JP2010022555A - Stimulus control system using respiratory sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stimulus control system for determining small changes of a user's health condition or mental states and generating a variety of stimuli according to the result of determination. <P>SOLUTION: The stimulus control system includes: a respiration sensing device 270 including a gas sensor for measuring many kinds of specific gas density; stimulus generators 278, 280, 282, 284, and 286 for generating stimuli to a subject 32 to be measured; a health condition determination part 272 for determining the health condition of the subject 32 to be measured by concentration measured value of a plurality of specific gas components measured by the gas sensor; and a control unit 274 for controlling operation of the stimulus generator according to a method for adjusting stimulus determined by the health condition determination part 272. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a stimulus control system for olfactory or auditory sense, and more particularly, to a stimulus control system that performs control according to the use situation, such as giving a relaxation effect and sometimes stimulating tension according to the physical condition and psychological situation of the user. .

  Reactive oxygen is necessary and beneficial to the body for self-protection when it is produced in an appropriate amount in the human body. However, if it is produced in excess, it will attack your normal tissues like bacteria or foreign bodies, causing many obstacles and causing various diseases. When excessive active oxygen is generated, it becomes oxidative stress, damages lipids, proteins, enzymes and DNA, and easily induces diseases, aging, cancer and lifestyle-related diseases.

  In addition, the modern society is in an environment where excessive amounts of active oxygen are generated in the body, such as pollution gases, automobile exhaust, food, stress, and tobacco.

  In this connection, a healthy and comfortable indoor environment is achieved by releasing substances that have antioxidative effects into the air and taking them into the body by breathing, or reducing the indoor oxidizing substances through the air to clean them. A technique for providing the above is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  Also, in the modern society surrounded by various stresses, there is an increasing tendency to seek relaxation effects or so-called healing effects, and there are various products such as air purifiers with a function to give relaxation effects and small robots for healing purposes. It has been released.

In the field of games and the like, there is a tendency to demand more advanced stimulation. A controller that has a vibration unit and gives vibration stimulation in accordance with the situation and development of the game has been released, and there is a movement to further enhance the fun of the game by using various stimuli.
JP 2003-97826 A

  The interest in health is increasing day by day, and there is a need for a method for measuring one's own health condition or psychological condition by a simple method. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for stimuli that have healing and relaxing effects according to their own conditions.

  In the amusement field such as games, various stimuli such as voice or vibration are used to give a sense of tension or frustration according to development. In the future, there will also be movements in game development with higher entertainment characteristics, such as measuring the player's own psychological state and reflecting the reflection while giving stimulation in accordance with the scene and situation of the game.

  However, the technique of Patent Document 1 is not suitable from the viewpoint of giving various kinds of stimuli.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a stimulus control system that can determine a minute change in a user's physical condition or psychological situation and generate various stimuli according to the determination result.

  The stimulus control system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a gas sensor for measuring the concentration of a specific gas component, a stimulus generating means for generating a stimulus for a living organism, and the concentration of the specific gas component measured by the gas sensor. A determination means for determining how to adjust the stimulus according to the measured value; and a control means for controlling the operation of the stimulus generation means according to the stimulus adjustment method determined by the determination means; including.

  This stimulus control system can determine how to adjust a stimulus to a living organism based on a measurement value of a gas sensor that measures the concentration of a specific gas component, and can control generation of the stimulus. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a stimulus control system that can determine a minute change in the state of the organism and can generate various stimuli for the organism according to the determination result.

  Preferably, the gas sensor includes an exhalation sensor for measuring a concentration of a specific gas component contained in exhalation of a living organism. The determination means includes means for determining how to adjust the stimulus by determining the psychological state of the organism based on the concentration measurement value of the specific gas component measured by the breath sensor.

  By using a breath sensor and measuring the concentration of a specific gas component contained in the breath of a living organism, the psychological state of the living organism can be determined. Based on the determination result, it is determined how to adjust the stimulus, and the generation of the stimulus is controlled. As a result, a stimulus suitable for the psychological state of the organism can be generated.

  More preferably, the means for determining is that the organism is in a fatigue state depending on whether or not the ethane concentration measured by the breath sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold and the pentane concentration measured by the breath sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold. Means for determining whether or not.

  More preferably, the means for determining is that the organism is in a stress state depending on whether the ethane concentration measured by the breath sensor is less than the threshold value and the pentane concentration measured by the breath sensor is less than or equal to the threshold value. Means for determining whether or not.

  Whether the organism is in a fatigued state or whether the organism is in a stressed state by comparing the ethane concentration and pentane concentration measured by the breath sensor with the threshold values provided for each gas. It can be determined whether or not. When the organism is in a fatigued state or in a stressed state, the organism can be relaxed, for example, by generating a stimulus that relieves the state.

  More preferably, the means for determining is whether or not one of the conditions that the ethane concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than the threshold and the pentane concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than the threshold is satisfied. Includes means for determining whether the organism is in tension.

  Whether the organism is in tension can be determined based on whether the ethane concentration measured by the breath sensor exceeds a threshold value or the measured pentane concentration exceeds the threshold value. If the organism is in tension, it can be relaxed, or it can be in a state of increasing tension.

  Preferably, the gas sensor includes an exhalation sensor for measuring a concentration of a specific gas component contained in exhalation of a living organism. The determination means includes a means for determining how to adjust the stimulus by determining the health state of the organism based on the concentration measurement value of the specific gas component measured by the breath sensor.

  By using a breath sensor and measuring the concentration of a specific gas component contained in the breath of a living organism, the health state of the living organism can be determined. Based on the determination result, it is determined how to adjust the stimulus, and the generation of the stimulus is controlled. As a result, it is possible to generate a stimulus suitable for the health state of the organism.

