JP5144828B2 - Respiration confirmation system, respiration confirmation method, program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a respiration confirmation system that allows a user to check a change in respiration rate, a respiration confirmation method used in the respiration confirmation system, and a program used in the respiration confirmation system.

  Conventionally, an apparatus for guiding a user to a relaxed state or a refreshed state by guiding the user to adjust their breathing has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user's breathing is induced by controlling the user's light environment and sound environment, and the relaxation is induced by controlling the breathing. In Patent Document 1, in order to enable breathing induction without performing feedback of the user's breathing motion, a range of breathing period and expiration time are specified, and a sense for inducing breathing within the range. Activating the stimulator is described.

  Patent Document 2 aims to induce a user to a refreshed state after guiding the user to a relaxed state, and controls the breathing according to the light and darkness of the light source to guide the user to the relaxed state. A technique for inducing a refresh state by increasing the average value of the maximum brightness and the minimum brightness over time is described.

JP 2002-336357 A JP 2002-336358 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a respiration confirmation system that allows a user to confirm a change in respiration rate, and further provides a respiration confirmation method used in the respiration confirmation system and a program used in the respiration confirmation system. The purpose is to do.

  The respiration confirmation system according to the present invention includes a respiration information presenting unit that presents respiration information indicating a change in a breathing state of a user, and the respiration information presented while a plurality of seed figures are dispersed and converged. And a means for controlling as a change in shape.

  The respiration confirmation system according to the present invention comprises respiration information presenting means for presenting respiration information indicating a change in the breathing state of the user, and means for controlling the presented respiration information as a position change of a sound image. Features.

  This respiration confirmation system preferably further comprises a respiration sensor for detecting respiration of the user.

  A respiration confirmation method according to the present invention includes a step of detecting respiration of a user by a respiration sensor, and a plurality of respiration information presenting respiration information presenting respiration information indicating a respiration state change detected by the respiration sensor. And a step of representing the shape change as a shape change during the dispersion and convergence of the seed figure.

  The respiration confirmation method according to the present invention includes a step of detecting a user's respiration by a respiration sensor, and a position of a sound image presented to a respiration information presenting means, including respiration information indicating a respiration state change detected by the respiration sensor. And a process represented as a change.

  The program according to the present invention provides a function for presenting respiration information indicating a breathing state change of a user to the respiration information presenting means and the respiration information to be presented while a plurality of seed figures perform dispersion and convergence. The function of controlling the change in the shape of the above is realized by a computer.

  The program according to the present invention has a function of presenting respiration information indicating a change in a breathing state of a user to a respiration information presenting means, and a function of controlling the presented respiration information as a position change of a sound image by a computer. It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the respiration information presented to the user is controlled as a shape change or a sound image position change while the plurality of seed figures are dispersed and converged. It is possible to check the transition.

It is a block diagram which shows embodiment. It is a perspective view same as the above. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the example of a change pattern of the guidance figure used for the same as the above. It is a figure which shows the idea of the presentation method of the information on a respiratory state in the same as the above. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a change pattern of the guidance figure used for the same as the above.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the respiration confirmation system described in the present embodiment is used by a user in a private room environment. Hereinafter, the private room is referred to as a refresh room Rm. In the refresh room Rm, a chair 1 on which a user is seated, a video presentation device 2 that presents video at least in front of the chair 1, and an acoustic presentation device 3 that provides a sound environment to the refresh room Rm are arranged. Further, the refresh room Rm is also provided with a lighting device 4 to form an indoor light environment. As will be described later, the video presentation device 2, the acoustic presentation device 3, and the illumination device 4 have a function as a breathing information presentation unit that presents a breathing state change to the user as breathing information.

  The chair 1 preferably has a reclining function so that the user can sit in a comfortable posture, and preferably has a suitable cushioning property so as to wrap up the seated user. As shown in FIG. 1, the chair 1 is provided with a respiration sensor 5 that detects a user's respiration. In addition to the respiration sensor 5, a seating sensor 6 that detects the seating of the user, a pulsation sensor 7 that detects the heartbeat or pulse of the user, and the like may be attached to the chair 1.

  The breathing sensor 5 includes a belt that wraps around the user's abdomen and detects expansion and contraction of the abdomen using an acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor. The breathing period of the user (hereinafter referred to as “expiration period”). As long as the output is separable from the period of inspiration (hereinafter referred to as “inspiration period”). Any respiration sensor 5 may be used. For example, by projecting moire fringes by infrared rays on the user's abdomen and capturing the moire fringes with a TV camera, by detecting the expansion and contraction of the abdomen from the change pattern of the moire fringes, the user's breathing is suppressed. It is also possible to use a respiration sensor that detects by contact.

