic comment memory unit 134 stores combinations of cognitive function levels for each of several types of cognitive functions, and diagnostic comment information indicating the diagnostic result corresponding to the combination of cognitive function levels, in association with each other. The diagnostic comment memory unit 134 stores diagnostic comment information corresponding to each of the criteria for multiple cognitive function levels, in association with cognitive function level information indicating the criteria for cognitive function levels, as shown in Figure 7 for example. In the case of Figure 7, for example, if the overall cognitive function level is "B+", "B", or "B-", the diagnostic comment information indicating diagnostic comment M[1] ("A tendency toward a decline in cognitive function is observed.") is selected. Also, if the level of calculation ability is C or higher but less than B-, the diagnostic comment information indicating diagnostic comment M[6] ("A mild decline in calculation ability is observed.") is selected. Furthermore, if the levels of "memory", "judgment", and "calculation ability" are less than "B-", the diagnostic comment information indicating diagnostic comment M

[16] ("A decline in cognitive function that is expected to impair driving is observed.") is selected.

[0020] The user information storage unit 135 stores name information, age information, My Number information, address information, family information, long-term care certification information, long-term care service information, driver's license information, cognitive function test information, and insurance premium information in association with user identification information, as shown in Figure 8(A), for example. Here, name information indicates the user's name, age information indicates the user's age, address information indicates the type of residence where the user lives, and family information indicates the user's family structure. Long-term care certification information indicates whether the user requires long-term care or support. Long-term care service information indicates the user's use of long-term care services. Driver's license information indicates the renewal status of the driver's license held by the user. Cognitive function test information indicates the results of cognitive function tests conducted by the user at medical institutions, long-term care facilities, etc. Insurance premium information indicates the insurance premiums the user pays to the insurance company.

[0021] The item setting storage unit 137 stores information indicating whether or not to transmit name information, age information, My Number information, address information, family information, long-term care certification information, long-term care service information, driver's license information, cognitive function test information, and insurance premium information, as shown in Figure 8(B), for example, in association with destination identification information that identifies the recipient. In the case of Figure 8(B), for example, if the recipient is the guardian's terminal device 6B, the name information, age information, address information, long-term care certification information, long-term care service information, and insurance premium information are transmitted to the terminal device 6B, while the My Number information, family information, driver's license information, and cognitive function test information are not transmitted to the terminal device 6B.

[0022] The aggregation result storage unit 136 stores aggregation result information obtained by aggregating the number of users for each cognitive function level, the total amount of insurance premiums, etc., for multiple users, as shown in Figure 9, for example. In the example shown in Figure 9, the aggregation result storage unit 136 stores aggregation result information showing the number of users aged 60 to under 64 for each cognitive function level related to memory, the total amount of insurance premiums, the number of users who have surrendered their licenses, and the number of users for each care certification level.

[0023] Returning to Figure 3, the operation information acquisition unit 111 acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each of the multiple devices 3 performed by the subject being diagnosed for cognitive function. The operation information acquisition unit 111 also acquires device status information indicating the state of device 3 when the operation related to the operation information was performed. The operation information acquisition unit 111 then extracts user identification information, device identification information, operation information, operation date information, and operation start time information contained in the acquired operation information, and stores the extracted user identification information, device identification information, operation information, operation date information, and operation start time information in chronological order in the operation history storage unit 131, associating them with the acquired device status information.

[0024] The cognitive function level calculation unit 112 calculates the level of each of several pre-set cognitive functions based on the operation information stored in the operation history storage unit 131 whenever a pre-set cognitive function level calculation period arrives. Here, the cognitive function level calculation period is set to occur, for example, every day. The cognitive function level calculation unit 112 selects correction amount information from the correction amount information stored in the cognitive function level correction amount storage unit 132 based on the user's operation content and operation timing included in the operation information of each of the multiple devices 3. Then, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 calculates the cognitive function level by correcting the corresponding cognitive function level by the correction amount indicated by the selected correction amount information. In addition, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 calculates the sum of the cognitive function levels for each of the multiple cognitive functions and calculates the overall cognitive function level based on the value obtained by dividing the calculated operation by the number of types of cognitive functions. The cognitive function level calculation unit 112 calculates the cognitive function levels for each of the following: memory, language ability, judgment, calculation ability, executive ability, and activity level. After calculating the sum of these levels, it calculates the overall cognitive function level by dividing the calculated sum by "6", which is the number of types of cognitive functions.