  More preferably, the means for determining is a means for determining whether or not the organism has a possibility of gastrointestinal disease based on whether or not the hydrogen concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value. including.

  It is possible to determine whether or not the organism has a gastrointestinal disorder such as indigestion depending on whether or not the hydrogen concentration measured by the breath sensor exceeds a preset threshold value. If there is a possibility of, for example, it is possible to generate a stimulus that relieves pain caused by gastrointestinal diseases.

  More preferably, the determination means satisfies any of the following conditions: the nitric oxide concentration measured by the breath sensor is not less than a threshold value, and the carbon monoxide concentration measured by the breath sensor is not less than the threshold value. Means for determining whether the organism has a possibility of lung disease, depending on whether or not

  Whether the organism has a potential for pulmonary diseases such as asthma, depending on whether the nitric oxide concentration measured by the breath sensor exceeded the threshold or the measured carbon monoxide concentration exceeded the threshold Therefore, if there is a possibility of pulmonary disease, for example, a stimulus that relieves symptoms of pulmonary disease can be generated.

  Preferably, the means for determining includes means for determining whether or not the organism has a metabolic abnormality depending on whether the acetone concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value. Including.

  Depending on whether or not the acetone concentration measured by the breath sensor exceeds a threshold, it can be determined whether or not the organism has a metabolic abnormality. It is possible to generate a predetermined stimulus that is considered effective for alleviating metabolic abnormalities.

  More preferably, the means for determining is a means for determining whether or not the organism has drunk depending on whether or not the alcohol concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value. including.

  Depending on whether or not the alcohol concentration measured by the breath sensor exceeds a threshold value, it can be determined whether or not the organism has drunk. It is possible to generate a predetermined stimulus that is considered to be effective for alleviating the adverse effects caused by.

  More preferably, the means for determining is for determining whether or not the organism may have smoked depending on whether or not the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Including means.

  Depending on whether or not the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the breath sensor exceeds a threshold value, it can be determined whether or not the organism may have smoked. It is possible to generate a predetermined stimulus that is considered effective for alleviating the adverse effects of smoking.

  More preferably, the gas sensor includes a gas sensor for measuring concentrations of a plurality of types of specific gas components. The determination means includes means for determining how to adjust the stimulus based on the concentration measurement values of a plurality of types of specific gas components measured by the gas sensor.

  An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the stimulation control system described above.

  This air conditioner may include a scent generating means for generating a predetermined scent as the stimulus generating means.

  The air conditioner determines whether the measurer is in a fatigue state or a stress state by measuring the concentration of a specific gas component in the exhalation. The air conditioner can control the stimulus generating means according to the determination result, and can give the measurer an olfactory stimulus having a relaxing or refreshing effect.

  A game machine according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the stimulus control system described above.

  This game machine has a scent generating means for generating a predetermined scent as a stimulus generating means, a sound generating means for generating a predetermined sound, a blowing means for generating wind as a stimulus, and a water droplet as a stimulus. Any of a water droplet discharge means for performing vibration and a vibration generating means for vibrating as a stimulus, or any combination thereof may be included.

  This game machine determines whether or not the measurer is in a tension state by measuring the concentration of a specific gas component in exhaled breath. The game machine controls the stimulus generation means in accordance with the determination result of the measurer, gives a stimulus that makes the measurer more nervous, and can further enhance the interest of the game.

  A robot according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the above-described stimulus control system.

  This robot is an arbitrary combination of a scent generating means for emitting a predetermined scent, a sound generating means for generating a predetermined sound, and a facial expression operating means for performing a predetermined facial expression and action as a stimulus generating means. May be included.

  This robot determines the presence or absence of a physical condition of the measurer and the health condition such as smoking and drinking by measuring the concentration of a specific gas component in exhaled breath. The robot controls the stimulus generating means according to the determination result, and can give a stimulus such as an action and a voice that cares about the physical condition to the measurer.

  As described above, according to the present stimulus control system, the psychological state or health state of a living organism can be determined based on the measurement value of an expiration sensor that measures the concentration of a specific gas component in expiration. In addition, it is possible to determine how to adjust the stimulus in consideration of them and to control the stimulus generating means. As a result, it is possible to make a detailed determination of the physical condition or psychological state of a living thing, and it is possible to generate various stimuli according to the determination result. In addition, it is possible to monitor how the state of the organism has changed due to the stimulus, and it is possible to provide feedback so that the state of the organism becomes a preferable state.

  In the present invention, each embodiment described below uses an exhalation sensing device to determine the physical condition or psychological state of a user. The breath sensing device includes a gas sensor that detects the concentration of a specific chemical substance in a sample gas and outputs a concentration signal. The gas sensor includes a sensing element made of a carbon nanostructure that is surface-modified with a substance that adsorbs a specific chemical substance, and a resistance detection circuit that detects a change in resistance of the sensing element and outputs it as a concentration signal.

  When the surface of a carbon nanostructure is modified with a substance that adsorbs a specific chemical substance, the electrical resistance between the two ends of the sensing element made of the carbon nanostructure is reduced according to the amount of adsorption of the specific chemical substance Change. As a result, a specific gas in the sample gas can be selectively detected even at a low concentration, and it can be used to determine a fine change in physical condition or psychological state of the measurer.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
−Configuration−
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner 30 including a stimulation control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 30 determines the psychological state of the measurer 32 from the measurement result of the detection device 40 and the breath measurement, and releases a scent having a relaxing effect and a refreshing effect according to the determination result. And an indoor unit 48 having

  The detection device 40 is connected to the breath sensing device 42 having a gas sensor used in the breath measurement of the measurer 32, and an interface 44 for converting the measurement result of the breath sensing device 42 into transmission data. And a transmission unit 46 connected to the interface 44 for transmitting the converted data to the indoor unit 48 by infrared.

