JP2019187682A - Recognition function evaluation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a recognition function evaluation device capable of accurately and easily measuring, capable of being used for a long term without becoming weary thereof, and also observing progress of a recognition function.SOLUTION: A recognition function evaluation device comprises: an instruction display part 40; a detection sensor 50; a notification part 60; a time measurement part 70; and an output part 80. The instruction display part 40 displays a movement insertion operation instruction of an operation object 10 into an insertion hole 30 in the vicinity of the insertion hole 30. The detection sensor 50 detects an insertion state of the operation object 10 into the insertion hole 30. The notification part 60 notifies a user of a determination result of whether or not the insertion state detected by the detection sensor 50 matches the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display part 40. The time measurement part 70 measures a time since display of the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display part 40 until a change of the insertion state is detected by the detection part 50. The output part 80 outputs the recognition function evaluation information on the basis of the time by the time measurement part 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a cognitive function evaluation apparatus, and more particularly to a cognitive function evaluation apparatus that can evaluate an operator's cognitive function.

  In recent years, with the aging of society, the importance of preventing dementia is increasing. Early detection is important for prevention of dementia. For this reason, development of the apparatus which evaluates a cognitive function by a simple test | inspection is desired.

  Several techniques have been proposed as a cognitive function evaluation apparatus for grasping a cognitive function. Among them, a cognitive function evaluation apparatus based on peg movement time measurement is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In this method, the cognitive function is evaluated by measuring the moving time of a peg that can be moved and inserted by the operator picking it with a finger. The board is provided with a plurality of insertion holes, and the order in which the pegs are operated is indicated on the board using a seal or a sheet. Insert all the pegs into the insertion hole in order and measure the operating time at that time. The longer the measured peg operation time, the lower the operator's cognitive function is.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2016-10640

  However, in the conventional cognitive function evaluation apparatus described above, the procedure for operating the peg is shown on the board using a seal or a sheet, and it takes time to replace the seal or replace the sheet. . Also, it is necessary for the administrator to check whether or not the operation of the operator is in the order instructed, and the labor of the administrator has been a problem. Furthermore, the administrator needs to measure not only the order confirmation but also the operation time, and the cognitive function cannot be easily evaluated.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention is intended to provide a cognitive function evaluation apparatus that can be measured accurately and easily, can be used for a long time without getting tired, and can also monitor the cognitive function.

  In order to achieve the above-described object of the present invention, a cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to the present invention is arranged in a plurality of operation objects that can be moved and inserted by an operator and stored in a storage area for storing the operation objects. Are arranged in a plurality of storage holes into which a plurality of operation objects can be respectively inserted and an operation area in which the operation objects are moved from the storage area. An instruction display unit for displaying a hole, a moving insertion operation instruction to the insertion hole of the operation object in the vicinity of the insertion hole, a detection sensor capable of detecting the insertion state of the operation object in the insertion hole, and detection by the detection sensor A notification unit capable of notifying the determination result whether or not the inserted state matches the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit, a time measurement unit capable of measuring the time required for the movement insertion operation of the operation target, Time counter Time an output unit for outputting a cognitive evaluation information based on the by the parts, but having a.

  Here, the detection sensor may be able to detect the insertion state of the operation object into the storage hole.

  Further, the operation object and the detection sensor may be configured so that the insertion direction of the operation object can be detected.

  The operation object is provided with a magnetic body or a conductor at an end portion inserted into the storage hole or the insertion hole, and the detection sensor is an electromagnetic induction sensor and is provided with the magnetic body or conductor provided to the operation object. It suffices if it is possible to detect the insertion state of the operation target by detection.

  Moreover, the operation target object should just have an accommodation groove | channel for accommodating a magnetic body or a conductor so that a magnetic body or a conductor may not contact a detection sensor directly.

  In addition, the operation object is provided with a magnetic body at one of the end portions inserted into the storage hole or the insertion hole, and a conductor is provided at the other, and the detection sensor determines whether it is a magnetic body or a conductor. The insertion direction of the operation target may be detectable.

