JP7479013B2 - Method, program, and system for assessing cognitive function - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to a method, program, and system for assessing cognitive function, and more specifically to a method, program, and system for assessing cognitive function used in connection with services at a driver's license center.

Patent Document 1 discloses a system for managing the progress of cognitive function tests conducted on elderly people when renewing their driver's licenses, etc.

The system in Patent Document 1 consists of an inspector device used by an inspector and multiple terminal devices used by test takers.

Each of the multiple terminal devices is a tablet-type terminal device, and has a display input device with a touch panel on the display screen. Explanations, warnings, questions, answer columns, etc. are displayed on the display screen of the terminal device. Test takers input answers, etc. by touching the display screen with their finger or a special pen, or by handwriting letters, numbers, etc. The examiner device has a display device that displays information for managing the progress of the cognitive function test.

In the system of Patent Document 1, since it takes time to conduct the cognitive function test, the burden on test subjects who take the cognitive function test when renewing their licenses may be large. In addition, as the elderly population increases, the number of subjects who need to take the cognitive function test when renewing their licenses is also increasing, so if the time it takes to conduct the cognitive function test per person increases, the burden on the driver's license center may also increase.

Patent No. 6517987

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above reasons, and aims to provide a method, program, and system for assessing cognitive function that can reduce the burden at the time of license renewal.

A cognitive function assessment method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a cognitive function assessment method using a cognitive function assessment system including a presentation unit, a voice acquisition unit, an estimation unit, and a reflection unit. The assessment method is used when a driver's license center that performs at least one of the services of issuing and renewing a driver's license provides the service to a subject. The assessment method includes a presentation process, a voice acquisition process, an estimation process, and a reflection process. In the presentation process, the presentation unit presents information that prompts the subject to read a standard phrase. In the voice acquisition process, the voice acquisition unit causes the subject to perform the reading and acquires voice data related to the reading. In the estimation process, the estimation unit estimates the cognitive function of the subject based on the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process. In the reflection process, the reflection unit reflects the result of the estimation process in the procedure for providing the service to the subject at the driver's license center or in a decision on whether or not the service can be provided. In the presentation process, a question related to the driver's license is presented to the subject. The question includes a content that prompts the subject to read out the fixed phrase as an answer to the question. The question includes a question that prompts the subject to answer the speed indicated by a speedometer by displaying an image of a speedometer on a display unit of a communication device that acquires the subject's voice, or a question that prompts the subject to answer a place name and a number by displaying an image of a license plate on the display unit.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the above-mentioned method for assessing cognitive function.

A cognitive function assessment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used when a driver's license center that performs at least one of issuing and renewing a driver's license provides the service to a subject. The assessment system includes a presentation unit, a voice acquisition unit, an estimation unit, and a reflection unit. The presentation unit presents information that prompts the subject to read a standard phrase. The voice acquisition unit causes the subject to perform the reading and acquires voice data related to the reading. The estimation unit estimates the cognitive function of the subject based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit. The reflection unit reflects the estimation result of the estimation unit in the procedure for providing the service to the subject at the driver's license center or in the determination of whether or not the service can be provided. The presentation unit presents a question related to the driver's license to the subject. The question includes content that prompts the subject to read the standard phrase as an answer to the question. The questions include questions that display an image of a speedometer on the display of a communication device that acquires the subject's voice and prompt the subject to answer the speed indicated by the meter, or questions that display an image of a license plate on the display and prompt the subject to answer a place name and number.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination system for executing a cognitive function determination method according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the above-mentioned determination system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the above determination method.

(1) Overview Currently, in Japan, drivers aged 75 or older are required to take a cognitive function test when renewing their driver's license. Currently, this cognitive function test is mainly conducted by having the examinee write answers on a test paper to questions posed by an instructor. However, such a method may impose a heavy burden on the examinee in order to secure a test venue and instructors, and to grade the answers. In addition, the test itself takes time, and it is necessary to head to the test venue at a specified time, which may impose a burden on the examinee. The cognitive function assessment method (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "assessment method") and cognitive function assessment system 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "assessment system 10") of this embodiment are assumed to be used, for example, as a substitute for such a cognitive function test, or as a primary screening for narrowing down the examinees for the cognitive function test.

For example, when a driver (hereinafter also referred to as "subject 2") who is required to take a cognitive function test when renewing his/her driver's license receives a notice to renew his/her driver's license by mail or the like, he/she takes a test using the cognitive function assessment method of this embodiment before renewing the license at the driver's license center 1. The test results can be used as a substitute for the above-mentioned cognitive function test when the subject 2 renews his/her driver's license at the driver's license center 1, or to narrow down the test subjects who need to take the above-mentioned cognitive function test. This makes it possible to reduce the burden imposed when renewing a license.

First, we will explain the cognitive function assessment method of this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "assessment method") and an overview of the cognitive function assessment system 10.

As described above, the determination method of this embodiment is used when providing services to a subject 2 at a driver's license center 1 (see FIG. 2). Here, the driver's license center 1 refers to a facility or place that provides at least one of the services of issuing (hereinafter also referred to as "issuing") and renewing a driver's license (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "driver's license").

The driver's license center 1 in this embodiment only needs to perform at least one of the services of issuing and renewing driver's licenses, and may include facilities called driver's license testing centers, traffic safety (education) centers, comprehensive traffic centers, driver (person) education centers, driver training centers, license centers, safe driving schools, testing centers, (license) renewal centers, etc. The driver's license center 1 in this embodiment may also include a police station as a facility that performs the service of renewing driver's licenses. The driver's license center 1 may also perform other services, such as reissuing driver's licenses.

As shown in FIG. 3, the determination method of this embodiment includes an audio acquisition process S6, an estimation process S9, and a reflection process S12.

The voice acquisition process S6 includes having the subject 2 read out a standard phrase and acquiring voice data related to the reading. The estimation process S9 includes estimating the cognitive function of the subject 2 based on the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process S6. The reflection process S12 includes reflecting the result of the estimation process S9 in the procedure for providing services to the subject 2 at the driver's license center 1 or in the decision on whether or not to provide the services.