[0025] The identification unit 113 identifies diagnostic comment information indicating the diagnostic result of the subject's cognitive function based on combinations of levels for each of several types of cognitive functions. Specifically, the identification unit 113 identifies diagnostic comment information corresponding to combinations of cognitive function levels for each of several types of cognitive functions calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 from among the diagnostic comment information stored in the diagnostic comment storage unit 134. The identification unit 113 also identifies diagnostic comment information corresponding to the overall cognitive function level calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 from among the diagnostic comment information stored in the diagnostic comment storage unit 134. Then, the identification unit 113 notifies the notification unit 114 of the identified diagnostic comment information.

[0026] The aggregation unit 115 aggregates the cognitive function levels of memory, language ability, judgment, calculation ability, executive ability, and activity levels of multiple users, calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit 112, at each predetermined aggregation period. Here, the cognitive function level calculation period is set to occur, for example, every 1 month to 1 year. The aggregation unit 115 then stores the aggregation result information, which shows the aggregation results obtained, in the aggregation result storage unit 136.

[0027] When the notification unit 114 receives cognitive function diagnosis request information transmitted from the terminal device 6, it identifies the source of the cognitive function diagnosis request information as the destination for the diagnosis comment information, etc. Here, the notification unit 114 refers to the transmission necessity information stored in the item setting storage unit 137 and selects the item settings that need to be transmitted to the identified destination. The notification unit 114 then selects user information corresponding to the identified item settings from among the multiple types of user information stored in the user information storage unit 135, and also obtains aggregate result information corresponding to the identified item settings from the aggregate result information stored in the aggregate result storage unit 136. In addition, the notification unit 114 selects cognitive function level information corresponding to the destination from among the multiple cognitive function level information stored in the cognitive function level storage unit 133. The notification unit 114 then transmits the selected user information, aggregate result information, and cognitive function level information, along with the diagnosis comment information notified by the identification unit 113, to the terminal device 6.

[0028] Next, the operation of the dementia diagnosis system according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 10. First, when a user operates on device 3, device 3 generates operation information and device status information indicating the operating state of device 3 at the start of the operation (step S1). Next, the generated operation information and device status information are transmitted from device 3 to cloud server 1 (step S2). Meanwhile, when cloud server 1 acquires the operation information and device status information, it extracts user identification information, device identification information, operation information, operation date information, and operation start time information contained in the acquired operation information. Then, cloud server 1 stores the extracted user identification information, device identification information, operation information, operation date information, and operation start time information in chronological order in the operation history storage unit 131, associating them with the acquired device status information (step S3).

[0029] Furthermore, let's assume that the time for calculating the pre-set cognitive function level has arrived. In this case, the cloud server 1 calculates the cognitive function level for each of the pre-set multiple types of cognitive functions based on the operation information stored in the operation history storage unit 131 (step S4). At this time, the cloud server 1 calculates the sum of the cognitive function levels for each of the multiple types of cognitive functions and calculates the overall cognitive function level based on the value obtained by dividing the calculated operation by the number of types of cognitive functions. Subsequently, the cloud server 1 stores the cognitive function level information indicating the calculated cognitive function levels, along with the cognitive function level information indicating the overall cognitive function level, in the cognitive function level storage unit 133 (step S5).