  In order to prevent the user from feeling troublesome about wearing the pulsation sensor 7, the pulsation sensor 7 including a pressure sensor is arranged inside the chair 1 to detect the pulsation of the user sitting on the chair 1. You may make it do.

  The output of the respiration sensor 5 is input to the sensor processing unit 11. The sensor processing unit 11 uses the output of the respiration sensor 5 to determine whether it is an expiration period or an inspiration period.

  When the output of the acceleration sensor is used as the output of the respiration sensor 5 to determine the expiration period and the inspiration period, the period between the contraction direction (for example, positive) and the expansion direction (for example, negative) is determined. Each is associated with an expiration period and an inspiration period. However, since the output of the acceleration sensor includes noise due to body movement, etc., a threshold value in two steps, positive and negative, is set, and during the expiration period, the output of the acceleration sensor exceeds the positive threshold value, The intake period is a period until the output of the acceleration sensor falls below the negative threshold and exceeds the positive threshold.

  Since the threshold value is set, a time difference occurs between the detected exhalation period and inhalation period and the actual exhalation period and inspiration period. Therefore, the detected exhalation period and inspiration period need to be corrected. . In the present embodiment, the time difference is regarded as substantially constant, and the detected expiration period and inspiration period are shifted by a certain time corresponding to this time difference.

  In order to determine the expiration period and the inspiration period, the sensor processing unit 11 samples the output of the respiration sensor 5 at a predetermined time interval (for example, 0.1 s), and determines the degree of inflation of the abdomen based on the sampling value. It may be estimated. That is, a moving average of numerical values representing the degree of abdominal inflation detected at the time interval may be obtained, and a period when the moving average is positive may be an expiration period and a period when the moving average is negative may be an inspiration period.

  For the moving average, for example, (x1 + x2 + x3) / 3, (x2 + x3 + x4) / 3 are used for the time series data x1, x2, x3,. That is, instead of using all the data to be averaged as new data, an average obtained by shifting data one by one is used. However, how many data averages are used is appropriately selected.

  The video presentation device 2 includes a screen 8 that presents a video that is visible to the user seated on the chair 1. The size and shape of the screen 8 can be set so that an image can be developed over the entire field of view of the user, and the user can feel immersive. Accordingly, the screen 8 can be planar, but is desirably concave when viewed from the user. However, it may be a concave surface in the horizontal direction, and may not be a curved surface in the vertical direction. In short, it becomes the shape of the inner surface of the cylindrical wall surface.

  When the screen 8 is flat, a flat panel display such as a plasma display or a liquid crystal display can be used. However, when the screen 8 is concave, the wall of the refresh room Rm is used as a transmissive screen. And adopting a configuration in which an image is projected onto a screen from a projector arranged outside the refresh room Rm. In addition, when it is possible to provide flexibility like an EL display formed in a sheet shape, this type of display can be used as the video presentation device 2.

  The video presented by the video presentation device 2 is given by the video content provider 12. A specific example of the video provided by the video content providing unit 12 will be described later.

  As the acoustic presentation device 3, a plurality of (eight in the example shown in FIG. 2) speakers 9 arranged on the ceiling surface, floor surface, and wall surface of the refresh room Rm so as to surround the chair 1 are used. Specifically, four of the eight speakers 9 are arranged in front of the user so that a sound image can be formed at any position in front, rear, left, right, up and down, and the remaining four are placed behind the user. It is arranged at the four corners of the wall. The four speakers 9 arranged in the front are arranged on the floor surface and the ceiling surface on the left and right sides so as not to disturb the image presented on the screen 8 of the image presentation device 2. Moreover, you may provide the speaker 9 which outputs a background sound using with the speaker 9 mentioned above. The background sound can be mixed with the sound output from the speaker 9 and output.

  The sound presented by the acoustic presentation device 3 is given by the acoustic content providing unit 13. A specific example of the sound presented by the acoustic content providing unit 13 will be described later.

  The illuminating device 4 includes an overall lamp 21 arranged in the vicinity of the ceiling in order to perform the entire illumination of the refresh room Rm, a spot lamp 22 that illuminates only the periphery of the chair 1, and a side of the chair 1 arranged by the user. And a rhythm lamp 23 that changes the light output with time so as to induce a respiratory cycle. As the emission color of the rhythm lamp 23, blue or light blue, which is said to have an effect of calming, is used. The whole lamp 21, the spot lamp 22, and the rhythm lamp 23 are each connected to a dimmer (not shown). Therefore, it is possible to control the light output of the whole lamp 21, the spot lamp 22, and the rhythm lamp 23 by giving a dimming signal from the illumination control unit 14 to the dimmer.