The determination system 10 (see FIG. 1) is one aspect that embodies the determination method of this embodiment. In other words, the determination system 10 is used when providing services to a subject 2 at a driver's license center 1 that performs at least one of the services of issuing and renewing driver's licenses. The determination system 10 includes a voice acquisition unit F5 for executing the voice acquisition process S6, an estimation unit F7 for executing the estimation process S9, and a reflection unit F13 for executing the reflection process S12.

In the determination method and determination system 10 of this embodiment, the cognitive function of the subject 2, which will be reflected in the procedure or judgment of whether or not to issue or renew a driver's license to the subject 2, is estimated based on voice data indicating the voice of the subject 2 when reading a fixed phrase. Therefore, compared to a test method in which answers are written on a test paper and then graded, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for the cognitive function test, and it is possible to reduce the burden on the subject 2 and the driver's license center 1 when renewing the license. In short, according to the determination method and determination system 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden at the time of license renewal. In addition, even when a cognitive function test is performed at the time of issuing a driver's license, it is possible to reduce the burden at the time of license issuance by using the cognitive function determination method and determination system 10 of this embodiment.

(2) Details Hereinafter, the determination method and the determination system 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(2.1) Overall Configuration FIGS. 1 and 2 show the configuration of a determination system 10 for executing the determination method of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the determination system 10 includes a first server 4 and a second server 5. The determination system 10 is capable of communicating with a communication device 3 carried by a subject 2.

Here, the communication device 3 is assumed to be a device that can be carried by the subject person 2. The first server 4 is assumed to be installed in the facility of an organization (such as a company) that provides at least a part of the determination method of this embodiment as a service. The second server 5 is assumed to be installed in the facility of the driver's license center 1 or an organization that has jurisdiction over the driver's license center 1. However, this embodiment is not limited to such an arrangement.

The communication device 3 is a device for converting the voice of the subject 2 into voice data and transmitting the converted voice data to another device. The communication device 3 is also configured to convert voice data transmitted from another device into voice and output it. As an example, the communication device 3 is a mobile terminal, mobile phone, or personal computer possessed by the subject 2. As an example, the mobile terminal is a smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. Here, it is assumed that the communication device 3 is a smartphone. Therefore, hereinafter, communication by the communication device 3 with another device (first server 4) is also expressed as "making a phone call."

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 3 includes a communication unit 31 and a communication unit 32. In addition, the communication device 3 of this embodiment further includes a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a processing unit 35.

The communication unit 31 is a communication interface. In particular, the communication unit 31 is a communication interface that can be connected to the telecommunications line NT1, and has a function of communicating through the telecommunications line NT1. This allows the call device 3 to communicate with the first server 4 through the telecommunications line NT1 (see FIG. 2).

The telecommunications line NT1 may include, for example, a mobile communications network, a PSTN (public switched telephone network), the Internet, etc. The telecommunications line NT1 may be composed of multiple networks conforming to different communications protocols, rather than a network conforming to a single communications protocol. The communications protocols may be selected from a variety of well-known wired and wireless communications standards. Although simplified in FIG. 2, the telecommunications line NT1 may include data communications equipment such as a repeater hub, a switching hub, a bridge, a gateway, a router, etc.

The communication unit 31 transmits a signal to the first server 4 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signal transmitted by the communication unit 31 to the first server 4 includes, for example, voice data (voice signal) indicating the voice of the subject 2 acquired by the call unit 32. In addition, the signal transmitted by the communication unit 31 to the first server 4 includes, for example, an operation signal output in response to an operation input by the subject 2 to the operation unit 34.

The communication unit 31 receives a signal from the first server 4 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signal that the communication unit 31 receives from the first server 4 includes, for example, voice data (voice signal) (hereinafter also referred to as "automatic voice signal") that the first server 4 automatically transmits upon receiving a request from the communication device 3. In addition, the signal that the communication unit 31 receives from the first server 4 includes, for example, an estimation result signal that indicates the result of the estimation of cognitive function by the estimation unit F7.

The communication unit 32 includes a speaker and a microphone. The microphone converts sounds, including the voice uttered by the subject 2, into voice data (voice signals) and outputs the data to the outside via the communication unit 31. The speaker converts voice data (voice signals) input from the outside via the communication unit 31 into voice (sound) and outputs the voice data (voice signals).

The display unit 33 displays data received by the communication unit 31. The display unit 33 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display.

The operation unit 34 accepts operation input from the subject 2 and outputs a signal corresponding to the accepted operation. In this embodiment, since the calling device 3 is a general-purpose smartphone, the display unit 33 and the operation unit 34 are integrated, for example, as in a touch panel display. In a touch panel display, the calling device 3 determines that an object such as a button has been operated when the operation unit 34 detects an operation (tap, swipe, drag, etc.) of an object such as a button on each screen displayed on the display unit 33. In other words, the display unit 33 and the operation unit 34 function as a user interface that accepts operation input from the subject 2 in addition to various displays.

The processing unit 35 is configured to control the overall operation of the call device 3, i.e., the operation of the communication unit 31, the call unit 32, the display unit 33 and the operation unit 34. The processing unit 35 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. That is, the one or more processors execute one or more programs (applications) stored in one or more memories to function as the processing unit 35. Here, the programs are pre-recorded in the memory of the processing unit 35, but they may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

The communication device 3 may include a biometric information acquisition unit for acquiring biometric information of the subject 2. The biometric information acquisition unit may include, for example, a fingerprint acquisition unit for acquiring fingerprint information of the subject 2. The biometric information acquisition unit may include, for example, a face information acquisition unit for acquiring face information of the subject 2. The fingerprint acquisition unit and/or the face information acquisition unit may be, for example, an imaging unit (camera) provided in the communication device 3. Additionally, the biometric information acquisition unit may include a vein information acquisition unit for acquiring vein information of the subject 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first server 4 has a communication unit 41, a memory unit 42, and a processing unit 43.

The first server 4 constitutes the main body of the judgment system 10 that executes the judgment method of this embodiment. The first server 4 executes the "subject identification process S2", "attribute acquisition process S3", "identity verification process S4", "presentation process S5", "voice acquisition process S6", "recording process S7", "feature acquisition process S8", "estimation process (cognitive function estimation process) S9", and "output process S10" out of the various processes of the judgment method (see FIG. 3).

