Information processing device, stress management method, and stress management program

Abstract

The present invention provides assistance to encourage a subject to suppress undesirable behaviors caused by stress. This information processing device comprises: a condition determination unit that determines whether or not a first index value indicating the degree of a subject's stress and a second index value pertaining to a prescribed behavior impulsively performed by the subject due to stress satisfy a prescribed condition; and a notification unit that, if it has been determined that the prescribed condition was satisfied, performs notification for suppressing the prescribed behavior and / or stress. Further, the information processing device makes it possible to assist the subject in calmly making a decision.

Description

Information processing device, stress management method, and stress management program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a stress management method, and a stress management program.

[0002] The importance of appropriately managing mental stress is widely known. One example of a technology for managing stress is the stress management system described in Patent Document 1 below. This system notifies the user of an estimation result of whether the stress the user is experiencing is interpersonal stress. This system also notifies notification recipients who are in contact with the user (specifically, the perpetrator who caused the stress). This makes it possible for the perpetrator to recognize that their behavior caused stress.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-45545

[0004] It is known that stress can trigger undesirable behaviors such as overeating, drinking too much, spending too much, etc. Although such behaviors can temporarily relieve stress, once stress is relieved, people may later regret the behavior, which can lead to a vicious cycle of further stress building up.

[0005] When stress builds up and a person engages in undesirable behavior, it is believed that the person has lost the ability to make calm decisions, and therefore external intervention is necessary to prevent such behavior. In other words, there is a need for technology that can help people suppress undesirable behavior caused by stress, but such technology has not been known until now. For example, the technology in Patent Document 1 may be able to persuade perpetrators to refrain from harassing behavior, but it cannot prevent users from engaging in undesirable behavior caused by stress, nor can it help users relieve accumulated stress.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technology that supports suppressing undesirable behavior caused by stress.

[0007] An information processing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a condition determination means for determining whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value relating to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification means for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress when the condition determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0008] A stress management method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a condition determination process in which at least one processor determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value relating to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification process in which, if the condition determination process determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a notification is issued to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress.

[0009] A stress management program according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a condition determination means for determining whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value relating to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and as a notification means for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress when the condition determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0010] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that a technology can be provided that supports suppressing undesirable behavior caused by stress.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a stress management method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a stress management system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of another information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen to be displayed on a terminal device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen for notifying an alternative action. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a notification screen for notifying an alternative action. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device described in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when notification is made in real time. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification during online shopping. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing another example of processing executed by the information processing device described in FIG. 4. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer that functions as an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0012] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described below. Note that the scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technical means shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0014] [Configuration of Information Processing Device 1] The configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a condition determination unit 101 and a notification unit 102.

[0015] The condition determination unit 101 determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of the subject and a second index value related to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition. Note that the predetermined condition determines whether or not to issue a notification, as will be described later, and may be determined in advance depending on the index values ​​to be used, the subject of the notification, the content of the notification, etc.

[0016] The first index value may be any value that indicates the subject's level of stress. For example, the first index value may be a stress level calculated using biometric data that correlates with the subject's level of stress. The first index value may also be the biometric data that correlates with the subject's level of stress as is, or a value obtained by processing the biometric data. For example, the first index value may be calculated from the results of a stress check test.

[0017] Furthermore, the second index value may be any value related to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress. For example, if the subject spends money due to stress, the second index value may be a value related to the subject's expenses (e.g., the amount of expenditure over a predetermined period of time). For example, if the subject drinks alcohol due to stress, the second index value may be the amount of alcohol consumed by the subject over a predetermined period of time or the amount of expenditure on alcohol over a predetermined period of time. In this way, when a behavior to be avoided is specifically identified, it is effective to use the amount of expenditure corresponding to that behavior as the second index value.

[0018] When the condition determination unit 101 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification unit 102 issues a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress. Note that this notification may be any notification that can be expected to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress.

