Feeding and swallowing function evaluation assisting system, feeding and swallowing function evaluation assisting method, and feeding and swallowing function evaluation assisting program

Abstract

To solve the problem that it is difficult to grasp various kinds of information for evaluating eating and swallowing functions.SOLUTION: The evaluation assisting system 10 for the feeding and swallowing functions includes a control device 20 and a display device 30. The control device 20 executes an acquisition process of acquiring a plurality of types of examination data regarding the feeding and swallowing functions of the subject, a determination process of determining whether or not the examination data conforms to a predetermined evaluation standard for each type of the acquired examination data, and an output process of outputting determination data indicating a determination result of the determination process to the display device 30. Based on the determination data output in the output processing, the display device 30 displays a result image indicating whether or not the inspection data conforms to the evaluation criterion for each type of inspection data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function, a method for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function, and a program for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function. [Background technology]

[0002] The intraoral measurement device described in Patent Document 1 includes a rod-shaped housing, a sensor, and an operation display unit. The sensor is located at one end of the housing. The sensor is capable of acquiring information on the amount of moisture in the oral cavity. The operation display unit is located on the side surface at the other end of the housing. The information on the amount of moisture acquired by the sensor is displayed on the operation display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-188196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The intraoral measurement device described in Patent Document 1 displays only information about the amount of moisture in the oral cavity on the operation display unit. On the other hand, when evaluating a subject's eating and swallowing function, it is necessary to make a comprehensive evaluation based on various types of information, not just specific information. However, Patent Document 1 does not pay any attention to how to best provide various types of information for evaluating eating and swallowing function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function, which includes a control device and a display device, wherein the control device executes an acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the eating and swallowing function of a subject, a judgment process for judging, for each type of acquired test data, whether the test data conforms to predetermined evaluation criteria, and an output process for outputting judgment data indicating the judgment result of the judgment process to the display device, and the display device executes a display process for displaying a result image indicating, for each type of test data, whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria, based on the judgment data output by the output process.

[0006] The present invention also provides a method for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function, in which a control device performs an acquisition process in which multiple types of test data related to the eating and swallowing function of a subject are acquired, a judgment process in which, for each type of acquired test data, the test data is judged as to whether or not the test data conforms to predetermined evaluation criteria, and an output process in which, based on judgment data indicating the judgment results of the judgment process, a result image is generated and output in which whether or not the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of test data is generated and output.

[0007] The present invention also provides an evaluation assistance program for eating and swallowing function that causes a control device to execute an acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the eating and swallowing function of a subject, a judgment process for judging, for each type of acquired test data, whether the test data conforms to predetermined evaluation criteria, and an output process for generating and outputting a result image that indicates, for each type of test data, whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria, based on judgment data that indicates the judgment result of the judgment process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] It is easy to grasp various information needed to evaluate eating and swallowing function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the evaluation support system for eating and swallowing function. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the feeding and swallowing function evaluation assistance program. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental region. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical field. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of a resultant image displayed by the display process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for comparing and determining test data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <One embodiment of an evaluation support system for eating and swallowing function> Hereinafter, an embodiment of a system for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function, a method for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function, and a program for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function will be described. Note that the drawings are schematic diagrams for ease of understanding and do not reflect the actual shapes, etc.

[0011] (System configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the feeding and swallowing function evaluation assistance system 10 includes a control device 20 and a display device 30.

[0012] The control device 20 includes an execution unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores various programs. One of these programs is an eating and swallowing function evaluation assistance program PG, which will be described later. The storage unit 22 is made up of multiple storage media, including non-volatile storage media and volatile storage media.

[0013] The execution unit 21 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The execution unit 21 includes a circuit including one or more processors. Note that the execution unit 21 may be a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a combination thereof.

[0014] The execution unit 21 is capable of executing various programs stored in the storage unit 22. The execution unit 21 is capable of converting the execution results of the various programs into video signals, audio signals, control signals, etc. The execution unit 21 is capable of transmitting these signals to the display device 30 via a cable, etc. More specifically, the execution unit 21 is capable of converting various data handled within the execution unit 21 as numerical data, text data, graphic data, image files, etc. into video signals and transmitting the video signals to the display device 30. Note that, hereinafter, processing by the execution unit 21 of the control device 20 may be simply referred to as processing by the control device 20.

[0015] The display device 30 is a so-called display. That is, the display device 30 can display an image on a display screen 32 based on a video signal or the like received from the execution unit 21 of the control device 20. More specifically, the display device 30 has a housing 31 and a display screen 32. The housing 31 is box-shaped with an opening on its main surface. The display screen 32 is fitted into the opening of the housing 31. Various control circuits are housed inside the housing 31. The control circuits are connected to the control device 20 via cables or the like. The control circuits draw the video signal as image data received from the execution unit 21 of the control device 20 on the display screen 32. The display device 30 also functions as a touch panel. That is, the display device 30 is also an input device for the control device 20.

[0016] (Regarding attribute information and test data) Although details will be described later, in the first acquisition process S11 and the second acquisition process S12 of the evaluation assistance program PG, the control device 20 acquires attribute information and test data of the subject HU. Here, the attribute information and test data will be described.

[0017] The attribute information is data of the subject HU including one or more selected from the age, sex, and medical history of the subject HU. In this embodiment, the attribute information includes age, sex, race, and medical history.

[0018] The attribute information of "age" specifically refers to the age group of the subject HU. Age is classified into six categories: under 10 years old, 10 to under 20 years old, 20 to under 40 years old, 40 to under 60 years old, 60 to under 80 years old, and 80 years old or older.

[0019] The attribute information of "gender" is the biological gender of the subject HU. In other words, the "gender" is either male or female. The attribute information for "race" is one of the four broad biological racial classifications. For example, the "race" in question is one of the four classifications: Negroid, Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and Australoid.

[0020] The attribute information of "medical history" is whether or not there is a medical history in a body part related to eating and swallowing function. For example, "medical history" may be whether or not there is a history of head and neck cancer, reflux esophagitis, or cerebrovascular disease.

[0021] The test data was data on the subject's HU's eating and swallowing function obtained using various measuring devices SE and tests. The types of test data included "opening force," "bite force," "periodontal pocket," "oral bacteria," "dry mouth," "tongue pressure," "lip closure force," "pharyngeal residue," "EAT-10," and "esophageal entrance dilation."

