JP2012065729A - Relaxation device and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a user understand the difference between the current respiration condition and the target condition, and to guide a user to be in a relaxed condition quickly while easily guiding the respiration condition to the target condition.SOLUTION: The device includes: a respiration detection means 41 for detecting the respiration condition of a user whose buttock and back are placed in the seat of a vehicle; a target setting means 42 for setting the target condition for the respiration time of the user; a guidance and control means 43 for changing stimulation provided to the user by a stimulation means to guide the respiration condition of the user to the target condition; and a respiration information presentation means 44 for presenting the respiration condition detected by the respiration detection means 41 and the target respiration condition set by the target setting means 42 to the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a relaxation device that induces parasympathetic nerves by inducing a user's respiration, thereby sedating the nerves and inducing sleep, and a vehicle equipped with the relaxation device.

  Conventionally, an apparatus for guiding a user's breathing so that the user breathes at a regular rhythm has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-151858 has a description that an anger and excitement that affect safe driving are suppressed by guiding a driver who is a user to breathe at a regular rhythm.

  In Patent Document 1, two types of techniques are employed as techniques for inducing respiration. In one technique, the timing of breathing is presented visually or audibly. In the other technology, a rice ball that moves up and down in accordance with the timing of breathing induction is provided on the seat back of the automobile, and the timing of breathing is guided by an operation that assists the movement of the ribs of the driver by breathing. .

  Furthermore, in order to detect the time (breathing cycle) required for one breath of the driver by the seat sensor and to guide the detected breathing cycle to the target cycle, a predetermined step time is added to the breathing cycle of the driver every cycle. The induction period is set by adding to. The induction period is a period for inducing respiration, and is set by adding a certain step time to the respiration period detected by the sheet sensor. Then, the process of setting the induction period by adding the step time to the respiration period is continued until the respiration period reaches the target period.

JP 2005-237456 A

  By the way, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since a constant step time is added to the respiratory cycle for each cycle of the user (driver), the induction cycle is the user's respiratory cycle. Is set to always obtain a breathing cycle that is long for a certain time.

  Here, since the respiratory cycle varies, the induction cycle does not always increase monotonously toward the target cycle. Therefore, the user cannot realize that the respiratory cycle is long until the respiratory cycle reaches the target cycle. That is, the user feels that the extension of the breathing cycle is forced without showing the target cycle for a relatively long time.

  From the above, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when it is used for the purpose of guiding so as to extend the respiratory cycle, there is a problem that the time required to reach the target cycle tends to be long. Moreover, when it uses for the purpose of raising the proficiency level of a breathing method, the problem that a proficiency level cannot raise easily arises.

  The present invention presents the current breathing state and the target state together with the user when performing the breathing guidance so that the user can grasp the difference between the current breathing state and the target state. As a result, the relaxation device shortens the time required for the breathing state to reach the target state and, as a result, prompts the user to relax by promptly sedating the mind and guiding to sleep. The purpose is to provide. Furthermore, an object of this invention is to provide the vehicle carrying this relaxing device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a breath detecting means for detecting a breathing state of a user who places a buttocks and a back on a seat part, and at least one of a breathing time and a breathing time of the user. A target setting means for determining a target state so as to change; a breathing information presentation means for presenting to the user the breathing state detected by the breathing detection means and the breathing target state determined by the target setting means; And a stimulation control means for changing the stimulation by the stimulation means so as to induce the breathing state of the user to the target state.

  The target setting means preferably associates the target state with the proficiency level of the user's breathing method.

  It is desirable that the target setting means determines the target state in stages and sets the next stage target state every time the one stage target state determined in stages is achieved.

  The stimulation unit is a tactile stimulation unit that applies tactile stimulation to a part of the user that is supported by the sheet unit, and the guidance control unit preferably changes a stimulation position by the tactile stimulation unit.

  The stimulation means is tactile stimulation means that applies tactile stimulation to a portion supported by the sheet portion of the user, and the guidance control means desirably changes the amount of stimulation by the tactile stimulation means.

  The tactile stimulation means preferably includes a plurality of airbags arranged side by side in a portion that supports the user in the seat portion, and intake / exhaust means for performing intake / exhaust to each airbag.

  Alternatively, the tactile stimulation means includes a plurality of airbags arranged side by side on a portion of the seat portion that supports the user, and intake / exhaust means for performing intake and exhaust to each airbag, and at least a part of the seat portion. It is desirable that airbags be placed on the part.

  It is desirable that the intake / exhaust means has an initial state in which the load acting on each airbag becomes a specified value in a state where the user is supported, and the guidance control means preferably changes the stimulus based on the initial state.

