Symbol-Matching Fatigue Assessment With Adaptive Response Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing fatigue, particularly cognitive fatigue, are subjective and lack objective measurement, leading to inconsistent results in clinical trials and difficulty in distinguishing between fatigue and other symptoms in conditions like Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method involving a symbol-matching task with a selection rule, where a person selects symbols from two groups, with truth values determined based on response time and rule adherence, and a changing selection rule to minimize learning effects, allowing for objective fatigue value determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective questionnaires are used to assess fatigue, then the assessment can be performed easily, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to heterogeneity and subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective questionnaire-based assessment with an objective computer-based cognitive task system. The system automatically measures cognitive performance parameters (reaction time, accuracy, consistency) during and after cognitive tasks, eliminating the need for subjective self-reporting and providing quantifiable, objective fatigue metrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from subjective fatigue ratings to objective cognitive performance parameters. By measuring reaction time, accuracy, and performance consistency during cognitive tasks, the system transforms qualitative fatigue perception into quantitative objective data that can be reliably measured and compared.
2Measurement precision
If long cognitive tasks are used to induce cognitive fatigability, then the measurement of cognitive fatigue becomes more accurate, but the testing session duration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using shorter cognitive tasks that are sufficient to induce measurable cognitive fatigability without requiring prolonged testing. The system uses multiple brief tasks with varying cognitive demands, allowing accurate fatigue measurement within a limited time frame rather than requiring hours of continuous testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between different cognitive tasks and rest periods. The testing protocol includes multiple short cognitive tasks separated by breaks, allowing the system to accumulate sufficient measurement data on cognitive performance decline while keeping each individual task brief and manageable.
3Measurement precision
If standardized cognitive tests are used to assess cognitive fatigability, then the measurement becomes more objective, but the tests become monotonous and participants report boredom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by varying the cognitive tasks throughout the testing session. Instead of repeating the same monotonous task, the system dynamically switches between different types of cognitive tasks (memory, attention, processing speed) with varying difficulty levels and stimulus types, maintaining participant engagement while collecting objective fatigue measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring specific task characteristics to local measurement needs. Different cognitive domains are assessed using domain-specific tasks (e.g., visual memory tasks for memory fatigue, reaction time tasks for attentional fatigue), ensuring that each measurement aspect is optimized for its specific cognitive function while maintaining overall test variety.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, particularly a computer-implemented method for determining a fatigue value of a person, the method comprising the steps of:i) displaying of:a) a first group (1) of symbols and a second group (2) of symbols,b) a selection rule (3) associating each of the symbols of the first group (1) of symbols to one symbol of the second group (2) of symbols,ii) highlighting one symbol (11) of the first group (1) of symbols,iii) receiving a user input from the person selecting one symbol (12) of the second group (2) of symbols,iv) determining a truth value based on the selected symbol (12) of the second group (2) of symbols, wherein the truth value assumes a true value if the selected symbol (12) is selected in accordance with the selection rule (3) and wherein the truth value takes on a false value if not, wherein the highlighted symbol (11) of the first group (1) of symbols is highlighted for a predetermined time based on a statistical response time of the person, and wherein if the user input is not received within the predetermined time in step iv), the method is set forth with step v) having the truth value set to the false value, or the method is set forth with step vi),v) storing the truth value on a non-transitory memory device,vi) changing the selection rule (3), such that each of the symbols of the first group (1) of symbols is associated anew to one symbol of the second group (2) of symbols,vii) changing the highlighted symbol (11) of the first group (1) of symbols,viii) repeating steps iii) to vii) at least once andix) based on at least some of the stored truth values, determining a fatigue value of the person.