[0022] In this embodiment, the various measuring instruments SE include an opening force measuring instrument, a bite force measuring instrument, a periodontal pocket measuring instrument, an oral bacteria counter, an oral moisture meter, a tongue pressure measuring instrument, and a lip-closing force measuring instrument. Note that only two of the multiple measuring instruments SE are shown in Figure 1 as representative examples.

[0023] The jaw opening force measuring device in the measuring equipment SE is capable of measuring jaw opening force. This measurement value is treated as test data for the above-mentioned "jaw opening force." The jaw opening force is measured in units of, for example, "kg (kilogram)." The smaller the jaw opening force, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired.

[0024] The bite force measuring device in the measuring equipment SE is capable of measuring the above-mentioned "bite force." This measurement value is treated as test data for the above-mentioned item "bite force." The unit of bite force is, for example, "N (Newton)." The smaller the bite force, the more likely it is that eating and swallowing function has declined.

[0025] The periodontal pocket measuring device in the measuring equipment SE can measure the depth of the periodontal pocket, which reflects the progression of periodontal disease. This measurement value is treated as the test data for the "periodontal pocket" item above. The measurement value is measured in units of, for example, "mm (millimeter)." The deeper the periodontal pocket, the more likely it is that eating and swallowing function has declined.

[0026] The oral bacteria counter in the measuring device SE can measure the number of bacteria in the oral cavity. This measurement value is treated as test data for the above-mentioned item "oral bacteria." The unit of the measurement value is, for example, "pieces." The higher the number of bacteria in the oral cavity, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired.

[0027] The oral moisture meter, one of the measuring devices SE, can measure the degree of moisture in the oral cavity based on the moisture level of the oral mucosa, such as the tongue. This measurement value is treated as test data for the above-mentioned item "dry mouth." The measurement value is expressed in units of, for example, "g (gram) / min." The smaller the measurement value, the drier the oral cavity is, and the more likely it is that the patient's eating and swallowing function is impaired.

[0028] The tongue pressure measuring device in the measuring equipment SE is capable of measuring tongue pressure. This measurement value is treated as test data for the "tongue pressure" item mentioned above. The unit of tongue pressure is, for example, "kPa (kilopascal)." The lower the tongue pressure, the more likely it is that the patient's eating and swallowing function is impaired.

[0029] The lip-closing force measuring device in the measuring equipment SE is capable of measuring lip-closing force. This measurement value is treated as test data for the "lip-closing force" item above. The unit of the measurement value is, for example, "N (Newton)." The smaller the lip-closing force, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the measurement values ​​obtained using the measuring device SE, the examination results by medical professionals such as doctors are also treated as test data. The examination results are the results of the EAT-10 (Eating Assessment Tool-10) and the results of a swallowing contrast test. The EAT-10 is a questionnaire for evaluating eating and swallowing function. The EAT-10 has 10 questions. The more questions that apply, the more likely it is that eating and swallowing function has deteriorated. The control device 20 treats the number of applicable questions as test data for the above item "EAT-10."

[0031] In a videofluoroscopic swallowing examination, the subject HU swallows a contrast agent or the like while undergoing X-ray fluoroscopy. Then, a doctor or the like observes and evaluates the swallowing behavior of the subject HU. In a videofluoroscopic swallowing examination, a pharyngeal residue AsR (aspiration, silent aspiration, residual) score is obtained. The AsR score is calculated based on the number of contrast agents or the like remaining in the pharynx. Therefore, the higher the AsR score, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired. The control device 20 treats the AsR score as test data for the above-mentioned item "pharyngeal residue."

[0032] Furthermore, the swallowing contrast examination also checks whether the esophageal entrance is dilated. If the esophageal entrance is not dilated during the swallowing action, there is a high possibility that the eating and swallowing function has deteriorated. The control device 20 treats whether the esophageal entrance is dilated or not as test data for the above item "esophageal entrance dilation."

[0033] Each type of test data is associated with one of a plurality of predetermined evaluation categories. In this embodiment, the plurality of evaluation categories are a plurality of periods into which the eating and swallowing behavior is divided chronologically. Specifically, among the above-mentioned test data items, which are the "preparatory period," the "oral period," the "pharyngeal period," and the "esophageal period," "opening force," "bite force," "periodontal pocket," "oral bacteria," and "dry mouth" are associated with the preparatory period. "Tongue pressure" and "lip closure force" are associated with the oral period. "Pharyngeal residue" and "EAT-10" are associated with the pharyngeal period. "Esophageal entrance dilation" is associated with the esophageal period. When various test data are input to the control device 20 using the display device 30, they are stored in the memory unit 22 together with the period to which they correspond.

[0034] (About the swallowing function evaluation assistance program) (Regarding the generation of judgment data) Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the control device 20. The control device 20 executes various processes by executing the evaluation assistance program PG stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, the control device 20 executes each process of the method for evaluating eating and swallowing function in accordance with the evaluation assistance program PG.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, in processing the eating and swallowing function evaluation assistance program PG, the control device 20 executes a first acquisition process S11, a second acquisition process S12, a scoring process S14, a criterion change process S13, a score determination process S15, and a determination data generation process S16.

[0036] First, the control device 20 executes a first acquisition process S11. In the first acquisition process S11, the execution unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires attribute information from the storage unit 22. That is, the execution unit 21 acquires one or more items selected from the age, gender, and medical history of the subject HU as attribute information. In this embodiment, the execution unit 21 acquires age, gender, race, and medical history as attribute information. Specifically, for example, the execution unit 21 causes the display device 30 to display an image that prompts the user to input attribute information. In response to this, the execution unit 21 acquires attribute information input by the user using the display device 30. Note that this is not a limitation to the example, and the execution unit 21 may acquire attribute information by reading out attribute information stored in the storage unit 22.

[0037] Next, the control device 20 executes a second acquisition process S12. In the second acquisition process S12, the execution unit 21 acquires multiple types of test data from the storage unit 22. That is, the execution unit 21 acquires all of the above-mentioned types of test data. An example of the method for acquiring each type of test data at this time is the same as that of the first acquisition process S11.