  The indoor unit 48 is connected to the receiving unit 50 for receiving various signals including the breath measurement signal transmitted from the detection device 40 and supplying the signals to the biological information processing unit 52 as an electrical signal. A living body information processing unit 52 for reading out breath measurement data from the electrical signal, and connected to the living body information processing unit 52, determines a psychological state of the measurer from the breath measurement data and gives a signal indicating the psychological state to the control unit 56 Connected to the psychological state determination unit 54 and the psychological state determination unit 54, connected to the control unit 56, which controls the release of the fragrance according to the signal from the psychological state determination unit 54, A fragrance release unit 58 for releasing a refreshing fragrance according to the control of the control unit 56, and a fragrance for connecting the control unit 56 and releasing a relaxed fragrance according to the control of the control unit 56. And a detecting section 60.

  The measurer 32 blows the breath on the breath sensing device 42 of the detection device 40 and performs the breath measurement.

  2A, 2B, and 2C are a front view, a left side view, and a view from above of the detection device 40, respectively. Referring to FIG. 2, in addition to the expiration sensing device 42, the detection device 40 further includes an expiration measurement button 70 operated by the user to start the expiration measurement, and the expiration sensing device 42 formed on the back surface and both side surfaces. Exhaust portions 82, 84, 86, and an exhalation introduction portion 88.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the detection device 40 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 3, an expiration sensing device 42 is provided inside the detection device casing 72 of the detection device 40.

  The breath sensing device 42 is a hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 80, provided on an end surface of the casing 80, an breath introduction section 88 for introducing breath into the internal space of the casing 80, and breath introduction of the casing 80. And exhaust portions 82, 84, and 86 that are provided on the end surface opposite to the end surface on which the portion is provided and on both side surfaces and that are provided with check valves that discharge the gas in the internal space of the housing 80.

  The breath sensing device 42 is further formed in the housing 80 and is a partition having openings 116 and 118 formed in the center for separating the internal space of the housing 80 into three small chambers 130, 132 and 134, respectively. Members 112 and 114, and selectively permeable membranes 120 and 122, which are provided on the side of the chambers 132 and 134 of the openings 116 and 118, respectively, and selectively transmit only specific gas components in the exhaled breath. The exhalation introduction part 88 and the exhaust part 82 open into the small chamber 130. The exhaust part 84 opens into the small chamber 134, and the exhaust part 86 opens into the small chamber 132.

  Specifically, the selectively permeable membranes 120 and 122 include polysulfone, cellulose acetate, polyimide, poly-4-methylpentene, silicon rubber, a polymer material such as polycarbonate, a metal that adsorbs a specific component such as palladium, and these Among the composite materials, those that improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the specific gas component detection by the gas sensor element 150 described later are selected. For example, a material that transmits a specific gas component detected by the gas sensor element 150 or a material that does not transmit a substance that hinders detection of the specific gas component.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the selectively permeable membrane 120 transmits only ethane in the exhaled breath and the selectively permeable membrane 122 transmits only the pentane in the exhaled breath. The permselective membranes 120 and 122 may transmit normal gas (nitrogen, oxygen, etc.) in exhaled air in addition to the specific gas component described above.

  The breath sensing device 42 further includes a sensor substrate 100 disposed in the small chamber 132 between the opening 116 and the exhaust portion 86, a heater 104 provided on a surface facing the opening 116 of the sensor substrate 100, The sensor 108 for measuring the ethane concentration, which is disposed at a position facing the opening 116, the sensor substrate 102 disposed in the small chamber 134 between the opening 118 and the exhaust part 84, and the sensor substrate 102. The heater 106 provided on the surface facing the opening 118, the sensor 110 for measuring the pentane concentration disposed on the heater 106, that is, the position facing the opening 118, and the openings 116 and 118 in the small chamber 130. And a reflector 124 for reflecting the exhaled air introduced into the small chamber 130 from the exhalation introducing unit 88. .

  The sensors 108 and 110 used in the breath sensing device 42 can selectively adsorb specific gas components. Each of the sensors 108 and 110 includes a gas sensor element made of a carbon nanotube (hereinafter referred to as “CNT”).

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the gas sensor element 150. Referring to FIG. 4, the gas sensor element 150 generally includes a sensing unit 152 made of a carbon nanostructure surface-modified with a specific molecule, and electrodes 154 and 156 disposed at both ends of the sensing unit 152. Including.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows the surface modification in the sensing unit 152. Referring to FIG. 5, sensing unit 152 includes a CNT structure 158 and a molecule 160 of a specific substance corresponding to the detection target gas fixed on the surface of CNT structure 158 (here, metal 160 is a metal as molecule 160). Although the molecular structure of phthalocyanine is illustrated, molecule 160 is not limited to metal phthalocyanine).

