Visuo-Spatial Assessment Device Using Evolutionary Algorithm Comparator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visuo-spatial assessment methods for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, are subjective and require trained clinicians, making them costly and prone to 'white coat syndrome, as they rely on manual evaluations of complex figure tests like the Benson Figure Test.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a touch-screen display, stylus input, position reader, timer, and evolutionary algorithm-based comparator to objectively assess visuo-spatial abilities by analyzing characteristics like Gestalt psychology measures, shape accuracy, and dynamic movement data, enabling accurate and rapid diagnosis by less qualified personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual evaluation by trained clinicians is used, then assessment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment through automated computer-based evaluation of visuo-spatial tests, eliminating the need for trained clinicians to interpret results. The computer automatically compares patient responses against reference data and generates diagnostic assessments, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring external expert intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual clinical assessment with an automated computer-based system. The computer processes test responses, compares them against preset reference data, and generates assessments automatically, substituting human clinician analysis with algorithmic processing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual evaluation by trained clinicians is used, then assessment accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-based system enables continuous automated processing of test responses without interruption by clinician scheduling or manual analysis delays. The system continuously compares patient responses against reference data and generates immediate assessments, maintaining uninterrupted diagnostic workflow and eliminating waiting time associated with manual evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming manual assessment process with automated computer processing. The system instantly analyzes test responses, compares them against reference data, and generates diagnostic conclusions without the time required for clinician review, significantly reducing assessment time while preserving accuracy.
3Productivity
If automated computer-based assessment is used, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and organizing extensive reference data from multiple sources including clinical experts, research studies, and normative databases before conducting assessments. This pre-established reference framework enables the computer to accurately compare patient responses against validated criteria, ensuring measurement precision is maintained throughout automated high-volume processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where assessment results are continuously refined based on comparison with reference data and validation against known diagnostic criteria. The computer learns from and adjusts to patterns in the reference data, improving measurement precision through iterative feedback while maintaining high productivity through automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The device (10) disclosed herein assists in the diagnosis and classification of neurodegenerative diseases through the assessment of a subject's visuo-spatial ability. The device (10) has a touch-screen display (11) into which a user can input data utilizing a stylus (13) or the like. A position reader is provided, linked to a position data storage means and also a timer to link a time value to said position data, the time value being stored in a time data storage means. Storage means is also provided for preset-value data relating to known data on medical conditions, with the preset-value data having been produced in accordance with an evolutionary algorithm. A comparator compares the user input data with the preset-value data, and the result is output.