  The intake / exhaust means is controlled by the guidance control means so as to perform intake / exhaust of the airbag in conjunction with the state of breathing of the user, and the breathing information presenting means is the intake sound and exhaust sound by the intake / exhaust means. Or at least one of them may be perceived by the user.

  It is desirable that the stimulation means provides the user with at least one kind of stimulus among tactile stimulus, visual stimulus, and auditory stimulus.

  The stimulation means may give the user an auditory stimulus by three-dimensional sound, and the guidance control means may control the position of the sound image as a change in the stimulus.

  The stimulus means gives the user at least one of a visual stimulus and an auditory stimulus in addition to the tactile stimulus, and the guidance control means stops the change of the tactile stimulus when the tactile stimulus reaches a predetermined upper limit or lower limit. After that, if the state of respiration detected by the respiration detecting means continues to change, other stimuli may be changed continuously.

  Furthermore, the heating means provided in the site | part which contacts a user's limb in a sheet | seat part, and the sound output means which outputs the audio | voice message which induces respiration to a user are provided, and a guidance control means outputs from a sound output means. You may make it adjust the emitted-heat amount by a heating means according to the content of a voice message.

  Moreover, it is desirable to mount the above-described relaxing device on a vehicle including the above-described seat portion.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the user can grasp the difference between the current breathing state and the target state by presenting the current breathing state and the target state together with the user when performing the breathing guidance. This reduces the time it takes for the breathing state to reach the target state and, as a result, prompts the user to relax by quickly sedating the mind and guiding to sleep. There is an advantage that can be.

It is a block diagram which shows embodiment. It is the perspective view seen from the front side of the sheet | seat part used for the same as the above. It is a schematic perspective view of the sheet | seat part used for the same as the above. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the sheet | seat part used for the same as the above. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the airbag used for the same as the above. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the respiration information presentation means used for the same as the above. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the respiration information presentation means used for the same as the above.

  The relax device described below will be described for a case where the relax device is mounted on a vehicle represented by an automobile (particularly, it is preferably used for a rear seat). However, mounting on a vehicle is not essential, and does not prevent use in the form of an easy chair, bed, massage chair or the like. In this embodiment, a chair-type device that is used while being seated is described. However, a bedding-type device that can be used in a prone position may be used. In this embodiment, for these devices, a member that supports the user is referred to as a sheet portion.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a structure corresponding to a seat of an automobile is a seat portion 20. The illustrated seat portion 20 includes a seat portion 21 that supports the user's buttocks, a backrest portion 22 that supports the user's back, and a leg rest portion 23 that supports the user's leg portion. The leg rest 23 is not essential, but is provided to improve the user's comfort. 4, the seat part 20 has a reclining function, and the angle of the backrest part 22 and the leg rest part 23 with respect to the seat part 21 can be changed (the position of the solid line). Indicates the normal state, and the position of the broken line indicates the reclining state). Furthermore, armrest portions 24 on which the user puts arms are provided on both side portions of the seat portion 21, and side pad portions 25 that support the upper body side portion of the user are provided on both side portions of the backrest portion 22. The seat portion 20 may be provided with a headrest.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a plurality of airbags 30 are disposed in a portion of the seat portion 20 that supports a user's load. Specifically, the airbag 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the seat portion 21, the front surfaces of the backrest portion 22 and the leg rest portion 23, and the inner side surfaces of the armrest portion 24 and the side pad portion 25. When the seat portion 20 includes a headrest, it is desirable to provide the airbag 30 also on the headrest. The backrest 22 is provided with a plurality of airbags 30 arranged along the length of the user's spine, and the leg rest 23 is provided with a plurality of airbags 30 along the length of the user's legs. Are provided side by side.

  The above-described arrangement of the airbag 30 is an example, and the specific arrangement can be determined as appropriate as long as the airbag 30 is provided side by side at a portion that supports the user on the seat portion 20. However, it is desirable to arrange a plurality of airbags 30 along the longitudinal direction of the user's spine and legs at least in the backrest 22 and the leg rest 23.

  Each airbag 30 is connected to intake / exhaust means 31 (see FIG. 1) including a pump and a valve. The intake / exhaust means 31 is connected to each airbag 30 so that the intake and exhaust of each airbag 30 can be individually performed. That is, the valve is controlled so as to perform intake and exhaust for each airbag 30.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of airbags 30 may be stacked on at least a part of the seat portion 20. By arranging the airbags 30 in an overlapping manner, the amount of displacement given to the user can be increased even when the flow rate of air passing through one valve is limited. That is, a plurality of airbags 30 may be stacked in a region where the displacement amount by the airbag 30 needs to be increased.