[0038] Next, the control device 20 executes a criterion change process S13. In the criterion change process S13, the evaluation criterion for a specific type of test data is changed based on the attribute information acquired in the first acquisition process S11. The "evaluation criterion" is a reference value for determining functional decline of various types of test data, measured from the subject HU of the specific attribute information, when the test data is acquired as a measurement value. The evaluation criterion is a value determined in advance by clinical research, etc. The evaluation criterion is determined for each type of test data. Furthermore, for test data acquired as an alternative result of whether or not there is a result, such as "esophageal entrance dilation," the "evaluation criterion" is to satisfy one of the alternative results. In this case, too, the evaluation criterion is determined in advance by clinical research, etc.

[0039] Each evaluation criterion is stored in the storage unit 22. An initial value is set for the evaluation criterion in advance when the evaluation support program PG for eating and swallowing function starts to be executed. Then, in the criterion change process S13, the control device 20 changes the initial value of the evaluation criterion based on the attribute information.

[0040] For example, suppose the attribute information acquired in the first acquisition process S11 has an "age" of 20 or older but younger than 40, a "gender" of female, and a "race" of Mongoloid. Furthermore, suppose the initial value of "mouth opening strength" is set to 4.8 kg. In this case, the evaluation standard is changed to 3.0 kg as the reference value for determining functional decline in "mouth opening strength" for the subject HU corresponding to the above attribute information.

[0041] Next, the control device 20 executes a scoring process S14. In the scoring process S14, each test data acquired in the second acquisition process S12 is converted into a test score using a predetermined conversion method. The test score is a numerical value in the range of equal to or greater than a first specific value and equal to or less than a second specific value, and is a score that meets the evaluation standard if it is equal to or greater than a reference value set within the range greater than the first specific value and less than the second specific value. In this embodiment, the first specific value is 0%, the second specific value is 200%, and the reference value is 100%.

[0042] Specifically, the control device 20 roughly classifies the test data acquired in the second acquisition process S12 into test data expressed as numerical values ​​and test data expressed as alternative results. The control device 20 further classifies the test data expressed as numerical values ​​into test data in which the lower the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired, and test data in which the lower the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired. Of the types of test data described above, the test data in which the lower the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired are "opening force," "bite force," "dry mouth," "tongue pressure," and "lip closure force." Of the types of test data described above, the test data in which the higher the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function is impaired are "oral bacteria," "pharyngeal residue," "EAT-10," and "esophageal entrance dilation."

[0043] Then, for test data in which the lower the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function has deteriorated, the control device 20 calculates the test score by dividing the test data by the evaluation standard and multiplying the result by 100. On the other hand, for test data in which the higher the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function has deteriorated, the control device 20 calculates the test score by dividing the evaluation standard by the test data and multiplying the result by 100.

[0044] Through these conversion processes, each piece of test data expressed as a numerical value is converted into a test score of 100% if it matches the evaluation standard. Furthermore, all test data expressed as a numerical value are converted into test scores that approach 0% as the likelihood of impaired eating and swallowing function increases, and approach 200% as the likelihood of impaired eating and swallowing function decreases. For example, suppose the test data for "mouth opening strength" acquired in the second acquisition process S12 is 3.5 kg and the evaluation standard is 3.0 kg. In this case, the test score for "mouth opening strength" is 3.5 / 3.0×100≒116%. Suppose the test data for "pharyngeal retention" is 3 and the evaluation standard is 5. In this case, the test score for "pharyngeal retention" is 5 / 3×100≒167%. Note that when the test score calculated as described above exceeds 200%, the control device 20 uniformly sets the test score to 200%.

[0045] On the other hand, for test data that is expressed as an alternative result, the control device 20 sets a predetermined test score for each of the alternative results. Of the types of test data described above, the test data that is expressed as an alternative result is "esophageal entrance dilation." Specifically, when "esophageal entrance dilation" is "present," the control device 20 sets the test score to 150%. When "esophageal entrance" is "absent," the control device 20 sets the test score to 50%. Therefore, even for test data that is expressed as an alternative result, when there is a high possibility that the eating and swallowing function is impaired, the test score is converted to a test score closer to 0% compared to when there is a low possibility that the eating and swallowing function is impaired.

[0046] Next, the control device 20 executes a score determination process S15. In the score determination process S15, it is determined whether or not the test data conforms to a predetermined evaluation standard for each type of acquired test data. That is, the control device 20 determines that the test data conforms to the evaluation standard when each test score is 100% or more. The determination result of conformance is stored in the memory unit 22 in association with each test data.

[0047] Next, the control device 20 executes the judgment data generation process S16. In the judgment data generation process S16, the control device 20 generates judgment data that indicates the judgment results of the test data. The judgment data is graph data that displays a list of bar graphs of each test score. The manner of display on the display screen 32 will be described later, but for test data that is judged to meet the evaluation criteria in the score judgment process S15, an image is generated as a green bar graph. For test data that is judged not to meet the evaluation criteria in the score judgment process S15, an image is generated as a red bar graph. Therefore, the judgment data reflects whether each test data meets the evaluation criteria.

[0048] (Determining whether or not to recommend dental treatment) 3, the control device 20 performs a determination process of whether or not to recommend a dental examination after the determination data generation process S16. In this determination process, the control device 20 executes a dental field determination process S21 and a first determination result storage process S22.

[0049] In the dental region determination process S21, the control device 20 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental region based on a combination of determination results of whether or not each type of test data conforms to the evaluation criteria. Specifically, the control device 20 determines whether or not the test data corresponding to the evaluation categories of the "preparatory stage" and "oral stage" conforms to the evaluation criteria. That is, if one or more of the test data of "opening force," "bite force," "periodontal pocket," "oral bacteria," "dry mouth," "tongue pressure," and "lip closure force" do not conform to the evaluation criteria, the control device 20 determines that there is an abnormality in the dental region body part of the subject HU (S21: YES). Furthermore, if the control device 20 determines that the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for all of the above test items in the dental region determination process S21, it determines that there is no abnormality in the dental region body part of the subject HU (S21: NO).

[0050] If it is determined in the dental region determination process S21 that there is an abnormality in the dental region body part of the subject HU (S21: YES), the control device 20 executes a first determination result storage process S22. In the first determination result storage process S22, the control device 20 stores in the storage unit 22 that dentistry is recommended as the medical department for the subject HU to visit. Specifically, the control device 20 changes the value of a first flag variable in the evaluation assistance program PG. That is, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the dental region body part (S21: NO), the first determination result storage process S22 is not executed, and the value of the first flag variable remains at its initial value. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the dental region body part (S21: YES), the first determination result storage process S22 is executed, and the first flag variable is set to a value different from the initial value.

