Cognitive function testing device and cognitive function testing program

Abstract

To provide a cognitive function testing device and a cognitive function testing program capable of improving testing accuracy.SOLUTION: A cognitive function testing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a processor which executes question processing for outputting memorized words to be memorized to a test taker, prompting the test taker to repeat the memorized words, and detecting the repeated words from repeated voice of the test taker, which executes answer reception processing for prompting the test taker to utter words stored by the test taker by the question processing and detecting the stored utterance words from utterance voice of the test taker, and which executes result output processing for outputting a result of determination based on a storage object word, a repetition word and the stored utterance word.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cognitive function testing device and a cognitive function testing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a cognitive function testing system in which a plurality of pictures displayed on a touch panel are memorized by a test subject, and the memorized pictures are answered in an answer column (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the cognitive function testing system of Patent Document 1, four pictures used in the problem are displayed on one screen of the touch panel, and when the test subject memorizes the four pictures, the subject is made to say "I memorized them". Then, this is repeated to make the test subject memorize a total of 16 pictures. Next, answer columns numbered 1 to 16 corresponding to the 16 pictures are displayed on the touch panel, and the test subject is made to handwrite in order the answers as to what pictures the 16 memorized pictures were.

[0005] However, in the case of the test of Patent Document 1, since the test subject is only saying "I memorized them" instead of pronouncing the displayed pictures (words), it cannot be confirmed whether the subject has correctly memorized them. Also, since the memorized pictures are answered by handwriting, the handwriting input is troublesome for the test subject and it takes time to complete the answers. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the testing of cognitive functions in the prior art.

[0006] In one respect, this invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a cognitive function testing device and a cognitive function testing program that can improve the accuracy of the tests. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0008] (1) The question processing involves outputting the first word to be memorized to the test-taker, prompting the test-taker to repeat the first word, and detecting the second word from the test-taker's repeated voice, The question presentation process prompts the examinee to pronounce the word they have memorized, and the answer reception process detects a third word from the examinee's spoken voice; A result output process that outputs the result of the judgment based on the first word, the second word, and the third word, A cognitive function testing device equipped with a control unit that performs the following.

[0009] According to (1), the cognitive function test results can be output based on the first to third words, which include not only the first word to be memorized and the third word detected from the test-taker's spoken voice, but also the second word detected from the test-taker's repeated voice, thus improving the accuracy of the test.

[0010] (2) (1) A cognitive function testing device as described above, The control unit determines, in the determination, that the answer is correct if the third word matches the first word. Cognitive function testing device.

[0011] According to (2), the test can be performed with high accuracy by making a judgment based on the first word to be memorized in the question and the third word detected from the examinee's spoken voice.

[0012] (3) (1) or (2) The cognitive function testing device described above, The control unit determines, in the determination, that the answer is correct if the third word matches the second word. Cognitive function testing device.

[0013] According to (3), the accuracy of the test can be further improved by also considering it a correct answer if the third word detected from the test taker's spoken voice matches the second word detected from the test taker's repeated voice.

[0014] (4) (3) A cognitive function testing device as described above, In the question-presentation process, the control unit prompts the examinee to repeat the first word if the detected second word is different from the first word, and if the second word is detected from the examinee's repeated voice, the control unit determines that the answer is correct if the third word matches the second word. Cognitive function testing device.

[0015] According to (4), even if the second word detected from the examinee's repeated voice does not match the first word that was presented as the subject of the test, if the word detected from the examinee's second repeated voice matches the second word detected from the examinee's repeated voice, and the third word detected from the examinee's spoken voice matches the second word detected from the examinee's repeated voice, the test is judged as correct, thus improving the accuracy of the test.

[0016] (5) (4) A cognitive function testing device as described above, If the control unit does not detect the second word from the examinee's repeated speech, it will not determine in the judgment that the third word is correct if it matches the second word. Cognitive function testing device.

[0017] According to (5), when the second word detected from the subject's repeated voice does not match the first word of the memory target presented, and the word detected from the subject's re-repeated voice does not match the second word detected from the subject's repeated voice, even if the third word detected from the subject's uttered voice matches the second word detected from the subject's repeated voice, it is not determined as correct, so the inspection accuracy can be maintained.

[0018] (6) The cognitive function inspection device according to any one of (1) to (5), The control unit, Sequentially executes the presenting process for a plurality of the first words, In a plurality of the presenting processes, based on the second word detected in the first presenting process, select the first word in the second presenting process after the first presenting process. Cognitive function inspection device.

[0019] According to (6), since the selection of the first word in the second presenting process is selected based on the second word detected in the first presenting process before the second presenting process, the inspection accuracy is improved.

[0020] (7) The cognitive function inspection device according to (6), The control unit selects the first word in the second presenting process from among words different from the second word detected in the first presenting process. Cognitive function inspection device.

