Cognitive Function Evaluation via Speech Acoustic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cognitive function evaluation methods using questionnaires are time-consuming and prone to recall issues when repeated, necessitating a more efficient and effective evaluation approach.
Innovation Solution
A cognitive function evaluation device and system that acquires and analyzes speech data from evaluatees, using the proportion of speaking time and fundamental frequency to assess cognitive function, with output results displayed for easy interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If questionnaire-based evaluation methods are used, then cognitive function can be evaluated, but the test time becomes long and imposes a burden on the evaluatee
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical questionnaire-filling process with an automatic speech analysis system. Speech data is automatically collected and analyzed using computational algorithms to evaluate cognitive function, eliminating the need for lengthy questionnaire completion while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluatee's own speech during task performance serves as the evaluation data source. The system automatically processes the speech data without requiring the evaluatee to manually complete questionnaires, making the evaluatee's natural speech the service input for cognitive assessment.
2Measurement precision
If the same questionnaire test is repeated for the same evaluatee, then cognitive function can be re-evaluated, but the evaluatee may remember the questions which compromises test validity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from static questionnaire responses to dynamic speech characteristics. By analyzing speaking time proportion and fundamental frequency in speech data, the system creates a new measurement parameter that cannot be remembered or rehearsed, ensuring reliable re-evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the memory-dependent questionnaire system with an automatic speech analysis system that measures physiological speech characteristics. These acoustic parameters (speaking time, fundamental frequency) are involuntary and cannot be consciously controlled or remembered, eliminating recall bias.
3Productivity
If speech data analysis is used for cognitive function evaluation, then evaluation time is reduced, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most relevant speech features (speaking time proportion and fundamental frequency) from the complete speech data. By focusing on these two key parameters rather than analyzing all speech characteristics, the system reduces processing complexity while maintaining evaluation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial analysis by selecting only essential speech parameters needed for cognitive evaluation. Rather than performing comprehensive speech analysis, the system focuses on specific measurable features that directly correlate with cognitive function, reducing computational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A cognitive function evaluation device includes an acquirer that acquires speech data that indicates speech uttered by an evaluatee in response to a task given to the evaluatee; an evaluator that evaluates a cognitive function of the evaluatee by performing a first evaluation based on a proportion of speaking time of the evaluatee in a predetermined period in the speech data acquired by the acquirer and a second evaluation based on a fundamental frequency in the speech data acquired by the acquirer; and an outputter that outputs an evaluation result obtained from the evaluation performed by the evaluator.