[0051] (Determining whether or not to recommend medical consultation) 4, after the first determination result storage process S22, the control device 20 performs a determination process of whether or not to recommend a medical examination. In this determination process, the control device 20 executes a medical field determination process S31, a first medical history determination process S32, a second medical history determination process S34, a second determination result storage process S33, a third determination result storage process S35, and a fourth determination result storage process S36.

[0052] In the medical domain determination process S31, the control device 20 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical domain based on a combination of determination results of whether or not each type of test data conforms to the evaluation criteria. Specifically, the control device 20 determines whether or not the test data corresponding to the evaluation categories of the "pharyngeal phase" and "esophageal phase" conforms to the evaluation criteria. That is, in the score determination process S15, if one or more of the test data of "pharyngeal residue," "EAT-10," and "esophageal entrance dilation" does not conform to the evaluation criteria, the control device 20 determines that there is an abnormality in the body part of the medical domain of the subject HU (S31: YES). Furthermore, in the medical domain determination process S31, if it is determined that the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for all of the above test items, the control device 20 determines that the body part of the medical domain of the subject HU is normal (S31: NO).

[0053] If it is determined in the medical field determination process S31 that there is an abnormality in a body part in the medical field of the subject HU (S31: YES), the control device 20 executes a first medical history determination process S32. In the first medical history determination process S32, the control device 20 determines whether or not there is a history of head and neck cancer in the "medical history" of the attribute information acquired in the first acquisition process S11. If there is a history of head and neck cancer, that is, if the determination in the first medical history determination process S32 is positive (S32: YES), the control device 20 executes a second determination result storage process S33.

[0054] In the second determination result storage process S33, the control device 20 stores in the storage unit 22 that an otolaryngology department is recommended as the medical department for the subject HU to visit. Specifically, the control device 20 changes the value of a second flag variable in the evaluation assistance program PG. That is, if the first medical history determination process S32 is determined to be negative (S32: NO), the second determination result storage process S33 is not executed, and the value of the second flag variable remains at its initial value. If the first medical history determination process S32 is determined to be positive (S32: YES), the second determination result storage process S33 is executed, and the second flag variable is set to a value different from the initial value.

[0055] If the determination in the first medical history determination process S32 is negative (S32: NO), the control device 20 executes a second medical history determination process S34. In the second medical history determination process S34, the control device 20 determines whether or not there is a history of reflux esophagitis in the "medical history" of the attribute information acquired in the first acquisition process S11. If there is a history of reflux esophagitis, that is, if the determination in the second medical history determination process S34 is positive (S34: YES), the control device 20 executes a third determination result storage process S35.

[0056] In the third determination result storage process S35, the control device 20 stores in the storage unit 22 that the gastroenterology department is recommended as the medical department for the subject HU to visit. Specifically, the control device 20 changes the value of a third flag variable in the evaluation assistance program PG. That is, if the second medical history determination process S34 is determined to be negative (S34: NO), the third determination result storage process S35 is not executed, and the value of the third flag variable remains at its initial value. If the second medical history determination process S34 is determined to be positive (S34: YES), the third determination result storage process S35 is executed, and the third flag variable is set to a value different from the initial value.

[0057] If the determination in the second medical history determination process S34 is negative (S34: NO), the control device 20 performs a fourth determination result storage process S36. In the fourth determination result storage process S36, the control device 20 stores in the storage unit 22 that a general internal medicine department is recommended as the medical department for the subject HU to visit. Specifically, the control device 20 changes the value of a fourth flag variable in the evaluation assistance program PG. That is, if the second medical history determination process S34 is determined to be positive (S34: YES), the fourth determination result storage process S36 is not executed, and the value of the fourth flag variable remains at its initial value. If the second medical history determination process S34 is determined to be negative (S34: NO), the fourth determination result storage process S36 is executed, and the fourth flag variable is set to a value different from the initial value.

[0058] If the medical field determination process S31 is negative (S31: NO), or after performing any one of the second determination result storage process S33 to fourth determination result storage process S36, the control device 20 performs output process S37. In output process S37, the control device 20 generates a result image based on the result of the determination data generation process S16 and the values ​​of the first flag variable to the fourth flag variable. The specific form of the result image will be described later, but the result image includes the determination data generated in the determination data generation process S16. Furthermore, the results of the first flag variable to the fourth flag variable are reflected in the result image. The control device 20 outputs the result image to the display device 30 as a video signal.

[0059] After the control device 20 executes the output process S37, the display device 30 executes the display process S38. In the display process S38, a result image including the judgment data output in the output process S37 is displayed based on the result image. That is, the result image indicates whether or not the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of test data. Note that the "image" here refers to the video signal to be displayed on the display device 30 described above. In other words, the "image" refers to data obtained by converting various types of data handled in the execution unit 21 as numerical data, text data, graphic data, image files, etc. into a video signal.

[0060] Although not shown in the drawings, an end button for terminating the evaluation assistance program PG is implemented in the user interface on the display screen 32 of the evaluation assistance program PG. After performing the display process S38, the control device 20 terminates the evaluation assistance program PG for eating and swallowing function when the end button is pressed by a user such as a doctor.

[0061] (About the resulting image) Next, we will explain the resultant image displayed by the display device 30. The resultant image displayed by the display device 30 is the data output as a video signal by the control device 20 in the output process S37. In other words, the resultant image is generated by the control device 20.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the display device 30 displays a score field 33, a test item display 34, and an evaluation category display 35 on the display screen 32 as a result image. The score field 33 is a rectangular frame displayed approximately in the center of the display screen 32. Hereinafter, one long side of the score field 33 will be referred to as the "upper side," and the other long side will be referred to as the "lower side." One short side of the score field 33 will be referred to as the "left side," and the other short side will be referred to as the "right side." The score field 33 is divided into a first section field C1, a second section field C2, a third section field C3, and a fourth section field C4, starting from the left. Specifically, a vertical ruled line is drawn between each section field, running from the top to the bottom of the score field 33. A reference line BL is also drawn in the score field 33. The reference line BL is a straight chain line that connects the approximate midpoint of the right short side of the score field 33 with the approximate midpoint of the left short side.