The communication unit 41 is a communication interface. The communication unit 41 is a communication interface that can be connected to the telecommunications line NT1, and has the function of communicating through the telecommunications line NT1. The first server 4 can communicate with the call device 3 through the telecommunications line NT1. The first server 4 can also communicate with the second server 5 through the telecommunications line NT1. The communication protocol by which the communication unit 41 communicates with the call device 3 may be the same as or different from the communication protocol by which the communication unit 41 communicates with the second server 5.

The communication unit 41 transmits a signal to the communication device 3 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signals that the communication unit 41 transmits to the communication device 3 include the above-mentioned automatic voice signal, the estimated result signal, etc. In addition, the communication unit 41 receives a signal from the communication device 3 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signals that the communication unit 41 receives from the communication device 3 include the above-mentioned voice signal, the operation signal, etc.

The communication unit 41 transmits a signal to the second server 5 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signals transmitted by the communication unit 41 to the second server 5 include, for example, a request signal requesting identity verification information used to verify the identity of the subject 2. In addition, the signals transmitted by the communication unit 41 to the second server 5 include an estimation result signal indicating the result of the estimation of cognitive function by the estimation unit F7.

The communication unit 41 receives a signal from the second server 5 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signal that the communication unit 41 receives from the second server 5 includes, for example, a signal indicating identity verification information transmitted from the second server 5 in response to a request signal.

The memory unit 42 is a device for storing information. The memory unit 42 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM, etc. The memory unit 42 stores voice data of an automated voice that is automatically transmitted in response to a request (telephone call) from the communication device 3. The memory unit 42 also stores a trained model (described later). The memory unit 42 also has an area for storing voice data (voice signals) of the subject 2 transmitted from the communication device 3.

The processing unit 43 may be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. In other words, the processing unit 43 functions as the one or more processors executing one or more programs (applications) stored in one or more memories.

The processing unit 43 is configured to control the overall control of the first server 4, i.e., to control the operation of the communication unit 41 and the memory unit 42. As shown in FIG. 1, the processing unit 43 includes a subject identification unit F1, an attribute acquisition unit F2, a personal identification unit F3, a presentation unit F4, a voice acquisition unit F5, a recording unit F6, an estimation unit F7, and an output unit F8. Note that the subject identification unit F1, the attribute acquisition unit F2, the personal identification unit F3, the presentation unit F4, the voice acquisition unit F5, the recording unit F6, the estimation unit F7, and the output unit F8 do not represent physical configurations, but rather represent functions realized by the processing unit 43.

The target person identification unit F1 identifies the target person 2 who is talking on the communication device 3. In this embodiment, the target person identification unit F1 identifies the target person 2 in cooperation with the response unit F11 (described later) of the second server 5.

For example, when the target person identification unit F1 receives a request (telephone call) from the communication device 3, it transmits the automated voice data (automated voice signal) stored in the memory unit 42 to the communication device 3 via the communication unit 41.

The automated voice transmitted by the subject identification unit F1 may include content that prompts the input of subject information to identify the subject 2. The subject information may include, for example, the driver's license number of the subject 2. Alternatively, the subject information may include the name, address, etc. of the subject 2.

In addition, the target person information may be the telephone number of the communication device 3, in which case there is no need for the target person 2 to further input the target person information.

The subject identification unit F1 receives, from the communication device 3, the subject information input by the subject 2 to the communication device 3 in response to the automated voice, and identifies the subject 2 based on the received subject information. The subject identification unit F1 identifies the subject 2, for example, by comparing the received subject information with personal information stored in a specified information database DB1. In this embodiment, the information database DB1 containing the personal information is stored in the memory unit 52 of the second server 5.

The subject identification unit F1 transmits the subject information to the second server 5 and receives the comparison result between the subject information and the information database DB1 from the second server 5. The comparison result includes information indicating the subject 2 identified by the second server 5. This allows the subject identification unit F1 to identify the subject 2. Note that the subject identification unit F1 itself (i.e., the processing unit 43 of the first server 4) may identify the subject 2 by comparing the subject information with personal information. For example, the subject identification unit F1 may receive some or all of the information of the information database DB1 from the second server 5 and identify the subject 2 by comparing the information of the received information database DB1 with the subject information.

In other words, the determination method of this embodiment includes a subject identification process S2 for identifying the subject 2.

In addition, if the communication device 3 has a biometric information acquisition unit such as a fingerprint acquisition unit, the subject information may include biometric information such as a fingerprint of the subject 2. Alternatively, the subject information may include voiceprint information obtained from the voice of the subject 2 as the biometric information of the subject 2. In this case, the subject identification process S2 may be performed using the biometric information of the subject 2 (fingerprint, voiceprint, etc.).

The attribute acquisition unit F2 acquires attribute data relating to the attributes of the subject 2 identified by the subject identification unit F1. The attributes of the subject 2 include, for example, race, sex, age (generation), educational background, etc. The attribute data is, for example, stored in the above-mentioned information database DB1 in association with personal information. The attribute acquisition unit F2 acquires the attribute data of the subject 2 from the second server 5 via the communication unit 41.

That is, the determination method of this embodiment includes an attribute acquisition process S3 that acquires attribute data regarding the attributes of the subject 2.

The identity verification unit F3 verifies whether the person actually speaking on the communication device 3 is the subject 2 identified by the subject identification unit F1. In other words, since there is a possibility that the person speaking on the communication device 3 may mistakenly input the subject information (such as a driver's license number) of another person who is not the person himself, the identity verification unit F3 verifies that the person speaking is the subject 2. When the subject identification unit F1 identifies the subject 2, the identity verification unit F3 transmits a request signal to the second server 5 via the communication unit 41, and obtains identity verification information (control information) from the second server 5 in response to the request signal. The identity verification information is, for example, voice data obtained by recording the voice of the subject 2 in advance (hereinafter referred to as "control voice data"). The identity verification unit F3 compares the voice data obtained from the communication device 3 with the control voice data to verify that the speaker of the voice indicated by the voice data (the person speaking) is the subject 2 himself. For example, the identity verification unit F3 performs identity verification by comparing the voiceprints of the voices indicated by each voice data and determining the degree of agreement.

That is, the determination method of this embodiment includes an identity verification process S4 for verifying that the subject 2 is the person in question. The identity verification process S4 is performed using biometric information of the subject 2, more specifically, the voiceprint of the subject 2.