  The sensor processing unit 11, the video content providing unit 12, the audio content providing unit 13, and the illumination control unit 14 described above add necessary hardware to the personal computer, and provide data and programs that enable operations described later. It is realized by.

  Hereinafter, a technique for associating the expiration period and the inspiration period detected by the sensor processing unit 11 based on the output of the respiration sensor 5 with the operations of the video content providing unit 12, the acoustic content providing unit 13, and the illumination control unit 14 will be described. . The guidance control unit 10 performs processing for associating the expiration period and the inspiration period detected by the sensor processing unit 11 with the operations of the video content providing unit 12, the acoustic content providing unit 13, and the illumination control unit 14.

  Here, the illumination control unit 14 controls the overall lamp 21 and the spot lamp 22 regardless of the expiration period or the inspiration period. That is, the lighting control unit 14 turns on the whole lamp 21 when the user enters and leaves the refresh room Rm to illuminate the room, and when the seating sensor 6 detects that the user is seated on the chair 1, the lighting control unit 14 turns on the whole lamp 21. The user's surroundings are darkened by reducing the light output.

  The spotlight 22 is used for the purpose of illuminating only the vicinity of the user or illuminating only the vicinity of the user's hand when the user is seated on the chair 1. If only the periphery of the user is illuminated by the spotlight 22, the difference in brightness between the vicinity of the user and the wall surface away from the user can be increased so that the wall surface of the refresh room Rm does not stand out.

  By the way, the guidance control unit 10 sets a target (target time) for the duration of the expiration period of the expiration period and the inspiration period detected by the sensor processing unit 11, and allows the user to achieve the target time. In this manner, an instruction is given to the video content providing unit 12, the audio content providing unit 13, and the illumination control unit 14. That is, respiration is not induced for both the exhalation period and the inspiration period, but respiration is induced by paying attention only to the duration when exhaling. For this reason, the sensor processing unit 11 detects the start time of the expiration period and gives the target (target time) of the expiration period. The inhalation period is about 3 to 5 s, for example, and the maximum value of the target time for the expiration period is set to about 6 to 9 s, for example.

  Here, if the user is conscious of both the exhalation period and the inspiration period, the user may be tense and the sympathetic nerve may be dominant. It is possible to activate the central nervous system in a state where the parasympathetic nerve is dominant without giving any. Such cases are known as breathing techniques such as yoga and zazen.

  In other words, it presents a target that guides only the expiration period to a predetermined time and does not limit the inspiration period. Therefore, the restriction of breathing is reduced for the user, and the user only has to concentrate on the length of the expiration and is not suffocating. While being able to breathe comfortably, it is induced to a desired breathing state.

  In this way, only the expiratory volume is induced to a predetermined amount, but the inspiratory amount is not limited. Therefore, the restriction of breathing is reduced for the user, and the user needs to concentrate only on the expiratory volume, and the user needs to concentrate on the expiratory breathing. However, it is induced to a desired respiratory state. Also, since the focus is on the expiratory volume, not the breathing time, the user can breathe so as not to be stuffy and be guided to a predetermined breathing state while taking a reasonable breath. become.

  When the user sits on the chair 1, the guidance control unit 10 starts an operation for guiding breathing. In other words, the seating on the chair 1 is detected by the seating sensor 6, and the operation starts when the specified time elapses. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which an operation unit (not shown) is attached to the chair 1 and the operation is started when the operation unit is operated after sitting.

  When the operation starts, the guidance control unit 10 guides the user to a relaxed state (a state in which the parasympathetic nerve is dominant, and a state in which the central nerve is inactive among the states in which the α wave in the electroencephalogram is expressed). Presentation is instructed to the video content providing unit 12 and the audio content providing unit 13. The video provided by the video content providing unit 12 is, for example, a video reminiscent of the universe, the seabed, forests, etc., based on the knowledge that it is easy to shift the user to a relaxed state when showing a natural landscape. This type of video is known to predominate the parasympathetic nerve and deactivate the central nerve. Further, by using a three-dimensional image as an image, a stereoscopic effect is given together with the fact that the screen 8 is concave. Furthermore, a computer graphics image having no meaning for enhancing a three-dimensional effect may be synthesized.

  The guidance control unit 10 adjusts at least some of the light colors of the overall lamp 21, the spot lamp 22, and the rhythm lamp 23 according to the content of the video provided by the video content providing unit 12. For example, the illumination light is blue for an image of the space or the seabed, and the illumination light is green for an image of a forest.