  In addition, the operation object is color-coded by one of the end portion inserted into the storage hole or the insertion hole and the other, and the detection sensor is composed of an optical sensor to detect the difference in color of the operation object. The insertion direction of the object may also be detectable.

  Further, the instruction display unit may be configured to be able to display the determination result by the notification unit.

  The instruction display unit may be configured to be able to display the cognitive function evaluation information output by the output unit.

  Moreover, the alerting | reporting part should just be a speaker.

  Further, the notification unit may include a reaction providing unit that gives a reaction to the operation target when the insertion state detected by the detection sensor is different from the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit.

  Further, the reaction providing means may apply a force in a direction in which the operation target is discharged from the insertion hole.

  Further, the reaction providing means may give vibration to the operation target.

  Further, the time measuring unit may be able to measure the time required for the movement insertion operation of the operation object for each position of the insertion hole.

  Further, the output unit only needs to include at least one of a display device, a printing device, a message transmission device, and a cloud server.

  The cognitive function evaluation information output by the output unit may include past history information.

  Furthermore, a setting unit configured to be able to set the cognitive function evaluation device based on the detection state of the operation object inserted into the insertion hole by the detection sensor may be provided.

  Further, the instruction display unit may be configured to be able to display a setting operation instruction to the setting means.

  Furthermore, a database for storing at least information on the operator, time by the time measurement unit, and time measurement date and time by the time measurement unit may be provided.

  Further, a biometric sensor for identifying the operator may be provided.

  Further, a microphone that can detect the voice of the operator may be provided.

  Furthermore, a camera capable of detecting the operator's facial expression may be provided.

  The cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention has the advantages that it can be measured accurately and easily, can be used for a long time without getting tired, and the cognitive function can be followed up.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the overall image of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a display example of the instruction display unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an example of cognitive function evaluation information output from the output unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 is another example of the cognitive function evaluation information output from the output unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a specific example of the operation target of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the detection sensor of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operation target for explaining a specific example in which the insertion direction of the operation target of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention can be detected. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operation target for explaining another specific example configured to be able to detect the insertion direction of the operation target of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining another example of the notification unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining still another example of the notification unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a display example of the instruction display unit when various settings are possible using the insertion hole of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described together with illustrated examples. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the overall image of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention includes an operation object 10, a storage hole 20, an insertion hole 30, an instruction display unit 40, a detection sensor 50, a notification unit 60, and a time measurement unit 70. The output unit 80 is mainly configured. Then, as shown in the illustrated example, the storage hole 20, the insertion hole 30, the instruction display unit 40, the detection sensor 50, the notification unit 60, the time measurement unit 70, and the output unit 80 are, for example, the housing 1. It only has to be arranged in. The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to the present invention evaluates the cognitive function of an operator by causing the operator to pick and operate the operation object 10. It is known that the test result of measuring the time for moving the pegs as a plurality of operation objects has a high correlation with the recognition level. It is also known that these moving operations are effective in preventing cognitive decline. The cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention is based on such a cognitive function evaluation method based on peg movement time measurement.

  The operation object 10 can be moved and inserted by an operator by picking it with a finger. This is called a peg and may be, for example, a cylindrical rod-shaped wooden piece or metal piece having a predetermined diameter and a predetermined length. A plurality of such operation objects 10 may be used. In the illustrated example, an example in which 25 operation objects 10 are used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number may be arbitrarily determined. The operation target 10 may be any size as long as the operator can hold it with his / her finger, but also includes a size enough to be grasped by the hand.

  A plurality of storage holes 20 are arranged in the storage area 21. The storage area 21 is an area for storing the operation target object 10. Specifically, a storage area 21 is provided in, for example, the upper half of the housing 1, and a plurality of storage holes 20 are disposed therein. The storage holes 20 may be provided corresponding to the number of the operation objects 10. That is, in the illustrated example, 25 storage holes 20 are provided. The plurality of operation objects 10 are configured to be inserted into the plurality of storage holes 20, respectively.

