Cognitive Function Evaluation via Voice Pseudoword Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cognitive function evaluation methods, such as the Hasegawa dementia scale-revised and mini-mental state examination, are time-consuming and burdensome for evaluatees, and there is a need for a simpler and more accurate evaluation method.

Innovation Solution

A cognitive function evaluation device and system that uses voice data analysis by instructing evaluatees to quickly pronounce pseudowords with repeated syllables, calculating features from the voice data, and evaluating cognitive function based on these features to provide a quick and accurate assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional test paper methods (HDS-R, MMSE, CDR) are used to evaluate cognitive function, then evaluation accuracy is maintained, but test time becomes excessively long and burden on evaluatees increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecognitive function evaluation accuracyVSAvoidtest duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical test paper-based evaluation system with an acoustic analysis system. Instead of requiring evaluatees to physically answer written questions, the system uses voice recording and acoustic feature analysis to assess cognitive function. The voice collection device captures speech, and the calculation unit extracts acoustic features (pitch, intensity, spectral characteristics) to evaluate cognitive status, thereby eliminating the time-consuming nature of traditional tests while maintaining evaluation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from textual response analysis to acoustic parameter analysis. By measuring pitch frequency, intensity variations, and spectral characteristics of voice during pseudoword pronunciation, the system transforms the evaluation methodology into a faster, automated process that doesn't require lengthy test papers while preserving diagnostic capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional test paper methods are used, then comprehensive cognitive assessment is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity and burden on evaluatees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecognitive function evaluation comprehensivenessVSAvoidevaluatee burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical interactions (reading test papers, writing answers, practitioner manual analysis) with automated acoustic capture and analysis. The voice collection device automatically records speech, and the calculation unit automatically processes acoustic features, eliminating the operational burden on evaluatees while maintaining comprehensive assessment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluatee simply needs to pronounce pseudowords as instructed, and the system automatically performs all subsequent processing including voice recording, feature extraction, and cognitive function evaluation. This self-service approach minimizes evaluatee burden while maintaining assessment comprehensiveness through automated analysis of acoustic parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If test papers are used for cognitive evaluation, then diagnostic capability is maintained, but device complexity increases due to requirement for practitioners and test materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecognitive function diagnostic capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of test papers, practitioners, and manual analysis with an automated electronic system. The voice collection device, calculation unit, and evaluation unit work together to perform diagnostic assessment without requiring physical test materials or extensive practitioner involvement, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining diagnostic reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses acoustic copies (voice recordings) of evaluatee responses instead of physical test papers and written answers. By analyzing acoustic features of spoken pseudowords, the system creates a digital representation of cognitive function that eliminates the need for complex physical test materials while preserving diagnostic capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11826161B2Cognitive function evaluation device, cognitive function evaluation system, cognitive function evaluation method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A cognitive function evaluation device includes: an instruction unit that instructs quick pronunciation of pseudoword in which a predetermined syllable is repeated; an obtainment unit that obtains voice data indicating a voice of an evaluatee who has received an instruction; a calculation unit that calculates a feature from the voice data obtained by the obtainment unit; an evaluation unit that evaluates a cognitive function of the evaluatee from the feature calculated by the calculation unit; and an output unit that outputs a result of the evaluation by the evaluation unit.