Cognitive ability detection system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for detecting cognitive competence and a detection system using the same. If the method and the detection system of the present invention are used, it is possible to perform very effective and highly reliable cognitive competence detection related to frontal lobe activity, and the detection result can be used to provide information to diagnose diseases causing cognitive competence decline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0083335 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 6, 2022, and the disclosure of the above patent application is incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for detecting cognitive ability and a detection system using the same. Background Art

[0003] Anatomically, the frontal lobe is divided into the primary motor area adjacent to the central sulcus, the premotor area in front of it, and the prefrontal area, which collectively refers to the rest of the area. The primary motor area and the premotor area interfere with motor execution and behavioral calculation functions. In contrast, the prefrontal area sets the goal of action and is responsible for providing, coordinating, and managing the execution of functions of other brain areas in order to achieve the goal. The prefrontal area not only receives neural connections from the cerebral cortex area that provides sensory information, but also receives input from subcortical structures such as the limbic system and pituitary gland that provide information about the internal state of the body. It has a neural connection structure that can collect and integrate various information to coordinate the functions of other brain areas. Trail Making Test (TMT) is a test used to evaluate cognitive function, especially a neuropsychological test widely used to evaluate frontal lobe and executive function. Trail Making Test is the most sensitive test for identifying mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. Trail Making Test consists of Part A and Part B that evaluate various cognitive processes. Part A of the tracing test requires connecting randomly distributed numbers in ascending order, while part B of the tracing test includes numbers and words, requiring participants to connect numbers and words alternately. Part A of the tracing test is mainly related to attention, and part B of the tracing test is used as an indicator of frontal lobe executive function.

[0004] Since the existing line connection test uses English letters in Part B of the line connection test, its usefulness is limited under different cultural conditions. As a result, non-English speaking circles and illiterate elderly people who cannot read text have a low performance bias in Part B of the line connection test. According to a large number of existing research reports, the performance of elderly people with low education levels and patients with mild cognitive impairment in non-English speaking countries in Part B of the line connection test is mostly poor. In order to improve this shortcoming, multiple versions of line connection tests have been developed for illiterate people and people whose native English is not. The color connection test (CTT, colorTrail Test) uses two colors, and the shape connection test (STT, Shape Trail Test) uses circles and quadrilaterals. Although the applicability and reliability of the color connection test can be established, due to the possibility of the Stroop effect (Stroop effect) in Part B of the color connection test, it is difficult to regard the color connection test as similar to the connection test. Moreover, the color connection test is difficult to apply to people with color blindness or visual impairment. Many non-English speaking countries are working hard to develop connection tests using the native languages ​​of each country. However, this test still requires validation and is of very limited use. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems. The inventors have conducted a lot of research work to develop a method that can easily, reliably and non-invasively perform cognitive ability testing related to frontal lobe activity in a short time. As a result, the inventors found that if the subject is made to perform digital arrangement according to a prescribed rule and an intruder arranged according to the prescribed rule is arranged between them, a cognitive ability test with very high reliability can be performed, thereby completing the present invention.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a test plate for testing cognitive function.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for providing information for examining cognitive function.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cognitive function test providing device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer program for examining cognitive functions.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, numbers from n to n+i (n is an integer greater than 0, and i is an integer greater than 3) are arranged on a test plate for cognitive function examination provided by the present invention, n is displayed once, n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that are distinguishable from each other, and the above-mentioned numbers are divided into two groups: connectors and interferers, and the above-mentioned connectors include n defined as a starting point, and the above-mentioned n is displayed by the first marking method or the second marking method, and the above-mentioned connectors include those by the first marking method and the second marking method The interfering factor includes n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the marking methods in the first marking method and the second marking method, the n+b is displayed by a marking method different from the above-mentioned n, and the n+a is displayed by the same marking method as the above-mentioned n. The interfering factor includes n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the marking methods in the first marking method and the second marking method, the n+a is displayed by a marking method different from the above-mentioned n, and the n+b is displayed by the same marking method as the above-mentioned n.