  A plurality of insertion holes 30 are arranged in the operation area 31. The operation area 31 is an area where the operation object 10 is moved from the storage area 21. A plurality of insertion holes 30 are disposed here. The insertion holes 30 may be provided corresponding to the number of the operation objects 10. That is, in the illustrated example, 25 insertion holes 30 are provided. The plurality of operation objects 10 are configured to be able to move from the storage hole 20 and be inserted into the insertion hole 30.

  The instruction display unit 40 displays instructions for moving and inserting the operation object 10 into the insertion hole 30 in the vicinity of the insertion hole 30. Specifically, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display may be used. Here, the movement insertion operation instruction may be any instruction that instructs the insertion order for each insertion hole 30 with a serial number, for example. Specifically, in the case where 25 operation objects 10 are used as in the illustrated example, for example, numbers from 1 to 25 may be displayed at random. Moreover, hiragana etc. may be displayed in order.

  In FIG. 2, the example of a display of the instruction | indication display part of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of this invention is shown. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts. As shown in the drawing, an operation for inserting the operation target 10 into the insertion hole 30 in the vicinity thereof is instructed by randomly displaying a serial number on each instruction display unit 40. In the instruction display unit 40 of the illustrated example, an example in which a display is arranged in the vicinity of each insertion hole 30 according to the number of the insertion holes 30 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it is also possible to connect the vertical columns with one display and display the movement insertion operation instruction in the vicinity of the insertion hole 30. Further, for example, a display that can be flexible is used, and the entire operation area 31 may be configured as a display, and the insertion hole 30 may be provided in the display. In this case as well, it may be configured to display a movement insertion operation instruction in the vicinity of the insertion hole 30.

  Since the instruction display unit 40 can arbitrarily display an arbitrary instruction as described above, a different instruction pattern can be set each time measurement is performed. Therefore, the operator can continue to use the cognitive function evaluation device without getting bored. In addition, for example, not only numbers 1 to 25 can be displayed randomly, but numbers and hiragana can be combined and displayed so that numbers and hiragana are operated alternately. Further, it may be configured as a so-called mole hitting game in which the operation object 10 is inserted at a position where a lamp is displayed. Alternatively, it may be configured as a so-called nerve weakening game in which an arbitrary number is first displayed as a movement / insertion operation instruction, and then the measurement is started after the number is hidden. In the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention, measurement with such a play sensation is also possible. Thus, the instruction display unit 40 can arbitrarily display various movement insertion operation instructions.

  The detection sensor 50 can detect the insertion state of the operation target 10 into the insertion hole 30. That is, the detection sensor 50 is provided in the operation area 31 and may be any sensor that can detect that the operation target 10 has not been inserted into each insertion hole 30, has been inserted, and has been removed. . The detection sensor 50 may be, for example, an electromagnetic induction sensor, an electrostatic induction sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or the like. In an electrical switch that uses a contact, there is a possibility that a problem may arise in durability with respect to the insertion operation of the operation target 10, so that a non-contact sensor is preferable.

  Here, the detection sensor 50 may be configured to be able to detect the insertion state of the operation object 10 into the storage hole 20. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the detection sensor 50 may be provided also in the storage area 21. The detection sensor 50 is configured to detect that the operation target object 10 is not inserted into each storage hole 20 and has been inserted and further removed. Thereby, for example, it is possible to detect whether the operation target object 10 is completely inserted into the storage hole 20 before the measurement or whether the operation target object 10 is lost.

  The notification unit 60 can notify the determination result of whether or not the insertion state detected by the detection sensor 50 matches the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit 40. Specifically, when the operation object 10 is inserted in the order of insertion displayed on the instruction display unit 40, for example, a chime sound is generated, and when it is inserted in an incorrect order, a buzzer sound is generated. Any speaker that sounds can be used. In addition, a display that displays ◯ when correct and × when incorrect is acceptable. In this way, the notification unit 60 only needs to be able to notify the determination result by light or sound. By notifying the determination result by the notification unit 60, the operator's motivation is also increased, and the measurement can be continuously performed.

