Method for controlling digital therapeutic agent for alleviating depression

Abstract

Provided is a method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent for alleviating depression. A method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the steps of: receiving user information including prescription step information; determining an interactive content set to be output in accordance to the received user information; outputting a piece of content to be output among a plurality of pieces of content included in the determined content set; determining, on the basis of user motion data corresponding to the piece of content to be output, whether an action required by the piece of content to be output has been successfully performed; selecting a piece of content to be output next according to the determination result; and outputting the selected piece of content to be output next as the next piece of content.

Description

How to Control Digital Therapeutics for Depression

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent for improving depression, and more particularly, to a method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent for improving depression through body activation content that induces a depressed patient to voluntarily move.

[0002] Recently, a new form of digital therapeutics has emerged. Digital therapeutics utilize advanced, evidence-based software to manage or treat diseases or disorders. Like existing compound-based therapies, digital therapeutics share the commonality of providing disease prevention, treatment, and symptom relief based on clinically proven evidence. However, digital therapeutics present a new paradigm, particularly in the treatment of emotional disorders, due to their use of ICT for delivery and control, their ability to continuously monitor patient conditions, and their ability to provide non-face-to-face treatment.

[0003] The problem with existing digital therapeutic technologies for depression is that they are merely online versions of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques used offline. Because many patients with depression suffer from low motivation, stimulating their behavior is crucial. However, the lack of digital therapeutic content that embodies these principles presents a significant challenge.

[0004] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and provides a method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent capable of improving depression through body activation content that induces patients with depression to move voluntarily.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent for improving depression includes the steps of: receiving user information including prescription step information; determining an interactive content set to be output in response to the received user information; outputting target content from among a plurality of contents included in the determined content set; receiving user movement data corresponding to the target content for output from a movement recognition device and determining whether an action required by the target content for output has been successfully performed based on the received movement data; selecting content scheduled to be output next based on the determination result; and outputting the selected target content for output as the next content, and the step of outputting as the next content in the determining step may be repeated until a predetermined number of executions is satisfied based on the determined content set.

[0006] And the above interactive content may be body activation content generated based on movement codes corresponding to multiple actions that a user should take to improve depression.

[0007] In addition, the above physical activation content may be composed of a sequence of training movements necessary to derive behavioral inhibition system behaviors based on depression diagnosis criteria, set behavioral activation system behavior pattern goals that can induce changes in the derived behaviors, and achieve the set behavior pattern goals.

[0008] And the above physical activation content may be implemented as interactive content by introducing gamification elements into the sequence of the above training movements.

[0009] In addition, the body activation content may be content in which a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition device is displayed on the screen and an object approaching around the character is touched using the hands and feet.

[0010] And the above body activation content may be content that displays a character on the screen that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition device, and touches a point located away from the character and maintains it for a preset period of time.

[0011] In addition, the body activation content may be content that displays two hands of a character on the screen that follow the user's hand movements received from the motion recognition device, and makes a covered work of art appear by moving the two hands of the character.

[0012] And the above body activation content may be a content in which a character following the user's movements received from the motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, a guide character showing the movements to be performed is displayed on the screen, and the movement shown by the guide character is followed within a preset time.

[0013] In addition, the body activation content may be content that displays a character on the screen that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition device, jumps to a point located away from the character, and maintains the character for a preset period of time.

[0014] And the above body activation content may be a content that displays a character on the screen that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition device, tilts the floor on which the character is located, and tilts the upper body in response to maintain balance.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned body activation content may be content that displays a character that moves on the screen in response to the user's movement speed received from the motion recognition device and causes the user to walk or run according to a plurality of speed guides provided.

[0016] And the above body activation content may be content that displays a character on the screen that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition device and maintains the presented movements for a preset period of time.

[0017] In addition, the body activation content may be a content in which a character following the user's movements received from the motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, a plurality of objects are displayed on a stepping stone on which the character can stand, and an object identical to the presented object is moved to a position on the stepping stone within a preset time.

[0018] And the step of receiving the user information may include receiving a login code generated through user authentication from the motion recognition device, and receiving user information including prescription step information, prescription expiration date information, and information for user classification from the motion recognition device.