[0013] According to one embodiment, in the above-mentioned test board, when the distance between n+x and n+x+1 (x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1) belonging to the connector is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the connector and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment, the first marking method and the second marking method may respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of a font color of a number, a shadow color of a number, and a shadow shape of a number in different ways.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the shaded colors of the numbers displayed by the first marking method and the second marking method may be different from each other.

[0016] According to another embodiment, in the first marking method and the second marking method, the shadow color of the number is marked as one of black and white, and can be distinguished from each other according to different colors.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned D1 is larger than D2 and D3.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment, the above i may be an integer from 2 to 49.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment, the above i may be an integer from 9 to 29.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that when the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in sequence from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the information providing method for checking cognitive function provided by the present invention includes the following steps: randomly displaying numbers from n to n+i (n is an integer greater than 0, and i is an integer greater than 3) on a screen; receiving information related to numbers clicked or connected in sequence by a user; and judging whether the numbers belonging to the connectors are clicked or connected in sequence from small numbers to large numbers based on the information input by the user, and displaying the results on the screen, wherein the above n is displayed once, and n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that are distinguished from each other, and the above numbers are divided into two groups: connectors and interferers, and the above connectors include n defined as a starting point, The above-mentioned n is displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method, the above-mentioned linker includes n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) and n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned interferon includes n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by a labeling method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by the same labeling method as the above-mentioned n.

[0022] According to one embodiment, in the above-mentioned information providing method, when the distance between n+x and n+x+1 (x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1) belonging to the linker is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the linker and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the linker is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied.

[0023] According to yet another embodiment, the first marking method and the second marking method may respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of a font color of a number, a shadow color of a number, and a shadow shape of a number in different ways.

[0024] According to yet another embodiment, the shaded colors of the numbers displayed by the first marking method and the second marking method may be different from each other.

[0025] According to another embodiment, in the first marking method and the second marking method, the shadow color of the number is marked as one of black and white, and can be distinguished from each other according to different colors.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned D1 is larger than D2 and D3.

[0027] According to yet another embodiment, the above i may be an integer from 2 to 49.

[0028] According to yet another embodiment, the above i may be an integer from 9 to 29.

[0029] According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that when the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in sequence from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method for providing a cognitive function test performed by a computer provided by the present invention is characterized in that it includes the following steps: randomly displaying numbers from n to n+i (n is an integer greater than 0, and i is an integer greater than 3) on a screen; receiving information related to numbers clicked or connected in sequence by a user; and judging whether the numbers belonging to the connector are clicked or connected in sequence from small numbers to large numbers based on the information input by the user, and displaying the results on the screen, wherein the above n is displayed once, and n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that distinguish each other, and the above numbers are divided into two groups: connectors and interferers, and the above connectors include a starting point defined as The n of the point, the above n is displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method, the above connector includes n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) and n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from the above n, and the above n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as the above n, the above interferer includes n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above n+a is displayed by a labeling method different from the above n, and the above n+b is displayed by the same labeling method as the above n.

[0031] According to another embodiment, in the above-mentioned test providing method, when the distance between n+x and n+x+1 (x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1) belonging to the linker is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the linker and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the linker is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the first marking method and the second marking method may respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of a font color of a number, a shadow color of a number, and a shadow shape of a number in different ways.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned i is 2 to 49.

[0034] According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that when the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in sequence from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cognitive function test providing device provided by the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a display unit, which randomly displays numbers from n to n+i (n is an integer greater than 0, and i is an integer greater than 3) on the screen; an input-output unit, which receives information related to numbers clicked or connected in sequence by a user; and a control unit, which determines whether the numbers belonging to the connectors are clicked or connected in sequence from small numbers to large numbers through the information input by the above user, and the above display unit displays the judgment result of the above control unit on the screen, the above n is displayed once, n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that distinguish each other, and the above numbers are divided into two groups: connectors and interferers, and the above connectors The sub-molecule includes n defined as a starting point, and the above n is displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method. The above-mentioned linker includes n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) and n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as the above-mentioned n. The above-mentioned interferon includes n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by a labeling method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by the same labeling method as the above-mentioned n.