[0021] According to (7), since a word different from the first word presented in the first presenting process is selected as the first word presented in the second presenting process, the inspection accuracy is improved.

[0022] (8) The cognitive function inspection device according to (6) or (7), The first words in a plurality of the presenting processes are preset, The control unit changes the first word in the second question-presenting process to a word that is different from the second word detected in the first question-presenting process, and that belongs to the same category as the first word pre-set for the second question-presenting process. Cognitive function testing device.

[0023] According to (8), when selecting a word different from the first word presented in the first question presentation process as the first word presented in the second question presentation process, the word is changed to a word in the same category as the first word that was pre-set for the second question presentation process, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0024] (9) A cognitive function testing device as described in any of (6) to (8), If the second word detected in the first question generation process is different from the first word, the control unit selects the first word in the second question generation process from among multiple word candidates based on the number of characters in the word candidates. Cognitive function testing device.

[0025] According to (9), if the second word detected in the first question processing is different from the first word, a word with a suitable number of characters is selected as the first word in the second question processing, making it easier for the test taker to recognize the first word and improving the accuracy of the test.

[0026] (10) A cognitive function testing device as described in any of (1) to (9), The control unit, Historical information based on the detection results of the second word in past tests is stored in association with the test taker. In the question generation process, the first word is selected based on the history information. Cognitive function testing device.

[0027] According to (10), the first word in the question processing is selected based on historical information associated with each test taker, which enables more appropriate questions and improves the accuracy of the test.

[0028] (11) A cognitive function testing device as described in any of (1) to (10), The control unit performs a training process between the question presentation process and the answer reception process, which involves playing content that places a cognitive burden on the examinee. Cognitive function testing device.

[0029] According to (11), the accuracy of the test can be further improved by performing a training process between the question presentation process and the answer submission process. The cognitive training process involves playing content that prompts the test taker to perform an active task. Examples of content that prompts active task performance include questionnaires, quizzes, and games.

[0030] (12) The processor of the cognitive function testing device, The question processing involves outputting the first word to be memorized to the test-taker, prompting the test-taker to repeat the first word, and detecting the second word from the test-taker's repeated voice, The question presentation process prompts the examinee to pronounce the word they have memorized, and the answer reception process detects a third word from the examinee's spoken voice; A result output process that outputs the result of the judgment based on the first word, the second word, and the third word, A cognitive function test program designed to enable the execution of cognitive function tests.

[0031] According to (12), the cognitive function test results can be output based on the first to third words, which include not only the first word to be memorized and the third word detected from the test taker's spoken voice, but also the second word detected from the test taker's repeated voice, thus improving the accuracy of the test. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cognitive function testing device and a cognitive function testing program that can improve the accuracy of the tests. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an information terminal 10 that constitutes the cognitive function testing device of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of information terminal 10. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the overall processing procedure for cognitive function testing. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of how questions are processed for a cognitive function test. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of how questions are processed for a cognitive function test. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a question list with words to be memorized. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a memory target image displayed during the question generation process. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an image used in question processing to prompt the repetition of the subject to be memorized. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an image that prompts the repetition of the subject to be memorized during the question-presentation process. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a correct answer list with assigned correct words. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of an image displayed during the training process. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an image displayed at the start of the answer submission process. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an answer submission image displayed during the answer submission process. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of an answer judgment image displayed during the answer submission process. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of an image displayed during the results output process. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows variations in the question processing. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing a modified example of the control unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to one aspect of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0035] §1 Examples of Application <Information terminal 10 to which the present invention is applied> Figure 1 shows an example of an information terminal 10 that constitutes the cognitive function testing device 1 of the present invention. The information terminal 10 is equipped with a display screen 11 on which test information is displayed when performing a cognitive function test. The information terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The display screen 11 also functions as a touch panel on which test information can be entered. The information terminal 10 is also equipped with a speaker (not shown) that outputs the test information as sound.

[0036] §2 Example Configuration <Hardware configuration of cognitive function testing device 1> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the cognitive function testing device 1. The hardware of the cognitive function testing device 1 can be realized, for example, by the information processing device 20 shown in Figure 2. The information processing device 20 comprises a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a user interface 24. The processor 21, memory 22, communication interface 23, and user interface 24 are connected, for example, by a bus 25.

[0037] The processor 21 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire information processing device 20. The processor 21 is an example of the control unit of the present invention. The processor 21 may be implemented using other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor 21 may be implemented by combining multiple digital circuits.

[0038] Memory 22 includes, for example, main memory and auxiliary memory. Main memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Main memory is used as the work area of ​​processor 21.

[0039] Auxiliary memory is a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or flash memory. Various programs for operating the information processing device 20 are stored in the auxiliary memory. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory are loaded into main memory and executed by the processor 21.