[0019] In addition, the step of determining the content set determines one of a plurality of content sets consisting of six stages according to the degree of depression in response to the received prescription stage information as the content set to be output, and the number of times to be performed for each stage is set to 3 to 8, and the number of contents constituting each content set may be 3 to 8.

[0020] And the step of outputting the content to be outputted may include a step of outputting a screen before starting the content including at least one of a start screen, a character selection screen, and an execution method description screen for the content to be outputted, a step of outputting the content to be outputted on a screen, and a step of outputting a screen after ending the content including at least one of a relaxation screen and an execution result screen.

[0021] In addition, the step of determining whether the above-described successful performance may include a step of generating a plurality of segmented motions by dividing the motion required by the content, and determining whether each of the generated plurality of segmented motions is similar based on the received motion data, and a step of determining that the motion required by the content has been successfully performed if it is determined that a preset ratio or more of the plurality of segmented motions is similar as a result of the determination.

[0022] And the step of determining whether the above has been successfully performed may determine whether a specific body part of the user is located at the location and time required by the above content based on the received movement data, and may determine whether the movement required by the above content has been successfully performed based on the determination result.

[0023] In addition, in the step of selecting the content to be output, if the performance score collected in the step of determining whether the content has been successfully performed is greater than or equal to a preset reference score, the content to be executed next in a predetermined order from the determined content set can be selected as the content to be output, and if the performance score collected is less than or equal to the preset reference score, the content to be output can be selected as the content to be output so that the executed content can be performed again.

[0024] And, when the content output is completed a predetermined number of times according to the determined content set, the method may further include a step of storing log data including at least one of a content ID, an execution time, an execution score, success or failure, an operation unit ID, and success or failure of an operation unit.

[0025] According to various embodiments of the present invention, patients with depression who are characterized by a tendency to remain motionless can be encouraged to voluntarily perform physical activity content. Because patients perform movements included in the physical activity content that are effective in alleviating depression, this can have a depressive-improving effect.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating elements constituting a digital therapeutic control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating elements constituting a digital therapeutic control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram showing which content modules are included in the six prescription stages according to the depression stage to form a content set.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the start screen of a content module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a character selection screen of a content module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a screen explaining a method of executing a content module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating components of a screen after content termination according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 1, 2, and 3.

[0034] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 4, 5, and 6.

[0035] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content module 7.

[0036] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 8 and 9.

[0037] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 10 and 11.

[0038] Figure 14 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content module 12.

[0039] Figure 15 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 13, 14, and 15.

[0040] Figure 16 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 16 and 17.

[0041] Figure 17 is a drawing showing a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content module 18, and

[0042] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating a digital therapeutic agent control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, and it should be understood that various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of this document are included. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar components in the description of the drawings.

[0044] In this document, the expressions “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0045] As used herein, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A and / or B", or "one or more of A and / or B" can include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" can all refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B. As used herein, the expressions "first", "second", "first", or "second" can modify various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the components.

[0046] The expression "configured to" as used herein can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean something that is "specifically designed to" in hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the expression "a device configured to" can mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of." For example, "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" can mean a dedicated processor for performing those operations (e.g., an embedded processor) or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or Application Processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0047] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating elements constituting a digital therapeutic agent control system (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the digital therapeutic agent control system (1000) may include a digital therapeutic agent control device (100), a user terminal device (200), and a server (300).

[0049] The digital therapeutic control device (100) can perform functions for executing and controlling digital therapeutics. Depending on the type of digital therapeutic, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can be configured with general-purpose hardware capable of executing the digital therapeutic and interacting with the user. For example, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can be configured with a combination of general-purpose hardware such as a PC, a monitor, a motion recognition device, a camera, a smartphone, and a tablet. The digital therapeutic control device (100) can be configured with the general-purpose hardware described above, or can be configured with dedicated hardware specifically implemented for digital therapeutics.

[0050] The user terminal device (200) can perform user authentication. Furthermore, the user terminal device (200) can transmit user information received through user authentication to the digital therapeutic control device (100). For example, the user terminal device (200) can generate user information as a login code and transmit it to the digital therapeutic control device (100). The login code can be implemented in various ways, such as a QR code. The transmitted user information can include prescription digital therapeutic information, prescription stage information, prescription expiration date information, and information for user identification.

