Automated Neurological Assessment System Using Dynamic Word Group Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing neurological function, particularly episodic memory, face challenges in consistency and objectivity due to reliance on human examiners and limitations in high-frequency repeat testing.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed that includes a database of word groups, a memorability determining part, a test set generating part, and a test delivering part, which assesses neurological function by generating and delivering sets of word groups based on memorability characteristics such as semantic relatedness, word frequency, and phonetic similarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional word pair sets are used for memory assessment, then the test can be administered, but high-frequency repeat testing is difficult and consistency varies due to human examiners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of word pair sets with varying difficulty levels and semantic relatedness. These copied test sets can be repeatedly administered to the same subject without repetition of identical items, enabling high-frequency testing while maintaining assessment reliability through standardized automated administration
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies parameters such as semantic relatedness, word frequency, and phonetic similarity across different test sets. By changing these parameters systematically, the system enables repeat testing with different word pairs while maintaining consistent assessment methodology through automated delivery and scoring
2Ease of operation
If human examiners administer and record tests, then the test can be conducted flexibly, but objectivity and consistency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically delivering word pairs via audio, recording subject responses through speech recognition, and scoring the tests without human intervention. This automation eliminates examiner bias and subjectivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human administration system with an automated computer-based system that uses audio delivery, speech recognition technology, and algorithmic scoring. This substitution eliminates human variability in administration and scoring, improving measurement precision and objectivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If word pairs with varying semantic relatedness are used, then memorability varies, but this creates complexity in test design and administration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates test sets by automatically selecting word pairs with varying semantic relatedness, word frequency, and phonetic similarity based on predetermined difficulty levels. This dynamic generation approach provides adaptability in test difficulty while reducing complexity through automated selection algorithms rather than manual test design
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a system for assessing the neurological function of a subject, comprising: a database storing a plurality of word groups, said word groups comprising two or more words; a word group memorability determining part for determining memorability of the word groups based on one or more characteristics of the words in the word groups; a test set generating part for generating a plurality of sets of word groups, based on the memorability of the word groups; and a test delivering part for delivering a test to the subject in the form of at least one set of the plurality of sets of word groups for recall by the subject.