  Although it is possible to display a still image at a fixed position, if a moving image is generated on the screen 8 by changing the area displayed on the screen 8 for the still image, a sense of movement is given to the user. The effect of inducing relaxation is increased. The moving direction of the video is the left-right direction, and the video is moved so that an angle change of about 1 to 5 degrees per second as seen from the user occurs. To give a sense of movement, two types of video are displayed in a superimposed manner, and one video is moved to the right when viewed from the user, and the other video is moved to the left when viewed from the user. Good. For example, in an image reminiscent of the universe, nebulae and nearby stars move to the right, and distant stars move to the left. The direction in which the video is moved may be the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, as the sound provided by the acoustic content providing unit 13, so-called healing music or a quiet sound including 1 / f noise existing in the natural world (such as a murmur or a leaf-rubbing sound) is used. This type of sound is thought to predominate the parasympathetic nerve and deactivate the central nerve. This sound continues to be output from the speaker 9 as a background sound even during the induction of breathing, which will be described later. The sound that becomes the background sound is basically output only from the dedicated speaker 9 that outputs the background sound. However, when a background sound is output from another speaker 9 that is not the background sound speaker 9, the amplification factor of the audio signal applied to each speaker 9 is kept constant for the background sound.

  The guidance control unit 10 causes the video content providing unit 12 and the sound content providing unit 13 to perform the above-described operation for a specified time in order to make the parasympathetic nerve dominant and deactivate the central nerve with respect to the autonomic nerve function. Since this operation is an operation that leads the user to a relaxed state, hereinafter, this operation is referred to as a “relaxation mode” operation.

  By performing the operation in the relax mode, the user seated on the chair 1 is guided to a relaxed state, and the heart rate and blood pressure decrease. Therefore, the operation of the relaxation mode is defined by time (that is, the relaxation mode is terminated at the specified time), and the pulsation is monitored by the pulsation sensor 7, and the relaxation state is judged by the trend of the heart rate (or pulse rate). Then, the operation of the relaxation mode may be terminated when the transition is made to the relaxed state. Alternatively, the length of the expiration period or the respiratory rate detected by the sensor processing unit 11 is measured based on the output of the respiratory sensor 3, and when the expiration period reaches a specified length, the operation in the relaxation mode is terminated. Is also possible.

  As other conditions for ending the relax mode, the relaxed state is monitored by the pulsation sensor 7 and a time limit is set. When it is estimated that the relaxed state has been reached within the time limit, You may make it complete | finish the operation | movement of relax mode at the time of expiration. In this case, if the user does not reach the relaxed state within the time limit, it is considered that the user was in a high tension state before using the refresh room Rm, so the relax mode is continued by changing conditions such as changing the video and sound. .

When the operation in the relax mode ends, the guidance control unit 10 shifts to an operation that induces respiration. Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as “respiration induction mode” operation. In the operation of the respiratory induction mode, the state in which the parasympathetic nerve is dominant in the autonomic nerve function is maintained, but the central nerve is activated by inducing respiration. In other words, the state is called a refreshed state (a state in which α ₂ waves that are fast components (10 to 13 Hz) in the α wave (8 to 13 Hz) in the electroencephalogram are expressed and the central nerve is active) or a state of concentration. Induce.

  In the breathing guidance mode, the video content providing unit 12 generates a guide graphic Im (see FIG. 3) whose shape changes according to the user's breath detected by the breathing sensor 5 as an index, and the screen of the video presentation device 2 The guide graphic Im is displayed so as to be superimposed on the image used in the relax mode displayed in FIG.

  The guide figure Im shown in FIG. 3 is configured as a set of a large number of cubic seed figures Is having a minute volume (in FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, the image is represented in two dimensions and the seed figure Is. Is described in a square shape). FIG. 3 shows the change in the position of the seed figure Is with time. Time passes from the upper left end to the lower side, and after reaching the lower end of the left column, the time goes from the upper end to the lower side of the central column. Elapsed, and after reaching the lower end of the center row, time passes from the upper end of the right row downward.

  In the illustrated example, the seed figure Is is a two-dimensional lattice (in the illustrated example, a square lattice in which the aspect ratio of the lattice is 1: 1, but the aspect ratio of the lattice may be appropriately set. When the inspiration period is detected from the state of being arranged on the grid points of the original grid, the induced figure Im expands, the seed figure Is is dispersed, and the distance between the seed figures Is increases (left column). reference). When the seed figure Is is dispersed, the seed figure Is is arranged in a random or random manner without being aligned. After that, when the expiration period starts, the seed figure Is starts to converge, and when the period defined as the target time of the expiration period ends, the seed figure Is is arranged on the lattice points of the original two-dimensional lattice. (Center row). A state in which the seed figure Is is in an ordered arrangement is referred to as a state in which the induced figure Im is completed.