[0036] In this specification, the term "unit" used refers to hardware structural elements such as software, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the "unit" performs a certain function. However, the "unit" is not limited to software or hardware. The "unit" may also exist in an accessible storage medium and be executed by one or more processors. Therefore, according to one example, the "unit" includes structural elements such as software structural elements, object-pointing software structural elements, class structural elements and task structural elements, processes, functions, attributes, programs, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcodes, circuits, data, databases, data structures, lists, arrays and variables. The functions provided in the structural elements and "units" can be combined with a smaller number of structural elements and "units" or further separated into additional structural elements and "units".

[0037] According to one embodiment, in the above-mentioned test providing device, when the distance between n+x and n+x+1 (x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1) belonging to the connector is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the connector and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that the first marking method and the second marking method can respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of font color of numbers, shadow color of numbers and shadow shape of numbers in different ways.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned i is 2 to 49.

[0040] According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that when the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in sequence from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium provided by the present invention includes instructions for controlling a computer system to provide a method for providing a cognitive function test. The present invention is characterized in that the above instructions are used to perform the following steps: randomly displaying numbers from n to n+i (n is an integer greater than 0, and i is an integer greater than 3) on the screen; receiving information related to numbers clicked or connected in sequence by a user; and judging whether the numbers belonging to the connectors are clicked or connected in sequence from small numbers to large numbers based on the information input by the user, and displaying the results on the screen, the above n is displayed once, n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that distinguish each other, and the above numbers are divided into connectors. and two groups of interference factors, the above-mentioned linker includes n defined as a starting point, the above-mentioned n is displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method, the above-mentioned linker includes n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) and n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as the above-mentioned n, the above-mentioned interference factor includes n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by a labeling method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by the same labeling method as the above-mentioned n.

[0042] According to one embodiment, in the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium, when the distance between n+x and n+x+1 (x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1) belonging to the linker is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the linker and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the linker is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied.

[0043] According to yet another embodiment, the first marking method and the second marking method may respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of a font color of a number, a shadow color of a number, and a shadow shape of a number in different ways.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned i is 2 to 49.

[0045] According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that when the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in sequence from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

[0046] Effects of the Invention

[0047] If the method and detection system of the present invention are used, a very effective and highly reliable cognitive ability test related to frontal lobe activity can be performed, and the test results can be used to provide information for diagnosing diseases that lead to cognitive decline. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 A diagram for explaining the basic principle of detection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 An example of a test board.

[0050] Figure 3 This is another example of a test board.

[0051] Figure 4 Another example of a test board.

[0052] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 6 The figure is a flow chart showing a detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 7 Graph showing the time to complete Part A and Part B of the TMT-B&W as a function of education level A and age B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 A diagram for explaining the basic principle of detection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] "Testing" refers to testing of cognitive functions related to frontal lobe activity. Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a test board for cognitive function examination with a plurality of numbers arranged thereon is provided to a user, so that the user connects the numbers arranged on the test board in order, and the detection can be performed by judging whether the user connects the numbers arranged on the test board in the correct order. According to one example, the rule is to connect the numbers in order from the smallest number to the largest number.

[0058] The "test board" of one embodiment of the present invention can be a paper with numbers printed on it or an electronic device that displays numbers on a display screen. In the case where the test board is a paper, the subject can draw a line segment to connect the numbers selected according to the prescribed rules to perform the test, or, in the process of naked eye confirmation by medical personnel, the test can be performed by connecting or specifying the numbers selected according to the prescribed rules in sequence using fingers or other props. In order to simplify the post-processing of the test results, it is preferred to perform the test in the following manner, that is, drawing a line segment to connect the numbers selected according to the prescribed rules in sequence. If the test board is an electronic device including a display screen displaying numbers, the same arrangement of numbers can be displayed at each inspection, and the arrangement of numbers at each inspection can also be different. If the arrangement of numbers at each inspection is the same, it is easy to compare the test results between different subjects, and the reliability of the inspection results can be improved. In the case of performing multiple inspections on the same subject, in order to reduce the deviation caused by familiarity with the arrangement of numbers, the arrangement of numbers at each inspection can be changed, but it is not limited to this.