The identity verification process S4 may be performed at any timing, for example, when voice data is received from the communication device 3. For example, the identity verification process S4 may be performed in parallel with the subject identification process S2. That is, in a configuration in which the subject identification process S2 identifies the subject 2 using the biometric information (voiceprint information) of the subject 2, and the identity verification process S4 uses the biometric information (voiceprint information) of the subject 2 to verify the subject's identity, it is possible to perform the identity verification process S4 in parallel with the subject identification process S2. Furthermore, the identity verification process S4 may be performed at any time using the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process S6 during and after the execution of the determination method.

The identity verification process S4 may be performed using information other than voice data. For example, the identity verification process S4 may be performed using biometric information other than the subject 2's voiceprint, such as a fingerprint, or may be performed using information other than biometric information, such as a driver's license number. The identity verification process S4 may also be performed using the same information as the subject identification process S2.

After the target person 2 is identified by the target person identification unit F1, the presentation unit F4 transmits the automated voice data (automatic voice signal) stored in the memory unit 42 to the communication device 3 via the communication unit 41.

The automated voice transmitted by presentation unit F4 includes instructions prompting subject 2 to read a standard phrase. The instructions may include, for example, the standard phrase to be read to subject 2 and a sound (e.g., a beep) indicating the start and end of the period during which the standard phrase should be read.

The instruction contents may include a plurality of different standard phrases. For example, the instruction contents may include six types of standard phrases to be read out in sequence. The standard phrases may include, for example, five or more characters each consisting of a stop consonant and a following vowel. An example of a standard phrase is a sentence such as "Kita kara kita kata ta ta taki ki."

The instruction content may also include an instruction to read the same template multiple times. In this case, the instruction content may include the number of times the template should be read.

That is, the determination method of this embodiment includes a presentation process S5 that presents information prompting the subject 2 to read out the standard phrase. The presentation process S5 also includes playing an automatic voice that prompts the subject 2 to read out the standard phrase.

The voice acquisition unit F5 acquires, via the communication unit 41, voice data indicating the voice uttered by the subject 2 in response to the automated voice transmitted by the presentation unit F4 and transmitted from the communication device 3. That is, the determination method of this embodiment includes a voice acquisition process S6 that causes the subject 2 to read a standard phrase aloud and acquires voice data relating to the reading. In the voice acquisition process S6, the voice data is acquired via the telecommunications line NT1.

The recording unit F6 records (audio-records) the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit F5 in the memory unit 42. That is, the determination method of this embodiment includes a recording process S7 that records the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition process S6.

The estimation unit F7 estimates the cognitive function of the subject 2 by processing the voice data (voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit F5) recorded in the memory unit 42. That is, the determination method of this embodiment includes an estimation process S9 that estimates the cognitive function of the subject 2 based on the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process S6.

The estimation unit F7 estimates the cognitive function of the subject 2, for example, using features extracted from the voice data. That is, the determination method of this embodiment includes a feature acquisition process S8 that extracts features from the voice data. Furthermore, the estimation process S9 executed by the estimation unit F7 includes estimating the cognitive function using the features extracted from the voice data.

In the determination system 10 of this embodiment, the estimation unit F7 estimates the cognitive function by further using the attribute data acquired by the attribute acquisition unit F2. That is, the estimation process S9 executed by the estimation unit F7 includes estimating the cognitive function by further using attribute data related to the attributes of the subject 2 in addition to the voice data.

In the judgment system 10 of this embodiment, the estimation unit F7 estimates the cognitive function of the subject 2 using the trained model M1. In the judgment system 10 of this embodiment, the trained model M1 is, for example, a logistic regression model. That is, in the estimation process S9 executed by the estimation unit F7, the cognitive function of the subject 2 is estimated using the trained model M1 generated by machine learning.

The trained model M1 is designed to output a value indicating the degree of cognitive function of the subject 2 for a given input (feature). The estimation unit F7 provides the feature obtained from the voice data to the trained model M1, and estimates the degree of cognitive function of the subject 2 based on the value obtained from the trained model M1. Such a trained model M1 can be generated by supervised learning using training data (dataset) that specifies the relationship between the value indicating the degree of cognitive function and the feature. The trained model M1 is stored in the memory unit 42.

In this embodiment, the features used in the estimation process S9 may include quantities related to the first formant frequency or second formant frequency of a vowel in a syllable contained in the voice of subject 2 represented in the voice data.

Here, the first formant frequency is the frequency corresponding to the smallest frequency peak contained in the speech produced by a person. The second formant frequency is the frequency corresponding to the second smallest frequency peak contained in the speech produced by a person.

In one example, the amount may include a variance in the first formant frequency, the second formant frequency, or the ratio of the second formant frequency to the first formant frequency, of a plurality of vowels in a plurality of syllables included in the speech of the subject 2 represented by the speech data. The variance may be, for example, a standard deviation.

In one example, the amount may include a change in the first formant frequency or the second formant frequency of multiple vowels in multiple syllables contained in the voice of subject 2 represented in the voice data.

In one example, the above amount may include the time required for a change in the first or second formant frequency of multiple vowels in multiple syllables contained in the voice of subject 2 represented in the voice data.

In one example, the above amount may include a rate of change, which is the ratio of the amount of change in the first formant frequency or the second formant frequency of multiple vowels in multiple syllables contained in the voice of subject 2 represented in the voice data to the time required.

In one example, the above quantity may include the positional relationship between multiple plotted points when values of the first formant frequency versus the second formant frequency of multiple vowels in multiple syllables contained in the voice of subject 2 represented in the voice data are plotted in a coordinate space formed by the first formant frequency versus the second formant frequency of the vowels, or the shape or area of a polygon formed by those points.

In addition, the features used in the estimation process S9 may include the sound pressure difference between the sound pressure of a consonant in an open syllable contained in the voice of subject 2 represented in the voice data and the sound pressure of the vowel following the consonant.

The features used in the estimation process S9 may include the variation in the sound pressure difference between the sound pressure of a consonant and the sound pressure of the vowel following the consonant in multiple open syllables contained in the voice of the subject 2 represented in the voice data.

The features used in the estimation process S9 may include the total time taken by the subject 2 to read the standard text.

The features used in the estimation process S9 may include the amount of change in the time required for each of the multiple readings of the same template.