[0040] Furthermore, the auxiliary memory may include portable memory that can be removed from the information processing device 20. Portable memory may include memory cards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drives and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, or external hard disk drives.

[0041] The communication interface 23 is a communication interface that performs network communication between the information processing device 20 and an external entity (for example, an external server). The communication interface 23 is controlled by the processor 21.

[0042] The user interface 24 includes, for example, an input device that receives operational input from a test-taker undergoing a cognitive function test, and an output device that outputs information to the test-taker. The input device can be implemented, for example, by a touch panel. The output device can be implemented, for example, by a display or a speaker. The user interface 24 is controlled by the processor 21.

[0043] For example, in a cognitive function test, processor 21 performs a question-presentation process that presents "memory target words," which are words to be memorized by the test-taker; an answer reception process that detects "memory spoken words" from the voice spoken by the test-taker; and a result output process that outputs the results of the cognitive function test. In addition, processor 21 may perform, for example, a training process between the question-presentation process and the answer reception process.

[0044] <Question Processing> The processor 21 outputs the "words to be memorized" to the test taker during the question presentation process. For example, the processor 21 plays the words to be memorized as images via the display screen 11 of the information terminal 10. Alternatively, the processor 21 may output the words to be memorized as audio via the speaker of the information terminal 10 or display them as text via the display screen 11. The outputted words to be memorized are stored in memory 22 as image information, audio information, and text information. The processor 21 outputs the words to be memorized to prompt the test taker to repeat them. The processor 21 recognizes the voice of the test taker repeating the words and detects the "words to be repeated" from the repeated voice.

[0045] If the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated speech differs from the memorized word output to the examinee, the processor 21 prompts the examinee to repeat the memorized word again. The processor 21 recognizes the speech repeated by the examinee and detects the "repeated word" from the repeated speech.

[0046] The processor 21 sequentially executes the series of question-presenting processes described above for multiple target words to be memorized. In these multiple question-presenting processes, the processor 21 selects the target words for subsequent question-presenting processes based on the repeated words detected in the previous question-presenting process.

[0047] For example, the processor 21 selects a word to be memorized in a later question-presentation process from a different word than the word that was detected as repeated in the earlier question-presentation process. Specifically, suppose the word to be memorized in the earlier question-presentation process was "necktie," and the word "body" was detected as a repeated word from the test-taker's voice. In this case, the processor selects a word different from "body" to be memorized in the later question-presentation process so as not to duplicate it.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, the processor 21 changes the word to be memorized in a later question-presentation process to a word that is different from the repeated word detected in the earlier question-presentation process, and is in the same category as the word to be memorized that is pre-set for the later question-presentation process. Specifically, suppose that the words to be memorized for multiple question-presentation processes are pre-set, and in the earlier question-presentation process, "remote control" is presented as the word to be memorized, and the repeated word "Lincoln" is detected from the examinee's repeated voice, and the word "Lincoln" is included in the pre-set words to be memorized. In this case, the word to be memorized in the later question-presentation process is changed to a word different from "Lincoln," and is a person's name in the same category as "Lincoln."

[0049] Furthermore, for example, if the word to be repeated detected in the previous question-presentation process is different from the word to be memorized, the processor 21 will select the word to be memorized in the subsequent question-presentation process from among several pre-prepared word candidates based on the number of characters in the word candidate. Specifically, suppose the word to be memorized in the previous question-presentation process was "necktie," and the word to be repeated detected from the examinee's repeated voice was "body." In this case, the system will determine that the voice repeated by this examinee is likely to be misrecognized by the voice recognition system, and will select a word from the word candidates that is less likely to be misrecognized, for example, a word with a large number of characters, as the word to be memorized in the subsequent question-presentation process.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, processor 21 stores historical information based on the detection results of repeated words in past cognitive function tests in memory 22, associating it with the test taker. Processor 21 selects the words to be memorized in the question presentation process based on the stored historical information. Specifically, suppose in the question presentation process above, "necktie" was presented as the word to be memorized, and the repeated word "body" was detected from the test taker's repeating voice. In this case, processor 21 determines that this test taker has difficulty pronouncing the word "necktie" and removes "necktie" from the list of candidate words to be memorized for this test taker.

[0051] <Answer submission processing> During the execution of the question presentation process, processor 21 prompts the examinee to pronounce the words they have memorized by repeating them. However, during the answer submission period, no information about the words to be memorized is output to the examinee. Processor 21 recognizes the voice spoken by the examinee and detects the "memorized spoken words" from the voice.

