Cognitive Function Evaluation via Brain Wave Discrimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating cognitive function are inadequate for individuals with motor impairments and the elderly, as they require complex input operations and cannot accurately or efficiently decode brain intentions due to noise in brain wave measurements.
Innovation Solution
A cognitive function evaluation apparatus and method that analyzes brain waves in response to stimulus events, determining a discrimination score and decoding accuracy to objectively assess cognitive function, using a processing unit to evaluate cognitive function based on discrimination score, decoding accuracy, time courses, and decoding speed, with adjustable difficulty levels and image processing to modify stimulus event complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cognitive function evaluation methods are used, then evaluation can be performed, but the methods require complex input operations and are inadequate for individuals with motor impairments and the elderly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual input operations with automated brain wave analysis. The processing unit automatically detects cognitive function by analyzing brain wave patterns in response to stimulus events, eliminating the need for manual input operations that are difficult for individuals with motor impairments. This substitutes the mechanical input system with a physiological signal-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-evaluation by automatically analyzing the subject's own brain wave responses without requiring external input operations. The processing unit detects cognitive function directly from the subject's physiological responses to stimuli, allowing the subject to be evaluated through their natural brain activity rather than requiring them to perform tasks.
2Extent of automation
If brain wave measurement is used to decode intention, then direct intention conveyance is enabled, but noise in brain wave measurements prevents accurate decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the measured brain wave response against the expected response pattern stored in advance. The processing unit determines whether the brain wave response matches the expected pattern, and only detects intention when there is a sufficient match. This feedback mechanism filters out noise by requiring pattern correspondence rather than relying on single noisy measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing the expected brain wave response pattern in advance before actual intention detection. This pre-stored reference pattern serves as a template against which subsequent measurements are compared, enabling accurate intention decoding even in the presence of measurement noise by matching against the predetermined expected response.
3Measurement precision
If stimulus events are presented to evaluate cognitive function, then objective evaluation is enabled, but the evaluation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cognitive function evaluation into discrete stimulus events with specific expected responses. Each stimulus event is independently processed and evaluated, allowing the overall evaluation to be composed of multiple simple, standardized units rather than one complex continuous process. This segmentation enables efficient processing while maintaining objective evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a cognitive function evaluation apparatus, a cognitive function evaluation method and system, and a program that can be implemented for non-handicapped persons and persons with severe motor impairment. The apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for evaluating cognitive function provided with a processing unit that analyzes and processes a brain wave caused by a plurality of stimulus events including a target and a non-target; estimates a stimulus event selected as the target from the plurality of stimulus events; determines a discrimination score or decoding accuracy; and evaluates cognitive function on the basis of a value of one or more of the discrimination score, the decoding accuracy, any of time courses, and decoding speed. With respect to two or more stimulus event groups having different levels of difficulty distinguishing between stimulus events, a discrimination score or decoding accuracy may be determined for each of the different difficulty levels, and cognitive function may be evaluated on the basis of a connection between one or more of the discrimination score, the decoding accuracy, any of time courses, and decoding speed and the difficulty levels.