  If the inspiration period of the user is started before the period defined as the target time is over, the seed figure Is does not align on the grid points of the two-dimensional grid, so that the guide figure Im reaches a completed state. Previously, the seed figure Is is dispersed again, and the user recognizes that the expiration period has not reached the period defined as the target time. On the other hand, when the expiration period of the user continues even after the period defined as the target time has ended, the state where the guide graphic Im is completed continues (right column), and the inspiration period starts next. Then, the seed figure Is starts to be dispersed again (lower right).

  The target time of the expiration period varies depending on the user's autonomic nervous function and the state of the central nervous system, and also varies depending on individual differences for each user. Therefore, it is desirable to set the target time at the beginning of the breathing induction mode based on the expiration period obtained from the output of the breathing sensor 5 during the relaxation mode. The target time of the expiration period is gradually increased in the period of the breath induction mode. However, an upper limit is set for the target time of the expiration period. It is desirable to determine the upper limit of the target time of the expiration period based on the expiration period measured during the relax mode as well as the target time at the beginning of the breath induction mode.

  In the period of the breath induction mode, the target time of the expiration period is gradually extended on the condition that the induction figure Im is completed. That is, the target time of the expiration period is set in a plurality of stages, and the final value that the target time should reach is defined. The final value is preferably set based on the breathing function of the user obtained from the output of the breathing sensor 5 during the relax mode period, but may be appropriately selected from a plurality of predefined values.

  In the present embodiment, when the induction figure Im is completed a plurality of times (for example, three times) continuously when the target time of the expiratory period is set to a certain value, the ratio that defines the target time of the expiratory period ( For example, 20%) or a specified time (for example, 1 second) is extended, and this procedure is repeated until the target time of the expiration period reaches the final value. However, if the final value of the target time is not reached within the predetermined time, the breathing induction mode is terminated.

  It should be noted that points are defined in the target time of the expiration period, the points defined in accordance with the target time are added when the guide graphic Im is completed, and the total points are displayed on the screen 8 at the end of the breath induction mode. It may be. If such points are displayed, the user can objectively recognize the degree of acquisition of the desired respiratory state, which is motivated to learn the respiratory state.

  In the above-described operation, in order for the user to complete the guide graphic Im, the user needs to adjust his / her breathing so that the expiration period is longer than the target time. Expecting satisfaction (or by the desire to complete the guide graphic Im), if the breathing time is extended, the expiration period is guided to the final value of the target time without being conscious Become.

  In addition, since the dispersion and convergence of the seed figure Is are performed in accordance with the user's breathing, even if the expiration period does not reach the target time, the induction figure Im is not completed, and It can be used continuously without interrupting the user's consciousness of adjusting the expiration period. Also, the target time is given only during the expiration period, and the inspiration period is free for the user, and even if a large amount of breath is exhaled to lengthen the expiration period, the necessary amount of air can be inhaled during the inspiration period. Therefore, it is possible to breathe more comfortably than when the target time is defined for both the expiration period and the inspiration period.

  As can be seen from the above-described operation, the guidance control unit 10 passes through the video content providing unit 12, the acoustic content providing unit 13, and the illumination control unit 14 to provide respiratory information presentation means (video presentation device 2, acoustic presentation device 3, illumination device 4. ) Together with the respiration information indicating the change in the respiration state, and the achievement of the target time is also presented to function as guidance control means for inducing the user's respiration to a predetermined respiration state. In addition, using the guidance figure Im as an index, the guidance figure Im indicating the user's breathing information detected by the breathing sensor 5 is expressed by convergence and dispersion of the seed figure Is constituting the guidance figure Im and guided to a predetermined breathing state. The goal is achieved by the completion of the guide graphic Im as an indicator (that is, the indicator is in a prescribed state). All you have to do is check the change in state and adjust the expiration period to achieve your goal, and you will be guided to a defined respiratory state.

  By the way, in the breathing guidance mode, the acoustic content providing unit 13 and the illumination control unit 14 are controlled in synchronization with the dispersion and convergence of the guiding figure Im. Specifically, in the breathing induction mode, the sound content providing unit 13 outputs a sound resembling a breathing sound from the speaker 9, and the illumination control unit 14 changes the light output of the rhythm lamp 23. In other words, these sounds and lights are used as an index to present the achievement of a goal related to at least one of breathing state change and breathing time and quantity (that is, a goal that leads to a predetermined breathing state). Function.

  The sound provided by the sound content providing unit 13 is processed with white noise to generate a sound that resembles the expiration sound and the inspiration sound (filtering the white noise to change the frequency characteristics of the expiration sound and the inspiration sound) For example, the expiratory sound includes a frequency component higher than that of the inspiratory sound), and a sound similar to the expiratory sound is output from the speaker 9 from the start of the expiratory period, and inhaled from the start of the inspiratory period A sound resembling the sound is output from the speaker 9. Here, if the position of the sound image is moved, it is possible to enhance the user's immersive feeling for breathing and enhance the effect of inducing breathing.