[0019] The mode of notification is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 102 may issue a notification via an output device used by the subject, or if the information processing device 1 is equipped with an output device, the notification may be issued via the output device. The notification recipient may be the subject, or a person other than the subject. The output mode of the output device is also arbitrary. For example, the notification may be a display output, an audio output, or a print output, or a combination of these. The timing of notification is also not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 102 may issue a notification when the condition determination unit 101 determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied, or may issue a notification at a later time.

[0020] As described above, the information processing device 1 includes a condition determination unit 101 that determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value related to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification unit 102 that, when the condition determination unit 101 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, issues a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress.

[0021] According to the above configuration, a notification to suppress at least one of a predetermined behavior and stress is given, so that at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress can be suppressed. Even if a notification to suppress stress is given instead of a notification to suppress a predetermined behavior, if stress is suppressed, the predetermined behavior caused by stress can also be suppressed. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain an effect of supporting the suppression of a predetermined behavior, i.e., undesirable behavior caused by stress. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to support the subject in making calm decisions. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, suppressing stress can contribute to the health care of the subject.

[0022] [Configuration of Stress Management Program] The functions of the information processing device 1 described above can also be realized by a program. The stress management program according to this exemplary embodiment is configured to cause a computer to function as a condition determination means for determining whether a first index value indicating the subject's level of stress and a second index value relating to a predetermined behavior the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and as a notification means for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress when the condition determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. This stress management program provides the effect of supporting suppression of undesirable behavior caused by stress.

[0023] [Flow of Stress Management Method] The flow of the stress management method will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the stress management method. Note that the execution entity of each step in this stress management method may be a processor provided in information processing device 1, or a processor provided in another device, or each step may be executed by a processor provided in a different device.

[0024] In S1, at least one processor executes a condition determination process to determine whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of the subject and a second index value relating to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition. If it is determined in S1 that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S2, and if it is determined in S1 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the stress management method of FIG. 2 ends.

[0025] In S2, at least one processor executes a notification process for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of a predetermined behavior and stress. When the notification process ends, the stress management method of FIG. 2 ends.

[0026] As described above, the stress management method employs a configuration in which at least one processor executes a condition determination process for determining whether a first index value indicating the subject's level of stress and a second index value related to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification process for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress if the condition determination process determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. This stress management method has the effect of providing support for suppressing undesirable behavior caused by stress.

[0027] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0028] [Configuration of Stress Management System 4] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the stress management system 4. As shown in the figure, the stress management system 4 includes an information processing device 1A, terminal devices 2a and 2b, and wearable devices 3a and 3b. Note that, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the terminal devices 2a and 2b, they will be simply referred to as terminal device 2. The same applies to the wearable devices 3a and 3b.

[0029] The stress management system 4 is a system that supports the management of mental stress of the user of the stress management system 4. The stress management system 4 also has a function of managing the income and expenditure of the user.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows user A wearing wearable device 3a and carrying terminal device 2a, and user B wearing wearable device 3b and carrying terminal device 2b. User A is the subject of management of stress and stress-related behavior. User B is an assistant who assists user A with the management. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between users A and B, they will be referred to simply as users. The stress management system 4 can be used by the subject alone, or by the assistant alone. The stress management system 4 can also be used by three or more people.

[0031] The information processing device 1A is a device for realizing the above-mentioned two functions of the stress management system 4, namely, the stress management support function and the income and expenditure management function. Specific configurations for realizing these functions will be described in order.

[0032] The terminal device 2 is a device that serves as a UI (User Interface) between the information processing device 1A and the user. The functions of the terminal device 2 can be realized, for example, by installing a predetermined application program on a general-purpose smartphone or tablet terminal. Note that the terminal device 2 may be any device that has a UI function, and for example, a personal computer, a game console, or the like can also be used as the terminal device 2.

[0033] The wearable device 3 is used to acquire biometric data of the user. For example, the wearable device 3 acquires biometric data correlated with stress, such as heart rate and sleep duration, and transmits the acquired biometric data to the terminal device 2. This biometric data is transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the information processing device 1A and used to calculate the user's stress level. While FIG. 3 shows an example in which the wearable device 3 is a watch-type device (a so-called smart watch), any device can be used as long as it can acquire the necessary biometric data. Note that the wearable device 3 does not need to be used when using data that can be acquired by the terminal device 2, such as sleep duration, as biometric data, or when calculating the stress level without using biometric data.