[0052] <Result Output Processing> The processor 21 outputs the result of the cognitive function test judgment based on the outputted "memory target word," the "repeated word" detected from the test taker's repetition audio, and the "memorized spoken word" detected from the test taker's vocalizations. For example, in judging the cognitive function test, the processor 21 determines that the answer is correct if the memorized spoken word detected from the test taker's vocalizations matches the memory target word presented to the test taker. Also, in judging the cognitive function test, the processor 21 determines that the answer is correct if the memorized spoken word detected from the test taker's vocalizations matches the repeated word detected from the test taker's repetition audio.

[0053] The processor 21 determines that the answer is correct if the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated voice matches the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated voice in the cognitive function test evaluation, and if the memorized spoken word detected from the examinee's spoken voice matches the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated voice in the question presentation process.

[0054] If the repeated word detected by the examinee's repeated voice does not match the repeated word detected by the examinee's repeated voice, the processor 21 will not determine it as correct in the cognitive function test evaluation, even if the memory spoken word detected by the examinee's spoken voice matches the repeated word detected by the examinee's repeated voice in the question presentation process.

[0055] If the processor 21 detects a repeated word from the examinee's repeated speech and that word matches a memorization target word presented to the examinee, it will not determine that the answer is correct in the cognitive function test evaluation, even if the memorized spoken word detected from the examinee's spoken speech matches the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated speech during the question presentation process.

[0056] The word to be memorized is an example of the first word. The words to be repeated and the words to be repeated again are examples of the second word. The word to be memorized and spoken is an example of the third word.

[0057] §3 Example of Operation [Operation of cognitive function testing equipment] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 15, we will explain examples of the operation of the cognitive function testing device 1 during cognitive function testing.

[0058] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the overall processing procedure for the cognitive function test. As shown in Figure 3, the processor 21 of the cognitive function test device 1 performs the cognitive function test in the following order: step S11 question presentation (setting of correct answer words), step S12 training process, step S13 answer reception process, and step S14 result output process. The cognitive function test is started by touch operation on the display screen 11 of the information terminal 10.

[0059] <Step S11 Question Processing> In the question generation process, the processor 21 executes the processes shown in the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5.

[0060] First, processor 21 sets n=1 to indicate that it is the first question in the cognitive function test (step S21).

[0061] Next, the processor 21 reads the image and audio information of the first word to be memorized from the memory 22 (step S22). The words to be memorized are pre-set as a question list 31 and stored in the memory 22, for example, as shown in Figure 6. In this example, there are eight questions, from question 1 to question 8. The words to be memorized are set as follows: question 1: "scissors", question 2: "necktie", question 3: "boat", question 4: "remote control", question 5: "glasses", question 6: "apple", question 7: "ring", and question 8: "maple leaf".

[0062] Next, the processor 21 plays back the image and audio information of the word to be stored that was read in step S22 (step S23). The word to be stored is played back on the information terminal 10 as shown in Figure 7. For example, the processor 21 displays a necktie image 41 on the display screen 11 and outputs the audio "necktie" from the speaker. The processor 21 also displays a question mark 51a on the display screen 11 to indicate that the current inspection process is the question presentation process, and a question number mark 52 to indicate that the current question is the first question.

[0063] Next, the processor 21 prompts the test-taker to repeat the memorization target word that was played back in step S23 (step S24). For example, as shown in Figure 8, the processor 21 prompts the repetition of the memorization target word by displaying the comment 53 "Please repeat" on the necktie image 41 on the display screen 11.

[0064] Next, the processor 21 determines whether or not it was able to detect the repeated words from the audio that the test taker repeated (step S25).

[0065] In step S25, if the repeat word could not be detected (step S25: No), the processor 21 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed during which the repeat word could not be detected (step S26). In step S26, if the predetermined time has not elapsed during which the repeat word could not be detected (step S26: No), the processor 21 returns to step S25 and repeats each process. In step S26, if the predetermined time has elapsed during which the repeat word could not be detected (step S26: Yes), the processor 21 returns to step S24 and repeats each process.

[0066] On the other hand, if a word to be repeated is detected in step S25 (step S25: Yes), the processor 21 determines whether the detected word to be repeated matches a word to be stored (step S27).

[0067] In step S27, if the repeated word matches the word to be memorized (step S27: Yes), the processor 21 sets the word to be memorized as the correct answer (step S28). Specifically, this occurs when "scissors" is presented as the word to be memorized, and "scissors" is detected as the repeated word from the voice of the examinee ("scissors" ⇒ "scissors"). The correct answer is a word that is considered to have been correctly memorized when the word to be memorized that is detected from the voice of the examinee during the answer reception process in step S13 in Figure 3 matches this correct answer.

[0068] Next, the processor 21 determines whether the number of questions n presented in this test has reached the final number of questions N (step S29). As shown in Figure 6, in this example, there are 8 questions. Therefore, the processor 21 determines whether the number of questions presented to the test-taker has reached N=8.

