JP5081126B2 - Respiratory guidance system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a breathing guidance system that presents a target according to a user's breathing to the user and consciously arranges the breathing to acquire a desired breathing state.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a device that guides a user to adjust their breathing has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, in order to induce respiration to a target state of an arbitrary pattern, a stimulus related to the respiration pattern is generated by a correction value generated based on a difference between respiration detected by a respiration sensor and a preset target respiration pattern. Controlling the signal is described.
JP 2002-301047 A

  By the way, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the correction value based on the difference between the user's breathing pattern and the ideal target breathing pattern is generated by matching the breathing pattern to the stimulus signal for the user. Since the user has to be aware that the breathing pattern matches the predetermined target breathing pattern, the user may feel uncomfortable by not being able to breathe naturally.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned reasons, and its purpose is to acquire a predetermined respiratory state simply by adjusting the breath so that the user reaches the target without being aware of the state during the breathing. It is to provide a respiratory guidance system that can.

In the invention of claim 1, a respiration sensor for detecting breathing of the user, the respiration information presenting means for presenting the respiration information to the user indicating the state change of the detected respiration by the breathing sensor, a predetermined breathing that it has goals relating to at least one of the time and amount of breathing for performing respiratory induction to state, and the target presenting means for presenting the a Subscriber using the presentation state of the respiration information, the respiratory by comparing the at least one and a predetermined target value of the time and the amount of breathing that is extracted as the information, the previous SL respiration information breathing determining means for determining whether or not to achieve the target, the breathing characterized that you and a guidance control unit that adjust the target value by using the determination result by the determining means.

In the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, wherein the respiratory determining means the targets value and optionally comparing at least hand between the time and the amount of breathing that is extracted as a pre-Symbol respiration information, the eye It is characterized by determining that the target has been achieved when the standard value is exceeded.

In the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, wherein the guidance control means determines that the target for at least one period of the expiration period and the intake period was achieved in the breath determining unit Then, the period change the target value in a direction to extend the, if it is determined that the target has not been achieved, it characterized that you change the target value in a direction to shorten the period.

In the invention of claim 4, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guidance control means, the target presentation hand stage of the user of breathing by the breathing sensor before starting the presentation of the respiration information It detects a state as initial respiration information, and determines the target value based on the initial respiration information.

In the invention of claim 5, characterized in that in the invention of claim 4, wherein the target presenting means, the pre-Symbol targets value of the time of starting the respiratory inductive, and determining based on said initial breath data.

In the invention of claim 6, characterized in that in the invention of claim 4 or 5, wherein the target presenting means, the adjustment range in adjusting the pre-Symbol targets value after starting the breathing guidance, based on the initial respiration information It is characterized by determining.

In the invention of claim 7, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 6, respiration against the target value when the breath determining unit odor Te wherein a Subscriber is determined whether or not achieve the target comprising a margin estimating means for estimating the respiration information detected by said breath sensor allowance is excess or deficiency, the guidance control means, the target value using the margin amount estimated by the surplus Yutaka estimating means It is characterized by adjusting.

In the invention of claim 8, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the breathing time against the target value when the breath determining unit wherein a Subscriber Te smell is determined whether or not achieve the target with a margin estimation means for estimating a margin which is the excess or shortage time from the respiratory information detected by the respiration sensor, the induction control means, the target value with the margin time estimated by the excess Yutaka estimating means It is characterized by adjusting.