[0063] The test item display 34 is displayed below the score column 33. Below the first section column C1, the test item display 34 displays the words "opening force," "bite force," "periodontal pocket," "oral bacteria," and "dry mouth" in order from left to right. Below the second section column C2, the test item display 34 displays the words "tongue pressure" and "lip closure force" in order from left to right. Below the third section column C3, the test item display 34 displays the words "pharyngeal residue" and "EAT-10" in order from left to right. Below the fourth section column C4, the test item display 34 displays the word "esophageal entrance dilation." Note that in FIG. 5, letters A to J are written directly below the score column 33, and the correspondence between A to J and the test item is written below the letters.

[0064] The evaluation category display 35 is displayed above the score column 33. The evaluation category display 35 consists of four character strings: "preparatory phase," "oral phase," "pharyngeal phase," and "esophageal phase." "Preparatory phase" is displayed above the first division column C1. "Oral phase" is displayed above the second division column C2. "Pharyngeal phase" is displayed above the third division column C3. "Esophageal phase" is displayed above the fourth division column C4. Therefore, the result image shows which evaluation category the test data is associated with.

[0065] The display device 30 displays multiple bar graphs BA in the score column 33 based on the judgment data. The display device 30 displays bar graphs BA showing the test scores for "opening force," "bite force," "periodontal pocket," "oral bacteria," and "dry mouth" in the first section C1 of the score column 33. The display device 30 displays bar graphs BA showing the test scores for "tongue pressure" and "lip closure strength" in the second section C2 of the score column 33. The display device 30 displays bar graphs BA showing the test scores for "pharyngeal residue" and "EAT-10" in the third section C3 of the score column 33. The display device 30 displays bar graphs BA showing the test score for "esophageal entrance dilation" in the fourth section C4 of the score column 33.

[0066] The multiple bar graphs BA indicate the magnitude of the test score corresponding to each test data. In this embodiment, the bar graphs BA extend from the lower long side to the upper long side of the score column 33. That is, the bar graphs BA are displayed with the lower long side of the score column 33 representing 0%, the reference line BL representing 100%, and the upper long side representing 200%. Therefore, if the test data meets the evaluation criteria, the upper side of the bar graph BA is located above the reference line BL. If the test data does not meet the evaluation criteria, the upper side of the bar graph BA is located below the reference line BL. In this way, the display device 30 indicates whether the test data meets the evaluation criteria for each type of test data. Note that in FIG. 5, the test data for "opening force," "periodontal pocket," "oral bacteria," "lip closure force," "pharyngeal residue," and "EAT-10" meet the criteria. The test data for "bite force," "dry mouth," "tongue pressure," and "esophageal entrance dilation" do not meet the criteria.

[0067] Furthermore, the display device 30 displays a result image indicating whether or not the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of test data, based on the judgment data generated in the judgment data generation process S16 of the control device 20. Specifically, the bar graph BA of test data that is determined to conform to the evaluation criteria in the score judgment process S15 is displayed in green. The bar graph BA of test data that is determined not to conform to the evaluation criteria in the score judgment process S15 is displayed in red. In FIG. 5, the green and red colors are distinguished by the density of the diagonal lines in the bar graph BA.

[0068] As described above, the test item display 34 is arranged in chronological order of eating and swallowing movements from the left side. Therefore, the display device 30 displays a result image in which the evaluation categories and information on whether the test data associated with the evaluation categories conform to the standards are arranged in chronological order.

[0069] The display device 30 further displays a region display field 36 on the display screen 32. The region display field 36 is a rectangular box displayed to the right of the score field 33. The display device 30 displays an anatomical diagram or cross-sectional view of the human head and neck in the region display field 36. In this embodiment, the diagram displayed by the display device 30 is an anatomical diagram of the human head and neck, and is also a cross-sectional view. Note that, hereinafter, this diagram may be simply referred to as an "anatomical diagram." The display device 30 also displays this diagram as a schematic diagram. The display device 30 then displays a mark MA on the anatomical diagram, indicating the portion corresponding to the type of test data determined not to conform to the standard.

[0070] 5, rectangular frames are displayed as marks MA at the teeth portion corresponding to "bite force," the oral cavity portion corresponding to "dry mouth," the tongue portion corresponding to "tongue pressure," and the esophageal entrance portion corresponding to "esophageal entrance dilation." Note that the anatomical chart and marks MA also reflect the determination data generated by the control device 20.

[0071] The display device 30 also displays a first recommended medical department display field 37 and a second recommended medical department display field 38 on the display screen 32. The first recommended medical department display field 37 is displayed above the "preparation period" and "oral period" in the evaluation category display 35. The second recommended medical department display field 38 is displayed above the "preparation period" and "oral period" in the evaluation category display 35.

[0072] Furthermore, the display device 30 displays a result image indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental field and whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical field based on the output result of the control device 20. Specifically, the display device 30 displays, as a result image, character strings indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental field and whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical field based on the values ​​of the first to fourth flag variables.

[0073] If the value of the first flag variable is changed in the first determination result storage process S22, the display device 30 displays the character string "Dental consultation recommended" in the first recommended medical department display field 37. On the other hand, if the dental field determination process S21 results in a negative determination (S21: NO), the first flag variable remains at its initial value, and the display device 30 displays the first recommended medical department display field 37 as blank.

[0074] Furthermore, if the value of the second flag variable is changed in the second determination result storage process S33, the display device 30 displays the character string "We recommend visiting an otolaryngologist" in the second recommended medical department display field 38. If the value of the third flag variable is changed in the third determination result storage process S35, the display device 30 displays the character string "We recommend visiting a gastroenterologist" in the second recommended medical department display field 38. If the value of the fourth flag variable is changed in the fourth determination result storage process S36, the display device 30 displays the character string "We recommend visiting a general internal medicine department" in the second recommended medical department display field 38. On the other hand, if the medical field determination process S31 results in a negative determination (S31: NO), the second flag variable to the fourth flag variable remain at their initial values, and the display device 30 displays the second recommended medical department display field 38 as blank.