For information on the voice features of subject 2 that can be used to test cognitive function using the assessment method of this embodiment, please refer to Patent No. 6,337,362.

In addition, the features used in the estimation process S9 may include attributes of the subject 2 acquired by the attribute acquisition unit F2.

The estimation unit F7 outputs an estimation result of the cognitive function of the subject 2. The estimation result is indicated, for example, by a numerical value indicating the degree of the cognitive function of the subject 2. The estimation unit F7 may output, for example, a numerical value indicating to which of a plurality of predetermined stages the estimated degree of cognitive function belongs (for example, the second stage out of five stages).

The output unit F8 outputs an estimation result signal indicating result information based on the estimation result of the estimation unit F7 to the communication device 3 and the second server 5 via the communication unit 41. The result information output by the output unit F8 may be the estimation result (e.g., a numerical value) itself output from the estimation unit F7, or may be in another form. The result information output by the output unit F8 may be, for example, information indicating the next action that the subject 2 should take based on the estimation result (e.g., information encouraging the subject 2 to undergo a cognitive function test by a doctor at a hospital), precautions (information encouraging the subject 2 to improve cognitive function), etc. When the communication device 3 receives the estimation result signal from the first server 4, the communication device 3 may notify the subject 2 of the estimation result by outputting it as a voice by the communication unit 32 or displaying it as an image by the display unit 33.

As shown in Figure 1, the second server 5 has a communication unit 51, a memory unit 52, and a processing unit 53. As shown in Figure 2, the second server 5 is installed, for example, in the driver's license center 1.

The second server 5 executes the "recording process S11" and the "reflection process S12" among the various processes of the determination method (see Figure 3).

The communication unit 51 is a communication interface. The communication unit 51 is a communication interface that can be connected to the telecommunications line NT1, and has the function of communicating through the telecommunications line NT1. The second server 5 can communicate with the first server 4 through the telecommunications line NT1.

The communication unit 51 transmits a signal to the first server 4 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signal transmitted by the communication unit 51 to the first server 4 includes, for example, a signal indicating the above-mentioned personal identification information. The communication unit 51 also receives a signal from the first server 4 via the telecommunications line NT1. The signal received by the communication unit 51 from the first server 4 includes, for example, the above-mentioned request signal and estimation result signal.

The memory unit 52 is a device for storing information. The memory unit 52 may include a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, etc. The memory unit 52 stores the above-mentioned information database DB1.

The processing unit 53 may be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. In other words, the processing unit 53 functions as the one or more processors executing one or more programs (applications) stored in one or more memories.

The processing unit 53 is configured to control the overall operation of the second server 5, i.e., the operation of the communication unit 51 and the memory unit 52. As shown in FIG. 1, the processing unit 53 includes a response unit F11, a registration unit F12, and a reflection unit F13. Note that the response unit F11, the registration unit F12, and the reflection unit F13 do not represent physical configurations, but rather represent functions realized by the processing unit 53.

The response unit F11 makes a predetermined response in response to a signal transmitted from the first server 4.

For example, the response unit F11 identifies the subject 2 indicated in the subject information in response to a signal indicating the subject information transmitted from the first server 4. The response unit F11 identifies the subject 2, for example, by comparing the received subject information with an information database DB1. The response unit F11 transmits information indicating the comparison result (the identified subject 2) to the first server 4. That is, the response unit F11 cooperates with the subject identification unit F1 of the first server 4 to identify the subject 2. At this time, the response unit F11 also transmits attribute data regarding the attributes of the identified subject 2.

Furthermore, the response unit F11 transmits identity verification information in response to a request signal transmitted from the first server 4. The identity verification information is control voice data, which is voice data obtained by pre-recording the voice of the subject 2, as described above. The control voice data may be recorded, for example, when issuing (newly issuing) a driver's license to the subject 2, or when renewing a previous driver's license, or may be recorded regardless of the issuance or renewal of a driver's license.

When the registration unit F12 receives an estimation result signal from the first server 4, it registers the estimation result of the cognitive function of the subject 2 indicated by the estimation result signal in the information database DB1. The estimation result information is registered in the information database DB1 in association with the personal information of the corresponding subject 2. If estimation result information has already been registered in the information database DB1, the registration unit F12 may rewrite (update) the already registered information with new information, or may add new information while leaving the already registered information.

It is preferable that an expiration date is set for the estimated cognitive function of the subject 2 registered in the information database DB1. There is no particular limit to the expiration date, but it may be, for example, one year, six months, three months, one month, half a month, one week, etc.

The reflection unit F13 reflects the estimated results of the cognitive function of the subject 2 registered in the information database DB1 in the procedure for issuing or renewing a driver's license to the subject 2 at the driver's license center 1, and in the decision on whether to issue or renew the license.

The reflection unit F13, for example, changes the procedure when the subject 2 renews his/her driver's license at the driver's license center 1 depending on the degree of the estimated cognitive function. For example, if the cognitive function of the subject 2 is deteriorated (for example, if the numerical value indicating the degree of cognitive function is the worst level out of five levels), the reflection unit F13 may require a cognitive function test to be conducted by a doctor when the subject 2 renews his/her driver's license. On the other hand, if there is no problem with the cognitive function of the subject 2 (for example, if the numerical value indicating the degree of cognitive function is the best level out of five levels), the reflection unit F13 may omit the cognitive function test when the subject 2 visits the driver's license center 1 to renew his/her driver's license.

The specific means by which the reflection unit F13 reflects the estimation result is not particularly limited. For example, the reflection unit F13 may notify the staff of the driver's license center 1 of information indicating whether or not a cognitive function test by a doctor is required for each subject 2. For example, the reflection unit F13 may cause a display device connected to the second server 5 to display, for each subject 2, whether or not a cognitive function test by a doctor is required. By referring to this information on the display device, the staff of the driver's license center 1 can determine whether or not a cognitive function test is required when renewing the driver's license of each subject 2.

In addition, when multiple estimated cognitive function results are linked to the personal information of a subject 2 in the information database DB1, the reflection unit F13 may reflect only the most recent estimated result, or may reflect multiple estimated results within the validity period.

