Abnormality Determination System for Early Cognitive Decline Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cognitive function inspections for elderly drivers are limited in detecting early signs of cognitive decline, as they only assess memory and judgment at the time of inspection and do not account for daily driving behaviors, making it difficult to identify abnormalities in cognitive function deterioration.

Innovation Solution

An abnormality determination system comprising a mobility server, a medical server, and a determination and analysis device that collects and analyzes driving data to detect unusual behaviors such as sudden braking or steering, and notifies medical institutions of potential cognitive issues, allowing for early detection of cognitive decline.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cognitive function inspection is conducted using inspection forms and electronic terminals, then the cognitive function state at the time of inspection can be confirmed, but it cannot detect abnormalities in daily life such as actual driving behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecognitive function state detection accuracyVSAvoiddaily life behavior information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional paper-based or terminal-based cognitive function inspection to a multi-dimensional monitoring system that collects data from multiple sources including vehicle sensors, wearables, and mobile devices. This dimensional expansion enables continuous monitoring of cognitive function through actual driving behavior and daily activities, not just at inspection moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that collects, stores, and analyzes cognitive function data from various sources. This intermediary system processes information from vehicle sensors, wearables, and mobile devices, then provides comprehensive cognitive function assessments to medical institutions, bridging the gap between daily behavior monitoring and medical diagnosis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If cognitive function inspection is conducted at facilities, then memory and judgment can be measured, but early stage abnormalities not yet showing symptoms cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecognitive function abnormality detection capabilityVSAvoidearly detection timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous background monitoring of cognitive function through vehicle sensors and wearables before symptoms become apparent. By collecting data on driving behavior patterns, reaction times, and physiological indicators during normal daily activities, the system detects early-stage cognitive decline before it manifests as observable symptoms, enabling preventive intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where cognitive function data is continuously collected from driving behavior and daily activities, analyzed by the server, and used to generate alerts or recommendations. This feedback mechanism enables real-time or near-real-time detection of cognitive changes, allowing timely intervention before conditions worsen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a comprehensive system with mobility server and medical server is implemented, then early detection of cognitive decline can be achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecognitive function monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cognitive function monitoring system into distinct modular components: a mobility server handling vehicle data and driving behavior analysis, a medical server managing health data and medical institution communication, and various sensor modules. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions, improving overall system reliability while making the complex system more manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4447061A1Abnormality determination system and base station device
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
  • EP4447061A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4447061A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4447061A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobility server that stores user data D2, and a medical server that stores vehicle data D1. The abnormal indication of the user is determined from the vehicle data D1, and medical information created based on information related to the determined abnormal indication of the user and an opinion of a medical worker at the medical institution is notified to a user terminal.