  The airbag 30 and the intake / exhaust means 31 are provided as tactile stimulation means. As the tactile stimulation means, a ball that moves the backrest portion 22 up and down to press a desired position from the user's waist to the neck. A shaped fir ball or a ring shaped fir wheel may be used. In the case of using a kneading ball or a kneading wheel as the tactile stimulation means, the mechanism used in the massage chair can be used.

  The tactile stimulation means as described above is used as a stimulation means that gives tactile stimulation to the user. As a stimulus means for giving a stimulus to the user, a visual stimulus or an auditory stimulus may be used in addition to a tactile stimulus. Visual stimuli and auditory stimuli can be used alone, or visual stimuli and auditory stimuli can be used in combination.

  As the visual stimulus, the amount of light by illumination, the light color, and the display content by video may be used. A lighting fixture 32 (see FIG. 1) for performing illumination or a display device 33 (see FIG. 1) for displaying an image can be provided integrally with the seat portion 20, but the illumination around the seat portion 20 is provided. In order to control and make it easy for the user to view the video, it may be arranged in the vehicle separately from the seat portion 20. The display device 33 can be selected from a monitor device arranged in front of the user, a projection device that projects an image on the ceiling of the vehicle, a head-mounted display that the user wears on the head, and the like.

  Similarly, as the auditory stimulus, volume, sound content, position of sound image, and the like are used. In order to give an auditory stimulus to a user, a configuration using a sound output means 34 (see FIG. 1) made of a speaker is generally used. As the sound output means 34, headphones, ear speakers, and a bone conduction device are also used. it can. Or you may make it give auditory stimulation by arrange | positioning the intake-exhaust means 31 so that the user who mounted on the seat part 20 can hear the intake-exhaust sound of the airbag 30. FIG. The operation of using the intake / exhaust sound as an auditory stimulus will be described later.

  When a speaker is used as the sound output means 34, a three-dimensional sound may be provided by arranging a large number of speakers in the vehicle interior of the vehicle. When three-dimensional sound is generated by providing a large number of speakers, the position of the sound image can be accurately controlled, but auditory stimuli may become noise other than the user placed on the seat unit 20. Therefore, left and right speakers may be provided as sound output means 34 above the backrest portion 22 of the seat portion 20, and pseudo three-dimensional sound may be generated using a head-related transfer function. The operation using three-dimensional sound as an auditory stimulus will be described later.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the respiration detection means 41 (refer FIG. 1) which detects the respiration of the user who is mounted on the sheet | seat part 20 is provided. The breath detection means 41 includes a pressure sensor disposed at a portion of the seat portion 20 that supports the user, a load sensor that detects a load accompanying expansion and contraction of the seat belt, and a motion sensor that detects movements of the chest and abdomen of the user. And a respiration sensor 411 (see FIG. 1). Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the respiration detection means 41 discriminates the expiration period and the inspiration period of the user placed on the seat unit 20 from the output of the respiration sensor 411, and each of the expiration and inspiration A state detection unit 412 for detecting the start timing of.

  The state detection unit 412 also has a function of determining the proficiency level of the respiration method based on the output of the respiration sensor 411. The breathing method assumes abdominal breathing, but may be another known breathing method based on abdominal breathing such as the so-called Tanda breathing method. The proficiency level of abdominal breathing can be determined by detecting the displacement between the abdomen and the chest when the user breathes. In other words, by quantifying the displacement of the abdomen and chest during breathing and evaluating the relative magnitude of the abdominal displacement relative to the chest displacement, it can be determined whether abdominal breathing is dominant or chest breathing is dominant. The degree can be quantified.

  When the respiration sensor 411 is a pressure sensor provided on the seat unit 20, it is arranged on the back surface (back, buttocks) of the user, and detects a pressure change accompanying respiration in the vicinity of the chest and the abdomen. In this case, it is possible to determine which of the abdominal breathing and the chest breathing is dominant from the pressure change in both the chest and abdomen.

  When the respiration sensor 411 is a load sensor provided on the seat belt, a pressure sensor or an acceleration sensor is employed as the load sensor. In addition, a three-point seat belt is used as the seat belt, and by detecting load from the chest and abdomen of the user by providing load sensors for the belt that hangs from the shoulder to the waist and the belt that hangs around the waist, respectively. Can be used to determine the proficiency level of the breathing method in the state detection unit 412.