In the invention of claim 9, in the invention of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the guidance control means detects the start of the expiration period of the user from the respiratory information, inspiration period and expiration of the a Subscriber only between exhalation phase of the period wherein the adjustment child said target value.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 1, by utilizing the present state of the respiration information in together Doing breathing guidance to the constant meta respiratory conditions, breathing information determines whether it has achieved the goal since adjusting the goal values depending on whether or not the target has been achieved, the user is a than it Totonoere breathing by focusing only on whether goals, user goals breathing pattern It is not necessary to arrange the breathing so as to follow, and the determined breathing state can be acquired without difficulty.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 2, at least one of the time and the amount of breathing of the user is extracted as the respiratory information based on the output of the respiration sensor to the target value and from time to time comparison, exceeds the goal value target since it is determined that achieved, the user whether or not the target has been reached is determined from time to time while repeating the breathing, respiration is induced reasonably while repeating the breathing.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 3, when the target is achieved for at least one of the expiration period and the inhalation period, the period is extended, and when the target is not achieved, the period since induced in a direction to reduce the user can activate the central nervous by induced in a direction in which breathing becomes deeper, while maintaining the relaxed state keeping the parasympathetic advantage.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 4, previously detected by breath sensor initial respiration information before starting the respiration induction, since determining the goal value based on the initial respiration information, the user of the respiratory function goal value can be set in accordance with, it is possible to acquire a respiratory condition that defines without imposing excessive breathing to the user.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 5, eye point goal value when the breathing guidance is started to start from is determined based on the initial respiration information, breathing guidance in accordance with the user's respiratory function Respiration can be induced without difficulty by adjusting the standard value .

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 6, since the adjustment range when adjusting the goal value after the breathing guidance is started is set based on the initial respiration information, targets in accordance with the user's respiratory function By deciding the width to adjust the value, it is possible to induce breathing without difficulty.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 7, the user evaluates the allowance is excess or deficiency of the respiratory volume against the goal value when achieving the target, larger width goal value when a large allowance By pulling up with, it becomes possible to quickly guide to the determined respiratory state. Also, low user's respiratory function, by pulling a goal value when a small allowance, it is possible to induce breathing so as not burden the user.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 8, and user margin time is excess or shortage of breath time against the goal value when achieving the target, pulled up at a large width goal value when the margin time long Thus, it becomes possible to quickly guide to the determined respiratory state. Also, low user's respiratory function, by pulling a goal value when margin time short, it is possible to induce breathing so as not burden the user.

Concentrate according to the configuration of the invention of claim 9, since the adjusted inspiratory period target value only between exhalation phase do not limit constraints breathing is reduced for users, the user awareness only expiration period If you do this, breathing will be induced while breathing comfortably and easily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  By the way, the guidance control unit 10 sets a target value (target time) for the duration of the expiration period of the expiration period and the inspiration period detected by the sensor processing unit 11, and achieves the target time for the user. The video content providing unit 12, the sound content providing unit 13, and the illumination control unit 14 are also provided with a function of giving instructions. That is, respiration is not induced for both the exhalation period and the inspiration period, but respiration is induced by paying attention only to the duration when exhaling. For this reason, the sensor processing unit 11 detects the start time of the expiration period and gives a target time for the expiration period. The inhalation period is about 3 to 5 s, for example, and the maximum value of the target time for the expiration period is set to about 6 to 9 s, for example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the breathing guidance mode, the video content providing unit 12 generates a guiding figure Im (see FIG. 3) whose shape changes according to the user's breathing detected by the breathing sensor 5, and displays it on the screen 8 of the video presentation device 2. The guide graphic Im is displayed so as to be superimposed on the image used in the displayed relax mode.

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

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

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

  The target time of the expiration period varies depending on the user's autonomic nervous function and the state of the central nervous system, and also varies depending on individual differences for each user. Therefore, it is desirable to set the target time at the beginning of the breathing induction mode based on the expiration period obtained from the output of the breathing sensor 5 during the relaxation mode. That is, the user's respiration information detected by the respiration sensor 5 before starting the presentation of the guidance graphic Im is used as the initial respiration information, and the initial value of the target time and the adjustment of the target time when the respiration induction is started in the respiration induction mode are adjusted. It is desirable to determine at least one of the widths (corresponding to “increment” described later) based on the initial respiratory information. In this way, it is possible to set an appropriate target time by using the initial respiratory information that can estimate the respiratory function of the user in advance, and it is possible to induce the breath without forcing the user to breathe excessively. Become.