(2.2) Operation Next, the determination method of this embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

A subject 2 who is required to take a cognitive function test when renewing his/her driver's license makes a telephone call to the first server 4 using a communication device 3, for example at home, before going to a driver's license center 1 to renew his/her driver's license (call process S1).

When the first server 4 receives a call by telephone through the communication device 3, it transmits an automated voice message to the communication device 3, prompting the user to input information on the subject 2 to identify the subject 2. The subject 2 responds to the automated voice message by inputting the subject information, such as the driver's license number, through the communication device 3, and the first server 4 acquires the subject information through the telecommunications line NT1. The first server 4 transmits the acquired subject information to the second server 5, and the second server 5 identifies the subject 2 by comparing the received subject information with the information database DB1. The second server 5 transmits information indicating the identified subject 2 to the first server 4, and the first server 4 receives this information from the second server 5 to identify the subject 2 (subject identification process S2). The second server 5 also transmits attribute data indicating the attributes of the identified subject 2 to the first server 4, and the first server 4 acquires the attribute data on the subject 2 (attribute acquisition process S3).

When the target person 2 is identified, the first server 4 transmits a request signal to the second server 5 and acquires identity verification information from the second server 5. After identifying the target person 2, the first server 4 uses the identity verification information during the call with the target person 2 to verify that the caller on the call device 3 is the target person 2 (identity verification process S4).

Furthermore, upon identifying the target person 2 (and confirming that the caller is the target person 2), the first server 4 transmits to the communication device 3 an automated voice prompting the target person 2 to read out the template (presentation process S5). The first server 4 also acquires from the communication device 3 voice data of the target person 2 reading out the template (voice acquisition process S6), and records (audio recording) the acquired voice data in the storage unit 42 (recording process S7). The first server 4 extracts (acquires) features from the recorded voice data (feature acquisition process S8).

The first server 4 estimates the cognitive function of the subject 2 using the features acquired in the feature acquisition process S8 and the attribute data acquired in the attribute acquisition process S3 (cognitive function estimation process (estimation process) S9). The first server 4 outputs the estimation result of the cognitive function obtained in the estimation process S9 to the communication device 3 and the second server 5 (output process S10).

The communication device 3 notifies the subject 2 of the estimated cognitive function results obtained from the first server 4 via the communication unit 32 or the display unit 33.

The second server 5 records the estimated cognitive function obtained from the first server 4 in the memory unit 52 (recording process S11). The second server 5 then reflects the estimated cognitive function of the subject 2 in the procedure for issuing or renewing a driver's license to the subject 2, or in the decision on whether to issue or renew the license (reflection process S12).

Thereafter, when subject 2 visits driver's license center 1 to renew his/her driver's license, subject 2 can renew his/her driver's license according to a procedure that reflects the estimated cognitive function result obtained by the assessment method. Alternatively, if the estimated cognitive function result indicates that subject 2 is not suitable for renewal of his/her driver's license, a staff member at driver's license center 1 may inform subject 2 of this and encourage subject 2 to undergo a cognitive function test by a doctor.

(2.3) Advantages As described above, according to the cognitive function assessment method and assessment system 10 of the present embodiment, the subject 2 is made to read a set phrase, and the speech data of the read speech is processed to test the cognitive function of the subject 2. The time required to perform this test (to read and process the set phrase) is about 3 minutes, even when the subject 2 is made to read six types of set phrases, for example. On the other hand, in the conventional test method in which answers are written on a test paper and then graded, it takes at least about 30 minutes, including the time to answer and the time to grade. Therefore, by using the assessment method and assessment system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time required for the test compared to the conventional test method.

Furthermore, as long as the subject 2 possesses at least the communication device 3, he or she can take the test using the cognitive function assessment method and assessment system 10 of this embodiment. Therefore, the subject 2 can take the test at any location, and does not need to go to a testing site as in conventional testing methods. Therefore, according to the assessment method and assessment system 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the subject 2 compared to conventional testing methods.

In short, the cognitive function assessment method and assessment system 10 of this embodiment make it possible to reduce the burden at the time of license renewal.

In addition, by using the cognitive function assessment method and assessment system 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden at the time of license issuance, not only when a cognitive function test is conducted at the time of driver's license issuance, but also when a cognitive function test is conducted at the time of driver's license issuance.

(3) Modifications The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, a function similar to the cognitive function assessment method according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, or the like.

A (computer) program in one aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the determination method of the above-mentioned embodiment.

Below, we list some variations of the above-mentioned embodiment. The variations described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

The cognitive function assessment system 10 in the present disclosure includes a computer system, for example, in the communication device 3, the first server 4, the second server 5, etc. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the communication device 3, the first server 4, and the second server 5. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunication line, or may be recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of an LSI, or a logic device that allows reconfiguration of the connection relationship within the LSI or reconfiguration of the circuit partition within the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed among multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed among multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

In addition, it is not essential for the determination system 10 that the multiple functions of each of the first server 4 and the second server 5 are concentrated in one housing, and each of the components of the first server 4 and the second server 5 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the determination system 10, for example, some of the functions of the first server 4 and the second server 5, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

Conversely, in the above-described embodiment, at least some of the functions of the determination system 10 that are distributed among multiple devices may be consolidated in one housing. For example, some of the functions of the determination system 10 that are distributed among the first server 4 and the second server 5 may be consolidated in one housing.

In one modified example, in the presentation process S5, information may be visually provided to the subject 2 to prompt the subject 2 to read out the standard phrase. For example, in the presentation process S5, text, images, videos, etc. that prompt the subject 2 to read out the standard phrase may be displayed on the display unit 33 of the communication device 3.

In one modified example, the content presented in the presentation process S5 (contents of the automatic voice, text, images, etc.) may include a question for which the answer is uniquely determined. The question may be related to a driver's license. Examples of questions include a question to answer the color of a stop sign, a question to answer the speed indicated by a speedometer by displaying an image of a speedometer on the display unit 33, and a question to answer a place name, number, etc. by displaying an image of a license plate on the display unit 33. The image displayed on the display unit 33 may be a moving image, for example, an image whose size gradually changes (gradually becomes larger). In addition, an image may be temporarily displayed on the display unit 33, and the content may be stored by the subject 2, and then the image may be hidden, and a question about the content shown in the image may be presented to the subject 2. That is, in the presentation process S5, a question related to a driver's license may be presented to the subject 2, and the question may prompt the subject 2 to read out a standard phrase as an answer to the question.

