EEG Signal Analysis for Objective Depression Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining symptoms of mental disorders is subjective and varies based on the determiner's interpretation, leading to inconsistent results.

Innovation Solution

A symptom determination apparatus that uses electroencephalography (EEG) signal detection to objectively assess depressive symptoms by analyzing frequency components of brain activity, independent of the determiner's influence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a determiner takes the lead in determining a symptom through conversation and subjective assessment, then the determination process can be performed with human judgment and flexibility, but the result inevitably reflects the determiner's subjectivity and varies depending on the determiner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination processVSAvoidsymptom determination result

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human conversation and subjective judgment with an electroencephalography-based measurement system. EEG electrodes detect brain wave signals objectively, eliminating the determiner's subjective interpretation while maintaining the symptom determination function. This substitution transforms a subjective assessment process into an objective physiological measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If conventional conversation-based determination methods are used, then the system can operate with simple equipment and procedures, but the measurement precision and objectivity of symptom determination deteriorates due to determiner subjectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination systemVSAvoidsymptom determination result

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple but subjective conversation-based system with an EEG-based measurement system. While EEG equipment is more complex than a conversation, it provides objective physiological data that significantly improves measurement precision. The system uses standard EEG electrodes and signal processing algorithms to achieve reliable, repeatable symptom determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables objective determination of mental disorder symptoms, specifically depressive symptoms, by correlating EEG signal intensity with established reference data, reducing subjectivity and improving consistency in diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

electroencephalography signal detection means for detecting one or a plurality of frequency components of an electroencephalography signal in a certain brain area of a subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroencephalography:

Data Source

PatentUS20240122523A1Symptom determination apparatus and storage medium for determining symptom

Publication Date: 2024.04.18 KEIO UNIV

AI summary

A symptom determination apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an EEG feature detection section and a symptom determination section. The EEG feature detection section detects one or a plurality of frequency components of an EEG signal in a certain brain area of a subject. The symptom determination section determines a depressive symptom in the subject based on the intensity of the one or plurality of frequency components of the EEG signal detected by the EEG feature detection section.