[0034] In the stress management system 4 having the above configuration, when user A's stress increases and causes him or her to engage in undesirable behavior as a result, the information processing device 1A detects this and notifies user A. For example, in the example of Fig. 3, the information processing device 1A displays a message on the terminal device 2a notifying user A that stress is building up and expenses are increasing. This makes user A aware that his or her stress is increasing and that expenses are increasing, and encourages him or her to consciously release stress and reduce expenses.

[0035] 3, the information processing device 1A can also display a message on the terminal device 2b owned by user B notifying that user A is becoming stressed and spending is increasing. This enables users A and B to cooperate to prevent user A from becoming stressed and to take measures to reduce spending.

[0036] [Configuration of Information Processing Device 1A] The configuration of the information processing device 1A will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device 1A. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 1A includes a control unit 10A that controls the various units of the information processing device 1A and a storage unit 11A that stores various data used by the information processing device 1A. The information processing device 1A also includes a communication unit 12A that enables the information processing device 1A to communicate with other devices, an input unit 13A that accepts various data input to the information processing device 1A, and an output unit 14A that enables the information processing device 1A to output various data. The control unit 10A also includes a condition determination unit 101A, a notification unit 102A, a stress level calculation unit 103A, an income / expense management unit 104A, an alternative action determination unit 105A, and a notification destination status confirmation unit 106A.

[0037] Similar to the condition determination unit 101 shown in FIG. 1 , the condition determination unit 101A determines whether a first index value indicating the subject's stress level and a second index value related to a predetermined behavior the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition. In this exemplary embodiment, an example is described in which the subject's stress level is used as the first index value, the predetermined behavior is excessive consumption behavior, and the amount of expenditure is used as the second index value. Excessive consumption behavior can also be rephrased as extravagance, waste, unnecessary spending, etc. Details of the predetermined conditions will be described later in the section "Regarding Prescribed Conditions." Note that the predetermined behavior is not limited to excessive consumption behavior, the first index value is not limited to stress level, and the second index value is not limited to expenditure amount. In the following description, "stress level" can be replaced with any "first index value," and "expenditure amount" can be replaced with any "second index value." In the following description, "excessive consumption behavior" can be replaced with any "prescribed behavior."

[0038] 1 , the notification unit 102A issues a notification to suppress at least one of a predetermined behavior and stress when the condition determination unit 101A determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied. As described above, in this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined behavior is excessive consumption behavior, and therefore the notification unit 102A issues a notification to suppress at least one of the excessive consumption behavior and stress. For example, the notification by the notification unit 102A may be performed in a manner such that a message indicating that both the stress level and the expenditure amount are increasing is displayed on the terminal device 2, as in the example of FIG. 3 .

[0039] The stress level calculation unit 103A calculates a stress level, which is an example of a first index value indicating the subject's level of stress. The method for calculating the stress level is not particularly limited. For example, the stress level calculation unit 103A may acquire biological data correlated with stress, such as heart rate or sleep time measured by the wearable device 3a, and calculate the stress level using the biological data. The stress level calculation unit 103A may also calculate a momentary stress level or a stress level over a predetermined period. In the former case, the stress level calculation unit 103A calculates the stress level at a certain time using biological data acquired at that time. In the latter case, the stress level calculation unit 103A may calculate the stress level for that period using biological data acquired over a predetermined period, or may calculate a representative value (e.g., average value) of the stress levels calculated for each time over that period. Note that the information processing device 1A may only need to include a means for acquiring the first index value, and the means is not limited to the stress level calculation unit 103A. For example, if the wearable device 3 has a function for calculating the stress level, a means for acquiring the stress level from the wearable device 3 may be provided instead of the stress level calculation unit 104A.