[0030] Furthermore, let's assume that a pre-set aggregation period has arrived. In this case, the cloud server 1 uses the cognitive function level information stored in the cognitive function level memory unit 133 to aggregate the cognitive function levels of multiple users for pre-set cognitive functions (step S6). After that, the cloud server 1 stores the aggregation result information, which shows the aggregation result, in the aggregation result memory unit 136 (step S7).

[0031] Furthermore, suppose a guardian, care facility, insurance company, driver's license renewal center, or staff member belonging to a care needs assessment center, etc., who owns the terminal device 6, performs a cognitive function diagnosis operation on the input unit 605 of the terminal device 6 to diagnose cognitive function. In this case, cognitive function diagnosis request information is sent from the terminal device 6 to the cloud server 1, requesting the cloud server 1 to send diagnostic comment information, aggregated information, and cognitive function level information (step S8). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the cognitive function diagnosis request information, it identifies the source of the cognitive function diagnosis request information as the destination for the diagnostic comment information, etc. (step S9). Next, the cloud server 1 identifies diagnostic comment information that shows the diagnosis result about the user's cognitive function based on the combination of levels for each of several types of cognitive functions (step S10).

[0032] Next, the cloud server 1 refers to the transmission necessity information stored in the item setting storage unit 137 and selects the item settings that need to be sent to the specified destination (step S11). After that, the cloud server 1 selects user information corresponding to the specified item settings stored in the user information storage unit 135, selects aggregate result information stored in the aggregate result storage unit 136, and selects cognitive function level information stored in the cognitive function level storage unit 133 (step S12). Next, the selected user information, aggregate result information, diagnostic comment information, and cognitive function level information are transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 6 (step S13).

[0033] Meanwhile, when terminal device 6 acquires user information, aggregated result information, diagnostic comment information, and cognitive function level information, it generates a notification screen image to be displayed on display unit 604 using the image information stored in image storage unit 631, based on the acquired diagnostic comment information, aggregated result information, user information, and cognitive function level information. Then, terminal device 6 displays the generated notification screen image on display unit 604 (step S14).

[0034] Here, if the destination is a terminal device 6A owned by the user being diagnosed with cognitive function, the terminal device 6A displays a notification screen image GA11 on the display unit 604, for example, as shown in Figure 11. Here, the notification screen image GA11 includes a message image M111 containing cognitive function level information, a message image M112 containing diagnostic comment information, and a message image M113 containing the user's name information. The notification screen image GA11 does not include a message image containing aggregated result information. Furthermore, if the destination is a terminal device 6B owned by the guardian of the user being diagnosed with cognitive function, the terminal device 6B displays a notification screen image GA12 on the display unit 604, for example, as shown in Figure 12(A). Here, the notification screen image GA12 includes a message image M121 containing cognitive function level information and a message image M122 containing diagnostic comment information, as well as a message image M123 containing the user's name information, age information, address information, care needs assessment information, and care service information. Here, message image M121 represents the cognitive function level indicated by the cognitive function level information in radar chart format. Additionally, notification screen image GA12 also includes message image M124, which contains aggregated information on cognitive function levels.

[0035] Furthermore, if the destination is a terminal device 6C owned by a nursing care facility, the terminal device 6C displays a notification screen image GA13 on the display unit 604, for example, as shown in Figure 12(B). Here, the notification screen image GA13 includes a message image M131 containing cognitive function level information and a message image M132 containing diagnostic comment information, as well as a message image M133 containing the user's name information, age information, residence information, family information, care needs assessment information, and care service information. The notification screen image GA13 also includes a message image M134 containing aggregated cognitive function level information. If the destination is a terminal device 6D owned by an insurance company, the terminal device 6D displays a notification screen image GA14 on the display unit 604, for example, as shown in Figure 13(A). Here, the notification screen image GA14 includes message image M141 containing cognitive function level information and message image M142 containing diagnostic comment information, as well as message image M143 containing the user's name information, age information, address information, family information, care needs assessment information, care service information, and insurance premium information. In addition, the notification screen image GA14 also includes message image M144 containing aggregated information on cognitive function levels and aggregated information on insurance premiums.