In one modified example, the content presented in the presentation process S5 may further include questions for which the answer is not clearly defined. Examples of questions include questions that ask the subject 2 to answer the name, age, educational background, etc.

In one variant, the feature used in the estimation process S9 may further include information regarding the subject 2's operation input to the communication device 3 (e.g., the operation speed on the touch panel, etc.). That is, the determination method may further include an operation acceptance process that accepts operation input from the subject 2 to the communication device 3. In the estimation process S9, the cognitive function of the subject 2 may be estimated by further using the result of the operation input in addition to the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process S6.

In one variant, the information database DB1 including the personal information may be recorded in the memory unit 42 of the first server 4. In this case, the subject identification process S2, the attribute acquisition process S3, and the personal identification process S4 can be executed by the first server 4 alone.

In one variant, in the attribute acquisition process S3, the subject 2 may be asked to input attribute data using the communication device 3.

In one variant, in the estimation process S9, attribute data of subject 2 does not need to be used as a feature.

In one variant, the communication device 3 is not limited to a device that can be carried by the subject 2. The communication device 3 may be, for example, a so-called landline phone provided in the residence of the subject 2, or a public phone installed so that it can be used by an unspecified number of people including the subject 2. Furthermore, the communication device 3 is not limited to a telephone, but may be any device that has communication means such as a microphone and speaker and a communication unit 31. The communication device 3 may be provided at the driver's license center 1. In other words, the subject 2 may take an examination using the determination method of the present disclosure at the driver's license center 1.

In one variant, the identity verification process S4 is not essential in the determination method and may be omitted. The determination method may also include a proxy test prevention process instead of or in addition to the identity verification process S4. The proxy test prevention process is a process that prevents people other than the subject 2 from taking the test using the determination method on behalf of the subject 2. The identity verification process S4 also functions as a proxy test prevention process.

In one example, the proxy test-taking prevention process may include displaying a predetermined warning message on the display unit 33 of the communication device 3. An example of the warning message is, for example, "During the test, we use voiceprint-based personal authentication to ensure that the same person is always speaking."

In one example, if the communication device 3 is equipped with an imaging unit such as a camera, the proxy test prevention process may include displaying an image of the subject 2 captured by the communication device 3 on the display unit 33 of the communication device 3. In this case, the identity of the subject 2 may or may not be confirmed based on image data obtained by processing the captured image of the subject 2. Also, in this case, the determination method may include a cancellation process that cancels the test if the subject 2 moves out of the imaging range of the imaging unit.

In one example, the proxy test prevention process may include monitoring by a person (e.g., a person other than an employee of the driver's license center 1). For example, if a driver's license renewal notice is sent by mail, the proxy test prevention process may include monitoring by a post office employee who mails the renewal notice.

In one variant, the identity verification process S4 may use a second PIN (one-time password) used when renewing a driver's license.

In one modified example, the subject 2 does not need to be notified of the estimation result immediately, and for example, the subject 2 may be able to view the estimation result by accessing a predetermined server connected to the telecommunications line NT1 from the communication device 3. The estimation result may also be notified via a means other than the communication device 3 (for example, by mail, etc.).

(4) Summary As described above, the first aspect of the cognitive function assessment method is used when a driver's license center (1) that performs at least one of the services of issuing and renewing a driver's license provides services to a subject (2). The assessment method includes a voice acquisition process (S6), an estimation process (S9), and a reflection process (S12). In the voice acquisition process (S6), the subject (2) is made to read a standard phrase to acquire voice data related to the reading. In the estimation process (S9), the cognitive function of the subject (2) is estimated based on the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process (S6). In the reflection process (S12), the result of the estimation process (S9) is reflected in the procedure for providing services to the subject (2) at the driver's license center (1) or in the judgment of whether or not the service can be provided.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

In the second aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function, in the first aspect, the estimation process (S9) estimates cognitive function using features extracted from the voice data.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

In the method for assessing cognitive function of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the feature quantity includes one or more selected from the following group. The group includes a quantity related to the first formant frequency or the second formant frequency of a vowel in a syllable included in the voice of the subject (2) represented by the voice data. The group includes a sound pressure difference between the sound pressure of a consonant in an open syllable included in the voice of the subject (2) represented by the voice data and the sound pressure of a vowel following the consonant. The group includes a variance in the sound pressure difference between the sound pressure of a consonant and the sound pressure of a vowel following the consonant in multiple open syllables included in the voice of the subject (2) represented by the voice data. The group includes a total time required to read the fixed phrase. The group includes a change in the time required for each of multiple readings of the fixed phrase.

According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the judgment results obtained by the judgment method.

The fourth aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function in any one of the first to third aspects further includes a recording process (S7) for recording the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process (S6).

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

The fifth aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function is any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the estimation process (S9) estimates cognitive function using a trained model (M1) generated by machine learning.

According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the judgment results obtained by the judgment method.

The sixth aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function is any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the voice acquisition process (S6) acquires voice data via a telecommunications line (NT1).

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

The seventh aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the estimation process (S9) estimates cognitive function by further using attribute data relating to the attributes of the subject (2) in addition to the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process (S6).

According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the judgment results obtained by the judgment method.

The method for assessing cognitive function in the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, further includes a presentation process (S5) for presenting information to the subject prompting the subject to read a standard phrase.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

In the ninth aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function, in the eighth aspect, the presentation process (S5) involves playing an automated voice prompting the subject (2) to read a standard phrase.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

In the tenth aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the presentation process (S5) visually provides the subject (2) with information prompting him or her to read out a standard phrase.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

The cognitive function assessment method of the eleventh aspect is any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, in which the presentation process (S5) presents a question related to a driver's license to the subject (2). The question includes content that prompts the subject (2) to read out a standard phrase as an answer to the question.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

The cognitive function assessment method of the 12th aspect, in any one of the first to 11th aspects, further includes an identity verification process (S4) for verifying that the subject (2) is the subject himself/herself.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

In the 13th aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function, in the 12th aspect, the identity verification process (S4) is performed using biometric information of the subject (2).

According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of identity verification.

In the 14th aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function, in the 13th aspect, the biometric information includes voiceprint information of the subject (2).