  When the respiratory sensor 411 is a motion sensor, a Doppler sensor, a three-dimensional image sensor, or the like that detects a user's movement in a non-contact manner is used. With this type of motion sensor, the movement of the chest and abdomen can be detected in a non-contact manner, so that breathing between the user's chest and abdomen can be detected. Since this type of motion sensor is non-contact to the user, it can detect the state of breathing without giving the user a sense of restraint.

  For determination of the proficiency level, the expiration time detected by the respiration sensor 411 may be used. In general, when the proficiency level is low, the expiration time is shortened. Therefore, an appropriate range is set for the expiration time, and the expiration time range is used as an indication of the learning level. As the expiration time used in this case, it is desirable to use a representative value such as an average value or a mode value in a plurality of prescribed respiratory cycles.

  Further, the proficiency level may be determined based on the variation in expiration time. For example, when the variation in expiration time is obtained in a plurality of prescribed respiratory cycles, the variation is small, and the evaluation value for evaluating the variation is not more than a prescribed value, the evaluation value is Find the frequency below the specified value. If the proficiency level is associated with this frequency, the proficiency level can be determined. When the frequency is low, it is determined that the learning level is low, and when the frequency is high, it is determined that the learning level is also high.

  However, there may be a difference in expiration time depending on physical ability. Therefore, when determining the proficiency level by the length of expiration time, it is desirable to use information such as age and gender together.

  As described above, the state detection unit 412 determines whether the user is an expiration period or an inspiration period, and detects the start timing of expiration and the start timing of inspiration. The state detection unit 412 also has a function of detecting a respiratory cycle. The respiratory cycle can be obtained as a sum of expiration time and inspiration time. Moreover, you may use the time interval of the start timing of one of expiration and inhalation for a respiratory cycle. Furthermore, the state detection unit 412 also has a function of determining the proficiency level of the breathing method by the method described above. The state detection unit 412 detects these pieces of information obtained by the respiration sensor 411 as the respiration state of the user, and gives the detected respiration state to the control means 40 described below. The control means 40 and the state detection unit 412 are configured using a device that includes a processor such as a microcomputer and FPGA and operates according to a program.

  The control unit 40 includes a target setting unit 42 that determines a target state related to the breathing state of the user, and a guidance control unit 43 that changes the stimulation by the stimulation unit so as to guide the breathing state of the user to the target state. . The target setting unit 42 sets a target state (hereinafter referred to as “final target state”) to be finally achieved as the breathing state of the user, and the guidance control unit 43 sets the breathing state of the user to the final target. The stimulation means such as the airbag 30 described above is controlled so as to induce the state.

  The final target state is determined by the current state of breathing of the user detected by the state detection unit 412 and the degree to which the user is proficient in the breathing method (skill level). Assume that the abdominal breathing is used as a breathing method, and the respiratory cycle is focused on as a breathing state. In this case, the target setting means 42 determines the respiratory cycle that will be the final target state based on the proficiency level of the user's breathing method obtained by the state detection unit 412 and the current respiratory cycle of the user.

  In the target setting means 42, an addition value or a magnification (a value greater than 1) for extending the current respiratory cycle is determined in advance according to the proficiency level. The target setting means 42 uses the user's proficiency level obtained by the respiration detection means 41 and the current respiratory cycle, and adds a value corresponding to the proficiency level to the current respiratory cycle, or a magnification corresponding to the proficiency level. A value obtained by multiplying the current respiratory cycle is obtained as the final target state. The current respiratory cycle uses an average value of a specified number of times instead of one respiratory cycle. Further, the added value or magnification for extending the respiratory cycle is set to a larger value as the proficiency level of the breathing method is higher. That is, the target setting means 42 determines the target state (final target state) in association with the proficiency level of the user's breathing method.

  The respiration state detected by the respiration detection means 41 and the final target state determined by the target setting means 42 are given to the guidance control means 43 that controls the above-described stimulation means. The guidance control means 43 guides the user's breathing cycle to be extended from the current breathing cycle to the breathing cycle which is the final target state by changing the stimulus given to the user from the stimulus means.

  In this embodiment, since the tactile stimulus is given to the user using the airbag 30 described above, the guidance control unit 43 controls the intake and exhaust of the airbag 30 to thereby control the tactile stimulus to the user. To change.

  Below, the operation example which changes tactile sense stimulation with the airbag 30 is shown. First, a case where tactile stimulation is applied to the user's back (back, buttocks, leg back) will be described. The seat part 20 is provided with the seat part 21, the backrest part 22, and the leg rest part 23 as described above, and a plurality of airbags 30 are arranged side by side. Therefore, the position of the stimulus can be changed between the upper part (for example, the shoulder) and the lower part (for example, the waist) of the user by changing the position of the airbag 30 that performs intake and exhaust. Stimulating the user's upper part (pushing forward) pushes the chest and promotes exhalation, and stimulating the user's lower part raises the diaphragm and further exhales.