  For example, the volume of the front and rear speakers 9 (amplification rate of the audio signal) is adjusted so that the sound image moves from the front to the rear during the inspiration period and the sound image moves from the rear to the front during the expiration period. To do. By moving the sound image back and forth as described above, it is possible to give the user a feeling of drawing air when inhaling and to give the user a feeling of sending out air when exhaling. Therefore, when the expiration period has reached the target time, the sound image may move from the rear to the front of the user, and the sound heard from the rear may be heard from the front. Alternatively, when the expiration period reaches the target time, another sound (for example, a sound “pololone”) may be output. In this way, the specific position of the specific sound or sound image represents that the target relating to respiration has been achieved by the indicator being in a prescribed state.

  Further, when the sound image is located behind the user, the width of the sound image in the left-right direction may be widened, and when the sound image is located in front of the user, the width of the sound image in the left-right direction may be narrowed. Such control can be realized by the arrangement of the speakers 9 (an arrangement in which the left and right intervals of the front speakers 9 are narrower than the left and right intervals of the rear speakers 9), but the phase of the audio signal input to the speakers 9 is controlled. It may be realized by doing.

  Note that it is not essential that the sound provided by the acoustic content providing unit 13 be a sound that resembles an exhalation sound or an inspiration sound, and may be a sound that indicates the start of the expiration period and the inspiration period. However, using sounds resembling exhalation sounds and inspiration sounds can increase the arousal effect because the user can concentrate their consciousness without making the user feel uncomfortable.

  In addition, the illumination control unit 14 increases the light output of the rhythm lamp 23 with the passage of time in the inspiration period, and decreases the light output of the rhythm lamp 23 with the passage of time in the expiration period. Therefore, it is possible to produce a feeling that the lungs expand or contract due to breathing by changing the amount of light, so that the user can feel immersive and concentrate on breathing.

  Here, not only the rhythm lamp 23 but also the overall lamp 21 and the spot lamp 22 may be adjusted in synchronization with the rhythm lamp 23 to adjust the light output. Further, the luminance of the image displayed on the screen 8 of the video presentation device 2 by the video content providing unit 12 may be changed in accordance with the change in the light output of the rhythm lamp 23. When using such lighting to indicate that the goal has been achieved in the expiration period, the room may be darkened from a bright state. Furthermore, the light distribution by the lighting device 4 may be changed with the movement of the sound image by the acoustic presentation device 3. For example, the position having the maximum illuminance may be associated with the position of the sound image by configuring the whole lamp 21 with multiple lamps or using the movable spot lamp 22. That is, it is possible to indicate that the target has been achieved by using the light quantity, light color, and light emission position as indices, and these indices are in a specific state.

  When presenting that the goal has been achieved by sound or lighting, the above-mentioned technology does not allow the user to clearly perceive that the expiration period has reached the target time, so the expiration period has reached the target time. In order to inform the user that the target time has been reached in addition to the breathing sound during the expiration period, or when the target time is reached, the overall light 21, spot light 22, and rhythm light 23 At least one lighting state (including light color) may be changed, or a separate indicator lamp may be lit.

  By the above-described operation, an index for guiding to a predetermined respiratory state is presented to the user, and the respiratory information of the user is indicated by the index. With this function, the user is not simply aware of breathing, but the breathing information is explicitly perceived visually and auditorily, and as a result, it becomes easy to induce the intention to reach the target state of breathing. In other words, the perception of breathing and the induction of breathing are seamlessly performed, so that it is possible to guide the user's breathing information (breathing state change) to a target state unreasonably and unconsciously.

  As described above, it is possible to seamlessly present to the user the target regarding at least one of the change in breathing state of the user and the time and amount of breathing. The user is guided to a predetermined breathing state simply by adjusting the breathing so that the index is in a prescribed state while confirming the change of the respiration rate by the change of the index.

  That is, since the change in the index represents the change in the breathing state of the user, the user does not need to be aware of the change in the index, and the target is changed when the index changes and reaches the specified state. Just check whether it is achieved or not, and you will be guided to a defined respiratory state. In other words, it is guided to the target breathing state just by breathing while confirming the change of the indicator while keeping the indicator in a specified state, and with a small sense of achievement, it gives the brain pleasure and activates it as desired. It is possible to guide to the breathing state without difficulty.