[0075] In FIG. 5, "occlusal force," "dry mouth," and "tongue pressure" do not meet the evaluation criteria. Therefore, the first recommended medical department display field 37 displays the text "Recommended to visit a dentist." Furthermore, "esophageal entrance dilation" does not meet the evaluation criteria. Therefore, the control device 20 executes the third determination result storage process S35. As a result, the display device 30 displays the text "Recommended to visit a gastroenterologist" in the second recommended medical department display field 38.

[0076] (Effects of this embodiment) (1) In the above embodiment, the display device 30 executes the display process S38. In the display process S38, the display device 30 displays a result image indicating whether or not the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of test data, based on the determination data output in the output process S37 of the control device 20. That is, in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function, which requires a comprehensive judgment of multiple types of test data, the test data and whether or not the test data conforms are displayed. This type of display method is suitable when visually determining which test items have abnormalities.

[0077] (2) In the above embodiment, the test data is displayed after being classified by evaluation category. This display method is suitable for visually determining which evaluation category an abnormality occurs in.

[0078] (3) In the above embodiment, the control device 20 executes a criterion change process S13 for changing the evaluation criterion. By changing the criterion value in accordance with the attribute information of the subject HU, a more appropriate evaluation can be performed.

[0079] (4) In the above embodiment, the control device 20 performs the scoring process S14. The display device 30 displays a result image showing the score. The units and numerical scales vary for each test data. By scoring, the standards for each test data are aligned, making it easier to compare the degree of deviation from the evaluation standards for multiple types of test data.

[0080] (5) In the above embodiment, the display device 30 displays a graph showing the magnitude of the test score as a result image, which makes it easy to visually recognize the degree of deviation from the evaluation standard for multiple types of test data.

[0081] (6) In the above embodiment, the display device 30 displays an image of an anatomical chart or cross-section of the human head and neck, with marks MA attached to body parts corresponding to non-conforming test data. This makes it easy to intuitively understand which parts of the subject's body HU do not conform to the evaluation criteria.

[0082] (7) In the above embodiment, the display device 30 displays a result image indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental field and whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical field, which makes it easier for the subject HU to determine which medical department to visit.

[0083] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0084] The aspects of the control device 20 and the display device 30 are not limited to the examples of the above-described embodiment. For example, the control device 20 may be a server, and the evaluation assistance program PG may be executed on the server. The resultant image may then be transmitted to the display device 30, such as a mobile terminal, and displayed on the display device 30. The control device 20 and the display device 30 may also be integrated into one device, such as a tablet terminal.

[0085] The attribute information is not limited to the examples in the above embodiment. For example, it may be only age, or may include information other than age, sex, and medical history. The test data is not limited to the examples in the above embodiment. The types of test data may be more or less than those in the example embodiment. For example, "intrapharyngeal pressure" and "soft palate closing force" may be adopted as types of test data.

[0086] The various measuring devices SE may be used as long as they can acquire data related to the eating and swallowing function of the subject HU, and the specific types and configurations of the devices are not limited to those in the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the measurement method for each test data is not limited to those in the above-described embodiments. For example, values ​​from a tongue coating index (TCI) test may be used as the "bacterial count." Furthermore, measurements from the spit test, gum test, Saxon test, etc. may be used as the "dry mouth." The results of an endoscopy examination of swallowing by a medical professional such as a doctor may be used as the "pharyngeal residue."

[0087] In the above embodiment, the test data acquired by the various measuring devices SE may include nearly instantaneous measurement values. Therefore, the "period" in the "multiple periods into which the eating and swallowing behavior is divided chronologically" may essentially include the "time point at which the test data was acquired." For example, if only test data on "tongue pressure" is used as the test item for the "oral period" of the evaluation category, the "oral period" essentially refers to the period of several seconds required to measure tongue pressure.

[0088] Furthermore, the multiple evaluation categories associated with each type of test data do not have to be multiple periods that divide the eating and swallowing behavior chronologically. For example, the multiple evaluation categories may be categories based on parts of the human body, such as "lips," "teeth," "tongue," "throat," and "esophagus." In this case, the display device 30 may display an image in which the evaluation categories and information on whether the test data associated with each evaluation category conform to the evaluation criteria are arranged in the order of "lips," "teeth," "tongue," "throat," and "esophagus." Furthermore, the control device 20 may recommend a dental visit if it determines that there are abnormalities in the "lips," "teeth," and "tongue," and may recommend a medical visit if it determines that there are abnormalities in the "throat" and "esophagus."

[0089] Each type of test data does not have to be associated with a predetermined set of evaluation categories. For example, the result image may simply indicate whether or not the test data meets the evaluation criteria for each type of test data.

[0090] If the test data is scored as exemplified in the scoring process S14, the score determination process S15 is not necessarily required. According to the scoring process S14 of the above embodiment, if the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria, the test score will be 100% or higher. Therefore, calculating a test score of 100% or higher itself constitutes a determination that the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria. Furthermore, if the test score is calculated and the numerical value of the test score is displayed in the result image, the user can understand whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria. This is because the user can understand that various test scores conform to the common standard of "100% or higher." With this type of test score calculation, even if the result image does not include a graph as in the above embodiment, the result image can indicate whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria, as long as the numerical value of the test score can be understood.

[0091] In the result image, the evaluation categories and the information on whether the test data associated with those evaluation categories conform to the evaluation criteria do not have to be arranged in chronological order. That is, the order in which the test data are displayed is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. Furthermore, the information on whether each test data conforms to the evaluation criteria does not have to be summarized in a single image. That is, the information on whether each test data conforms to the evaluation criteria may be spread across multiple images. In this case, the images may be displayed sequentially on the display device 30 at regular intervals, or the images displayed on the display device 30 may be switched based on a user operation.

[0092] The control device 20 does not have to execute the first acquisition process S11. That is, the control device 20 does not have to acquire attribute information. A fixed evaluation criterion may be used regardless of the attribute information.

[0093] The method for changing the evaluation criteria in the criteria change process S13 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the control device 20 may multiply the evaluation criteria by a specific factor depending on the attribute information. For example, when the "gender" in the attribute information of the subject HU is male, the control device 20 may multiply the evaluation criteria for "mouth opening strength" by 1.3. Furthermore, the control device 20 may not execute the criteria change process S13. For example, a fixed value may be used as the evaluation criteria.