  For example, when the surface of the carbon nanostructure is modified with Cu phthalocyanine, the pentane in the breath is adsorbed by the Cu phthalocyanine. As a result, as described above, the electrical resistance of the carbon nanostructure changes. The amount of change varies depending on the amount of pentane molecules adsorbed on the carbon nanostructure surface. Therefore, the concentration of pentane in exhaled breath can be detected by observing a change in resistance value when a current is passed through the sensing unit 152.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a measurement circuit 170 for measuring a resistance change of the gas sensor element 150 provided in both the sensors 108 and 110. Referring to FIG. 6, measurement circuit 170 includes constant voltage source 172, gas sensor element 150 and load resistor 174 connected in series between both ends of constant voltage source 172, and contact points of gas sensor element 150 and load resistor 174. And an amplifier 176 for amplifying the potential change at this contact. The electrode 154 of the gas sensor element 150 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the positive terminal of the constant voltage source 172, and the electrode 156 is connected to the load resistor 174 and the amplifier. The resistance value of the load resistor 174 is known. By measuring the potential at the connection point of the gas sensor element 150 and the load resistor 174, it is possible to know the change in the electrical resistance of the gas sensor element 150, and thus the concentration of the specific gas component adsorbed on the gas sensor element 150 can be known. .

  FIG. 7 shows a program executed by the control unit 56 when the reception unit 50 receives a signal from the detection device 40, determines the psychological state of the measurer 32, and operates the indoor unit 48 according to the determination result. It is a figure showing a control structure in the flowchart format. In this program, the psychological state is determined and the indoor unit 48 is controlled as follows.

  This process uses the gas concentrations of ethane and pentane in the exhaled breath. In the exhaled gas component, a specific component is generated or its amount is changed due to an indication of something that is likely to become a disease or a disease that is already suffering from the disease. Both ethane and pentane used for controlling the operation of the air conditioner are used as indicators of oxidative stress, and the psychological state can be determined from the measured values of these gas concentrations.

The measured ethane gas concentration in the exhaled breath is C ₁ , the pentane gas concentration is C ₂ (both units are ppb),
(1) When the _{C 1} ≧ 1 (ppb) and _{C 2} ≧ 10 (ppb), measurer 32 determines that the fatigue state, releases the refresh fragrance from fragrance emitting unit 58.

(2) When C ₁ <1 (ppb) and C ₂ ≦ 10 (ppb), it is determined that the measurer 32 is in a stress state, and the relaxing fragrance is released from the fragrance release unit 60.

  (3) When neither of the relations (1) and (2) is satisfied, it is determined that the measurer 32 is neither in a stress state nor in a fatigue state, and the release of the fragrance from the fragrance release sections 58 and 60 is stopped. To do.

This program is activated when the receiving unit 50 receives a signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 46. Referring to FIG. 7, the program, the ethane concentration _{C 1} pentane concentration _{C 2} reading step S100 to the exhalation measured from the received signal, following the step S100, is ethane concentration _{C 1} is 1 (ppb) or more it is judged whether or not the execution step S101 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination, if the ethane concentration C ₁ is determined to be 1 (ppb) or more at the step S101 (case of YES) is, pentane concentration C ₂ is equal to or a 10 (ppb) or more, and a step S102 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination.

The program further includes ethane concentration _{C 1} at step S101 is executed to one (in the case of NO) when it is determined not to be (ppb) or more, whether pentane concentration _{C 2} is 10 (ppb) or less determined, determination step S103 for branching control flow depending on the result, if the pentane concentration _{C 2} is determined not to be 10 (ppb) or less in step S103, or pentane concentration _{C 2} at step S102 Is determined to be not more than 10 (ppb) (in the case of NO), it is determined whether any of the fragrance release units 58 and 60 is performing the fragrance release operation, and the determination result Accordingly, it is determined in step S104 that the control flow is branched, and in step S104, one of the fragrance release units 58 and 60 is performing the fragrance release operation. If this is the case (YES), the control unit 56 includes a step S107 for issuing a fragrance release stop instruction to the fragrance release units 58 and 60.

The program further, is executed when the pentane concentration C ₂ at step S102 is determined to be 10 (ppb) or more (in the case of YES), the operation to release the refresh fragrance to a fragrance emitting portion 58 and step S105 to instruct, pentane concentration _{C 2} at step S103 is executed when it is determined that the 10 (ppb) or less (in the case of YES), the release of relaxing fragrance to a fragrance emitting portion 60 And step S106 for issuing an operation instruction.

  When it is determined in step S104 that neither of the fragrance release units 58 and 60 is performing the fragrance release operation (in the case of NO), the program ends. Execution is also terminated after executing any of step S105, step S106, and step S107.

-Operation-
The air conditioner 30 operates as follows.

  First, the measurer 32 presses the expiration measurement button 70 to start measurement preparation.

  After the measurement preparation is completed, the measurer blows into the breath sensing device 42 and performs measurement.

  The result measured by the breath sensing device 42 is converted into transmission data by the interface 44 and transmitted from the transmission unit 46 to the reception unit 50 of the indoor unit 48.

  The criteria for the psychological state determination of the psychological state determination unit 54 and the operation determination of the control unit 56 in the indoor unit 48 are as described above.

  When it is determined that the measurer 32 is in a stressed state, a fragrance having a relaxing action is released. As a relaxing fragrance, there are orange scent, lavender scent, peach scent and herb scent.

  When it is determined that the measurer 32 is in a fatigued state, a refreshing fragrance is released. Refreshing fragrances include grapefruit scent, lime scent, lemon scent and mint scent.

  When it is determined that the psychological state is neither a stress state nor a fatigue state, the release of the fragrance is stopped.

  In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 30 can determine the psychological state of the measurer 32 by performing exhalation measurement with the exhalation sensing device 42 using a gas sensor capable of measuring a specific gas component concentration. When it is determined that the measurer 32 is in a stressed state, the relaxed fragrance is released, and when it is determined that the measurer 32 is in a fatigued state, the indoor environment is adjusted by releasing the refreshed fragrance, and the psychological state of the measurer is taken into consideration. An olfactory stimulus with a relaxed or refreshing action can be given.