  Here, you may comprise so that the determination result of the alerting | reporting part 60 may be displayed on the above-mentioned instruction | indication display part 40. FIG. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the instruction display unit 40 in the vicinity of the insertion hole 30 into which the operation target 10 has been inserted is marked with ◯ for correct operation and x for incorrect operation. You may comprise so that it may display (code | symbol 60 'of FIG. 2). That is, the instruction display unit 40 may be configured to be able to display the determination result by the notification unit 60.

  The time measuring unit 70 can measure the time required for the movement insertion operation of the operation target 10. This may be the total time from the start to the end of the measurement, or may measure the insertion time for each operation object 10. Specifically, for example, the time from when the movement insertion operation instruction is first displayed by the instruction display unit 40 until the last change in the insertion state of the operation target 10 is detected by the detection sensor 50, that is, the total operation time Any device that measures the above can be used. Moreover, it may be the time from the change in the previous insertion state until the change in the next insertion state is detected. In other words, the time required for the moving insertion operation from one insertion hole 30 to the next insertion hole 30 may be measured for each position of the insertion hole 30. Furthermore, when the detection sensor 50 is configured to be able to detect the state of insertion into the storage hole 20, it can be detected that the operation target has been removed from the storage hole 20, and thus the operation target 10 is removed from the storage hole 20. It becomes possible to more accurately detect the time from when it is inserted to when it is inserted into the insertion hole 30.

  The time measuring unit 70 is preferably configured to be able to measure the time required for the movement insertion operation of the operation target 10 in association with each position of the insertion hole 30. Thereby, it is possible to grasp the correlation between the arrangement position of the insertion hole 30 and the time required for the moving operation. Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the characteristics of each operator, such as narrowness of field of view and defects due to stroke, glaucoma and the like.

  The output unit 80 outputs cognitive function evaluation information based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 70. There is a certain correlation between the time required for the moving insertion operation and the cognitive function. That is, when the cognitive function is lowered, the movement insertion operation time becomes longer. Utilizing this, the cognitive function evaluation information is information obtained by evaluating the cognitive function based on the movement insertion time. For example, the cognitive function evaluation information may be a five-level evaluation or a ten-level evaluation. In the evaluation, it is preferable to consider information such as age and sex. This makes it possible to evaluate the cognitive function more accurately. The cognitive function evaluation information evaluated in this way is output to the output unit 80. The output unit 80 may be any one of a display device, a printing device, a message transmission device, and a cloud server, for example. In other words, the output unit 80 may be configured by a display that is arranged in the housing 1 as a display device. Further, the instruction display unit 40 may be configured as an output unit 80 so that the cognitive function evaluation information can also be displayed. The output unit 80 may be realized by connecting a receipt printer as a printing apparatus, for example. Furthermore, you may transmit cognitive function evaluation information using SMS (Short Message Service) by a mobile telephone company. By SMS, for example, the cognitive function evaluation information can be sent in a secure state as a message to the mobile phone of the operator or the guardian of the operator. In addition, the cognitive function evaluation information may be output to a predetermined server and stored in the cloud.

  Here, the past function information may be included in the cognitive function evaluation information output by the output unit 80. As a result, the cognitive function can be monitored. When performing the follow-up observation, for example, a database that stores at least information on the operator, time by the time measurement unit, and time measurement date and time by the time measurement unit may be provided. As a result, continuous follow-up data can be accumulated. By performing follow-up observation, it is possible to detect a decline in cognitive function at an early stage. Furthermore, for example, when used for rehabilitation, it is possible to observe an improvement in cognitive function. The database may be an external storage device, a built-in memory, or a memory card such as an SD card. The output unit 80 may be configured to output history information accumulated in such a database.