[0094] In the scoring process S14, the control device 20 may process the test data value according to the attribute information instead of calculating the score using the evaluation criterion. For example, assume that the control device 20 uses a fixed value as the evaluation criterion for "mouth opening strength." In this case, the control device 20 may multiply the test data value of "mouth opening strength" by 1.3 when the "gender" in the attribute information of the subject HU is female.

[0095] The control device 20 does not have to execute the scoring process S14. That is, the control device 20 may generate the judgment data using the test data as is. Furthermore, in the display process S38, the test data may be displayed as a result image.

[0096] The control device 20 may calculate a test score for test data in which the higher the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function has deteriorated, by dividing the test data by the evaluation criteria changed in the criteria change process S13 and multiplying the result by 100. Furthermore, the control device 20 may calculate a test score for test data in which the lower the value, the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function has deteriorated, by dividing the evaluation criteria changed in the criteria change process S13 by the test data and multiplying the result by 100. In this case, all test data expressed as a numerical value is converted into a test score that approaches 200% the more likely it is that the eating and swallowing function has deteriorated, and approaches 0% the less likely it is that the eating and swallowing function has deteriorated.

[0097] Furthermore, for test data in which the measurement values ​​are too high or too low and thus the eating and swallowing function is likely to be impaired, two scores may be generated, each using the upper and lower limits of the range that meets the evaluation criteria as the evaluation criteria. The control device 20 then uses the value that is determined to be more likely to indicate impairment of the eating and swallowing function in the score determination process S15.

[0098] The first and second specific values ​​are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and the reference value does not have to be an intermediate value between the first and second specific values. The judgment data generated by the control device 20 does not have to be a bar graph. For example, it may be a line graph or a heat map. In the case of a line graph, for example, the image may be generated by plotting test data that is determined to meet the evaluation criteria in the score determination process S15 in green. The image may be generated by plotting test data that is determined not to meet the evaluation criteria in the score determination process S15 in red. Even in this case, the judgment data reflects whether each test data meets the evaluation criteria.

[0099] Furthermore, the method of indicating whether or not the evaluation criteria are met does not have to be a difference in color. For example, if the evaluation criteria are not met, the border of the bar graph BA may be displayed thicker. The control device 20 does not have to execute the dental field determination process S21 and the medical field determination process S31. That is, the control device 20 does not have to determine whether or not to recommend a dental field examination and output the result, and the control device 20 does not have to determine whether or not to recommend a medical field examination and output the result.

[0100] The control device 20 may not execute one or more of the first determination result storage process S22 to the fourth determination result storage process S36. Also, the number of branches may be increased in the dental field determination process S21 and the medical field determination process S31. For example, if the second medical history determination process S34 is judged negative (S34: NO), the third medical history determination process may determine whether or not there is a history of cerebrovascular disease.

[0101] If the control device 20 determines in the dental region determination process S21 that there is an abnormality in the dental region body part of the subject HU (S21: YES), it may issue a warning notice to that effect to the portable terminals of the subject HU and the doctor, or may display a warning on the display device 30 as an image separate from the image output in the output process S37. In this case, the first determination result storage process S22 does not need to be executed. This also applies to the medical region determination process S31 and the second determination result storage processes S33 to S36.

[0102] The resulting image is not limited to the above embodiment. The layout, such as the position of each column, may be changed as needed. The result image does not necessarily need to display all bar graphs BA corresponding to the test data. For example, in the judgment data generation process S16, the control device 20 may generate, as the judgment data, only images of bar graphs BA corresponding to the test data that do not meet the evaluation criteria. In this case, the display device 30 only needs to display images of bar graphs BA corresponding to the test data that do not meet the evaluation criteria. Conversely, in the judgment data generation process S16, the control device 20 may generate, as the judgment data, only images of bar graphs BA corresponding to the test data that meet the evaluation criteria. Even in this case, the control device 20 determines, for each type of test data, whether the test data meets the predetermined evaluation criteria.

[0103] The manner in which the display device 30 displays the anatomical diagram and cross-sectional view of the human head and neck is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the display device 30 may display the anatomical diagram of the human head and neck in a manner other than a cross-sectional view using 3D CG (Computer Graphics), etc. Furthermore, the display device 30 may display, as the cross-sectional view of the human head and neck, a diagram that simply shows the outline of the human head and neck when viewed in cross section, rather than an anatomical diagram. In other words, the display device 30 does not need to display the anatomical diagram. Furthermore, the display device 30 may not display either the anatomical diagram or the cross-sectional view, or may display the names of body parts or organs corresponding to the incompatible data instead of the anatomical diagram and the cross-sectional view.

[0104] The marks MA added to the anatomical or cross-sectional views of the human head and neck in the resultant image are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, the portions of the test data that are determined not to meet the evaluation criteria for the anatomical or cross-sectional views may be painted red.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 20 may execute a storage process S41 and a progress determination process S42. Specifically, in the storage process S41, the control device 20 stores the test data acquired in the second acquisition process S12 in the non-volatile storage device of the memory unit 22. Then, in the progress determination process S42, the control device 20 determines whether the newly stored test data represents an improvement over the test data stored before the newly stored test data. Based on the determination result, the control device 20 outputs progress data indicating whether the test data related to the subject HU's eating and swallowing function has improved for each type of test data. Furthermore, the display device 30 executes a progress display process S43. Specifically, in the progress display process S43, the display device 30 displays a result image indicating whether the test data has improved for each type of test data based on the progress data output in the progress determination process S42. This makes it easy to understand the improvement or deterioration of eating and swallowing function for multiple types of test data.

[0106] <Additional Notes> The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. [1] An evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function, comprising a control device and a display device, wherein the control device executes an acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the eating and swallowing function of a subject, a judgment process for judging, for each type of acquired test data, whether the test data conforms to predetermined evaluation criteria, and an output process for outputting judgment data indicating the judgment results of the judgment process to the display device, and the display device executes a display process for displaying a result image indicating, for each type of test data, whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria, based on the judgment data output by the output process.

[0107] [2] The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in [1], wherein each type of test data is associated with one of a plurality of predetermined evaluation categories, and the display device, in the display process, displays the result image indicating whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria, as well as which evaluation category the test data is associated with.