[0069] In step S29, if the number of problems has not reached N=8 (step S29: No), the processor 21 sets n=n+1 (step S30) and returns to step S22 to proceed to the next problem.

[0070] In step S29, if the number of questions reaches N=8 (step S29: Yes), the processor 21 terminates the question presentation process and proceeds to step S12 in Figure 3.

[0071] On the other hand, in step S27, if the repeated word does not match the word to be memorized (step S27: No), the processor 21 prompts the test-taker to repeat the word to be memorized again (step S31). For example, as shown in Figure 9, the processor 21 prompts the test-taker to repeat the word to be memorized again by displaying the comment 54 "Please repeat it again" on the necktie image 41 on the display screen 11.

[0072] Next, the processor 21 determines whether or not it was able to detect the repeated word from the audio that the test taker repeated (step S32).

[0073] In step S32, if the repeat word could not be detected (step S32: No), the processor 21 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed during which the repeat word could not be detected (step S33). In step S33, if the predetermined time has not elapsed during which the repeat word could not be detected (step S33: No), the processor 21 returns to step S32 and repeats each process. In step S33, if the predetermined time has elapsed during which the repeat word could not be detected (step S33: Yes), the processor 21 returns to step S31 and repeats each process.

[0074] On the other hand, if a word to be repeated is detected in step S32 (step S32: Yes), the processor 21 determines whether the detected word to be repeated matches a word to be memorized (step S34).

[0075] In step S34, if the repeated word matches the word to be memorized (step S34: Yes), the processor 21 proceeds to step S28 and sets the word to be memorized as the correct answer word. Specifically, this is the case when "scissors" is presented as the word to be memorized, and "masami" is detected as the repeated word from the audio of the test-taker repeating it. Then, when the test-taker is prompted to repeat it again, "scissors" is detected as the repeated word from the audio of the test-taker repeating it again ("scissors" ⇒ "masami" ⇒ "scissors").

[0076] In step S34, if the repeated word does not match the word to be memorized (step S34: No), the processor 21 determines whether the repeated word matches the word to be repeated (step S35).

[0077] In step S35, if the repeated word matches the repeated word (step S35: Yes), the processor 21 sets the word to be memorized and the repeated word as the correct answer (step S36) and proceeds to step S29. Specifically, this is the case when "scissors" is presented as the word to be memorized, and "masami" is detected as the repeated word from the audio of the test-taker repeating it. Then, when the test-taker is prompted to repeat it again, "masami" is detected as the repeated word from the audio of the test-taker repeating it again ("scissors" ⇒ "masami" ⇒ "masami").

[0078] In step S35, if the word to be repeated does not match the word to be repeated (step S35: No), the processor 21 proceeds to step S28 and sets the word to be memorized as the correct word. Specifically, if "scissors" is presented as the word to be memorized, and "masami" is detected as the word to be repeated from the audio of the examinee repeating it, and the examinee is then prompted to repeat it again, "sasami" is detected as the word to be repeated from the audio of the examinee repeating it again ("scissors" ⇒ "masami" ⇒ "sasami"). If the word to be repeated does not match either the word to be memorized or the word to be repeated, the testing device may inform the examinee that it was unable to correctly hear the audio and recommend that they write their answer by hand on the keyboard.

[0079] Here, the setting of the correct words in steps S28 and S36 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The correct words are set as the correct answer list 32 and stored in memory 22, as shown in Figure 10. Questions 1 through 8 in the correct answer list 32 correspond to questions 1 through 8 in the question list 31 shown in Figure 6. The correct words for question 3, "ship", for question 6, "apple", and for question 7, "ring", in the correct answer list 32 are the "memory target words" of the correct words set in step S28. The correct words for question 1 in the correct answer list 32, "scissors" and "Masami," the correct words for question 2, "necktie" and "body," the correct words for question 4, "remote control" and "Lincoln," the correct words for question 5, "glasses" and "sprout," and the correct words for question 8, "maple leaf" and "rainbow," are the "words to be memorized" and "words to be repeated" of the correct words set in step S36.

[0080] The correct words for questions 3, 6, and 7 are the words to be memorized in the following cases: For example, when the words to be memorized are presented and a word matching the words to be memorized is detected in the examinee's repeating voice, these are the words to be memorized. Also, for example, when the words to be memorized are presented and a word different from the words to be memorized is detected in the examinee's repeating voice, the examinee is prompted to repeat again, and a word matching the words to be memorized is detected in the examinee's second repeating voice. Also, for example, when the words to be memorized are presented and a word different from the words to be memorized is detected in the examinee's repeating voice, the examinee is prompted to repeat again, and a word different from both the words to be memorized and the words to be repeated is detected in the examinee's second repeating voice.

