Magnetic Finger Tapping Sensor for Quantitative Fatigue Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating finger tapping motion in patients with dementia are unable to quantify the fatigue degree of fingers, which is an important index for assessing the progression and recovery of disorders.
Innovation Solution
A finger tapping measurement processing apparatus equipped with a tapping sensor that magnetically detects finger tapping motion and a processor that extracts feature amounts related to fatigue degree from detection information, generating time-series data to quantify the fatigue degree over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inspectors visually confirm and instinctively evaluate the finger tapping motion, then the evaluation process is simple and quick, but the fatigue degree of fingers cannot be quantitatively evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with a magnetic detection system. A tapping sensor using magnetic fields detects the finger tapping motion, and a processor quantitatively evaluates the fatigue degree by analyzing detection information. This substitution enables objective quantitative measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the finger tapping motion and the detection system. The tapping sensor magnetically detects the motion, and the processor uses this intermediate magnetic detection data to calculate fatigue degree, bridging the gap between physical motion and quantitative evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional visual inspection methods are used, then the inspection burden on subjects is small, but the measurement accuracy and quantitative evaluation capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection with objective magnetic detection. The tapping sensor magnetically detects finger tapping motion parameters, and the processor automatically calculates fatigue degree, eliminating subjectivity and improving measurement accuracy while reducing detection difficulty through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-evaluation by automatically processing the detection information to calculate fatigue degree without requiring inspector expertise. The processor independently analyzes the magnetic detection data and generates quantitative results, making the detection process more accessible and accurate.
3Measurement precision
If simple screening inspections are performed, then the inspection time and burden are reduced, but the examination accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex inspection protocols. By focusing specifically on finger tapping motion and quantitatively evaluating fatigue degree through magnetic detection, the system isolates a key diagnostic indicator that provides high screening accuracy in a time-efficient manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from subjective visual assessment to objective magnetic detection of motion parameters. This parameter change enables automated quantitative evaluation of fatigue degree, achieving both high accuracy and time efficiency by measuring specific physical parameters rather than conducting lengthy comprehensive examinations.
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
The apparatus enables clear and quantitative evaluation of finger fatigue, providing an important index for assessing the progression of disorders and recovery of motion function, thereby aiding in early detection and management of conditions like dementia.
Implementation Method 1
a tapping sensor that magnetically detects a finger tapping motion that is an opening and closing motion of two fingers
Data Source
AI summary
A finger tapping measurement processing apparatus, a method, and a computer program, which are capable of quantitatively evaluating a fatigue degree of fingers in a finger tapping motion, are provided. A finger tapping measurement processing apparatus in the present invention includes: a measurement detector including a tapping sensor that magnetically detects a finger tapping motion that is an opening and closing motion of two fingers; and a processor, which processes measurement data measured by the measurement detector. The processor includes: a feature amount extraction circuit, which extracts, as quantitative data, a feature amount related to the fatigue degree of the finger from detection information detected by the tapping sensor; and a time-series data generation circuit, which generates time-series data of the feature amount extracted by the feature amount extraction circuit.