  In the period of the breath induction mode, the target time of the expiration period is gradually extended on the condition that the induction figure Im is completed. That is, when the respiratory control is performed by presenting the target time of the expiration period by the video presentation device 2, the acoustic presentation device 3, the lighting device 4, or the like, the guidance control unit 10 detects the user detected by the respiratory sensor 5. It is determined whether or not the respiration information exceeds the target time (whether or not the respiration induction is successful), and the target time of the expiration period is adjusted according to the success or failure of the respiration induction. The success or failure of breathing induction is determined using a condition that the expiration period continues even after reaching the target time in the expiration period. The success or failure of exhalation induction is not determined as successful when the condition is satisfied in one exhalation period, but is determined as successful when the condition is satisfied a plurality of prescribed times in succession, It may be determined that the condition is successful when the ratio (success rate) in which the condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than a specified value.

  The guidance control unit 10 estimates the margin of the user's expiration at the end of the expiration period, and increases the target time increment (adjustment range) of the expiration period when the margin is greater than a specified value. When the margin is less than the specified value, the increment of the expiration time target time is reduced. The extent of the expiratory volume can be known from the difference between the expiration period detected by the respiration sensor 5 and the target time.

  If the expiratory period does not reach the target time or if the estimated expiratory amount exceeds the previous inspiratory amount, there is no surplus in the expiratory amount. If not, it is desirable to shorten the expiration time target time. For the evaluation of the degree of margin, not only a difference in one breath but also an average value of differences in a plurality of prescribed breaths may be used. In this manner, the guidance control unit 10 functions as a breath determination unit that determines the success or failure of breathing guidance based on the breathing information of the user detected by the breathing sensor, and has a margin for estimating a margin regarding the breath volume of the user. It functions as an estimation means.

  The target time of the expiration period is set in a plurality of stages, and the final value of the target time to be reached is defined. The final value is preferably set based on the breathing function of the user obtained from the output of the breathing sensor 5 during the relax mode period, but may be appropriately selected from a plurality of predefined values.

  In the present embodiment, when the target time of the expiration period is set to a certain value, when the induction graphic Im is continuously completed a plurality of times (for example, three times), the respiratory induction at the target time is successful. It is determined that the target time of the expiration period is extended by a specified rate (for example, 20%) or a specified time (for example, 1 second). This procedure is repeated until the target time of the expiration period reaches the final value. However, if the final value of the target time is not reached within the predetermined time, the breathing induction mode is terminated.

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

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

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

  As can be seen from the above-described operation, the guidance control unit 10 passes through the video content providing unit 12, the acoustic content providing unit 13, and the illumination control unit 14 to provide respiratory information presentation means (video presentation device 2, acoustic presentation device 3, illumination device 4. ) Together with the respiration information indicating the change in the respiration state, and the achievement of the target time is also presented to function as guidance control means for inducing the user's respiration to a predetermined respiration state. In addition, the guidance figure Im is used to express the convergence of the seed figure Is constituting the guidance figure Im indicating the user's breathing information detected by the breathing sensor 5 and to disperse it into a predetermined breathing state. Since the achievement of the target time is expressed as the completion of the guide graphic Im, the user only sees the change in the state of his / her breath by looking at the change of the guide graphic Im and arranges the expiration period toward the target time. In this way, they are guided to a defined respiratory state.

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

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

For example, the volume of the front and rear speakers 9 (amplification rate of the audio signal) is adjusted so that the sound image moves from the front to the rear during the inspiration period and the sound image moves from the rear to the front during the expiration period. To do. By moving the sound image back and forth as described above, it is possible to give the user a feeling of drawing air when inhaling and to give the user a feeling of sending out air when exhaling. Therefore, when the expiration period has reached the target time, the sound image may move from the rear to the front of the user, and the sound heard from the rear may be heard from the front. Alternatively, when the expiration period reaches the target time, another sound (for example, a sound “pololone”) may be output. Specific position of the thus specific sound or sound image will be presented that it has goals related to respiration.