[0059] According to one example, the numbers displayed on the test board may be displayed by a first marking method or a second marking method that is distinguishable from each other. In this case, the rule may also include alternately connecting the numbers using the first marking method and the second marking method. That is, the rule is to connect the numbers in order from the smallest number to the largest number, but the marking method may be set to be selected alternately. Figure 1 For example, the rule may be to sequentially connect the numbers 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 that specify the rule.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 , the numbers can be divided into two groups, connectors and interferers. Figure 1 In the example, connectors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and interfering elements 202, 203, 204, 205 can be identified. According to one example, the rule is to connect numbers in order from the smallest number to the largest number, which means that only connectors other than interfering elements are connected.

[0061] According to one example, numbers from n to n+i (n is an integer greater than 0, and i is an integer greater than 3) are arranged on a test board. In this case, n is displayed once, and n+1 to n+i can be displayed twice respectively. One of the two identical numbers displayed twice is used as a connector, and the remaining one can be used as an interferer. Connectors and interferers can be displayed by different methods. For example, two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed by a first marking method and a second marking method that are distinguishable from each other, respectively, so that connectors and interferers can be visually distinguished.

[0062] The first marking method and the second marking method can respectively display one or more of the group consisting of the font color of the number, the shadow color of the number, and the shadow shape of the number in different ways. According to one example, the shadow colors of the numbers displayed by the first marking method and the second marking method can be different from each other. As another example, in the first marking method and the second marking method, the shadow color of the number is marked as one of black or white, and can be distinguished from each other by different colors. Figure 1 In the example of , the first marking method marks the numbers as black and the shadows as white, and the second marking method marks the numbers as white and the shadows as black.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 The example of , illustrates the case where n=1, i=4.

[0064] The linker includes n defined as the starting point, which can be displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method. Figure 1 In the example, the number 1 ( Figure 1 101) is the starting point.

[0065] The linker includes n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) and n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, wherein the n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from that of the n, and the n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as that of the n. The interferer may include n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, wherein the n+a is displayed by a labeling method different from that of the n, and the n+b is displayed by the same labeling method as that of the n. Figure 1 In the example, the number 1 ( Figure 1 101) is displayed once, and numbers 2 to 5 are displayed twice respectively. Among the numbers 2 to 5 displayed twice, one is regarded as a connector 102, 103, 104, 105, and the remaining one can be regarded as an interfering element 202, 203, 204, 205. Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , linkers and interferers can be displayed in different ways.

[0066] According to one example, when the distance between n+x and n+x+1 (x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1) belonging to the connector is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the connector and n+x+1 belonging to the interference component is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interference component and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 can be satisfied. According to one example, D1 can be greater than D2 and D3. Thus, the interference component n+x+1 exists around the line of sight where the user wants to connect the connector n+x and the connector n+x+1, thereby effectively preventing the user from accurately connecting the connectors. Figure 1 In the example, the distance between the connector 101 and the connector 102 is D1, the distance between the connector 101 and the interfering element 202 is D2, and the distance between the interfering element 202 and the connector 102 is D3. Figure 1 In the above example, the conditions D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied.

[0067] Interference factors can be used to increase the difficulty of detection. For example, in order to move from connector n+x to the next number, the user observes the area around connector n+x. In this case, although the number is the same as the next connector n+x+1, the marking method is different. Compared with the next connector n+x+1, the closer interference factor n+x+1 is relatively more likely to be discovered first. Therefore, in order to accurately move to the next connector n+x+1, the user needs to perform the judgment for excluding the interference factor n+x+1 again. Therefore, the difficulty of detection can be increased by interference factors.

[0068] The above i may be 2 to 49. Alternatively, the above i may be 9 to 29.

[0069] Figure 2 is an example of a test board. According to one embodiment, Figure 2 The test panel shown can be used to test cognitive functions related to frontal lobe activity. Figure 1 is a diagram for illustrating the detection rule. Figure 2 The figure shows the state of the actual test board with random numbers. Figure 2 The example shows the case where n=1 and i=4.

