Voice Analysis Apparatus for Depression Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating depression states, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, require lengthy interviews, burdening both subjects and examiners, and there is a need for a more efficient index to assess depression presence or severity.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that inputs voice data, acquires time-series sound pressure data, and calculates a Sound Pressure Change acceleration index, which serves as an alternative evaluation method by correlating with HAMD scores, allowing for quicker and more accurate depression assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a doctor or examiner conducts an interview-based depression evaluation (such as HAMD), then the evaluation accuracy and reliability are improved, but the time required and operational burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interview-based evaluation system with an automated voice analysis system. The system captures voice data, extracts sound pressure time-series data, calculates the Sound Pressure Change acceleration index, and automatically determines depression presence and severity, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual interviews while maintaining evaluation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The subject performs self-evaluation by simply uttering predetermined phrases into the recording device. The system automatically processes the voice data without requiring the subject to participate in an interview, making the evaluation process self-service oriented and significantly reducing time loss
2Measurement precision
If a doctor or examiner conducts an interview-based depression evaluation, then the measurement precision of depression state is improved, but the device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential acoustic features (sound pressure time-series data and Sound Pressure Change acceleration index) from voice data, eliminating the need for complex interview protocols, examiner training, and subjective judgment processes. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically simplifying the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex voice data into a simplified parameter (Sound Pressure Change acceleration index) that captures the essential characteristics of depression-related voice changes. This parameter transformation maintains measurement precision while reducing system complexity
3Loss of information
If a lengthy interview process is used for depression evaluation, then comprehensive assessment of depression symptoms is achieved, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The voice analysis system performs multiple evaluation functions simultaneously: assessing depression presence, determining severity level, and capturing symptom characteristics all through a single automated process. This multi-functionality ensures comprehensive information capture while dramatically improving productivity compared to sequential interview methods
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of more easily evaluating a depression state. The present invention is an information processing apparatus including: means for inputting voice data uttered by a subject; means for acquiring time-series data of sound pressure in the input voice data; and means for obtaining a Sound Pressure Change acceleration index that is an index based on a force toward a center and a force away from the center of the acquired time-series data of the sound pressure.