[0036] Furthermore, if the destination is a terminal device 6E owned by a driver's license renewal center, the terminal device 6E displays a notification screen image GA15 on the display unit 604, for example, as shown in Figure 13(B). Here, the notification screen image GA15 includes a message image M151 containing cognitive function level information and a message image M152 containing diagnostic comment information, as well as a message image M153 containing the user's name information, age information, address information, family information, long-term care certification information, long-term care service information, driver's license information, and cognitive function test information. The notification screen image GA15 also includes a message image M154 containing aggregated information on cognitive function levels and aggregated information on the number of license surrenderers. Furthermore, if the destination is a terminal device 6F owned by a long-term care certification office, the terminal device 6F displays a notification screen image GA16 on the display unit 604, for example, as shown in Figure 14. Here, the notification screen image GA16 includes message image M161 containing cognitive function level information and message image M162 containing diagnostic comment information, as well as message image M163 containing the user's name information, age information, My Number information, address information, family information, care needs assessment information, and care service information. In addition, the notification screen image GA16 also includes message image M164 containing aggregated information on cognitive function levels and aggregated information on the percentage of users requiring care level 1 or higher.

[0037] Next, the cognitive function diagnostic process performed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 15. This cognitive function diagnostic process is started when the program for performing the cognitive function diagnostic process is launched on the cloud server 1 while the cloud server 1 is powered on. First, the operation information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has acquired the operation information and device status information transmitted from the device 3 (step S101). If the operation information acquisition unit 111 determines that it has not acquired the operation information and device status information (step S101: No), the process in step S104, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, suppose the operation information acquisition unit 111 determines that it has acquired the operation information and device status information (step S101: Yes). In this case, the operation information acquisition unit 111 extracts the user identification information, device identification information, operation information, operation date information, and operation start time information included in the acquired operation information (step S102). Next, the operation information acquisition unit 111 associates the extracted user identification information, device identification information, operation information, operation date information, and operation start time information with the acquired device status information and stores them in chronological order in the operation history storage unit 131 (step S103).

[0038] Next, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 determines whether or not the pre-set cognitive function level calculation time has arrived based on the time information measured by the timing unit 107 (step S104). If the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 determines that the cognitive function level calculation time has not yet arrived (step S104: No), the process in step S107, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 determines that the cognitive function level calculation time has arrived (step S104: Yes), it calculates the cognitive function level for each of the pre-set multiple types of cognitive functions based on the operation information stored in the operation history storage unit 131 (step S105). Here, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 calculates the sum of the cognitive function levels for each of the multiple types of cognitive functions, and calculates the overall cognitive function level based on the value obtained by dividing the calculated operation by the number of types of cognitive functions. Subsequently, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 stores the calculated cognitive function level information, along with the cognitive function level information indicating the overall cognitive function level, in the cognitive function level storage unit 133 (step S106).

[0039] Next, the aggregation unit 115 determines whether or not a pre-set aggregation period has arrived based on the time information measured by the timing unit 107 (step S107). If the aggregation unit 115 determines that the aggregation period has not yet arrived (step S107: No), the process in step S110, described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the aggregation unit 115 determines that the aggregation period has arrived (step S107: Yes), it aggregates the cognitive function levels of multiple users for a pre-set cognitive function using the cognitive function level information stored in the cognitive function level memory unit 133 (step S108). Subsequently, the aggregation unit 115 stores the aggregation result information, which indicates the aggregation result, in the aggregation result memory unit 136 (step S109).