  As a cognitive function evaluation method using the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention, first, a plurality of operation objects 10 are stored in the storage area 21. A number is randomly displayed on the instruction display unit 40 at the start of evaluation. Specifically, for example, numbers from 1 to 25 are displayed at random. Then, the plurality of operation objects 10 in the storage area 21 are pulled out one by one, and the operation objects 10 are inserted into the insertion holes 30 in the vicinity in the order of the numbers displayed on the instruction display unit 40 (FIG. 2). State shown in Whether the order is correct or incorrect is notified by the notification unit 60. If the order is incorrect, the operation object 10 is removed from the insertion hole 30 and reinserted into the correct insertion hole 30. When all 25 operation objects 10 have been moved from the storage area 21 to the operation area 31, the cognitive function evaluation information is displayed on the output unit 80.

  An example of the cognitive function evaluation information output by the output unit 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is time-series data of insertion time, which is an example of cognitive function evaluation information output from the output unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 is insertion time data for each position of each insertion hole, which is another example of the cognitive function evaluation information output from the output unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. The cognitive function evaluation information can output not only simple score display but also detailed information as shown in the figure. For example, in the data of the example of FIG. 3, it can be seen that the movement time of the 15th, 19th, and 24th operation objects is remarkably long. Therefore, by displaying how many times such a panic state occurred during measurement according to the result, for example, it can be an index for judging calmness. Moreover, it can be seen from the data in the example of FIG. 4 that the movement time of the operation target object near the right front is long. Therefore, for example, it may be possible to grasp symptoms such as neglecting the right half space after a stroke. In addition, since it is possible to confirm whether or not the bias due to the position is eliminated by the follow-up observation, it can be applied to rehabilitation.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the operation target and the detection sensor of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a specific example of the operation target of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the detection sensor of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 (a) is a plan view and FIG. 6 (b) is a partially enlarged sectional view. It is. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation object 10 is provided with a magnetic body 11 or a conductor 12 at an end thereof. The magnetic body 11 may be a ferrite sheet or the like, for example. Moreover, the conductor 12 should just be copper foil etc., for example. As shown in the figure, the operation object 10 may be provided with a storage groove 13. The housing groove 13 is for housing the magnetic body 11 or the conductor 12. The depth of the accommodation groove 13 may be set so that the magnetic body 11 or the conductor 12 does not directly contact the detection sensor 50. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the surface of the detection sensor 50 from being scraped off by the magnetic body 11 or the conductor 12, and the magnetic body 11 or the conductor 12 from being worn away.

  And the detection sensor 50 which can detect the operation target object 10 provided with such a magnetic body 11 and the conductor 12 consists of an electromagnetic induction sensor. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection sensor 50 including an electromagnetic induction sensor includes an oscillator 51, a detector 52, a plurality of drive coil loops 53, and a plurality of detection coil loops 54. The plurality of drive coil loops 53 are connected to the oscillator 51, and the plurality of detection coil loops 54 are connected to the detector 52. The plurality of drive coil loops 53 and the plurality of detection coil loops 54 are arranged so as to intersect each other vertically. Specifically, a plurality of drive coil loops 53 are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction, and a plurality of detection coil loops 54 are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. At this time, the crossing positions are arranged so as to coincide with the positions corresponding to the respective insertion holes 30. And the position which cross | intersects is comprised so that it may become a double coil. Specifically, the drive coil loop 53 is provided with a coil-shaped portion at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 30. Further, the detection coil loop 54 is provided with a coil shape portion that is slightly larger than the coil shape portion of the drive coil loop 53 at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 30. The double coil portion may be configured such that the drive coil loop 53 and the detection coil loop 54 are provided on the same plane as in the illustrated example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the drive coil loop 53 and the detection coil loop 54 may be arranged on the front and back using a double-sided board or the like. Then, a high frequency current is passed from the oscillator 51 to the drive coil loop 53, and the induced current induced in the detection coil loop 54 is detected by the detector 52. At this time, control is performed so that the positions of the drive coil loop 53 to be driven and the detection coil loop 54 to be detected can be grasped. That is, for example, the induced current is detected from the detection coil loop 54 while driving the drive coil loop 53 sequentially from the end. It can be detected that the operation target 10 has been inserted into the insertion hole 30 corresponding to the position of the intersection point, depending on which detection coil loop 54 has changed the induced current when the drive coil loop 53 is driven. In this way, the induced current at each intersection of the double coil portion is configured to be detected in a matrix.