[Second Embodiment]
−Configuration−
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game machine 200 including a stimulus control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, game machine 200 has a function of determining a psychological state of a measurer from detection device 210 and data of breath measurement, and giving various stimuli to measurer 32 according to the determination result. Main body 220.

  The detection device 210 is connected to the breath sensing device 42 having a gas sensor used for the breath measurement of the measurer 32, and an interface 214 for converting the measurement result of the breath sensing device 42 into transmission data. And a transmission unit 216 that is connected to the interface 214 and transmits infrared data of the converted data to the game machine main body 220.

  The game machine main body 220 receives various signals including the breath measurement signal transmitted from the detection device 210 and is connected to the reception unit 222 and the reception unit 222 for receiving the signals as an electrical signal to the biological information processing unit 224. A biometric information processing unit 224 for reading out exhalation measurement data from the obtained electrical signal, and a psychology for being connected to the biometric information processing unit 224 for determining the psychological state of the measurer from the exhalation measurement data and providing a signal to the control unit 228 It includes a state determination unit 226 and a control unit 228 that is connected to the psychological state determination unit 226 and controls generation of the following stimuli.

  The game machine main body 220 is further connected to the control unit 228, and in accordance with the control of the control unit 228, the image processing unit 234 for displaying many attack scenes that increase tension during the game, and the control of the control unit 228. A vibration unit 236 for generating vibration, a blower unit 238 for performing a blowing operation according to control of the control unit 228, a speaker 240 for generating sound according to control of the control unit 228, and a control unit 228 A fragrance release unit 242 for emitting a odor corresponding to the game scene according to the control and a water drop release unit 246 for discharging a water drop under the control of the control unit 228 are included.

  The game machine main body 220 is further connected to the psychological state determination unit 226 and a storage unit 232 for storing personal information of the measurer, and is connected to the storage unit 232 for specifying the measurer when there are a plurality of measurers. And an individual selection switch 230. In the present embodiment, the personal information stored in the storage unit 232 is not directly related to the determination in the psychological state determination unit 226.

  The measurer 32 performs exhalation measurement by blowing exhalation on the exhalation sensing device 42 of the detection device 210.

  FIG. 9 is an external view of the detection device 210. Referring to FIG. 9, detection device 210 uses an earphone microphone, and includes a breath sensing device 42 in the microphone portion.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for performing a breath measurement periodically during play in the game machine 200, determining the psychological state of the measurer 32, and operating the game machine body 220 according to the determination result. FIG. In this program, the psychological state is determined and the game machine 200 is controlled as follows.

  This process uses the gas concentrations of ethane and pentane in the exhaled breath. When tension increases during game play, oxidative stress increases and the gas concentration of ethane and pentane in exhaled breath increases. The game machine 200 determines the psychological state based on the measured values of these gas concentrations, and performs operation control to further increase the tension when the tension is increasing.

The measured ethane gas concentration in the exhaled breath is C ₁ , the pentane gas concentration is C ₂ (both units are ppb), and if C ₁ ≧ 1 (ppb) or C ₂ ≧ 10 (ppb), the psychological state is tension Judged as a state.

  In order to increase the tension, according to the control of the control unit 228, the vibration unit 236 generates vibration, the air blowing unit 238 performs air blowing operation, the speaker 240 generates sound effects, and the water droplet discharge unit 246 discharges water droplets. . Further, according to the control of the control unit 228, the image processing unit 234 increases the attack scene that increases the tension although it relates to the game story, and the fragrance release unit 242 has a smell corresponding to the game scene (for example, a live smell in a battle scene) , Or sweaty odor).

This program is started at the same time the game is started. In a normal game play, the measurer wears the detection device 210 (earphone microphone). Referring to FIG. 10, this program waits for a predetermined time (T ₁ minute) after the start of the game, and following step S 200, the detection device 210 performs expiration measurement, and ethane concentration C ₁ and pentane concentration in the expiration. the C ₂ and a reading step S201.

The program further continues to step S201, ethane concentration _{C 1} is equal to or a 1 (ppb) or more, and the step S202 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination, ethane concentration in step S202 If C ₁ is determined not to be 1 (ppb) or more is executed (the case of nO), determines whether pentane concentration C ₂ is 10 (ppb) or more, the control according to the determination result Step S203 for branching the flow.

The program further, if ethane concentration _{C 1} is determined to be 1 (ppb) or more at the step S202 (case of YES), or in step S203 when the pentane concentration _{C 2} is at 10 (ppb) or more Step S204 is executed when the determination is made (in the case of YES), and an instruction is given to the control unit 228 to control the operation.

The program further includes (in the case of NO) if the pentane concentration _{C 2} is determined not to be 10 (ppb) or more at step S203, or more runs, waits a predetermined time _{(T 2} min) Step to Step S204 Subsequent to step S205, step S206 for preparing for expiration measurement is included following step S205. After step S206 is executed, control returns to step S201.

-Operation-
The game machine 200 operates as follows.

  In this game machine 200, the normal measurer 32 wears the detection device 210 and plays a game.

  After a certain time from the start of the game, breath measurement is performed by blowing on the breath sensing device 42. The result measured by the breath sensing device 42 is converted into transmission data by the interface 214 and transmitted from the transmission unit 216 to the reception unit 222 of the game machine main body 220. From the signal received by the receiving unit 222, the measurement data of the breather of the measurer is read by the biological information processing unit 224 and passed to the psychological state determination unit 226.

  The criteria for the psychological state determination of the psychological state determination unit 226 and the operation determination of the control unit 228 are as described above.