[0070] With the Figure 2 The test board is provided to the user. After the rules are explained to the user, it can be determined whether the user connects the connectors 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 in sequence according to the rules to perform the test.

[0071] Figure 3 is another example of a test board. According to one embodiment, Figure 3 The test paper can be used as a test board to test cognitive functions related to frontal lobe activity. Figure 3The example of exemplifies the case where n=1 and i=14. Figure 1 In the same manner as the description method of FIG. 1 , the connector 101 corresponding to number 1, the connectors 102 to 115 corresponding to numbers 2 to 15, and the interfering elements 202 to 225 can be respectively displayed in Figure 3 The test board.

[0072] With the Figure 3 The test board is provided to the user. After the rules are explained to the user, it can be determined whether the user connects the connectors 101 to 115 in sequence according to the rules to perform the test.

[0073] Figure 4 is another example of a test board. According to one embodiment, Figure 4 The test paper can be used as a test board to test cognitive functions related to frontal lobe activity. Figure 4 The example of exemplifies the case where n=1 and i=24. Figure 1 In the same manner as the description method of FIG. 1 , the connector 101 corresponding to number 1, the connectors 102 to 125 corresponding to numbers 2 to 25, and the interfering elements 202 to 225 can be respectively displayed in Figure 4 The test board.

[0074] With the Figure 4 The test board is provided to the user. After the rules are explained to the user, it can be determined whether the user connects the connectors 101 to 125 in sequence according to the rules to perform the test.

[0075] Reference Figures 2 to 4 According to a test board of an example of the present invention, when the numbers belonging to the connector are connected by line segments in order from small numbers to large numbers, all the line segments may not cross each other.

[0076] Figure 5 Detection device 500 includes a display unit 510 , a control unit 520 , and an input / output unit 530 .

[0077] Figure 6 The flowchart is a detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Please refer to the following Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of the present invention will be described.

[0079] In step 61 , the display unit 510 may randomly display numbers from n to n+i (n is an integer greater than 0, and i is an integer greater than 3) on the screen according to the control of the control unit 520 .

[0080] In step 62 , the input / output unit 530 receives information related to the numbers clicked or sequentially connected by the user.

[0081] In step 63, the control unit 520 determines whether to connect the numbers belonging to the connector according to the rule based on the information received in step 62. The rule refers to clicking or connecting the numbers belonging to the connector in sequence from small numbers to large numbers.

[0082] In step 64 , the display unit 510 displays the determination result of step 63 on the screen.

[0083] Wherein, n is displayed once, n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice can be displayed by a first marking method and a second marking method that are distinguishable from each other. According to one example, i can be 2 to 49. According to one example, i can be 9 to 29.

[0084] The numbers can be divided into two groups, namely, connectors and interferers.

[0085] The connector may include n defined as a starting point. n may be displayed by the first marking method or the second marking method. The connector may include n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) and n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) displayed by one of the first marking method and the second marking method, wherein the n+b is displayed by a marking method different from that of the n, and the n+a is displayed by the same marking method as that of the n. According to one example, when the numbers belonging to the connector are connected by line segments in order from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments may not cross each other.

[0086] The interferon includes n+a (a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i) and n+b (b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i) displayed by one of the first and second labeling methods, wherein the n+a is displayed by a labeling method different from that of the n, and the n+b is displayed by a labeling method the same as that of the n. When the distance between n+x and n+x+1 (x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1) belonging to the linker is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the linker and n+x+1 belonging to the interferon is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferon and n+x+1 belonging to the linker is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 may be satisfied. For example, D1 may be greater than D2 and D3.

[0087] The first marking method and the second marking method can respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of the font color of the number, the shadow color of the number, and the shadow shape of the number in different ways. According to one example, the shadow colors of the numbers displayed by the first marking method and the second marking method can be different from each other. According to one example, in the first marking method and the second marking method, the shadow color of the number is marked as one of black or white, and can be distinguished from each other by different colors.

[0088] The above method of one example of the present invention is implemented by program instructions executed by a computer device and can be recorded in a computer-readable medium.