[0040] The income and expenditure management unit 104A is for realizing the above-mentioned household management function. Specifically, the income and expenditure management unit 104A accepts, stores, and presents the registration of income and expenditure amounts. Various data related to income and expenditure may be stored in any storage device such as the storage unit 11A. In this exemplary embodiment, the expenditure amount used as the second index value is acquired by the income and expenditure management unit 104A. Note that the information processing device 1A only needs to be equipped with a means for acquiring the second index value, and this means is not limited to the income and expenditure management unit 104A. For example, if the number of times a person smokes is used as the second index value, a means for detecting the number of times a person smokes may be provided instead of the income and expenditure management unit 104A.

[0041] The alternative behavior determination unit 105A determines an alternative behavior to replace the excessive consumption behavior. Furthermore, the notification unit 102A issues a notification recommending the execution of the alternative behavior determined by the alternative behavior determination unit 105A. This provides, in addition to the effects achieved by the information processing device 1, the effect of suppressing excessive consumption behavior while guiding the user to an appropriate alternative behavior and relieving stress. The alternative behavior and the method for determining the alternative behavior will be described later in the section "Alternative Behavior."

[0042] When the notification destination of the notification unit 102A is someone other than the target person (for example, when notifying user B in the example of FIG. 3), the notification destination status confirmation unit 106A confirms whether the notification destination is in a predetermined state suitable for receiving the notification content. Specifically, the notification destination status confirmation unit 106A confirms whether the stress level of the notification destination is below a threshold. Note that notification destinations other than the target person may be registered in advance by the target person, etc. Furthermore, the notification destination may also be notified of details of the target person's income and expenditure, or may not be notified of such information and may simply be notified of the high stress level and expenditure amount.

[0043] In this way, since the information processing device 1A is equipped with the notification destination status confirmation unit 106A, the notification unit 102A can send a notification to a predetermined notification destination other than the target person when an index value indicating the degree of stress of the predetermined notification destination is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Therefore, in addition to the effects achieved by the information processing device 1, the information processing device 1A can also achieve the effect of making it easier for the notification destination person to calmly accept the content of the notification. Note that the notification unit 102A may also send a notification to the target person when an index value indicating the degree of stress of the target person is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0044] As described above, the information processing device 1A includes a condition determination unit 101A that determines whether the stress level, which is a first index value indicating the subject's stress level, and the expenditure amount, which is a second index value related to the subject's excessive spending behavior caused by stress, satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification unit 102A that issues a notification to curb at least one of the excessive spending behavior and stress when the condition determination unit 101A determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. This makes it possible to prevent a vicious cycle of excessive spending behavior causing further stress. Furthermore, the information processing device 1A can create a virtuous cycle in which reducing stress leads to saving money, which in turn further reduces stress.

[0045] [Regarding the Predetermined Conditions] As described above, the predetermined conditions determine whether or not to issue a notification and may be determined in advance depending on the indicator values ​​used, the recipient of the notification, the content of the notification, and the like. For example, the predetermined condition may be an increase in the second indicator value, the amount of expenditure, due to an increase in the first indicator value, the stress level. This not only achieves the effects of the information processing device 1, but also provides the effect of enabling appropriate notifications to be issued in situations where it is highly likely that a predetermined behavior is induced by stress. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible to issue notifications before stress-related consumption behavior becomes excessive, thereby discouraging such consumption behavior.

[0046] In this case, the condition determination unit 101A may perform a correlation analysis on the time-series data of the stress level and the time-series data of the expenditure, and determine that the predetermined condition is met if there is a correlation between the data. Furthermore, the condition determination unit 101A may determine that the predetermined condition is met if, for example, the expenditure increases during a period in which the stress level is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition may be that both the stress level (first index value) and the expenditure (second index value) are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. This provides the effect of being able to issue a notification to prevent further predetermined behavior in a situation where stress is increasing and a predetermined behavior is being performed, in addition to the effect provided by the information processing device 1.

[0048] In this case, the condition determination unit 101A may monitor the stress level and the expenditure amount, respectively. The condition determination unit 101A may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the stress level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the expenditure amount is also equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The expenditure amount threshold and the stress level threshold may be set separately.