  Here, it is assumed that the operation of moving the stimulation position from the shoulder toward the waist is repeatedly performed by sequentially inflating and contracting the airbag 30 from the upper part to the lower part of the user. In addition, the repetition cycle is the respiratory cycle defined as the final target state, and the final target state includes not only the respiratory cycle but also the target expiration time, and the time for changing the position of the stimulus from the shoulder to the waist To the target expiration time. Furthermore, the timing for starting the inflation of the upper airbag 30 is matched with the timing when the user starts exhalation.

  While changing the position of stimulation from the shoulder to the waist, it is desirable to increase the amount of air introduced into the airbag 30 and to expand the airbag 30 greatly as the position is closer to the waist. That is, the closer to the waist, the greater the intensity of stimulation. If this operation is performed, when the expiration starts, the chest is pushed a little and the discharge of air from the lungs is promoted, and then the abdomen is pushed larger and the diaphragm is pulled up as the amount of discharged air increases. , Further expelling the air remaining in the lungs. That is, the amount of stimulation changes according to the position of the stimulus, and the expiration time is extended by giving a stimulus that promotes abdominal breathing.

  In the above-described operation, the intensity of the stimulus is changed, but the speed at which the position of the stimulus is changed may be changed. In this case, by slowing the rate of change of the position of the stimulus from the shoulder to the waist, the time for stimulating the vicinity of the waist is made longer than the time for stimulating the appendage, and the diaphragm is lifted more strongly to encourage expiration Can do. That is, by giving a stimulus that promotes abdominal breathing, the expiration time is extended.

  By the way, since the position of stimulation is changed from the shoulder toward the waist during the expiration period, it is desirable to change the position of the stimulation from the waist toward the shoulder during the inspiration period. In this way, by changing the position of the stimulus between the shoulder (chest) and the waist (abdomen), the movement of the muscles during abdominal breathing is promoted without the user being aware of it, and by external stimulation It becomes possible to learn abdominal breathing by other dynamic habits.

  In the above-described operation, the position of the stimulus is changed between the shoulder and the waist, but it is desirable to use the airbag 30 provided on the seat portion 21 and the leg rest portion 23 of the seat portion 20 as well.

  For example, during the inspiration period, the air is moved from the top of the head by changing the position of stimulation from the vicinity of the shoulder (or the head if the airbag 30 is also provided near the head) toward the leg. You may make it give a user the feeling as if it is flowing toward the foot. If such an operation is performed, the user concentrates on breathing and is conscious of breathing in the correct breathing method.

  Further, during the expiration period, the airbag 30 near the waist may be inflated to push the abdomen forward. That is, when inhaling, the abdomen is pushed out to widen the rib cage to promote expiration.

  When the airbag 30 near the waist is inflated during the exhalation period and the position of the stimulus is changed from the head to the foot during the inspiration period, the user becomes aware of breathing throughout the body, In addition to encouraging extension, the nerve is led to a sedated state and can be induced to sleep.

  In the seat portion 20 of the present embodiment, since the airbag 30 is also provided in the armrest portion 24 and the armrest portion 25, the airbag 30 of the armrest portion 24 and the armrest portion 25 disposed on the side portion of the user. By using it, a stimulus can be given also to a user's ventral part. For example, during the expiration period, the abdominal breathing may be promoted by inflating the armrest portion 24 or the side pad portion 25 and applying a stimulus that compresses the user's abdomen from the side. In addition, the abdominal breathing may be promoted by repeating the expansion and contraction of the airbag 30 provided in the seat portion 21 in accordance with the breathing cycle to induce the pelvic front-back tilting motion.

  By using the reclining function of the seat part 20, in a state where the backrest part 22 is tilted and the leg rest part 23 is raised, the user who is placed on the seat part 20 can use the relaxing device in a supine posture. In this case, in addition to the above-described operation, all the airbags 30 may be expanded and contracted simultaneously. When the airbag 30 is inflated, the entire body of the user is lifted, and when the airbag 30 is contracted, the entire body of the user is lowered. That is, the user is conscious of floating feeling when the whole body moves up and down and extending the respiratory cycle when the consciousness concentrates on breathing.

  When the airbag 30 is inflated and contracted, an appropriate residual pressure that matches the body shape of the user is applied so that the load is not biased to only a part of the user while the user is supported. Can be. In other words, it is desirable to perform intake / exhaust of each airbag 30 using the intake / exhaust means 31 so that the load acting on each airbag 30 becomes a specified value when the user is supported by the seat portion 20. In this state, the reaction force that each part of the user receives from the airbag 30 is substantially equal.