[0051] The server (300) can receive and store data generated through the execution of a digital therapeutic, such as log data, from the digital therapeutic control device (100). The server (300) can be implemented as a local server or a cloud server. The data stored in the server (300) can be analyzed and used as basic data when receiving the next digital therapeutic prescription. Furthermore, the data stored in the server (300) can be used as training data or input data for an artificial intelligence learning model after undergoing a preprocessing process.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating elements constituting a digital therapeutic agent control device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the digital therapeutic agent control device (100) may include a communication unit (110), a memory (120), a motion recognition unit (130), a display unit (140), and a processor (150). However, in addition to the above-described elements, various elements such as an input unit (not shown) may be additionally included. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the motion recognition unit (130) and the display unit (140) are expressed as elements included in a single device. However, this is only an example for the convenience of explanation, and the motion recognition unit (130) may be implemented as a separate motion recognition device (400), and the display unit (140) may be implemented as a separate display device (500) to be connected to the digital therapeutic agent control device (100) via a wired or wireless network.

[0053] The communication unit (110) can communicate with external devices such as a user terminal (200), a server (300), a motion recognition device (400), and a display device (500) using a wired or wireless network. For example, the communication unit (110) can receive user information from the user terminal (200) and transmit digital therapeutic agent usage log data to the server (300). The communication unit (110) can use various methods such as Bluetooth, Zigbee communication, WiFi, infrared (IR) communication, and NFC (Near Field Communication) as wireless communication methods, and can also perform communication by connecting to a mobile communication network according to various mobile communication standards such as 3G, 3GPP, LTE, LTE A, and 5G. In addition, the communication unit (110) can use HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), USB (Universal Serial Bus), and LAN (Local Area Network) as wired communication methods.

[0054] The memory (120) can store various modules, software, artificial intelligence models, and data for operating the digital therapeutic control device (100). For example, the memory (120) can store various types of digital therapeutics and various contents constituting a single digital therapeutic. Furthermore, the memory (120) can store various information, such as digital therapeutic usage log data.

[0055] The memory (120) may be implemented in the form of a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the memory (120) may be equipped with a ROM for storing a program and / or application for performing the operation of the digital therapeutic control device (100), and a RAM for temporarily storing data according to the operation of the digital therapeutic control device (100). In addition, the memory (120) may further be equipped with an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM) for storing various reference data.

[0056] The motion recognition unit (130) can recognize the user's movements and generate user movement data. For example, the motion recognition unit (130) can capture images of the user's movements and generate user movement data representing multiple joint movements based on the captured image data. As another example, the motion recognition unit (130) can preprocess image data capturing the user's movements, and the processor (150) can generate user movement data based on the preprocessed data.

[0057] Additionally, the motion recognition unit (130) may also perform the function of an input unit (not shown) that receives user information. For example, a QR code containing user information may be displayed on a user terminal device (200), and the displayed QR code may be recognized by the motion recognition unit (130).

[0058] The motion recognition unit (130) may be implemented as a camera, image recognition sensor, etc., or may be implemented as a separate motion recognition device (400). If implemented as a separate motion recognition device (400), it may be connected to the digital therapeutic agent control device (100) via a wired communication method such as a USB port. For convenience of explanation, the motion recognition unit (130) will be uniformly described below.

[0059] The display unit (140) can display content constituting the digital therapeutic, characters corresponding to the user's movements, avatars, etc. The display unit (140) may also be implemented as a separate display device (500). When implemented as a separate display device (500), it can be connected to the digital therapeutic control device (100) via a wired communication method such as an HDMI port. The display device (500) can be implemented as various devices such as a TV, monitor, or video wall. For convenience of explanation, it will be described below as the display unit (140).

[0060] The processor (150) can control the above-described components of the digital therapeutic control device (100). For example, the processor (150) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit log data to the server (300). The processor (150) can be manufactured in the form of one or more hardware chips and mounted on the digital therapeutic control device (100). For example, the processor (150) can be manufactured as a general-purpose processor (CPU, Application Processor, etc.) or can be manufactured in the form of a dedicated hardware chip for artificial intelligence.