[0089] According to an example of the present invention, a computer program stored in a computer-readable medium for executing the above method may be provided.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the advantage of TMT-B&W is that it will not cause prejudice even for illiterate people or those with low education levels, and cross-cultural comparative studies can be conducted without being affected by language barriers. Part B of TMT-B&W includes intruders No. 2 to No. 25, which are sensitive to the measurement of frontal lobe function.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in various specific embodiments without changing the technical concept or essential technical features of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments are only specific examples of the present invention at all levels and are not limited thereto.

[0092] The present invention is further described in detail below through experimental examples. Such experimental examples are only used to further describe the present invention in detail, and those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the present invention disclosed in the attached claims is not limited to such embodiments.

[0093] Example 1: Subject

[0094] A health examination questionnaire survey (Christensen KJ, Multhaup KS, Nordstrom S, Voss K. Acognitive battery for dementia: Development and measurement characteristics. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1991; 3(2): 168.) was administered to healthy adults who expressed their willingness to participate through personal contact at elderly welfare centers or in the community. For those who were confirmed to have no medical history related to cognitive function, a mini-mental status examination and TMT-B&W were performed by trained psychologists (undergraduate or graduate students in psychology). The purpose and procedures of the study were explained to all subjects and written consent was obtained before the study.

[0095] Example 2: TMT-B&W assay

[0096] TMT-B&W consists of two sub-sets, namely, TMT-B&W Part A and TMT-B&W Part B. TMT-B&W Part A consists of round numbers (1-25), even numbers are black circles, odd numbers are white circles ( Figure 1 -a). Part B of TMT-B&W displays all numbers (2-25) except number 1 twice. Number 1 is displayed only once in a white circle, and each corresponding number is surrounded by a black circle and a white circle ( Figure 1 -b).

[0097] In part A of the TMT-B&W, instruct the subject to draw lines connecting the numbers in the circles in ascending order. In part B of the TMT-B&W, instruct the subject to connect the numbers alternately between the two color groups in ascending order. The time required to complete the test is measured in seconds. For each part of the test, a maximum of 300 seconds is allowed to complete the test.

[0098] Example 3: Statistical analysis

[0099] Correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between demographic variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relative contribution of age, gender, and education level. A series of covariance analyses (ANCOVA) with multiple comparison (Bonferroni) post hoc tests confirmed the main effects of age and education level. Age was divided into 8 ranges (19-24 years, 25-34 years, 35-44 years, 45-54 years, 55-64 years, 65-74 years, 75-84 years, and 85 years and above). With reference to the Korean education system, education level was divided into 8 items (illiterate, group that can read but not educated, 1-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-16 years, and 17 years and above education level). Normative data for TMT-B&W are expressed by mean, standard deviation, median, and scores from the 5th to the 95th percentile. SPSS version 19.0 was used in all statistical analyses.

[0100] 3-1. Demographic characteristics

[0101] Of the 1012 subjects who participated in this study, 42% (n=430) were male and 58% (n=582) were female. The demographic results of the included subjects are shown in Table 1. There was no significant difference in the mean age of males and females. The mean educational level of male subjects was significantly higher than that of female subjects (p<0.001).

[0102] Table 1

[0103] Demographic characteristics of the subject

[0104]

[0105] Mean ± standard deviation ( a Mean ± SD)

[0106] 3-2. Effects of age, gender and education level on TMT-B&W

[0107] The correlations between demographic variables and the scores of Part A and Part B of TMT-B&W showed that age, gender, and education level were not only significantly correlated with the scores of Part A and Part B of TMT-B&W, but also significantly correlated with each other (Table 2).

[0108] Table 2

[0109] Correlation between age, education, gender and completion time of Part A and Part B of TMT-B&W

[0110]

[0111] *Based on p<0.001, multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of each variable on TMT-B&W. All ages, genders, and education levels had significant effects on the scores of Part A and Part B of TMT-B&W. In Part A of TMT-B&W, education level accounted for the largest proportion of score changes compared to the order of age and gender. In Part B of TMT-B&W, the order of age, education level, and gender had significant effects. The results of the multiple regression analysis are shown in Table 3. The above three variables have an explanatory power of 53% for Part A of TMT-B&W and 70% for Part B of TMT-B&W. Therefore, when interpreting the results of TMT-B&W, education level, age, and gender should be considered and appropriate stratification specifications should be constructed based on such variables.