[0081] Specifically, the correct word for Question 3 (Questions 6 and 7) is the word to be memorized in the following cases. For example, if the question is "ship" ("apple", "ring") and a word matching "ship" ("apple", "ring") is detected in the examinee's repeating voice, the answer is "ship" ("apple", "ring"). Also, for example, if the question is "ship" ("apple", "ring") and the word "wave" ("Shingo", "collar") is detected in the examinee's repeating voice, the examinee is prompted to repeat again. In this case, if a word matching "ship" ("apple", "ring") is detected in the examinee's second repeating voice, the answer is "ship" ("apple", "ring"). Also, for example, if the question is "ship" ("apple", "ring") and the word "wave" ("Shingo", "collar") is detected in the examinee's repeating voice, the examinee is prompted to repeat again. In this case, if the word "tsune" ("tango", "naniwa") is detected as a repeated word from the examinee's repeated audio, then "fune" ("ringo", "yubiwa") is used.

[0082] The correct words for questions 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 are the words to be memorized and the words to be repeated in the following cases. For example, when a word to be memorized is presented, a word different from the word to be memorized is detected as the word to be repeated from the examinee's repeating voice, so the examinee is asked to repeat it again. The words to be memorized and the words to be repeated in this case are those when a word matching the word to be repeated is detected as the word to be repeated from the examinee's second repeating voice.

[0083] Specifically, the correct words for Question 1 (and Questions 2, 4, 5, and 8) are the words to be memorized and the words to be repeated in the following cases. For example, when the question was "scissors" ("necktie," "remote control," "glasses," "maple leaf"), the word "Masami" ("flesh," "Lincoln," "sprout," "rainbow") was detected as a word to be repeated from the examinee's repeating voice, so the examinee was asked to repeat it again. In this case, the words that match "Masami" ("flesh," "Lincoln," "sprout," "rainbow") were detected as words to be repeated from the examinee's repeating voice, and these are "scissors" ("necktie," "remote control," "glasses," "maple leaf") and "Masami" ("flesh," "Lincoln," "sprout," "rainbow").

[0084] <Training process in step S12> Once the question presentation process in step S11 is complete, processor 21 executes a training process that plays content different from the cognitive function test in order to load the test-taker's cognitive abilities. In other words, the training process is conducted to train test-takers who have memorized the target words in the question presentation process to answer with the memorized words after a short delay, rather than immediately answering with the memorized words.

[0085] When the process transitions from question presentation to training, the processor 21 displays a training mark 51b, as shown in Figure 11, to indicate that the current process is the training process, and also displays a comment 55 such as, "Now, let's train your brain with the time you have to answer the question." The training is configured so that the test taker can arbitrarily select from, for example, training A, B, and C. The processor 21 displays selection buttons 56a to 56c for selecting the type of training.

[0086] <Step S13 Answer Reception Processing> Once the training process in step S12 is complete, the processor 21 executes an answer reception process in which the test-taker pronounces the memorized word that was presented. When transitioning from the training process to the answer reception process, the processor 21 displays an answer mark 51c to indicate that the current process is the answer reception process, as shown in Figure 12, and also displays a comment 57 such as, "Now, please answer about the memorized word within 2 minutes using the keyboard or voice." This initiates the acceptance of answers.

[0087] Next, the processor 21 displays an answer submission image as shown in Figure 13. The answer submission image in Figure 13 displays an audio mark 58, indicating that voice answers are currently being accepted. The processor 21 also displays an elapsed time bar 59 indicating the time elapsed since the answer was submitted, and a correct answer mark 60 indicating the number of correct answers so far (1 correct answer out of 8 questions).

[0088] On the screen displaying the answer submission image, the examinee touches the answer button 61 when submitting an answer. When the answer button 61 is touched, the processor 21 changes the display screen 11 to an answer judgment image as shown in Figure 14. However, initially, when the display screen 11 changes to the answer judgment image, only the microphone icon 62 is displayed on the display screen 11, indicating that the answer submission state is active. In this state, for example, suppose the examinee says "ship" and the word "ship" is detected from the voice the examinee spoke. In this case, since the word "ship" is included in the multiple memorization target words presented (see Figure 6), the detected correct word (memorized spoken word) 63 and the correct answer mark 64 are displayed as shown in Figure 14. On the other hand, if a word other than a memorized spoken word is detected from the voice the examinee spoke, it is determined to be an incorrect answer, and the detected incorrect word and the incorrect answer mark are displayed. Furthermore, for example, if the correct answer words are set as shown in the correct answer list 32 in Figure 10, and the memorization target word for the first question is "scissors," then if "scissors" or "masami" is detected as the memorized spoken word from the voice spoken by the test-taker, then "scissors" or "masami" and the correct answer mark will be displayed, similar to the screen in Figure 14.