[0061] The processor (150) can determine a set of interactive content to be output in response to user information among the multiple sets of interactive content constituting the digital therapeutic. To this end, the processor (150) can utilize the received user information. The user information may include at least one of: prescription step information, prescription expiration date information, user identification information, and digital therapeutic information.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a motion recognition unit (130) may be utilized when receiving user information. By recognizing a login code generated through a user authentication process in a user terminal device (300), the motion recognition unit (130) can receive user information. Furthermore, the motion recognition unit (130) can transmit the received user information to the processor (150).

[0063] The processor (150) can determine a set of interactive content to be output based on the prescription step information included in the received user information. For example, a digital therapeutic for improving depression may include multiple content sets organized into six stages based on the severity of depression. Since the number and type of content modules included in the prescription vary depending on the severity of depression, and the duration of physical activity also varies, personalized treatment is possible.

[0064] A digital therapeutic according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a total of 18 content modules. It consists of six content modules divided into three stages: foundation, enhancement, and activation, resulting in a total of 18 content modules. To provide effective physical activity, the "principle of progressive enhancement" is applied. Each content is divided into three stages: foundation, enhancement, and activation, and is designed to gradually increase the complexity or strength of movements.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital therapeutic sets the execution time of a single content module to 5 minutes. This is because gamification theory suggests that a user's concentration and motivation are maintained for 3 to 7 minutes. Furthermore, based on the theory of physical fitness improvement, which states that 15 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity is most effective for improving muscle strength and cardiopulmonary capacity, the treatment requires a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 40 minutes of physical activity, depending on the patient's level of depression. Improvements in muscle strength and cardiopulmonary capacity are correlated with improvements in depression.

[0066] Accordingly, the multiple content sets consisting of six stages according to the degree of depression are determined by the number of times performed from 3 to 8 times for each stage, and the number of content modules constituting each content set is 3 to 8. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating which content modules are included in the six prescription stages according to the degree of depression to form a content set. For example, the content set corresponding to 'Prescription 2', which has the second highest degree of depression, is configured to include 7 content modules. 'Prescription 2' is configured to sequentially perform Module 4 (the basic stage of Content 2), Module 5 (the enhancement stage of Content 2), and Module 6 (the activation stage of Content 2), and then perform Modules 9, 12, 15, and 18, which correspond to the activation stages of Contents 3 to 6. In this way, patients prescribed 'Prescription 2' are provided with customized treatment that requires them to perform the 7 content modules for 35 minutes per day.

[0067] The processor (150) can output target content from among a plurality of contents included in a determined content set through the display unit (140). As shown in FIG. 3, since content modules to be sequentially output are determined for each content set, the processor (150) can determine target content to be output according to the predetermined set configuration. If the user successfully performs all contents, target content to be output will be sequentially determined according to the predetermined set configuration. Conversely, if the user fails to successfully perform a specific content, target content to be output can be determined so that the corresponding content can be performed again.

[0068] When outputting the target content, the processor (150) may output a pre-start screen, a target content screen, and a post-content end screen in that order. Before outputting the target content on the screen, the processor (150) may output a pre-start screen for the target content. First, the processor (150) may output a start screen for the target content. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a start screen of a content module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, the processor (150) may output a character selection screen. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a character selection screen of a content module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, the processor (150) may output a screen explaining an execution method. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen explaining an execution method of a content module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] After outputting the target content, the processor (150) may output a screen after the content ends. The screen after the content ends may include at least one of a relaxation screen for the user to relax and a performance result screen. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating components of a screen after the content ends according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The processor (150) can output target content through the display unit (140). Interactive content constituting a digital therapeutic according to an embodiment of the present invention may be body activation content generated based on movement codes corresponding to multiple actions that a user must take to improve depression. The movement code may be a standardized code that can express not only the form but also the quality of the object's movement. For example, the movement code may be generated by classifying and analyzing the object's movement by characteristic. The movement code may include indicators that objectively express the movement expressed externally according to the object's intention. For example, the movement code may include indicators indicating weight, time, space, and flow. Therefore, by using the movement code, it is possible to objectively determine whether the movement is light or heavy, whether the movement is sudden or sustained, whether the movement is directed or indirect, and whether the movement is performed in a free flow or bound manner.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, body activation content generated based on movement codes corresponding to multiple actions that a user must take to improve depression can be composed of a sequence of training actions necessary to achieve a behavioral pattern goal. First, a behavioral inhibition system behavior can be derived based on depression diagnostic criteria, and a behavioral activation system behavior pattern goal that can induce a change in the derived behavioral inhibition system behavior can be set. For example, a behavioral activation system behavior pattern goal can be set based on a behavior that is opposite to an indicator in the movement code of the derived behavioral inhibition system behavior. Then, the body activation content can be composed of a sequence of training actions necessary to achieve the set behavior pattern goal.