  For example, when the user lies on the seat portion 20 in a state where the backrest portion 22 is tilted and the leg rest portion 23 is raised using the reclining function of the seat portion 20, the user's waist is supported without sinking. It will be. That is, the user's spine can be supported by the seat portion 20 without distortion.

  It is desirable that the state in which the residual pressure of each airbag 30 is adjusted by the intake / exhaust means 31 as described above is an initial state, and the guidance control means 43 causes the airbag 30 to expand and contract based on the initial state. . By setting the initial state, it is possible to give a substantially equal tactile stimulus regardless of the body shape of the user.

  In the above configuration example, the case where the airbag 30 and the intake / exhaust means 31 that are tactile stimulation means are used as the stimulation means has been described. Good. Also, when using visual stimuli or auditory stimuli, the stimuli are changed based on the current respiration state detected by the respiration detection means 41 and the final target state set by the target setting means 42.

  When the above-described three-dimensional sound is used as the auditory stimulus, the guidance control unit 43 controls the position of the sound image according to the final target state. That is, the guidance control unit 43 localizes the sound image at the foot during expiration. The position of the sound image is changed so that the sound image is localized at the back of the head during inspiration. It is desirable to change the position of the sound image smoothly. Further, when not only changing the position of the sound image but also using the auditory stimulus by three-dimensional sound in combination with the tactile stimulus by the airbag 30 or the like, the user performs abdominal breathing without being conscious of the tactile stimulus, and the auditory sense. Stimulation gives awareness of breathing. As a result, the user's nerve is sedated and guided to sleep quickly. In the three-dimensional sound, the sound image may diverge during inspiration and the sound image may concentrate during expiration.

  When giving auditory stimulation to the user, a configuration in which the user can hear the intake and exhaust sounds of the airbag 30 may be adopted. In particular, if an opening for leaking sound is formed so that the user can hear the exhaust sound from the exhaust port during the exhalation period, the exhaust sound can be used for auditory stimulation during exhalation. The user can be made aware of breathing. Here, an example using exhaust sound has been described, but intake sound may be used, or both exhaust sound and intake sound may be used.

  The case where the visual stimulus is used is the same as the case where the auditory stimulus is used, and the visual stimulus is given so as to change the positions of the plurality of light sources or change the light quantity. Further, a monitor device or a projector for displaying an image in front of the user may be provided, and a visual stimulus may be given so as to present an image in which dot-like figures are mixed and scattered in accordance with the breathing cycle. Visual stimuli can be used in combination with tactile stimuli or auditory stimuli. When a plurality of stimuli are used in combination, respiration induction can be expected to be performed more efficiently than when used alone.

  When a plurality of types of stimuli are used in combination, it is desirable to provide the user with at least one of a visual stimulus and an auditory stimulus in addition to the tactile stimulus. In this case, after stopping the change of the tactile stimulus when the tactile stimulus reaches the prescribed upper limit or lower limit, the guidance control unit 43 may continue to change the state of respiration detected by the respiration detection unit 41. It is desirable to continuously change other stimuli.

  For example, when the position of the stimulus by the airbag 30 is changed, the tactile stimulus cannot be changed any more when the position where the stimulus is applied reaches a predetermined final position during the expiration period. Here, if expiration is continuously detected by the respiration detection means 41, the expiration period may be further extended, but tactile stimulation cannot provide stimulation for extending the expiration period. In such a case, if visual stimuli or auditory stimuli are used in combination with tactile stimuli, even if the stimuli can no longer be changed, the stimuli will continue to change using visual stimuli and auditory stimuli. Can be made.

  In the above-described operation, the guidance control unit 43 changes the stimulation of the stimulation unit according to the current breathing state and the final target state. However, only with this operation, the user does not know the relationship between the current breathing state and the final target state, and thus cannot adjust the expiration and inhalation amount. That is, there is no indication of how fast exhalation or inspiration should be performed.

  Therefore, in order to give this indication, a respiration information presenting means 44 for presenting the user with the current respiration state detected by the respiration detection means 41 and the final respiration target state determined by the target setting means 42 is provided. It is provided. The respiratory information presentation means 44 is configured to visually present such information mainly through a monitor device, but may be configured to present it to the user through a tactile sense.