[0049] Alternatively, the condition determination unit 101A may monitor either the stress level or the expenditure amount. For example, the condition determination unit 101A may monitor the expenditure amount. In this case, the condition determination unit 101A determines whether the stress level is equal to or greater than a threshold when the expenditure amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and if so, determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition may be that the stress level, which is the first index value, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the increase in expenditure per unit time, which is the second index value (which can also be referred to as the rate of increase), is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to notify the user before excessive spending caused by stress becomes excessive, thereby discouraging such spending.

[0051] Here, some expenditures are necessary, some are less necessary, and some may be considered wasteful. Therefore, an index value indicating the degree of wasteful spending may be used as the second index value. For example, purchasing more than the necessary number of the same product or replacing it more frequently than necessary may be considered wasteful spending. Therefore, the number of purchases of a specific product or the purchase frequency may be used as the second index value. In this case, the condition determination unit 101A may determine that the specific condition is satisfied when, for example, the number of purchases of a specific product or the purchase frequency is equal to or greater than a specific threshold and the stress level is also equal to or greater than a specific threshold.

[0052] Furthermore, the condition determination unit 101A may determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied using a machine-learned model that uses at least one of the stress level (first index value) and the expenditure amount (second index value) as an explanatory variable and a third index value indicating the need for notification as a target variable. This provides the effect of being able to provide notifications in appropriate situations based on the results of machine learning, in addition to the effect provided by the information processing device 1.

[0053] For example, the third index value, i.e., the objective variable of the model, may indicate a classification of at least one of the fluctuation patterns of the first index value, the stress level, and the second index value, the expenditure amount. In this case, for example, the condition determination unit 101A may determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the results of classification using a classification model for stress fluctuation patterns in which the stress level is an explanatory variable and the results of classification using a classification model for expenditure fluctuation patterns in which the expenditure amount is an explanatory variable. As a specific example, the classification model for stress fluctuation patterns may classify the subject's stress state into a "high stress state" and a "low stress state." Furthermore, the classification model for expenditure fluctuation patterns may classify the subject's spending status into "tendency to spend" and "no tendency to spend." In this case, the condition determination unit 101A may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the subject is in a "high stress state" and a "tendency to spend."

[0054] Alternatively, for example, the condition determination unit 101A may perform the determination using an appropriateness determination model in which the expenditure amount for each predetermined expenditure item is used as an explanatory variable and the appropriateness of the overall expenditure is used as a target variable. In this case, the condition determination unit 101A inputs the expenditure amount for each of the above-mentioned expenditure items of the subject into the appropriateness determination model to calculate the appropriateness of the overall expenditure of the subject. Then, the condition determination unit 101A determines whether the calculated appropriateness and stress level satisfy predetermined conditions (e.g., the appropriateness level is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and the stress level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold).

[0055] Furthermore, for example, the condition determination unit 101A may perform the determination using a classification model in which the amount of expenditures in a predetermined period over time and the stress level in a predetermined period over time are used as explanatory variables, and the classification of the subject's state during the period is used as the objective variable. The classification may include at least a classification corresponding to a state in which notification should be issued, specifically, a classification corresponding to a state in which there is a high possibility that undesirable consumption behavior due to stress will be performed, or a classification corresponding to a state in which there is a high possibility that the subject has performed the consumption behavior.

[0056] In this case, the condition determination unit 101A inputs time-series data of the expenditure amount and stress level of the subject for a predetermined period into the classification model, and classifies the subject's condition for that period. Then, the condition determination unit 101A determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the subject's condition is classified into the classification corresponding to the condition for which notification should be issued.

[0057] [Regarding Alternative Behavior] As described above, an alternative behavior is a behavior that replaces a predetermined behavior that a subject performs due to stress. Therefore, if the predetermined behavior is excessive consumption behavior, the alternative behavior may be a behavior that the subject can perform instead of the excessive consumption behavior.

[0058] For example, the alternative behavior may be a behavior that brings about a change in the second index value that is smaller than that caused by the predetermined behavior and that is within a predetermined acceptable range. This provides the effect of allowing the predetermined behavior to relieve stress in the subject while keeping its impact within an acceptable range, in addition to the effect provided by the information processing device 1.