[0072] For example, the diagnostic criteria for depression used to construct a sequence of movements may be those presented in the DSM-5. The physical activation content according to one embodiment of the present invention is designed to improve the emotional states of the four major categories corresponding to depression described in the DSM-5 through physical activity in patients. In particular, movements are structured to improve the movement characteristics of patients with depression, such as reduced range of motion, slowed movement speed, and slowed reaction time, and each physical activation content is designed to require structured movements.

[0073] Furthermore, the physical activation content according to one embodiment of the present invention is implemented as interactive content by incorporating gamification elements into the sequence of training movements. Gamification principles are applied to encourage patients with depression, who are characterized by a tendency to remain motionless, to engage in voluntary physical activity. Furthermore, the physical activation content according to one embodiment of the present invention includes visual, auditory, and verbal stimulus guidance, depending on the content, to have the effect of inducing active physical activation in patients with depression.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 1, 2, and 3. Referring to FIG. 9, the processor (150) may display a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). In addition, the processor (150) may display an object approaching around the character and display content on the display unit (140) that allows the user to touch the object using their hands and feet. For example, the body activation content displayed may be content that allows an astronaut in space to touch objects such as stars, meteorites, and hearts. The processor (150) may determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 9 succeeds or fails based on the number of times the user touches the object. That is, if the user touches more than the target number of times, the processor (150) may determine that the user has successfully executed the content.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 4, 5, and 6. Referring to FIG. 10, the processor (150) may display a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). In addition, the processor (150) may display content on the display unit (140) that causes the user to touch a point at a preset distance from the character and hold it there for a preset period of time. For example, the body activation content may be content in which the character's hands and feet grab and pull rock climbing points to climb a rock wall. The processor (150) may determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 10 succeeds or fails based on the number of times the hands or feet touch the preset points and hold them there for a preset period of time.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content module 7. Referring to FIG. 11, the processor (150) can display on the display unit (140) the two hands of a character that follows the user's hand movements received from the motion recognition unit (130). In addition, the processor (150) can display on the display unit (140) content that causes a covered artwork to appear by moving the character's two hands. For example, the body activation content may be content that displays a covered artwork divided into a plurality of squares and sequentially moves the character's two hands one square at a time to erase the covered portion, thereby revealing the artwork. The processor (150) can determine that a square has been successfully erased if a predetermined percentage or more of the squares are erased by moving the character's two hands. In addition, the processor (150) can determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 11 has succeeded or failed based on the number of squares successfully erased.

[0077] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 8 and 9. Referring to FIG. 12, the processor (150) may display a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). In addition, the processor (150) may control the display unit (140) so that a guide character showing a movement that the user should perform is displayed next to the character following the user's movements. In addition, the processor (150) may display content on the display unit (140) that causes the user to follow the movements shown by the guide character within a preset time. For example, the body activation content may be content that causes the user to follow the dance movements shown by the guide character within a preset time. The processor (150) may determine the success / failure of each movement by determining the similarity of each movement. In addition, the processor (150) may determine the success / failure of the body activation content of FIG. 12 based on the number of movements that were successfully performed.

[0078] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 10 and 11. Referring to FIG. 13, the processor (150) may display a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). Furthermore, the processor (150) may display content on the display unit (140) that causes the user to jump to a point away from the character and maintain the jump for a preset period of time. For example, the body activation content may be content that involves crossing a suspension bridge or stepping stones one step at a time according to a predetermined foot position. The processor (150) may determine whether each step is successful or unsuccessful based on whether the user jumps to the position where the foot should step and maintains the jump for a preset period of time. Furthermore, the processor (150) may determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 13 is successful or unsuccessful based on the number of successful steps.