  Specifically, when only information related to exhalation or inspiration is presented, it is displayed on the monitor device in a format as shown in FIG. FIGS. 6A and 6B show examples in which information is presented in a graph or a graphic form on the screen of the monitor device.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, a rectangular figure 441 that is long in the vertical direction is used. The current breathing state (actually, the expiration time from the start of expiration) is represented by the distance from the lower end of the figure 441 to the pointer line 442, and the target expiration time in the final target state is indicated by the lower end of the figure 441. To the target line 443.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6B, a circular figure 444 is used. In this example, one end of the reference line 445 set in the figure 444 is set as the center of rotation, and the amount is represented by an angle with respect to the center of rotation. That is, the time from the start of exhalation is represented by the angle from the reference line 445 to the pointer line 446, and the target exhalation time in the final target state is represented by the angle from the reference line 445 to the target line 447.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the current respiration state detected by the respiration detection unit 41 and the final target state determined by the target setting unit 42 are presented side by side on the monitor device. Therefore, the user can adjust the breathing state perceived by the user according to the presented breathing state and the final target state, and extend the breathing cycle with the user's own sense. Can do.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6C, the current breathing state detected by the breathing detection unit 41 and the final target state set by the target setting unit 42 are digitized and presented to the monitor device. Two display windows 448 and 449 for displaying numerical values are set on the screen of the monitor device, and one of the display windows 448 and 449 (lower display window 448) is a numerical value corresponding to the current state of breathing. And the numerical value corresponding to the final target state is displayed on the other (upper display window 449).

  Even when information is presented in the form shown in FIG. 6 (c), the user can be aware of breathing, so the breathing cycle of the user can be extended by adjusting the breathing cycle with the user's own sense. Can be made.

  As a form for presenting the current respiration state detected by the respiration detection means 41 and the final target state determined by the target setting means 42, as shown in FIG. 7, a measurement line indicating the current respiration state in a predetermined period. You may use 451 and the target line 452 which shows a target state. In the illustrated example, the horizontal axis is the time axis, and the vertical axis corresponds to the respiration rate. Therefore, the period in which the measurement line 451 is rising represents the inhalation period, and the period in which the measurement line 451 is falling represents the expiration period. In this format, the user breathes with consciousness so that the measurement line 451 coincides with the target line 452, so that the respiratory cycle approaches the target state.

  The above-described configuration of the respiratory information presentation unit 44 is an example, and the format and configuration displayed on the monitor device include the respiratory state detected by the respiratory detection unit 41 and the final target state determined by the target setting unit 42. Changes can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of presentation.

  Further, in the above-described operation, only the final target state is determined by the target setting unit 42, but the target state may be set stepwise by the target setting unit 42. That is, the target setting means 42 not only determines the final target state but also determines a plurality of intermediate target states (hereinafter referred to as “intermediate target state”) that are small targets until the final target state is reached. .

  For example, it is assumed that the target setting means 42 sets the final target state to A seconds in order to extend the respiratory cycle to A seconds with respect to the current respiratory cycle. Here, assuming that the current breathing cycle is B seconds (A> B), the target setting means 42 sets the intermediate target states as (B + a1) seconds, (B + a1 + a2) seconds,. -B)> a1, a2, ...). The change amounts a1, a2,... That define the intermediate target state are set equal to each other, and may be set to gradually increase when they are set to be gradually reduced. The number of stages in the intermediate target state is set according to the difference (A−B) between the final target state and the current respiratory cycle. The intermediate target state is determined in a range less than the respiratory cycle set as the final target state.

  When the intermediate target state is determined in this way, if the intermediate target state is presented using the breathing information presentation means 44, it can be expected that the respiratory state can be reached more efficiently to the final target state. In other words, each time an intermediate target state of one stage is achieved, the target state of the next stage (intermediate target state or final target state) is determined, while the user achieves a small target that is easy to achieve in stages. The final target state will be reached, and it will be easier to reach the final target state. Further, when the intermediate target state is determined, the final target state may not be determined, and only the allowable time for use by the apparatus may be determined.

  It is desirable that the intermediate target state does not shift to the next stage when it is achieved in one breathing cycle, but shifts to the next stage when it is continuously achieved in a plurality of defined cycles. When determining the intermediate target state, an intermediate target line is added to represent the intermediate target state in the breathing information presentation means 44 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, or the final target state in the description of FIGS. What is necessary is just to employ | adopt and represent the structure replaced with the target state.

  If such breathing induction is performed, it is expected that the time until the breathing state reaches the final target state is shortened, and the proficiency level of the breathing method can be easily increased. That is, sedation of the mind and guidance to sleep are performed quickly, and the user can be quickly led to a state of relaxing.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 1, a heating means 35 may be added to the sheet portion 20. The heating means 35 is provided in a portion that comes into contact with the user's limbs, that is, the leg rest portion 23 and the armrest portion 24. When the heating unit 35 is provided, a voice message for inducing respiration is output from the voice output unit 34.