  When it is determined that the psychological state of the measurer 32 is in a tension state, an operation for further increasing the tension is performed. Examples of the operation for increasing the tension include generation of vibration or sound effect, generation of wind toward the face position of the measurer 32, or generation of water droplets and discharge toward the face position of the measurer 32. In addition, the frequency of entering an attack scene that increases tension during the game is increased, and a odor (a lively odor or sweaty odor) that matches the scene is released.

  When it is determined that the psychological state of the measurer 32 is not in a tension state, or after an operation for increasing the tension is performed, the user waits for a certain period of time. After a certain period of time, prepare for the next breath measurement. In the exhalation sensing device 42, the heaters 104 and 106 are heated by flowing current through the heaters 104 and 106, and the gas molecules attached to the CNTs of the gas sensors 108 and 110 are desorbed.

  After the measurement preparation is completed, the breath measurement is performed again, and the tension state of the measurer 32 is determined.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game machine 200 can determine a change in the psychological state of the measurer by periodically performing exhalation measurement with the exhalation sensing device 42 using a gas sensor capable of measuring a specific gas component concentration. When it is determined that the measurer 32 is in a tension state, operation control is performed to further increase the tension, and the generation of vibration, sound, air blow, fragrance, water droplets, etc., and an exciting scene are increased in the image during the game. Thus, stimuli for vision, hearing, touch, and smell can be given. Thereby, the measurer 32 receives various stimuli for the five senses in consideration of the psychological state, and can play the game while having more fun.

[Third Embodiment]
−Configuration−
FIG. 11 is an external view of a communication robot 260 including a stimulus control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, communication robot 260 includes an exhalation measurement start button 262 operated by the user when starting exhalation measurement, and an exhalation sensing device 270 used at the time of exhalation measurement.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication robot 260. Referring to FIG. 12, communication robot 260 is connected to breath sensing device 270 having a gas sensor used when breather is measured by measurer 32, and the health condition of measurer 32 from the breath measurement data. And a health condition determination unit 272 for giving a signal to the control unit 274.

  The communication robot 260 is further connected to a health condition determination unit 272, and is connected to the control unit 274 for controlling the operation of the communication robot 260 based on the determination result of the health condition. A display unit 276 for displaying, a fragrance release unit 278, 286 for releasing a fragrance according to the control of the control unit 274, and a facial expression operation for realizing an expression and an operation according to the control of the control unit 274 Unit 282, speaker 284 for generating sound under the control of control unit 274, and stimulus display unit 280 for displaying the action performed by facial expression operation unit 282 and the sound emitted by speaker 284 as characters.

  The measurer 32 blows the breath on the breath sensing device 270 of the communication robot 260 and performs the breath measurement.

  In the third embodiment, the health state determination unit 272 uses the concentration of gas components in the breath of hydrogen, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, acetone, alcohol, and carbon dioxide in the breath for the determination of the health state. These exhaled gas components are gas components detected from exhaled breath when the measurer has a physical condition. When the measurer has any physical condition, the concentration of the specific gas component increases compared to normal, the hydrogen gas concentration increases when there is a gastrointestinal disorder such as indigestion, and nitric oxide and nitrogen When the carbon oxide concentration is metabolically abnormal, such as diabetes, the acetone concentration is measured high. In addition to the physical condition, the alcohol concentration is measured when alcohol is consumed, and the carbon dioxide concentration is measured when tobacco is smoked. Therefore, the breath sensing device 270 selects a selectively permeable membrane capable of measuring each of these gas components, and the carbon nanostructure whose surface is modified with a specific molecule so that the specific gas component can be selectively adsorbed. Has multiple gas sensors including the body.

In addition, the health state determination unit 272 includes a hydrogen concentration V ₁ (ppm), a nitric oxide concentration V ₂ (ppb), and a carbon monoxide concentration as concentration threshold values of the gas components in the breath used for the determination of the health state, respectively. V ₃ (ppm), acetone concentration V ₄ (ppm), alcohol concentration V ₅ (ppm), and carbon dioxide concentration V ₆ (%) are stored.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program for determining the health state of the measurer 32 based on the concentration measurement value of the specific gas component in the expiration in the expiration sensing device 270 and operating the communication robot 260 according to the determination result. FIG. This program determines the health status of the measurer as follows.

Concentration values of specific gas components in the breath measured by the breath sensing device 270 are the hydrogen concentration D ₁ (ppm), the nitric oxide concentration D ₂ (ppb), the carbon monoxide concentration D ₃ (ppm), and the acetone concentration D _4. (Ppm), alcohol concentration D ₅ (ppm), and carbon dioxide concentration D ₆ (%).

Next, for each gas, a value E _n (n = 1 to 6: E _n) indicating how much the measured value is different from the preset physical condition judgment threshold concentrations V _{1 to} V _6. Called "health condition value"). _{E n = (D n -V n} ) / V n health value _{E n} in each gas concentration is calculated (n = 1 to 6), as. At this time, if E _n ≦ 0, the measured value does not exceed the threshold value. Further, the specific gas concentration in breath larger the value of E _n is far away from the threshold concentration.

When the maximum values of E ₁ , E ₂ , E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , E ₆ are not positive values, the measured specific gas component concentrations D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ , D ₄ , D ₅ , D _It can be determined that “ _6” is less than the threshold value, and “physical condition is good”. _{E 1, E 2, E 3} , E 4, E 5, when the maximum value of _{E 6} is a positive value, infers a disease has had the most impact on the physical condition of the particular gas component having the maximum value Determine health status. The operation of the communication robot 260 is controlled according to the determination result.