[0112] Table 3

[0113] Multivariate linear regression analysis of age, education and gender on parts A and B of TMT-B&W

[0114]

[0115]

[0116] Regarding age, the age category was initially divided into 8 categories (19-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85 and above). ANCOVA was performed to determine the effect of age, and post-hoc analysis was performed to compare the effects of education groups in the 8 age categories. For Part A and Part B of TMT-B&W, there were no significant differences between the age categories of 19-24, 25-34, and 34-44 and the age groups of 75-84 and 85 and above. Based on this, the age category was further divided into 5 categories (under 44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75 and above).

[0117] Regarding education level, post-hoc analysis between the first eight education levels confirmed that there were significant differences between any two education level categories, except for the categories of 13-16 years and 17 years and above. Therefore, the education level category was further divided into seven categories (illiterate, group that can read but has no education, 1-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years, and 13 years and above education level). Figure 7 Results of ANCOVA are shown, indicating that the time required to complete Part A and Part B of the TMT-B&W was correlated with age and education level.

[0118] 3. Standardize data

[0119] By analyzing the influence of demographic variables, the normative data of Part A and Part B of TMT-B&W were stratified by age and education level. The normative data of Part A and Part B of TMT-B&W for males and females are shown in Tables 4 and 5 (Part A of TMT-B&W), and Tables 6 and 7 (Part B of TMT-B&W).

[0120] Table 4

[0121] Normative data for TMT-B&W Part A in men: mean, standard deviation, median, and scores from the 5th to 95th percentiles

[0122]

[0123]

[0124]

[0125]

[0126] Number (N); Standard deviation (SD)

[0127] Table 5

[0128] Normative data for TMT-B&W part A in women: mean, standard deviation, median, and scores from the 5th to 95th percentiles

[0129]

[0130]

[0131]

[0132] Number (N); Standard deviation (SD)

[0133] Table 6

[0134] Normative data for TMT-B&W part B in men: mean, standard deviation, median, and scores at the 5th to 95th percentiles

[0135]

[0136]

[0137]

[0138]

[0139] * No one in this category completed the test within 300 seconds. Number (N); Standard deviation (SD)

[0140] Table 7

[0141] Normative data for TMT-B&W part B in women: mean, standard deviation, median, and scores from the 5th to 95th percentiles

[0142]

[0143]

[0144]

[0145]

[0146] *No one in this category completed the test within 300 seconds. Number (N); Standard deviation (SD)

[0147] Description of Reference Numerals

[0148] 101, 102, 103, 104, 105: Connector

[0149] 202, 203, 204, 205: Interference

[0150] 500: Detection device

[0151] 510: Display unit

[0152] 520: Control Department

[0153] 530: Input and output unit

Claims

1. A test plate for cognitive function examination, having numbers n to n+i arranged thereon, n being an integer greater than 0, and i being an integer greater than 3, characterized in that: n is displayed once, n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that are distinguishable from each other, The above numbers are divided into two groups: connectors and interferers. The linker includes n defined as a starting point, and the n is displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method, The linker includes n+b and n+a displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from the n, the n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as the n, b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i, a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i, The above-mentioned interferers include n+a and n+b displayed by one of the first marking method and the second marking method, the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by a marking method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by the same marking method as the above-mentioned n, a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i, and b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i.

2. The test plate for testing cognitive function according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the distance between n+x and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the connector and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied, and x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1.

3. The test plate for cognitive function examination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first marking method and the second marking method respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of the font color of the number, the shadow color of the number and the shadow shape of the number in different ways.

4. The test plate for testing cognitive function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shaded colors of the numbers displayed by the first marking method and the second marking method are different from each other.

5. The test plate for testing cognitive function according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the first marking method and the second marking method, the shadow color of the number is marked as black or white, and the numbers are distinguished from each other by different colors.