According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of identity verification.

The cognitive function assessment method of the 15th aspect, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further includes a subject identification process (S2) for identifying the subject (2).

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

In the 16th aspect of the method for assessing cognitive function, in the 15th aspect, the subject identification process (S2) is performed using biometric information of the subject (2).

According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of identifying the subject (2).

The cognitive function assessment method of the 17th aspect is any one of the first to 16th aspects, further comprising an operation reception process for receiving an operation input from the subject (2). The estimation process (S9) estimates the cognitive function by using the result of the operation input in addition to the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process (S6).

According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the judgment results obtained by the judgment method.

The program of the 18th aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute a method for assessing cognitive function of any one of the first to seventeenth aspects.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

The cognitive function assessment system (10) of the 19th aspect is used when providing services to a subject (2) at a driver's license center (1) that performs at least one of the services of issuing and renewing driver's licenses. The assessment system (10) includes a voice acquisition unit (F5), an estimation unit (F7), and a reflection unit (F13). The voice acquisition unit (F5) causes the subject (2) to read a standard phrase and acquires voice data related to the reading. The estimation unit (F7) estimates the cognitive function of the subject (2) based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit (F5). The reflection unit (F13) reflects the estimation result of the estimation unit (F7) in the procedure for providing services to the subject (2) at the driver's license center (1) or in the judgment of whether or not to provide the service.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden when renewing a license.

1 Driver's License Center 2 Subject 10 Judgment system F5 Voice acquisition unit F7 Estimation unit F13 Reflection unit S2 Subject identification process S4 Personal identification process S5 Presentation process S6 Voice acquisition process S7 Recording process S9 Estimation process S12 Reflection process M1 Trained model NT1 Telecommunication line

Claims (20)

A method for assessing cognitive function, which is used in providing at least one of issuing and renewing a driver's license to a subject at a driver's license center that performs the service by using a cognitive function assessment system including a presentation unit, a voice acquisition unit, an estimation unit, and a reflection unit, comprising:
A presentation process in which the presentation unit presents information prompting the target person to read out a fixed phrase;
a voice acquisition process in which the voice acquisition unit causes the subject to perform the reading and acquires voice data related to the reading;
an estimation process in which the estimation unit estimates a cognitive function of the subject based on the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process;
a reflection process in which the reflection unit reflects a result of the estimation process in a procedure for providing the service to the target person at the driver's license center or in a decision on whether or not to provide the service;
Equipped with
The presenting step presents a question related to the driver's license to the subject;
The question includes a content that prompts the subject to read out the standard phrase as an answer to the question,
The questions include a question in which an image of a speedometer is displayed on a display unit of a communication device that acquires the voice of the subject, and the subject answers the speed indicated by the meter, or a question in which an image of a license plate is displayed on the display unit, and the subject answers a place name and a number.
How to assess cognitive function. In the estimation process, the cognitive function is estimated using features extracted from the voice data.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to claim 1. The feature amount is
A quantity related to the first formant frequency or the second formant frequency of a vowel in a syllable included in the voice of the subject represented by the voice data;
A sound pressure difference between a sound pressure of a consonant in an open syllable included in the voice of the subject and a sound pressure of a vowel following the consonant;
Variation in sound pressure difference between a consonant and a vowel following the consonant in a plurality of open syllables included in the speech of the subject;
the total time required for said reading;
a change in the time required for each of the plurality of readouts of the template,
The method for assessing cognitive function according to claim 2. The determination system further includes a recording unit,
The determination method further includes a recording process of recording the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process in the recording unit.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the estimation process, the cognitive function is estimated using a trained model generated by machine learning.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In the voice acquisition process, the voice data is acquired through a telecommunication line.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In the estimation process, the cognitive function is estimated by further using attribute data regarding attributes of the subject in addition to the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 6. In the presentation process, an automatic voice is played to prompt the target person to read out the template.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 7. In the presentation process, information prompting the target person to read out the template is visually provided.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The determination system further includes an identity verification unit,
The determination method further includes an identity verification process in which the identity verification unit verifies that the subject is the person in question.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The identity verification process is performed using biometric information of the subject.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to claim 10. The biometric information includes voiceprint information of the subject.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to claim 11. The determination system further includes a subject identification unit,
The determination method further includes a subject identification process in which the subject identification unit identifies the subject.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The subject identification process is performed using biometric information of the subject.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to claim 13. The determination system further includes an operation unit,
The method further includes an operation receiving process in which the operation unit receives an operation input from the subject,
The estimation process estimates the cognitive function by using a result of the operation input in addition to the voice data acquired in the voice acquisition process.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The determination method further includes a proxy test suppression process in which the determination system suppresses a person other than the subject from taking the test by the determination method on behalf of the subject,
In the proxy test suppression process, a predetermined warning message is displayed on the display unit of the communication device.
A method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The determination method further includes a proxy test suppression process in which the determination system suppresses a person other than the subject from taking the test by the determination method on behalf of the subject,
In the proxy test suppression process, an image of the subject photographed by the communication device is displayed on the display unit of the communication device.
The method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 15 . An expiration date is set for the estimation result of the cognitive function of the subject estimated by the estimation process,
In the reflection process, the estimation result within the validity period is reflected.
A method for assessing cognitive function according to any one of claims 1 to 17. A program that causes one or more processors to execute the cognitive function assessment method according to any one of claims 1 to 18. A system for assessing cognitive function used in providing at least one of issuing and renewing a driver's license to a subject at a driver's license center, the system comprising:
A presentation unit that presents information that prompts the target person to read out a standard phrase;
a voice acquisition unit that causes the subject to perform the reading and acquires voice data related to the reading;
an estimation unit that estimates a cognitive function of the subject based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit;
A reflection unit that reflects an estimation result of the estimation unit in a procedure for providing the service to the target person at the driver's license center or a decision on whether or not to provide the service;
Equipped with
The presentation unit presents a question related to the driver's license to the subject,
The question includes a content that prompts the subject to read out the standard phrase as an answer to the question,
The questions include a question in which an image of a speedometer is displayed on a display unit of a communication device that acquires the voice of the subject, and the subject answers the speed indicated by the meter, or a question in which an image of a license plate is displayed on the display unit, and the subject answers a place name and a number.
A system for assessing cognitive function.

Images