This program is activated when the expiration measurement start button 262 is pressed. Referring to FIG. 13, this program detects gas component concentrations D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ , D ₄ , D ₅ , and D ₆ in the exhalation measurement, followed by step S 300, health condition value E ₁ , E ₂ , E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , E ₆ are calculated in steps S 301 and S 301, and the maximum values of E ₁ , E ₂ , E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , E ₆ are positive. Step S302 for determining whether or not the value is equal to and branching the flow of control according to the determination result.

This program is further executed when it is determined in step S302 that the maximum values of E ₁ , E ₂ , E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , E ₆ are positive values (in the case of YES) to determine the maximum or not in the state values E ₁ health status value, the step S303 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination, health value E ₁ at step S303 is determined not to be the maximum If is executed (the case of NO), it is determined whether the maximum or not in the state of health value E ₂ is health value, a step S304 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination, health step S304 state value E ₂ is executed when it is determined not to be the largest (the case of nO), it is determined whether the maximum or not in the state of health value E ₃ health state value, the control flow depending on the result of determination Branching step S305 and step Is executed when the state of health value E ₃ in flop S305 is determined not to be the largest (the case of NO), health value E _4, it is determined whether the maximum or not in the state of health value, depending on the result of determination the largest of the steps S306 to branch the flow of control, health value E ₄ at step S306 is executed if it is determined not to be the largest (the case of nO), health value E ₅ health state value each And step S307 for branching the control flow according to the determination result.

This program is further executed when it is determined in step S302 that the maximum value of E ₁ , E ₂ , E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , E ₆ is not a positive value (in the case of NO), run a step S308 of controlling the operation of the communication robot 260 determines that the physical condition good ", when the health value E ₁ is determined to be the largest among the health value at step S303 (the case of YES) is, the step S309 of controlling the operation of the communication robot 260 determines that there is a possibility of gastrointestinal disorders, if the state of health value E ₂ is determined to be the largest among the health value at step S304 (YES In step S310 for determining that there is a possibility of pulmonary disease and controlling the operation of the communication robot 260; Te is executed when it is determined that the largest of the state of health value E ₃ health state value (in the case of YES), step S311 of controlling the operation of the communication robot 260 determines that there is a possibility of lung disease when being executed when the state of health value E ₄ at step S306 is determined to be the largest among the health value (the case of YES), the operation of the communication robot 260 determines that there is a possibility of metabolic disorders a step S312 of controlling the are executed when the state of health value E ₅ at step S307 is determined to be the largest among the health value (the case of YES), communication is judged that there is a possibility that drink a step S313 of controlling the operation of the robot 260, health value E ₅ at step S307 is determined not to be the largest among the health value And step S314, which is executed in the case of NO (if NO), determines that there is a possibility of having smoked, and controls the operation of the communication robot 260.

  This program ends execution after any one of step S308, step S309, step S310, step S311, step S312, step S313, and step S314 is executed.

-Operation-
The communication robot 260 operates as follows.

  The measurer 32 presses the breath measurement start button 262 and then blows the breath on the breath sensing device 270.

  The breath sensing device 270 measures the hydrogen concentration, nitric oxide concentration, carbon monoxide concentration, acetone concentration, alcohol concentration, carbon dioxide concentration in the breath, and uses a preset concentration threshold for each gas concentration. To calculate the health status value.

  If the hydrogen concentration, nitric oxide concentration, carbon monoxide concentration, acetone concentration, alcohol concentration, and carbon dioxide concentration in the exhaled breath all fall below the threshold value, that is, the maximum value of the calculated health status value is positive. When it is determined not to take, it is determined that the physical condition is good, and “good physical condition” is displayed on the display unit 276. From the speaker 284, “Looks fine. Would you like to go out somewhere?” The facial expression motion unit 282 performs a motion that makes the user look happy and displays “smiling” on the stimulus display unit 280 (step S308).

  If it is determined that there is a possibility of gastrointestinal disease, “digestion” is displayed on the display unit 276. The speaker 284 utters “How is your stomach? How about a regular meal?” The facial expression operation unit 282 performs an operation that is likely to be anxious when looking at the other party, and “I am worried” is displayed on the stimulus display unit 280 (step S309).

  If it is determined that there is a possibility of pulmonary disease, “cold” is displayed on the display unit 276. From the speaker 284, the sound is “How are you today? Is there heat?” The facial expression operation unit 282 performs an operation that is likely to be anxious when looking at the other party, and “I am worried” is displayed on the stimulus display unit 280 (steps S310 and S311).

  If it is determined that there is a possibility of metabolic abnormality, “insufficient exercise” is displayed on the display unit 276. From the speaker 284, a voice is heard saying, "Did you gain weight recently? Let's exercise." The facial expression motion unit 282 looks at the other party and performs a healthy motion, and the stimulus display unit 280 displays “Let's exercise” (step S312).

  If it is determined that there is a possibility that the person has drunk, the display unit 276 displays “alcoholic”. From speaker 284, it sounds like "I smell like alcohol. I drink too much." The facial expression motion unit 282 takes a motion to dislike the side and the stimulus display unit 280 displays “unpleasant smell” (step S313).

  When it is determined that there is a possibility that the user has smoked, “smoking” is displayed on the display unit 276. The speaker 284 gives a voice saying "It smells cigarette. Let's quit smoking." The facial expression operation unit 282 takes an action of disagreeing to the side, and the stimulus display unit 280 displays “no cigarette smell” (step S314).

  In the above embodiment, the communication robot 260 can determine the health state of the measurer 32 by performing the breath measurement with the breath sensing device 270 using a gas sensor capable of measuring a specific gas component concentration. In addition, voice messages and actions according to the determination results, auditory senses such as facial expressions, tactile senses, and visual stimuli are given to the measurer 32 through the communication robot 260. As a result, the measurer 32 receives a stimulus having a healing effect and a relaxing effect in consideration of the health condition.

