Cognitive Assessment System Using Interactive Games for Objective Attention Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing and treating developmental disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, lack objective assessment tools and are inadequate for large-scale management, relying heavily on subjective behavioral ratings and pharmaceutical interventions that may not suit all individuals, particularly those with intellectual disabilities or adverse reactions.

Innovation Solution

A cognitive assessment and training system using a touchscreen device with interactive games that processes interaction data to generate quantitative performance measures, allowing for objective classification and training of attention-related abilities, including selective, sustained, and executive attention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If subjective behavioral ratings by medical professionals are used for assessment, then the assessment can be performed, but the objectivity and repeatability of the assessment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobjectivity of assessmentVSAvoidcomplexity of assessment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of subjective human observation and behavioral rating with an automated computational system that processes video game interaction data. The system uses algorithms to objectively measure cognitive functions such as selective attention, sustained attention, and executive attention through quantitative analysis of player actions, response times, and task completion metrics, thereby eliminating subjectivity while maintaining assessment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pharmaceutical intervention is used for treatment, then behavioral weaknesses can be targeted, but the adaptability to individual cognitive profiles and long-term safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual needsVSAvoidlong-term safety and suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring cognitive training interventions to each individual's specific cognitive profile. The system identifies strengths and weaknesses in different cognitive domains (selective attention, sustained attention, executive attention) and provides customized training programs that target specific deficits while preserving strengths, rather than applying a uniform pharmaceutical treatment to all individuals regardless of their unique cognitive characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If case-by-case assessment methods are used, then individual diagnosis can be performed, but the productivity for large-scale management deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of diagnosisVSAvoidassessment throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a single integrated assessment platform that serves multiple functions: it can assess individual children's cognitive profiles with high precision, compare results across large populations, track progress over time, and provide data for both clinical diagnosis and epidemiological research. The standardized video game-based assessment can be administered to unlimited numbers of children without requiring additional medical professional time, thereby scaling productivity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3278320B1System and process for cognitive assessment and training
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 TALI HEALTH PTY LTD
  • EP3278320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3278320B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3278320B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A process for cognitive assessment and training, the process being executed by at least one processor of a computing system and including the steps of: receiving interaction data representing interactions between an application executing on an electronic device and an individual interacting with the executing application; processing the interaction data to generate performance data representing quantitative measures of the performance of the individual with respect to the executing application; and processing the performance data for the individual to generate cognitive assessment data indicative of at least one attention-related ability of the individual.