  In the detection sensor 50 configured as described above, when the magnetic body 11 approaches the portion of the double coil, the magnetic flux is increased, so that the induced current detected by the detector 52 increases. Further, when the conductor 12 approaches the double coil portion, an eddy current flows through the conductor 12 so as to cancel the magnetic flux, so that the induced current detected by the detector 52 decreases. Therefore, for example, when the operation object 10 in which the magnetic body 11 is provided in the accommodation groove 13 is used, the operation object 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 30 corresponding to the intersection where the induced current detected by the detector 52 has increased. It can be detected that it has been inserted. For example, when the operation object 10 in which the conductor 12 is provided in the accommodation groove 13 is used, the operation object 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 30 corresponding to the intersection where the induced current detected by the detector 52 is reduced. It can be detected that it has been inserted. Thus, since the magnetic body 11 or the conductor 12 provided to the operation target object 10 can be detected by the detection sensor 50, the insertion state of the operation target object 10 can be detected.

  In the case of the example in which the detection sensor 50 is provided in the storage area 21, the intersecting position where the double coil is disposed may be disposed so as to coincide with the position corresponding to the storage hole 20. Thereby, similarly to the operation area 31, the insertion state of the operation target object 10 into the storage hole 20 can be detected in the storage area 21.

  Furthermore, in the cognitive function evaluation device of the present invention, the operation object 10 and the detection sensor 50 may be configured to be able to detect the insertion direction of the operation object 10. That is, it is only necessary to be configured to be able to detect which end of the rod-shaped operation target 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 30. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operation target for explaining a specific example in which the insertion direction of the operation target of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention can be detected. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 denote the same parts. As shown in the figure, the operation object 10 is provided with a magnetic body 11 on one of the ends inserted into the insertion hole 30 and a conductor 12 on the other. Similar to the example of FIG. 5, the operation target 10 may be provided with an accommodation groove 13 in which the magnetic body 11 and the conductor 12 are accommodated. And the detection sensor 50 should just use an electromagnetic induction sensor, as FIG. 6 shows. That is, if the induced current detected by the detector 52 increases, it can be determined that the end provided with the magnetic body 11 has been inserted, and if it decreases, it can be determined that the end provided with the conductor 12 has been inserted. Is possible. By being configured in this manner, the detection sensor 50 can distinguish between the magnetic body 11 and the conductor 12 provided at each end of the operation target 10, and therefore the insertion direction of the operation target 10 Can be detected. By making it possible to detect the insertion direction as described above, a more complicated insertion operation can be performed.

  Moreover, in the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention, the configuration capable of detecting the insertion direction of the operation target 10 is not limited to the illustrated example described above. For example, when the detection sensor 50 is an optical sensor, the insertion direction may be detected by determining the color of the end portion into which the operation target 10 is inserted. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operation target for explaining another specific example configured to be able to detect the insertion direction of the operation target of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. As illustrated, in this example, the operation target 10 is color-coded by one of the end portions inserted into the insertion hole 30 and the other. For example, what is necessary is just to color-code the upper side edge part of the operation target object 10 in white, and a lower side edge part in red. And when the detection sensor 50 consists of optical sensors, what is necessary is just to comprise so that the difference in the color of the operation target object 10 can be detected with an optical sensor. Thereby, the insertion direction of the operation target object 10 can be detected.