  Regardless of the type of perception to be stimulated and specific contents, the above-described operation can be considered as shown in FIG. 4 as a change in information that gives stimulation in the inspiration period and the expiration period. FIG. 4 shows information A that mainly expresses expiration and information B that mainly expresses inspiration. Only information A is presented at the start of the inspiration period, and information is displayed as time passes in the inspiration period. The ratio of B is increased. Further, only the information B is presented at the start of the expiration period, and the ratio of the information A is increased with the passage of time in the expiration period.

  In the example described above, the information A corresponds to, for example, a state in which the seed figure Is is aligned in the guidance figure Im, and the information B corresponds to, for example, a state in which the seed figure Is is most dispersed in the guidance figure Im. In this way, the inspiration period and the expiration period can be expressed as different information A and B by the same type of stimulation, and the information indicating the inspiration period and the expiration period can be given continuity. In FIG. 4, the ratio between the information B and the information A is not changed until the next inspiration period is started after the expiration time of the target period has elapsed. This operation corresponds to a state in which the position of the seed figure Is does not change as in the right column in FIG.

  In the operation example of FIG. 4, the end point of the expiration period is the start point of the inhalation period. However, if the expiration period continues after the target time, information is transferred during the transition from the expiration period to the inspiration period. Since the change is started after the state where A does not change continues for a while, a discontinuity may be given. That is, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, the seed figure Is is moved in the direction of convergence before reaching the target time in the expiration period, and the seed figure Is moves after reaching the target time in the expiration period. Thus, the state where the shape of the guiding figure Im is not deformed continues. At this time, sound and lighting are not changed after the target time is reached. In this way, the discontinuity is caused by continuing the period in which the change stops.

  In order to suppress the discontinuity, an operation of starting the change of the information A from the time when the target time is reached can be employed. However, in this operation, since the operation proceeds to the operation of the inhalation period regardless of the expiration period, the user may feel uncomfortable if the expiration period continues for a long time after reaching the target time.

  Therefore, after reaching the target time in the expiration period, it is desirable to further deform the shape of the guide graphic Im until the start of the inspiration period. For example, in the period after reaching the target time in the expiration period, as shown in the right column of FIG. 5, as the time passes, the left and right width dimensions of the seed figure Is are reduced and the left and right sides of the seed figure Is The guiding figure Im is changed so as to reduce the interval. In addition to this deformation, the luminance may be reduced with the passage of time. Alternatively, after reaching the target time, the upper and lower parts of the completed guiding figure Im are deformed so as to be twisted with the passage of time, or the middle part in the vertical direction of the guiding figure Im with the passage of time. It may be deformed so that it is constricted.

  In any case, it is ensured that the deformation of the guide figure Im does not stop even after the target time is achieved, and that the target time has been reached by changing the deformation rules before and after reaching the target time. Users can be made aware. In addition to changing the shape of the guiding figure Im (overall shape and movement of the seed figure Is), a configuration in which the color of the seed figure Is is changed (white → yellow → green, etc.) may be adopted.

  In the above example, the sensor processing unit 11 detects the inspiration period and the expiration period using the output of the respiration sensor 5 and the target time of the expiration period is defined by the duration of the expiration period. The expiratory volume during the expiratory period may be detected and the target of the expiratory period may be defined by the target amount of the expiratory volume during the expiratory period. Moreover, what is necessary is just to show a user whether the expiration | expired_air volume reached target amount similarly to the above-mentioned operation example.

  Furthermore, since the expiratory volume changes with the passage of time, the video, sound, and illumination may be controlled to indicate the change in the expiratory volume. For example, in the case of an image, the guide graphic Im is deformed so as to shrink with the passage of time (that is, in the lung, as in the deformation pattern of the guide graphic Im after the target time shown in FIG. 5 is reached). The decrease in the air amount is associated with the guidance graphic Im), and the guidance graphic Im may be erased when the expiration amount reaches the target amount.

  If it is a sound, gradually decrease the volume as the expiratory volume increases during the expiratory period (that is, associate the decrease in the air volume in the lungs with the volume), and turn off the sound when the expiratory volume reaches the target volume Good. For lighting, a plurality of lighting fixtures are arranged, and the light output is gradually reduced with the increase of the expiratory volume during the expiratory period, and some lights are turned off when the expiratory volume reaches the target amount. Just do it. Alternatively, lighting that can change the emission color by color mixing or the like is used, and the light color is gradually changed as the expiration amount increases during the expiration period. When the expiration amount reaches the target amount, a specific light color is obtained. To control.

  As described above, when the user sits on the chair 1 in the refresh room Rm and the operation in the relax mode is started, the user is dominant in the parasympathetic nerve and the central nerve is inactive in the autonomic nerve function. Induced to relax. After that, the operation in the breathing guidance mode that regulates breathing is started, and the user's parasympathetic nerve is dominant in the autonomic nerve function by being guided by the video, sound, and lighting so that the expiration period of the user reaches the target time. And is induced to a concentrated state in which the central nerve is active. Therefore, after using the refresh room Rm, the user is awakened in brain function.