[0079] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content module 12. Referring to FIG. 14, the processor (150) may display a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). In addition, the processor (150) may tilt the floor surface on which the character is located and display content on the display unit (140) that allows the user to balance by tilting the upper body in response to the tilt. For example, the body activation content may be content that allows the user to balance on a shaking carpet. The processor (150) may determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 14 has succeeded or failed based on the number of times the user successfully balances within a preset time period.

[0080] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 13, 14, and 15. Referring to FIG. 15, the processor (150) may display a character that moves in response to the user's movement speed received from the movement recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). In addition, the processor (150) may display content on the display unit (140) that induces the user to walk or run according to a plurality of speed guides provided. For example, the body activation content may be content that induces the user's movement so that an object such as a train, a bicycle, or a car moves at a preset speed. The processor (150) may determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 15 succeeds or fails based on the time for which the movement is maintained.

[0081] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content modules 16 and 17. Referring to FIG. 16, the processor (150) may display a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). In addition, the processor (150) may display content on the display unit (140) that causes the user to maintain a suggested motion for a preset period of time. For example, the body activation content may be content that causes a wall with a motion drawn on it to approach and causes a character to follow the motion. The processor (150) may determine whether the requested motion is successful or unsuccessful based on whether the similarity between the suggested requested motion and the user's motion is greater than or equal to a preset ratio. In addition, the processor (150) may determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 16 is successful or unsuccessful based on the number of successful motions.

[0082] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a body activation content execution screen corresponding to content module 18. Referring to FIG. 17, the processor (150) can display a character that follows the user's movements received from the motion recognition unit (130) on the display unit (140). In addition, the processor (150) can control the display unit (140) to display a plurality of objects on a stepping stone on which the character can stand. In addition, the processor (150) can display, on the display unit (140), content that causes the character to move to a position on the stepping stone on which an object identical to the presented object is drawn within a preset time period. For example, the body activation content can be content that causes the character to step on and stand on an object such as a specific number, arrow, shape, or animal picture displayed on the screen within a preset time period. The processor (150) can determine whether the object is successful or unsuccessful based on whether the character is positioned on the presented object within the preset time period. And the processor (150) can determine whether the body activation content of FIG. 17 is successful or not based on the number of successful objects.

[0083] The processor (150) can receive user movement data corresponding to the target content to be output from the movement recognition unit (130). Furthermore, the processor (150) can determine whether the requested movement in the target content has been successfully performed based on the received movement data. Depending on whether the movement has been successfully performed, the content to be output next can be determined differently.

[0084] For example, the processor (150) can generate multiple segmented motions by dividing the motions required by each content. Furthermore, the processor (150) can determine whether each of the multiple segmented motions generated based on the received motion data is similar to the other. A preset reference value for motion similarity can be used for the determination. If the processor (150) determines that a preset ratio or higher of the multiple segmented motions is similar, the processor (150) can determine that the motions required by each content have been successfully performed.

[0085] As another example, the processor (150) can determine, based on received movement data, whether a specific body part of the user is positioned at the location and time required by each content. Furthermore, the processor (150) can determine whether the user has successfully performed the movement required by the content based on the determination result.

[0086] The processor (150) can select the content to be output next based on the result of the determination of successful execution. Specifically, if the user successfully executes the target content to be output, the processor (150) can select the content to be executed next in a predetermined order from the content set as the target content to be output. Conversely, if the user fails to execute the target content to be output, the processor (150) can cause the currently output target content to be executed again.

[0087] For example, if the performance score collected in the step of determining whether the execution was successful is higher than a preset reference score, the processor (150) may select the content to be executed next in a predetermined order from the determined content set as the scheduled output content. Conversely, if the performance score collected is lower than the preset reference score, the processor (150) may select the target content to be output as the scheduled output content so that the executed content can be executed again.

[0088] The processor (150) can output the selected content scheduled for output as the next content. However, even if the user continues to fail to output the target content, the content is not executed indefinitely. This is because a predetermined number of executions is set according to the determined content set. For example, 'Prescription 2' of FIG. 3 has a predetermined number of content executions set to 7. If the user successfully executes all the content, the 7 contents are executed in the predetermined order. However, if the user fails to execute any content, that content is executed again, so 7 contents are not necessarily executed. It is clear that the content is executed only 7 times.