  In the illustrated example described above, when the operation object 10 is inserted in accordance with the instruction displayed on the instruction display unit 40, for example, a speaker is used as the notification unit 60, and a correctness / incorrectness is notified by sound, or the instruction display unit 40. The example which alert | reports by displaying (circle) x using is demonstrated. However, this invention is not limited to this, You may make it the alerting | reporting part 60 give reaction to the operation target object 10 as follows. That is, the notification unit 60 may be configured to include a reaction providing unit that gives a reaction to the operation target 10 when the insertion state detected by the detection sensor 50 is different from the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit 40. good. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in detail using drawing. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining another example of the notification unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. As shown in the figure, the insertion hole 30 has a cylindrical shape, and a coil 61 is wound around it as a reaction providing means of the notification unit 60. For example, a magnetized magnetic body 11 is embedded in the operation target 10. When a current is passed through the coil 61, it is possible to apply a force in the direction in which the operation target 10 is released from the insertion hole 30 by electromagnetic induction. Therefore, when the insertion state detected by the detection sensor 50 is different from the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit 40, the notification unit 60 may perform control so that a current flows through the coil 61 which is a reaction providing unit. In addition, if the magnetic body 11 is embedded to the vicinity of the end of the operation target object 10 as in the illustrated example, the insertion state can be detected by the detection sensor 50 including an electromagnetic induction sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection sensor 50 may detect a magnetic material or a conductor provided at the end as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG.

  Further, the reaction providing unit may be configured to apply vibration to the operation target object 10. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining still another example of the notification unit of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In the illustrated example, an example in which an optical sensor is used as the detection sensor 50 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be an electromagnetic induction sensor or the like. As illustrated, for example, the insertion hole 30 has a cylindrical shape, but is independent of the housing 1. The cylindrical insertion hole 30 is provided with a vibrator motor 62 as a reaction providing means. When the motor 62 is driven, the insertion hole 30 vibrates, and the operation target 10 can be vibrated. Therefore, when the insertion state detected by the detection sensor 50 is different from the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit 40, the notification unit 60 may perform control so that a current flows through the motor 62 that is a reaction providing unit.

  Note that the notification unit 60 may use any combination of the above-described display, speaker, and reaction providing unit.

  When evaluating the cognitive function using the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, various settings may be made on the apparatus. For the evaluation of cognitive function, for example, more accurate evaluation can be performed by taking into account age and sex. Therefore, a setting unit that can input such information may be provided. This can be realized, for example, by providing a dedicated selection button, a registration button, or the like. Furthermore, it is also possible to input from the outside by connecting a personal computer or a smartphone using wired communication or wireless communication.

  Furthermore, various settings may be made using the insertion hole of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus. FIG. 11 is a display example of the instruction display unit when various settings are possible using the insertion hole of the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts. As shown in the figure, for example, an instruction display unit 40 is used to display a setting operation instruction to the setting means. Specifically, for example, the date of birth and sex options are displayed. And the choice is selected in order by inserting the operation target object 10 in the insertion hole 30 in the vicinity of the instruction display unit 40. Since the detection sensor 50 can detect the insertion state of the operation target 10 into the insertion hole 30, based on this, the setting unit determines that the option displayed on the instruction display unit 40 has been selected with the insertion hole 30. This content may be set in the cognitive function evaluation device. The setting means may be a microcomputer or a central processing unit. With this configuration, there is no need to newly provide a switch or the like.

  The cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention is not used only by a specific operator but can be configured to be used by any operator. In this case, the operator may input various settings to the cognitive function evaluation device every time before the operation as described above, but it can be configured so that only the initial setting can be performed by identifying the operator. . That is, a biometric sensor for identifying the operator may be provided. As the biometric sensor, for example, a known sensor such as a fingerprint sensor, a vein sensor, a retina sensor, a voiceprint sensor, or any biometric sensor to be developed in the future can be applied.

  Moreover, the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of this invention may be equipped with the microphone which can detect an operator's voice. The biometric authentication as described above may be performed with a microphone, or a conversation with a remote operator or the like may be performed. For example, when a speaker is used for the notification unit 60, conversation using a microphone and a speaker is possible.

  Furthermore, the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention may include a camera that can detect the facial expression of the operator. The biometric authentication as described above may be performed with a camera, and it can also be used to confirm the facial expression during the operation of the operator. Since the facial expression of the operator is also related to the cognitive function because it is related to the blood flow of the brain, it is also useful to add it as one of the parameters for evaluating the cognitive function. Furthermore, it is possible to give advice to the operator as appropriate from the facial expression.