6. The test plate for testing cognitive function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The above-mentioned D1 is larger than D2 and D3.

7. The test plate for testing cognitive function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The above i is 2 to 49.

8. The test plate for testing cognitive function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The above i is 9 to 29.

9. The test plate for testing cognitive function according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in order from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

10. A method for providing information for examining cognitive function, characterized in that: The steps include: Randomly display numbers from n to n+i on the screen, where n is an integer greater than 0 and i is an integer greater than 3; Receive information related to the number that the user clicked or connected in turn; as well as The information input by the user determines whether the numbers belonging to the connector are clicked or connected in sequence from small to large numbers, and the results are displayed on the screen. The above n is displayed once, and n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that are distinguishable from each other, The above numbers are divided into two groups: connectors and interferers. The linker includes n defined as a starting point, and the n is displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method, The linker includes n+b and n+a displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from the n, the n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as the n, b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i, a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i, The above-mentioned interferers include n+a and n+b displayed by one of the first marking method and the second marking method, the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by a marking method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by the same marking method as the above-mentioned n, a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i, and b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i.

11. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the distance between n+x and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the connector and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied, and x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1.

12. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first marking method and the second marking method respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of the font color of the number, the shadow color of the number and the shadow shape of the number in different ways.

13. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 12, characterized in that: The shaded colors of the numbers displayed by the first marking method and the second marking method are different from each other.

14. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 13, characterized in that: In the first marking method and the second marking method, the shadow color of the number is marked as black or white, and the numbers are distinguished from each other by different colors.

15. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 10, characterized in that: The above-mentioned D1 is larger than D2 and D3.

16. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 10, characterized in that: The above i is 2 to 49.

17. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 16, characterized in that: The above i is 9 to 29.

18. The method for providing information for examining cognitive function according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in order from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

19. A cognitive function test providing device, characterized in that: include: A display unit randomly displays numbers from n to n+i on a screen, where n is an integer greater than 0 and i is an integer greater than 3; An input-output unit that receives information related to numbers clicked or sequentially connected by a user; and The control unit determines whether the numbers belonging to the connectors are clicked or connected in sequence from small numbers to large numbers according to the information input by the user. The display unit displays the judgment result of the control unit on the screen. The above n is displayed once, and n+1 to n+i are displayed twice respectively, and the two identical numbers displayed twice are displayed respectively by a first marking method and a second marking method that are distinguishable from each other, The above numbers are divided into two groups: connectors and interferers. The linker includes n defined as a starting point, and the n is displayed by the first labeling method or the second labeling method, The linker includes n+b and n+a displayed by one of the first labeling method and the second labeling method, the n+b is displayed by a labeling method different from the n, the n+a is displayed by the same labeling method as the n, b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i, a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i, The above-mentioned interferers include n+a and n+b displayed by one of the first marking method and the second marking method, the above-mentioned n+a is displayed by a marking method different from the above-mentioned n, and the above-mentioned n+b is displayed by the same marking method as the above-mentioned n, a is an even number greater than 2 and less than i, and b is an odd number greater than 1 and less than i.

20. The cognitive function test providing device according to claim 19, characterized in that: When the distance between n+x and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D1, the distance between n+x belonging to the connector and n+x+1 belonging to the interferer is defined as D2, and the distance between n+x+1 belonging to the interferer and n+x+1 belonging to the connector is defined as D3, the conditions of D1≥D2 and D1≥D3 are satisfied, and x is an integer greater than 0 and less than i-1.

21. The cognitive function test providing device according to claim 20, characterized in that: The first marking method and the second marking method respectively display one or more selected from the group consisting of the font color of the number, the shadow color of the number and the shadow shape of the number in different ways.

22. The cognitive function test providing device according to claim 20, characterized in that: The above i is 2 to 49.

23. The cognitive function test providing device according to claim 20, characterized in that: When the numbers belonging to the above connectors are connected by line segments in order from small numbers to large numbers, all line segments do not cross each other.

24. A computer program, characterized in that The steps according to any one of claims 10 to 18 are stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

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