[0089] When the content output is completed for a predetermined number of executions according to the determined content set, the processor (150) can store log data including at least one of a content ID, execution time, execution score, success or failure, operation unit ID, and operation unit success or failure in the memory (120). Then, the processor (150) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit the stored log data to the server (300). In another embodiment, the processor (150) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit the log data directly to the server (300) without storing it in the memory (120).

[0090] Hereinafter, a method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent for improving depression will be described again through a flowchart. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 18, the digital therapeutic agent control device (100) may receive user information including prescription stage information from an external device (S1810). For example, when the motion recognition device (400) receives a login code generated through user authentication from the user terminal device (200), the digital therapeutic agent control device (100) may receive user information including prescription stage information, prescription expiration date information, and user identification information from the motion recognition device (400).

[0091] The digital therapeutic control device (100) can then determine an interactive content set to be output in response to the received user information (S1820). For example, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can determine one of a plurality of content sets, each consisting of six stages, as the content set to be output, based on the severity of depression, in response to the received prescription stage information. Each content set is set to be performed three to eight times, depending on the severity of depression, and the number of contents constituting each content set can be three to eight.

[0092] Next, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can output target content from among the plurality of contents included in the determined content set (S1830). For example, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can output a screen before starting the content, including at least one of a start screen, a character selection screen, and an execution method explanation screen for the target content. Next, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can output the target content on the screen. Finally, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can output a screen after the end of the content, including at least one of a relaxation screen and an execution result screen.

[0093] The digital therapeutic control device (100) can receive user movement data corresponding to the target content to be output from the movement recognition device (300) and determine whether the motion requested by the target content has been successfully performed based on the received movement data (S1840). For example, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can divide the motion requested by the content into multiple segmented motions, generate multiple segmented motions, and determine whether each of the multiple segmented motions generated based on the received movement data is similar to the other segmented motions. If it is determined as a result of the determination that a preset ratio or higher of the multiple segmented motions is similar, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can determine that the motion requested by the content has been successfully performed. As another example, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can determine whether a specific body part of the user is located at a location and time requested by the content based on the received movement data. The digital therapeutic control device (100) can determine as a result of the determination whether the motion requested by the content has been successfully performed.

[0094] Next, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can select the content to be output next based on the judgment result (S1850). For example, if the collected performance score is higher than a preset reference score, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can select the content to be executed next in a predetermined order from the determined content set as the content to be output. If the collected performance score is lower than the preset reference score, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can select the content to be output so that the executed content can be re-executed as the content to be output.

[0095] Before outputting the selected content scheduled for output, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can determine whether a predetermined number of executions has been performed according to the determined content set (S1860). If the predetermined number of executions has not been performed (S1860-N), the digital therapeutic control device (100) can output the selected content scheduled for output as the next content (S1870). Then, the digital therapeutic control device (100) can repeat steps S1840 to S1860. Conversely, if the predetermined number of executions has been performed (S1860-Y), the digital therapeutic control device (100) can terminate the digital therapeutic without outputting any more content.

[0096] According to various embodiments of the present invention, patients with depression who are characterized by a tendency to remain motionless can be encouraged to voluntarily perform physical activity content. Because patients perform movements included in the physical activity content that are effective in alleviating depression, this can have a depressive-improving effect.

[0097] Meanwhile, the terms "part" or "module" used herein include a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "part" or "module" may be an integrally composed component, a minimum unit performing one or more functions, or a portion thereof. For example, a module may be composed of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0098] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call instructions stored in the storage medium and operate according to the called instructions, and may include an electronic device (e.g., a mobile device, a PC, etc.) according to the disclosed embodiments. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or under the control of the processor using other components. The instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means that the storage medium does not contain signals and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a USB memory stick) or online through an application store. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0100] Each component (e.g., a module or a program) according to various embodiments may be composed of one or more entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the respective components prior to integration. Operations performed by a module, program, or other component according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0101] The technical idea according to the embodiment of the present application can be utilized as a digital therapeutic agent for improving depression.

Claims

1. A step of receiving user information including prescription step information; A step of determining a set of interactive contents to be output in response to the received user information; A step of outputting target content among a plurality of contents included in the above-determined content set; A step of receiving user movement data corresponding to the output target content from a movement recognition device, and determining whether the movement required by the output target content has been successfully performed based on the received movement data; A step of selecting the content to be output next based on the above judgment result; and A step of outputting the selected output-scheduled content as the following content; A method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent for improving depression, characterized in that the step of outputting the next content is repeated in the step of judging until the number of executions determined according to the above-determined content set is satisfied.