[0040] Subsequently, the notification unit 114 determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned cognitive function diagnosis request information transmitted from the terminal device 6 (step S110). At this point, when the user performs a cognitive function diagnosis operation on the input unit 605 of the terminal device 6 to diagnose cognitive function, the cognitive function diagnosis request information is transmitted from the terminal device 6. If the notification unit 114 determines that it has not received the cognitive function diagnosis request information (step S110: No), the process in step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the notification unit 114 determines that it has received the cognitive function diagnosis request information (step S110: Yes), it identifies the source of the cognitive function diagnosis request information as the destination for the diagnosis comment information, etc. (step S111). Next, the identification unit 113 identifies the diagnosis comment information that indicates the diagnosis result for the user's cognitive function based on the combination of levels for each of the multiple types of cognitive functions (step S112). At this time, the identification unit 113 notifies the notification unit 114 of the identified diagnosis comment information.

[0041] Next, the notification unit 114 refers to the transmission necessity information stored in the item setting storage unit 137 and selects the item settings that need to be sent to the specified destination (step S113). After that, the notification unit 114 selects user information corresponding to the specified item settings stored in the user information storage unit 135, selects aggregate result information stored in the aggregate result storage unit 136, and selects cognitive function level information stored in the cognitive function level storage unit 133 (step S114). Next, the notification unit 114 sends the selected user information, aggregate result information, diagnostic comment information, and cognitive function level information to the specified destination terminal device 6 (step S115). Subsequently, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0042] As described above, according to the dementia diagnosis system of this embodiment, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 calculates the level of each of the six pre-set cognitive functions based on the operation information of multiple devices 3 by the subject. Then, the identification unit 113 identifies diagnostic comment information indicating the diagnostic result of the subject's cognitive function based on the combination of the levels of each of the six cognitive functions. This makes it possible to identify the core symptoms of dementia in the subject caused by a decline in at least one of the six cognitive functions, and thus enables appropriate measures to be taken for the subject who has developed dementia according to the type of core symptoms that occur in that subject.

[0043] Furthermore, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 in this embodiment selects correction amount information from the correction amount information stored in the cognitive function level correction amount storage unit 132 based on the subject's operation content and timing included in the operation information of each of the multiple devices 3. The cognitive function level calculation unit 112 then calculates the cognitive function level by correcting the corresponding cognitive function level by the correction amount indicated by the selected correction amount information. This makes it possible to determine whether or not the subject has signs of dementia based on the cumulative number of operations that may occur if the subject develops dementia, thereby improving the accuracy of the diagnosis of dementia in the subject.

[0044] Furthermore, the identification unit 113 in this embodiment identifies diagnostic comment information from the diagnostic comment storage unit 134 that corresponds to the combination of cognitive function levels for each of the six types of cognitive functions calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit 112. This makes it possible to provide different diagnostic comment information according to the differences in the combination of cognitive function levels for each of the six types of cognitive functions, thereby enabling appropriate responses according to the differences in the cognitive function levels of the subject.

[0045] Furthermore, the cognitive function level calculation unit 112 in this embodiment calculates the cognitive function level for each of the six types of cognitive functions, then calculates their sum, and divides the calculated sum by the number of types of cognitive functions, which is 6, to calculate the overall cognitive function level. Then, the identification unit 113 identifies diagnostic comment information indicating the overall diagnostic result based on the overall cognitive function level calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit 112. This makes it possible to provide diagnostic comment information based on the cognitive function level of the subject, which is comprehensively evaluated from the six types of cognitive function levels.