[0089] In addition, examinees can choose to answer by keyboard input instead of by voice. To use keyboard input, touch the keyboard switching button 65 on the screen shown in Figure 13. This will display a software keyboard on the display screen 11, which can then be used to answer the questions.

[0090] <Result output processing in step S14> Once the answer reception process in step S13 is complete, the processor 21 executes a result output process to inform the user of the test results. Upon transitioning from the answer reception process to the result output process, the processor 21 displays a result screen mark 51d, as shown in Figure 15, to indicate that the current process is the result output process, along with a test result 66 indicating that 2 out of 8 questions were answered correctly, and a comment 67 such as, "Well done. Let's continue to monitor your progress."

[0091] In the embodiments described above, the case in which the memorized words to be presented are pre-set, as shown in Figure 6, for example, has been explained, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the memorized words to be presented may be arbitrarily selected by the processor 21 from a plurality of pre-prepared candidate words for each question.

[0092] As explained above, the cognitive function testing device 1 outputs cognitive function test results based on three types of words: the memorization target word presented in the test, the memorized spoken word detected from the test taker's voice, and the repeated word detected from the test taker's repeated voice.

[0093] For example, according to the cognitive function testing device 1, a correct answer is determined not only when the memorization target word presented matches the memorization target word detected from the examinee's spoken voice, but also when the memorization target word matches the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated voice. Therefore, for example, even if the word detected when the examinee repeats the presented memorization target word does not match the memorization target word due to the examinee's pronunciation characteristics or the characteristics of the speech recognition processing, if the examinee can pronounce the repeated word as the memorization target word, it is possible to determine it as a correct answer, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the cognitive function testing device 1, even if the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated voice does not match the target word presented as the memorization target, if the second repeated word detected from the examinee's second repeated voice matches the repeated word, and the memorized spoken word detected from the examinee's spoken voice matches the repeated word, the answer is judged as correct. For example, if the question is "scissors" and the examinee's repeated voice detects the word "masami" as the repeated word, and the examinee is prompted to repeat it again, and the second repeated voice of the examinee detects the word "masami" as the second repeated word that matches the repeated word, then at the time of judgment, if "masami" that matches the repeated word is detected from the examinee's spoken voice that matches the memorized spoken word, the answer "masami" can be judged as correct. Thus, the accuracy of the test is improved.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the cognitive function testing device 1, if the repeated word detected from the examinee's repeated voice does not match the target word for memorization presented in the question, and the second repeated word detected from the examinee's second repeated voice does not match the repeated word, then even if the memorized spoken word detected from the examinee's spoken voice matches the repeated word, the answer will not be judged as correct. For example, if the question is "ship," and the word "wave" is detected as the repeated word from the examinee's repeated voice, and the examinee is prompted to repeat it again, and the word "ship," which matches the target word for memorization, is detected as the second repeated word from the examinee's second repeated voice, or if the word "wave," which does not match either the target word for memorization or the repeated word, is detected as the second repeated word from the examinee's second repeated voice, then even if "wave," which matches the repeated word for memorization, is detected as the memorized spoken word from the examinee's spoken voice at the time of judgment, it will be possible to judge the answer "wave" as incorrect. Thus, the accuracy of the test is improved.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the cognitive function testing device 1, when selecting words to be memorized in a subsequent questioning process, the selection is based on the words to be repeated that were detected in the questioning process prior to the subsequent questioning process. Therefore, for example, it is possible to select words to be memorized in a subsequent questioning process so as not to overlap with words to be repeated that were detected in the previous questioning process, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the cognitive function testing device 1, when selecting a word to be memorized in a later question-presentation process that is different from the word to be memorized in the previous question-presentation process, it is possible to change the word to one in the same category as the word to be memorized that was pre-set for the later question-presentation process. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the presentation of questions that are completely different from the pre-set questions, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the cognitive function testing device 1, if the word to be repeated detected in the previous question processing differs from the word to be memorized, a word with a longer length can be selected as the word to be memorized in the subsequent question processing. Therefore, for example, even for test takers who are prone to misrecognition, a word that is less likely to be misrecognized (e.g., a word with a large number of characters) can be selected, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0099] Furthermore, the cognitive function testing device 1 can select words to be memorized in the question-presentation process based on historical information related to cognitive function tests that is stored in association with each test-taker. Therefore, it is possible to exclude words that are easily mispronounced from the candidate words to be memorized for that test-taker, making it possible to present appropriate words and improve the accuracy of the test.

[0100] Furthermore, the cognitive function testing device 1 allows for training processing to be performed between the question presentation process and the answer reception process, making it possible to apply an appropriate cognitive load to the test taker and further improving the accuracy of the test.