[0108] [3] The multiple evaluation categories are multiple periods into which eating and swallowing movements are divided in a chronological order, and the display device, in the display process, displays the result image in which the evaluation categories and the test data associated with those evaluation categories are arranged in chronological order, showing information on whether or not they conform to the evaluation criteria. [2] An evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing functions as described above.

[0109] [4] The multiple evaluation categories are lips, teeth, tongue, throat, and esophagus, and the result image displays information on whether the evaluation categories and the test data associated with each evaluation category conform to the evaluation criteria in the order of lips, teeth, tongue, throat, and esophagus. [2] An evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in [2] or [3].

[0110] [5] The control device acquires one or more of the subject's age, sex, and medical history as attribute information in the acquisition process, and the control device further executes a criterion change process to change the evaluation criteria based on the attribute information. [6] An evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in any one of [1] to [4].

[0111] [6] The control device converts each test data into a test score, which is a numerical value in the range of greater than a first specific value and less than a second specific value, and which is deemed to conform to the evaluation criteria if the test score is greater than a standard value set within the range of greater than the first specific value and less than the second specific value, and the display device displays the result image showing the test score in the display processing. An evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in any one of [1] to [5].

[0112] [7] The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in [6], wherein the display device displays a graph showing the magnitude of the test score as the result image during the display processing. [8] The display device is an evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein, in the display process, the display device displays as the result image an anatomical diagram or cross-sectional view of the human head and neck, with marks added to the parts corresponding to the types of test data that are determined not to meet the evaluation criteria.

[0113] [9] In the judgment process, the control device further judges whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental field and whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical field based on a combination of judgment results of whether or not each type of test data complies with the evaluation criteria, and the display device displays the result image indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental field and whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical field in the display process. An evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in any one of [1] to [8].

[0114]

[10] An evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function described in any one of [1] to [9], which executes a storage process for storing the test data acquired in the acquisition process, and a progress determination process for determining whether the newly stored test data is an improvement over the test data stored before the newly stored test data.

[0115]

[11] A method for assisting in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function, in which a control device executes an acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the eating and swallowing function of a subject, a judgment process for determining whether the test data conforms to predetermined evaluation criteria for each type of acquired test data, and an output process for generating and outputting a result image showing whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of test data based on judgment data indicating the judgment result of the judgment process.

[0116]

[12] An evaluation assistance program for eating and swallowing function that causes a control device to execute an acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the eating and swallowing function of a subject, a judgment process for judging whether the test data conforms to predetermined evaluation criteria for each type of acquired test data, and an output process for generating and outputting a result image showing whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of test data based on judgment data indicating the judgment result of the judgment process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] HU…Subject SE…Measuring equipment 10...Evaluation support system 20...Control device 30…Display device 33...Score column PG: Evaluation Assistance Program BL…Reference line BA...bar graph 34...Inspection item display 35...Evaluation category display 36…Part display field MA…Mark

Claims

1. A control device and a display device are provided, The control device An acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the subject's eating and swallowing function; a determination process for determining whether or not the acquired test data conforms to a predetermined evaluation standard for each type of test data; an output process of outputting determination data indicating a determination result of the determination process to the display device; Run The display device includes: A display process is executed to display a result image indicating whether or not the inspection data conforms to the evaluation criterion for each type of inspection data based on the judgment data output in the output process. An evaluation support system for eating and swallowing functions.

2. Each type of the test data is associated with one of a plurality of predetermined evaluation categories; In the display process, the display device displays the result image indicating whether the test data conforms to the evaluation criteria and to which evaluation category the test data is associated. The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of evaluation sections are a plurality of periods obtained by dividing the eating and swallowing behavior in a time series, In the display process, the display device and displaying the result image in which the evaluation category and the inspection data associated with the evaluation category are arranged in chronological order and show information on whether or not the evaluation category conforms to the evaluation criteria. The evaluation support system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 2.

4. the plurality of assessment sections are lips, teeth, tongue, throat, and esophagus; The result image is displayed with the evaluation category and information on whether the test data associated with the evaluation category conforms to the evaluation criteria, arranged in the order of lips, teeth, tongue, throat, and esophagus. The evaluation support system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 2.

5. The control device acquires, in the acquisition process, one or more pieces of attribute information selected from the subject's age, sex, and medical history; The control device and further performing a criterion change process for changing the evaluation criterion based on the attribute information. The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 1.

6. The control device converting each test data into a test score that is a numerical value in a range of not less than a first specific value and not more than a second specific value, and that conforms to the evaluation standard when the test score is not less than a reference value that is set within a range that is greater than the first specific value and less than the second specific value; The display device displays the result image indicating the test score in the display process. The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 1.

7. In the display process, the display device displays a graph showing the magnitude of the test score as the result image. The eating and swallowing function evaluation assistance system according to claim 6.

8. In the display process, the display device An image in which a mark is added to an anatomical diagram or a cross-sectional diagram of the human head and neck corresponding to the type of test data determined not to conform to the evaluation criteria is displayed as the result image. The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 1.

9. The control device, in the determination process, Further determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the dental field and whether or not there is an abnormality in the medical field based on a combination of the determination results of whether or not each type of test data conforms to the evaluation criteria; In the display process, the display device Displaying the resulting image showing whether there is an abnormality in the dental area and whether there is an abnormality in the medical area The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 1.

10. a storage process for storing the test data acquired in the acquisition process; a progress determination process for determining whether the newly stored test data is an improvement over the test data stored before the newly stored test data; Run The evaluation assistance system for eating and swallowing function according to claim 1.

11. The control device An acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the subject's eating and swallowing function; a determination process for determining whether or not the acquired test data conforms to a predetermined evaluation standard for each type of test data; an output process for generating and outputting a result image showing whether the inspection data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of inspection data based on judgment data showing the judgment result of the judgment process; Run A method to assist in the evaluation of eating and swallowing function.

12. The control device An acquisition process for acquiring multiple types of test data related to the subject's eating and swallowing function; a determination process for determining whether or not the acquired test data conforms to a predetermined evaluation standard for each type of test data; an output process for generating and outputting a result image showing whether the inspection data conforms to the evaluation criteria for each type of inspection data based on judgment data showing the judgment result of the judgment process; Run A program to assist in the evaluation of eating and swallowing functions.

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