[0046] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the cognitive function level calculation unit may calculate the product of the cognitive function level of each of the multiple types of cognitive functions and a weight coefficient corresponding to each of the multiple types of cognitive functions that has been set in advance. The identification unit may then identify diagnostic comment information indicating the overall diagnostic result based on the sum of the products corresponding to each of the multiple types of cognitive functions calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 16, the cloud server 2001 according to this modified example includes a weight coefficient storage unit 2138. In Figure 16, components similar to those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 3. The weight coefficient storage unit 2138 stores weight coefficient information, which shows combinations of weight coefficients for multiple types of cognitive functions (six types in Figure 17) for each of a plurality of pre-set destinations, in association with the destination identification information of the corresponding destination terminal device 6. Here, the cognitive function level calculation unit 2112 first selects weight coefficient information corresponding to the destination identified by the notification unit 114 from the weight coefficient information stored in the weight coefficient storage unit 2138. Next, the cognitive function level calculation unit 2112 calculates the product of the cognitive function level for each of the multiple types of cognitive functions and the weight coefficient corresponding to each of the selected multiple types of cognitive functions, and calculates the sum of the calculated products. The cognitive function level calculation unit 2112 then calculates the overall cognitive function level by dividing the calculated sum by the number of types of cognitive functions, and notifies the identification unit 113 of the cognitive function level information indicating the calculated overall cognitive function level. Meanwhile, the identification unit 113 identifies the diagnostic comment information based on the overall cognitive function level notified by the cognitive function level calculation unit 2112.

[0048] This configuration makes it possible to provide appropriate diagnostic comment information even when the importance of multiple types of cognitive function levels differs for each recipient.

[0049] In the embodiment described, an example was given in which the identification unit 113 identifies diagnostic comment information based on a combination of cognitive function levels for each of several types of cognitive functions. However, the identification unit is not limited to this, and may identify diagnostic comment information based on the history of operation information stored in the operation history storage unit 131. In this case, for example, if the identification unit determines from the history of operation information regarding television that the user did not watch recorded programs in a certain month despite having watched recorded programs every month, it may identify diagnostic comment information such as "There is a possibility that your motivation for hobbies and daily life has decreased." Alternatively, if the identification unit determines from the history of operation information regarding lighting fixtures that the entrance light was turned on in the middle of the night, it may identify diagnostic comment information such as "There is a possibility that you may wander."

[0050] In this embodiment, for example, if a control device (not shown) that controls the device 3 and manages water usage, electricity usage, etc. is connected to the local network NW2, the cloud server 1 may acquire information from the control device indicating water usage, electricity usage, etc. for each of several pre-configured time periods. Furthermore, if the cloud server 1 detects water or electricity usage during a time when the user does not normally use water or electricity, it may modify the system to reduce the cognitive function level.

[0051] In this embodiment, each of the multiple devices 3 may be equipped with a user identification function that identifies the user operating the device. In this case, the cloud server 1 may acquire user identification information that identifies the user who operated the device, along with operation information and device status information from each of the multiple devices 3, and based on the acquired user identification information, store the operation information and device status information in the operation history storage unit 131 separately for each user. With this configuration, even if there are multiple users for each of the multiple devices 3, it is possible to determine the cognitive function level separately for each of the multiple users. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide appropriate support to each of the multiple users.

[0052] Furthermore, the various functions of cloud server 1, 2001 related to this disclosure can be implemented using a normal computer system, not a dedicated system. For example, a program for performing the above operations may be stored on a non-temporary recording medium (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)) that can be read by the computer system and distributed to computers connected to the network, and a cloud server 1, 2001 that performs the above processing may be configured by installing the program on the computer system.

[0053] Furthermore, the method of providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. The computer then launches this program and executes it under the control of the operating system (OS), just like any other application. In this way, the computer functions as a cloud server 1, 2001 that performs the processes described above.

[0054] While embodiments and variations of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure includes combinations of embodiments and variations as appropriate, and modifications thereof as appropriate. [Industrial applicability]