  Note that the cognitive function evaluation apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples described above, and it is needless to say that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing | casing 10 Operation object 11 Magnetic body 12 Conductor 13 Housing groove 20 Storage hole 21 Storage area 30 Insertion hole 31 Operation area 40 Instruction display part 50 Detection sensor 51 Oscillator 52 Detector 53 Drive coil loop 54 Detection coil loop 60 Notification Unit 61 Coil 62 Motor 70 Time measurement unit 80 Output unit

Claims (22)

A cognitive function evaluation apparatus capable of evaluating the cognitive function of an operator, the cognitive function evaluation apparatus,
A plurality of operation objects that can be moved and inserted by an operator picking with a finger,
A plurality of storage holes that are arranged in a storage area for storing the operation object and into which a plurality of operation objects can be respectively inserted;
A plurality of insertion holes, which are arranged in an operation area for moving the operation object from the storage area and can be inserted by moving the operation object from the storage hole;
An instruction display unit for displaying a movement insertion operation instruction to the insertion hole of the operation target object in the vicinity of the insertion hole,
A detection sensor capable of detecting the insertion state of the operation object into the insertion hole;
An informing unit capable of informing a determination result of whether or not the insertion state detected by the detection sensor matches the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit;
A time measuring unit capable of measuring the time required for moving and inserting the operation object;
An output unit that outputs cognitive function evaluation information based on time by the time measuring unit;
A cognitive function evaluation apparatus comprising:   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection sensor is capable of detecting an insertion state of the operation object into the storage hole.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation object and the detection sensor are configured to be able to detect an insertion direction of the operation object. In the cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the operation object is provided with a magnetic body or a conductor at an end portion inserted into a storage hole or an insertion hole,
The detection sensor is an electromagnetic induction sensor and can detect the insertion state of the operation object by detecting a magnetic body or a conductor provided to the operation object.
Cognitive function evaluation device characterized by that.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the operation target has an accommodation groove for accommodating the magnetic body or the conductor so that the magnetic body or the conductor does not directly contact the detection sensor. Cognitive function evaluation device. In the cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, the operation object is provided with a magnetic body at one of end portions inserted into a storage hole or an insertion hole, and a conductor is provided at the other,
The detection sensor can also detect the insertion direction of the operation object by determining whether it is a magnetic body or a conductor.
Cognitive function evaluation device characterized by that. In the cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the operation object is color-coded by one of the end portion inserted into the storage hole or the insertion hole and the other,
The detection sensor comprises an optical sensor, and can detect the insertion direction of the operation object by detecting the color difference of the operation object.
Cognitive function evaluation device characterized by that.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the instruction display unit is configured to be able to display a determination result by a notification unit.   9. The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction display unit is configured to be able to display cognitive function evaluation information output by an output unit. apparatus.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the notification unit is a speaker.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the notification unit is an operation target when the insertion state detected by the detection sensor is different from the movement insertion operation instruction by the instruction display unit. A cognitive function evaluation apparatus comprising a reaction providing means for giving a reaction.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the reaction providing unit applies a force in a direction in which the operation target is released from the insertion hole.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the response providing unit applies vibration to the operation target.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the time measuring unit can measure the time required for the movement insertion operation of the operation target object for each position of the insertion hole. Characteristic cognitive function evaluation device.   15. The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit includes at least a display device, a printing device, a message transmission device, or a cloud server. apparatus.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cognitive function evaluation information output by the output unit includes past history information.   It is a cognitive function evaluation apparatus in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 16, Comprising: The setting to a cognitive function evaluation apparatus is further based on the detection of the insertion state to the insertion hole of the operation target object by the said detection sensor. A cognitive function evaluation apparatus comprising setting means configured to be able to perform.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the instruction display unit is further configured to display a setting operation instruction to a setting unit.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a database that stores at least information on an operator, time by a time measurement unit, and time measurement date and time by a time measurement unit. Cognitive function evaluation device characterized by   The cognitive function evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a biometric sensor for identifying an operator.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a microphone capable of detecting an operator's voice.   The cognitive function evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a camera capable of detecting an operator's facial expression.