[0101] §4 Variant Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects of the present invention. Various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. In the following, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the above embodiments, and explanations of points similar to those in the above embodiments have been omitted as appropriate. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0102] [Example 1] <Variations of question formatting> A modified version of the question presentation process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 16. As shown in Figure 16, in the modified version of the question presentation process, each process from step S27 to step S36 is the same as each process from step S27 to step S36 in the question presentation process shown in Figure 5. Therefore, the explanation of these steps will be omitted.

[0103] In step S36, the processor 21 sets the word to be memorized and the word to be repeated as correct answer words, and then adds the set word to be repeated to the exclusion list of the words to be memorized (step S36-1). In other words, the processor 21 sets the word to be repeated that has been set as a correct answer word so that it will not be presented in subsequent question-presentation processes in the examinee's test. As a result, when reading out the words to be memorized in step S22 of Figure 4, words listed on the exclusion list will not be selected. Therefore, the words to be memorized in subsequent question-presentation processes can be selected so as not to overlap with the word to be repeated that was detected in the previous question-presentation process, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0104] [Differentiation 2] <Modified form of processor (control unit) 21> A modified version of the processor (control unit) 21 will be described with reference to Figure 17. In the embodiment described above, the cognitive function testing device 1 was realized by a processor 21 mounted on the information processing device 20 of the information terminal 10, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the cognitive function testing device 1 may be realized by an external server 70 that can be connected to the information terminal 10 via a wide-area network N such as the Internet. For example, the cognitive function test may be provided by the external server 70 and provided as a cognitive function test page that can be viewed from the information terminal 10 using a web browser.

[0105] §5 Program The cognitive function testing method described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared cognitive function testing program on a computer. This cognitive function testing program is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by reading it from the storage medium. This cognitive function testing program may also be provided in the form of a non-transient storage medium such as flash memory, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes this cognitive function testing program may be included in the cognitive function testing device, or it may be included in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer that can communicate with the cognitive function testing device, or it may be included in a server device that can communicate with these cognitive function testing devices and electronic devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. Cognitive function testing device 10 Information terminals 11 Display screen 21 processors 31 Question List 32 Correct Answer List 70 External Servers N Wide Area Network

Claims

1. The question processing involves outputting the first word to be memorized to the test-taker, prompting the test-taker to repeat the first word, and detecting the second word from the test-taker's repeated voice, The question processing prompts the examinee to pronounce the word they have memorized, and the answer reception process detects a third word from the examinee's spoken voice. A result output process that outputs the results of a cognitive function test based on the first word, the second word, and the third word, A cognitive function testing device equipped with a control unit that performs the following.

2. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 1, The control unit determines that the result is correct if the third word matches the first word. Cognitive function testing device.

3. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 1, The control unit determines that the result is correct if the third word matches the second word. Cognitive function testing device.

4. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 3, In the question-presentation process, the control unit prompts the examinee to repeat the first word if the detected second word is different from the first word, and if the second word is detected from the examinee's repeated voice, the control unit determines in the judgment that the answer is correct if the third word matches the second word. Cognitive function testing device.

5. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 4, If the control unit does not detect the second word from the examinee's repeated speech, it will not determine in the determination that the third word is correct if it matches the second word. Cognitive function testing device.

6. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 1, The control unit, The question processing is performed sequentially for multiple first words, In multiple question-presentation processes, the first word in the second question-presentation process, which occurs after the first question-presentation process, is selected based on the second word detected in the first question-presentation process. Cognitive function testing device.

7. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 6, The control unit selects the first word in the second question generation process from a word different from the second word detected in the first question generation process. Cognitive function testing device.

8. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 6, The first word in the multiple question-presentation processes is predetermined. The control unit changes the first word in the second question-presenting process to a word that is different from the second word detected in the first question-presenting process, and which belongs to the same category as the first word that has been pre-set for the second question-presenting process. Cognitive function testing device.

9. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 6, If the second word detected in the first question generation process is different from the first word, the control unit selects the first word in the second question generation process from among a plurality of word candidates based on the number of characters in the word candidates. Cognitive function testing device.

10. A cognitive function testing device according to claim 1, The control unit, Historical information based on the detection results of the second word in past tests is stored in association with the test taker. In the question generation process, the first word is selected based on the history information. Cognitive function testing device.

11. A cognitive function testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The control unit performs a training process between the question presentation process and the answer reception process, which involves playing content that places a cognitive burden on the examinee. Cognitive function testing device.

12. The processor of the cognitive function testing device, The question processing involves outputting the first word to be memorized to the test-taker, prompting the test-taker to repeat the first word, and detecting the second word from the test-taker's repeated voice, The question processing prompts the examinee to pronounce the word they have memorized, and the answer reception process detects a third word from the examinee's spoken voice. A result output process that outputs the results of a cognitive function test based on the first word, the second word, and the third word, A cognitive function test program designed to enable the execution of cognitive function tests.

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