  As described above, by performing an exhalation measurement using an exhalation sensing device using a gas sensor capable of measuring a specific gas component concentration, the psychological state and health state of the measurer can be determined. By controlling the stimulus control system according to the determination result, various stimuli can be given to the measurer.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

It is a block diagram showing the structure of the air conditioner 30 including the stimulation control system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the front view of the detection apparatus 40, the left view, and the figure seen from upper direction. It is sectional drawing in the horizontal cut surface of the detection apparatus 40. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas sensor element 150. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the surface modification of the gas sensor element 150 shown in FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a measurement circuit 170 for measuring the amount of change in electrical resistance of a gas sensor element 150. FIG. When the receiving unit 50 receives a signal from the detection device 40, the control unit 56 executes a control structure of a program for determining the psychological state of the measurer 32 and operating the indoor unit 48 according to the determination result. It is a figure represented with a flowchart format. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the game machine 200 including the stimulus control system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 2 is an external view of a detection device 210. FIG. In the game machine 200, it is a figure showing a control structure of a program for performing breath measurement periodically during play, determining the psychological state of the measurer 32, and operating the game machine main body 220 according to the determination result in a flowchart format. is there. It is an external view of the communication robot 260 including the stimulus control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication robot 260. FIG. The figure which shows the control structure of the program for determining the health state of the measurement person 32 based on the measured value of the specific gas component in the expiration in the expiration sensor 270, and operating the communication robot 260 according to a determination result in a flowchart format It is.

Explanation of symbols

30 Air conditioner 40 Detector 42, 270 Breath sensing device 44, 214 Interface 46, 216 Transmitter 48 Indoor unit 50, 222 Receiver 52, 224 Biological information processing unit 54, 226 Psychological state determination unit 56, 228, 274 Control Portions 58, 60, 242, 278, 286 Fragrance release portion 70 Breath measurement button 82, 84, 86 Exhaust portion 88 Intake inlet portion 100, 102 Sensor substrate 104, 106 Heater 108, 110 Sensor 112, 114 Partition member 120, 122 Selective permeable membrane 150 Gas sensor element 152 Sensing unit 158 CNT structure 176 Amplifier 200 Game machine 210 Measuring device 220 Game machine body 234 Image processing unit 236 Vibration unit 238 Blower unit 240, 284 Speaker 246 Water drop emitting unit 260 Commutation Application robot 262 breath measurement start button 272 health status determination section 276 display section 280 stimulus display unit 282 facial expression working unit

Claims (15)

A gas sensor for measuring the concentration of a specific gas component;
A stimulus generating means for generating a stimulus to an organism;
A determination means for determining how to adjust stimulation according to a concentration measurement value of the specific gas component measured by the gas sensor;
A stimulus control system including control means for controlling the operation of the stimulus generation means in accordance with the stimulus adjustment method determined by the determination means. The gas sensor includes an exhalation sensor for measuring the concentration of a specific gas component contained in the exhalation of a living organism,
The determination means includes means for determining how to adjust the stimulus by determining the psychological state of the organism based on the concentration measurement value of the specific gas component measured by the breath sensor, The stimulation control system according to claim 1.   The means for determining may determine whether the organism is in a fatigue state depending on whether or not the ethane concentration measured by the breath sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value and the pentane concentration measured by the breath sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The stimulation control system of claim 2, comprising means for determining whether or not there is.   The means for determining may determine whether the organism is in a stress state depending on whether the ethane concentration measured by the breath sensor is less than a threshold value and the pentane concentration measured by the breath sensor is less than or equal to a threshold value. The stimulation control system of claim 2, comprising means for determining whether or not there is.   The means for determining is based on whether or not one of the conditions that the ethane concentration measured by the breath sensor is not less than a threshold and the pentane concentration measured by the breath sensor is not less than a threshold is satisfied. The stimulation control system of claim 2, comprising means for determining whether the organism is in tension. The gas sensor includes an exhalation sensor for measuring the concentration of a specific gas component contained in the exhalation of a living organism,
The determination means includes means for determining how to adjust the stimulus by determining the health state of the living organism based on the concentration measurement value of the specific gas component measured by the breath sensor. The stimulation control system according to claim 1.   The means for determining includes means for determining whether or not the organism has a gastrointestinal disease depending on whether or not a hydrogen concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value. The stimulation control system according to claim 6.   The determination means satisfies any of the following conditions: a nitric oxide concentration measured by the breath sensor is not less than a threshold value, and a carbon monoxide concentration measured by the breath sensor is not less than a threshold value. The stimulus control system according to claim 6, comprising means for determining whether or not the organism has a possibility of pulmonary disease depending on whether or not.   The means for determining includes means for determining whether or not the organism has a metabolic abnormality depending on whether or not the acetone concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value. The stimulation control system according to claim 6.   The means for determining includes means for determining whether or not the organism has drunk depending on whether or not the alcohol concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value. The stimulation control system according to claim 6.   The means for determining includes means for determining whether or not the organism may have smoked depending on whether or not the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the breath sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The stimulation control system according to claim 6, comprising: The gas sensor includes a gas sensor for measuring concentrations of a plurality of types of specific gas components,
2. The stimulus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit includes a unit for determining how to adjust a stimulus based on concentration measurement values of the plurality of types of specific gas components measured by the gas sensor. Control system.   An air conditioner comprising the stimulation control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 12.   A game machine comprising the stimulus control system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, and 12. A robot provided with the stimulus control system according to any one of claims 1 and 6.

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