  For example, in addition to stimulating to relax the breathing cycle by using a method called self-hypnosis or autonomous training, in addition to stimulating to stretch the respiratory cycle, while outputting the voice message “warm limbs” The heating means 35 is used for heating. By adjusting the amount of heating by the heating means 35 in accordance with the content of such a voice message, it can be expected to be guided to a relaxed state more quickly.

  In the above-described example, the operation in the case where the user is relaxed by inducing the breathing state to the target state and is finally introduced into sleep has been described. However, the user is not refreshed from the relaxed state or the sleep state. An action for awakening is also possible. In this case, the control for changing the stimulus, such as the direction to change the position of the stimulus, the amount of stimulation, and the stimulation speed, is reversed from the above-described operation, and the stimulus for shortening the breathing cycle or the expiration time is given. In this way, by applying a stimulus opposite to the stimulus for leading to a relaxed state, it is possible to awaken a user whose nerves have been sedated or a sleeping user.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Seat part 21 Seat part 22 Backrest part 23 Leg mounting part 24 Armrest part 25 Side pad part 30 Airbag (stimulation means, tactile stimulation means)
31 Intake / exhaust means (stimulation means, tactile stimulation means)
34 Sound output means 35 Heating means 40 Control means 41 Respiration detection means 411 Respiration sensor 412 State detection unit 42 Target setting means 43 Guidance control means 44 Respiration information presentation means

Claims (14)

  Respiration detection means for detecting the breathing state of the user who puts the buttocks and the back on the seat part, and target setting means for determining the target state so as to change at least one of the expiration time and the inspiration time of the user Respiration information presenting means for presenting the user with the respiration state detected by the respiration detecting means and the target state determined by the target setting means; and stimulating means for stimulating the user; A relaxation apparatus comprising: a guidance control unit that changes a stimulus by the stimulation unit so as to guide the breathing state of the user to the target state.   The relaxation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target setting unit determines the target state according to a proficiency level of the user's breathing method.   The target setting means determines the target state in a stepwise manner, and sets the target state in the next step every time the stepwise determined target state is achieved. Relaxing device.   The stimulation unit is a tactile stimulation unit that applies a tactile stimulation to a part of the user supported by the sheet unit, and the guidance control unit changes a stimulation position by the tactile stimulation unit. The relaxation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The stimulation means is a tactile stimulation means for applying a tactile stimulation to a part of the user that is supported by the sheet portion, and the guidance control means changes a stimulation amount by the tactile stimulation means. The relaxation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The tactile stimulation means includes a plurality of airbags arranged side by side on a portion of the seat portion that supports the user, and intake / exhaust means for performing intake / exhaust to each airbag. Item 6. The relaxation device according to Item 4 or 5.   The tactile sensation stimulation means includes a plurality of airbags arranged side by side on a portion of the seat portion that supports the user, and intake / exhaust means for performing intake / exhaust to each airbag, and at least the seat portion 6. The relaxing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the airbag is disposed in a part of the part.   The intake / exhaust means sets a state in which a load acting on each airbag becomes a specified value in a state where the user is supported, and the guidance control means changes a stimulus based on the initial state. The relaxation device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that   The guidance control means controls the intake / exhaust means so as to perform intake / exhaust of the airbag in conjunction with the breathing state of the user, and the breathing information presenting means is an intake sound generated by the intake / exhaust means. The relaxation device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the user is caused to perceive at least one of exhaust sound.   The relaxation device according to claim 1, wherein the stimulation unit provides the user with at least one of tactile stimulation, visual stimulation, and auditory stimulation.   The relaxation device according to claim 10, wherein the stimulation means gives an auditory stimulus by three-dimensional sound to the user, and the guidance control means controls the position of the sound image as a change in the stimulus.   The stimulus means gives the user at least one of a visual stimulus and an auditory stimulus in addition to the tactile stimulus, and the guidance control means performs the tactile stimulus when the tactile stimulus reaches a predetermined upper limit or lower limit. The relaxation device according to claim 10, wherein the change is stopped, and thereafter, if the state of respiration detected by the respiration detection unit continues to change, another stimulus is continuously changed.   The sheet unit further includes a heating unit provided at a portion that contacts the user's limb, and a sound output unit that outputs a voice message for inducing respiration to the user, wherein the guidance control unit includes the sound output unit. The relaxation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the amount of heat generated by the heating means is adjusted in accordance with the content of a voice message output from the means.   A vehicle comprising the seat portion and mounted with the relaxing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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