  In the case of presenting an image with a guide graphic as an index, breathing is induced while the user is awake by giving a visual index. As a result, if the breathing state to be induced is deep breathing in a breathing method such as yoga or zazen, it is possible to induce the central nervous system to an active state (so-called concentrated state or refreshed state).

  In addition, when a sound is presented as an index, it is possible to guide the user to a desired respiratory state by giving an auditory index even when the user is closed. As a result, it is possible to induce respiration during sleep or to induce respiration during self-hypnosis.

  When light is presented as an index, the stimulation is weaker than when an image based on a guidance graphic is presented as an index, and the user can be guided to a predetermined respiratory state without giving a sense of tension.

  In addition, by inducing the user into a relaxed state and then inducing a concentration state, the induction of respiration is started by reducing stress compared to inducing respiration from a stress state where sympathetic nerves are dominant. It is thought that the concentration state can be reached in a short time. Therefore, when the sympathetic nerve is dominant and the brain function related to memory and thought is reduced, the brain function related to memory and thought is activated by using the refresh room Rm in a short time. Is possible.

  Just as the time limit is set in the relax mode, the time limit is also set in the breath induction mode, and if the expiration period does not reach the target time within the time limit, the time limit expires. The breathing induction mode is also terminated.

  In the above configuration example, the chair 1 on which the user is seated is arranged in the refresh room Rm, but a bed may be used instead of the chair 1. Further, in the configuration example described above, the speaker 9 is arranged so as to surround the chair 1 so that a sound image can be formed at an arbitrary position in the refresh room Rm. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the position of the sound image is controlled in a pseudo manner by arranging the position and controlling the phase and frequency characteristics of the acoustic signal applied to the speaker 9. If this technology is adopted, the number of speakers 9 can be reduced, and the refresh room Rm can be reduced in size. Alternatively, by arranging the speaker 9 on the chair 1, it is possible to save the space for arranging the speaker 9.

  The guide graphic Im can be configured by using a seed figure Is having a different shape such as a string in addition to a structure using a minute seed figure Is. In addition, the state in which the image is distorted or out of focus is handled in the same manner as the state in which the seed figure Is is dispersed, and the guidance figure Im is completed in the state where the image is not distorted or in focus. You may make it handle as a state.

  As breathing information presentation means for presenting breathing information to the user in the breathing guidance mode, visual means (screen 8 of video presentation device 2, overall light 21 of lighting device 4, spot light 22, rhythm light 23), sound Although the target means (speaker 9 of the sound presentation device 3) has been exemplified, it is also possible to constitute a breathing information presentation means for stimulating sensory organs other than eyes and ears. For example, a change in temperature or contact with the skin may be used. When using a temperature change, a blowing device for warm air and cold air may be provided, and the blowing temperature may be changed during the expiration period and the inspiration period. When using contact with the skin, the contact pressure may be changed during the expiration period and the inspiration period, or the temperature of the contact part may be changed.

2 Video presentation device (breathing information presentation means)
3 sound presentation device (breathing information presentation means)
4 lighting device (breathing information presentation means)
5 Respiration sensor 10 Guidance control unit

Claims (7)

A breathing information presentation means for presenting breathing information indicating a change in the breathing state of the user;
A breathing confirmation system comprising: means for controlling the presented breathing information as a shape change while a plurality of seed figures are dispersed and converged. A breathing information presentation means for presenting breathing information indicating a change in the breathing state of the user;
Means for controlling the presented breathing information as a change in position of a sound image.   The respiration confirmation system according to claim 1, further comprising a respiration sensor that detects respiration of the user. Detecting a user's respiration with a respiration sensor;
A step of expressing respiration information indicating a change in respiration state detected by the respiration sensor as a change in shape during dispersion and convergence of a plurality of seed figures presented to the respiration information presenting means. Respiratory confirmation method. Detecting a user's respiration with a respiration sensor;
Expressing the respiratory information indicating the respiratory state change detected by the respiratory sensor as a positional change of a sound image presented to the respiratory information presenting means. A function of presenting breathing information indicating a change in the breathing state of the user to the breathing information presenting means;
The computer implement | achieves the function which controls the said respiration information shown as a shape change between a some seed figure performing dispersion | distribution and convergence. A function of presenting breathing information indicating a change in the breathing state of the user to the breathing information presenting means;
The program which implement | achieves the function which controls the said respiration information shown as a position change of a sound image with a computer.

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