2. In paragraph 1, The above interactive content is A method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent, which is a body activation content generated based on movement codes corresponding to multiple actions that a user must take to improve depression.

3. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A digital therapeutic agent control method comprising: deriving behavioral inhibition system behaviors based on depression diagnosis criteria; setting behavioral activation system behavior pattern goals that can induce changes in the derived behaviors; and comprising a sequence of training actions necessary to achieve the set behavior pattern goals.

4. In paragraph 3, The above body activation content is, A method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent, which is implemented as interactive content by introducing gamification elements into the sequence of the above training movements.

5. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character that follows the user's movements received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, and content is provided to touch objects approaching around the character using hands and feet.

6. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character that follows the user's movements received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, and content is provided by touching a point located away from the character and maintaining it for a preset period of time.

7. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein the two hands of a character that follow the hand movements of the user received from the above motion recognition device are displayed on the screen, and a content is provided that makes a hidden artwork appear by moving the two hands of the character.

8. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character following the user's movements received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, a guide character showing the movements to be performed is displayed on the screen, and content is provided to follow the movements shown by the guide character within a preset time.

9. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character that follows the user's movements received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, and the character jumps to a point located away from the character and remains there for a preset period of time.

10. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character that follows the user's movements received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, and the content is provided by tilting the floor where the character is located and tilting the upper body in response to the character to maintain balance.

11. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character that moves in response to the user's movement speed received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen and the content is configured to walk or run according to a plurality of speed guides provided.

12. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character that follows the user's movements received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen and the content is maintained for a preset period of time.

13. In paragraph 2, The above body activation content is, A method for providing a digital therapeutic agent, wherein a character following the user's movements received from the above motion recognition device is displayed on the screen, a plurality of objects are displayed on a platform on which the character can stand, and content is provided to move to a position on the platform on which an object identical to the presented object is drawn within a preset time.

14. In paragraph 1, The step of receiving the above user information is: A digital therapeutic agent control method for receiving user information including prescription stage information, prescription expiration date information, and information for user distinction from the motion recognition device when receiving a login code generated through user authentication from the motion recognition device.

15. In paragraph 1, The step of determining the above content set is: A digital therapeutic agent control method, wherein one of a plurality of content sets consisting of six stages is determined as a content set to be output according to the degree of depression in response to the above-described received prescription stage information, the number of times each stage is performed is set to 3 to 8 times, and the number of contents constituting each content set is 3 to 8.

16. In paragraph 1, The step of outputting the above output target content is: A step of outputting a screen before starting content, including at least one of a start screen, a character selection screen, and an execution method description screen for the above output target content; A step of outputting the above output target content on the screen; and A method for controlling a digital therapeutic agent, comprising: a step of outputting a screen after the end of content including at least one of a relaxation screen and a performance result screen; 17. In paragraph 1, The steps to determine whether the above has been successfully performed are: A step of generating multiple segmented motions by dividing the motions required in the above content, and determining whether each of the generated multiple segmented motions is similar based on the received motion data; and A digital therapeutic agent control method comprising: a step of determining that the operation required by the content has been successfully performed if it is determined that a predetermined ratio or more of the plurality of segmentation operations are similar as a result of the above determination.

18. In paragraph 1, The step of determining whether the above has been successfully performed is: A digital therapeutic agent control method for determining whether a specific body part of a user is located at a location and time required by the content based on the received movement data, and determining whether the user has successfully performed the movement required by the content based on the determination result.

19. In paragraph 1, The step of selecting the content to be output above is: If the performance score collected in the step of determining whether the above has been successfully performed is higher than the preset standard score, the content to be executed next in the determined content set is selected as the content to be output in the determined order. A digital therapeutic control method for selecting the output target content as the output scheduled content to be output so that the executed content is re-executed if the collected performance score is less than a preset reference score.

20. In paragraph 1, A digital therapeutic agent control method further comprising: a step of storing log data including at least one of a content ID, an execution time, an execution score, success or failure, an operation unit ID, and success or failure of an operation unit when content output is terminated for a predetermined number of executions according to the determined content set;

Images