[0055] This disclosure is suitable as a system for diagnosing whether or not a user of a device has developed dementia. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1, 2001 Cloud Server, 3 Devices, 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F Terminal Devices, 8 Routers, 101, 601 CPU, 102, 602 Main Memory Unit, 103, 603 Auxiliary Memory Unit, 106, 606 Wide Area Communication Unit, 107 Timing Unit, 109, 609 Bus, 111 Operation Information Acquisition Unit, 112, 2112 Cognitive Function Level Calculation Unit, 113 Identification Unit, 114 Notification Unit, 115 Aggregation Unit, 131 Operation History Storage Unit, 132 Cognitive Function Level Correction Amount Storage Unit, 133 Cognitive Function Level Storage Unit, 134 Diagnostic Comment Storage Unit, 135 User Information Storage Unit, 136 Aggregation Result Storage Unit, 137 Item Setting Storage Unit, 604 Display Unit, 605 Input Unit, 611 Acquisition Unit, 612 Display control unit, 613 Reception unit, 614 Request unit, 631 Image storage unit, 2138 Weight coefficient storage unit, GA11, GA12, GA13, GA14, GA15, GA16 Notification screen images, M111, M112, M113, M121, M122, M123, M124, M131, M132, M133, M134, M141, M142, M143, M144, M151, M152, M153, M154, M161, M162, M163, M164 Message images, NW1 Wide area network, NW2 Local network

Claims

1. an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the content of an operation of at least one device by a subject who is a subject of cognitive function diagnosis; a cognitive function level calculation unit that calculates a cognitive function level for each of a plurality of types of cognitive functions that have been set in advance based on the operation information; and an identification unit that identifies diagnostic comment information indicating a diagnosis result for the cognitive function of the subject based on a combination of cognitive function levels of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions. Cognitive function diagnostic device.

2. a cognitive function level correction amount storage unit that stores correction amount information indicating a correction amount of the cognitive function level according to operation content and operation timing of an operation performed by the subject on the at least one device, in association with device identification information of each of the at least one device, operation information indicating the operation content, and operation timing information indicating the operation timing; the cognitive function level calculation unit selects correction amount information from the correction amount information stored in the cognitive function level correction amount storage unit based on the operation content and operation timing of the subject included in the operation information for each of the at least one device, and calculates the cognitive function level by correcting the corresponding cognitive function level by the correction amount indicated by the selected correction amount information. The cognitive function diagnostic device according to claim 1 .

3. The method further includes a diagnostic comment storage unit that stores a combination of cognitive function levels of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions and diagnostic comment information indicating a diagnostic result corresponding to the combination of cognitive function levels in association with each other, the identifying unit identifies, from the diagnostic comment information stored in the diagnostic comment storage unit, diagnostic comment information corresponding to a combination of cognitive function levels of the plurality of types of cognitive functions calculated by the cognitive function level calculation unit. The cognitive function diagnostic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the specifying unit specifies diagnostic comment information indicating a comprehensive diagnostic result based on a sum of the cognitive function levels of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions. The cognitive function diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the cognitive function level calculation unit calculates a product of the cognitive function level of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions and a preset weighting coefficient corresponding to each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions; the specifying unit specifies diagnostic comment information indicating a comprehensive diagnostic result based on a sum of products corresponding to each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions calculated by the cognitive function level calculating unit. The cognitive function diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. At least one device; an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the content of an operation of each of the at least one device by a subject who is a subject of cognitive function diagnosis; a cognitive function level calculation unit that calculates a cognitive function level for each of a plurality of types of cognitive functions that have been set in advance based on the operation information; and an identification unit that identifies diagnostic comment information indicating a diagnosis result for the cognitive function of the subject based on a combination of cognitive function levels of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions. Cognitive function diagnostic system.

7. acquiring operation information indicating operation details of at least one device by a subject who is a subject for diagnosis of cognitive function; calculating a cognitive function level for each of a plurality of types of cognitive functions that have been set in advance based on the operation information; and generating diagnostic comment information indicating a diagnosis result for the cognitive function of the subject based on a combination of cognitive function levels of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions. Cognitive function diagnostic methods.

8. Computer, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the content of an operation of at least one device by a subject who is a subject for diagnosis of cognitive function; a cognitive function level calculation unit that calculates a cognitive function level for each of a plurality of types of cognitive functions that have been set in advance based on the operation information; an identification unit that identifies diagnostic comment information indicating a diagnosis result for the cognitive function of the subject based on a combination of cognitive function levels of each of the plurality of types of cognitive functions; A program to function as a

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