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

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

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

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

In the case of presentation that was achieved by Ri goals in sound and lighting, in the above-described technology, because the duration of the expiration period can not be clearly perceived by the user that it has reached the target time, duration In order to notify the user that the target time has been reached, a sound notifying that the target time has been reached in addition to the breathing sound during the expiration period is added, or when the target time is reached, the overall light 21 and the spot light 22 Alternatively, at least one lighting state (including light color) of the rhythm lamp 23 may be changed, or a separate indicator lamp may be turned on.

The above operation, in together when presented to the user that it has achieved the target you induced respiratory condition that is determined by utilizing the present state of breathing information will indicate the respiration information a Subscriber. This feature not simply conscious breathing for the user, the breathing information is visual or auditory Therefore explicitly perception tends to induce an intention to reach the eventually breathing state of the target. In other words, the perception of breathing and the induction of breathing are seamlessly performed, so that it is possible to guide the user's breathing information (breathing state change) to a target state unreasonably and unconsciously.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the above example, when the breathing induction is successful, the next target time is presented so as to guide in the direction of extending the target time of the expiration period. Alternatively, both the expiration period and the inspiration period may be induced. Similarly, the degree of margin relating to breathing may be estimated for the inspiration period instead of the expiration period, and the degree of margin may be estimated for both the expiration period and the inspiration period.

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

Explanation of symbols

2 Video presentation device (respiration information presentation means, target presentation means)
3 Sound presentation device (respiratory information presentation means, target presentation means)
4 lighting devices (breathing information presentation means, target presentation means)
5 Respiration sensor 10 Guidance control unit (guidance control means, breath determination means, margin determination means)
12 Video content provider (target presentation means)
13 Sound content provider (target presentation means)
14 Illumination control unit (target presentation means)

Claims (9)

A respiration sensor for detecting a user's respiration ;
And respiration information presenting means for presenting the respiration information indicating the state change of the detected respiration by the respiration sensor to the user,
That it has goals relating to at least one of the time and amount of breathing for performing respiratory induction into predetermined respiratory condition, the target presenting means for presenting the a Subscriber using the presentation state of the respiration information When,
At least one a predetermined by comparing the target value, breath determining means for determining whether pre-Symbol respiration information has achieved the goal of time and the amount of breathing that is extracted as the respiratory information,
And a guidance control unit that adjust the target value by using the determination result by the respiration determination means
Breathing induction system comprising a call. The breath determining means determining that pre-Symbol at least hand between the time and the amount of breathing that is extracted as the respiration information comparing the targets value and from time to time, to achieve the target exceeds the targets value The respiratory guidance system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Said guidance control means determines that the target for at least one period of the expiration period and the intake period was achieved in the breath determining unit Then, change the target value in a direction to extend the duration, the target is achieved If it determined not to be breathing guidance system of claim 1, wherein that you change the target value in a direction to shorten the period. Said guidance control means, said detecting the condition of the respiratory user by the breath sensor before the target presenting hand stage starts presentation of the respiration information as initial respiration information, the target on the basis of the Initial respiration information The respiratory guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a value is determined. Said target presenting means, the breathing guidance system of claim 4, wherein the pre-Symbol targets value of the time of starting the respiratory inductive, and determining based on said initial breath data. Said target presenting means, the breathing guidance of the adjustment range when adjusting the pre Symbol targets value after starting the breathing guidance, claim 4 or 5, wherein the determining based on the initial respiration information system. From the breathing information the allowance is excess or shortage of respiration rate detected by the breathing sensor against the target value when the breath determining unit odor Te wherein a Subscriber is determined whether or not achieve the target with a margin estimation means for estimating, the guidance control unit, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adjusting the target value using the margin amount estimated by the surplus Yutaka estimating means Breathing induction system. From the respiratory information detected by said breath sensor margin time is excess or shortage of breath time against the target value when the breath determining unit odor Te wherein a Subscriber is determined whether or not achieve the target with a margin estimation means for estimating, the guidance control unit, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adjusting the target value using the margin time estimated by the excess Yutaka estimating means Breathing induction system. Said guidance control means, the detecting the start of the user of the expiration period from the respiratory information, wherein the adjusting child said target value only between exhalation phase of the intake period and the expiration period of the a Subscriber The respiratory induction system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.