[0059] Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined behavior is excessive consumption behavior, and the second index value is the expenditure, so the alternative behavior may be a consumption behavior that causes an increase in expenditure to fall within a predetermined allowable range. The allowable range may be determined by the alternative behavior determination unit 105A based on, for example, the income of the subject, or may be specified by the user.

[0060] For example, suppose that the subject's stress level is high on average in a certain month, and the expenditure is above a threshold, and the condition determination unit 101A determines that the predetermined condition is met. In this case, the notification unit 102A may notify the subject that the expenditure due to stress was high in the month, notify the subject of the acceptable range, and encourage the subject to keep expenditure for stress relief within the acceptable range. In this case, recommending expenditure within the acceptable range is equivalent to recommending an alternative behavior. This makes it possible to relieve the subject's stress while keeping expenditure within the acceptable range.

[0061] The alternative action may be determined in advance, in which case the alternative action determination unit 105A may be omitted. By providing the alternative action determination unit 105A, the alternative action can be adapted to the user, etc., who is the target of the notification. For example, as described above, the alternative action determination unit 105A may determine the acceptable range for the alternative action.

[0062] The alternative behavior determination unit 105A may also determine an alternative behavior based on the behavioral history of the user to be notified. The behavioral history may indicate at least a portion of the user's past behavior. For example, the user's past expenditure history managed by the income and expenditure management unit 104A may be used as the behavioral history. Because the expenditure history is considered to reflect the user's characteristics, it is possible to determine an alternative behavior that corresponds to the user's characteristics. For example, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine an alternative behavior, such as purchasing frozen foods, which is more cost-effective than eating out, as an alternative behavior for a user who spends a large proportion of their expenses on eating out. Furthermore, if the predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress is, for example, excessive drinking, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine an alternative behavior that is within the subject's acceptable drinking range. The alternative behavior will be further described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0063] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen that the notification unit 102A displays on the terminal device 2. The notification unit 102A may display such a notification screen in response to, for example, a command to execute an analysis of stress level and expenditure amount by a user (person to be managed, for example) of the terminal device 2 via the terminal device 2.

[0064] 5 includes a bar graph a11 showing the stress level for each predetermined period (e.g., one month) and a bar graph a12 showing the expenditure amount for each predetermined period. In this way, by displaying information showing the stress level (first index value) and information showing the expenditure amount (second index value) in association with each other, the user can recognize the relationship between the first index value and the second index value for the user.

[0065] The dashed line attached to bar graph a11 indicates the threshold for stress level. The dashed line attached to bar graph a12 indicates the threshold for expenditure. By displaying the thresholds along with the graphs in this way, it is easy to recognize when both the stress level and expenditure exceed the thresholds and when they do. Furthermore, by showing the transitions between stress level and expenditure, it is possible to encourage restraints on excessive consumption behavior when stress level is on the rise or remains at a high level, thereby preventing excessive consumption behavior before it occurs.

[0066] The notification screen a1 also includes a message a13 informing the user that spending is increasing due to stress and recommending alternative behaviors to replace excessive spending. The notification screen a1 also includes a list a14 of recommended alternative behaviors. The list a14 shows four types of alternative behaviors and includes links for displaying details of each alternative behavior. When the user selects one of these links, the notification unit 102A displays a notification screen informing the user of the alternative behavior corresponding to the selected link.

[0067] (Examples of Notification Screens for Alternative Actions) Notification screens for notifying users of each alternative action shown in the list a14 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing examples of notification screens for notifying users of alternative actions. More specifically, FIG. 6 shows a notification screen a2 that recommends watching videos as an alternative action, and a notification screen a3 that recommends purchasing lower-priced products as an alternative action. The notification screen a2 is displayed, for example, when "Details" of "1. Relax with videos" in the list a14 of the notification screen a1 is selected. The notification screen a3 is displayed, for example, when "Details" of "2. Shop smart" in the list a14 of the notification screen a1 is selected.

[0068] The notification screen a2 includes a pie chart a21 showing the breakdown of expenses. The breakdown of expenses can be managed by the income and expenditure management unit 104A. The notification screen a2 also includes a message a22 indicating that food expenses have increased from the previous month. In this way, the notification unit 102A may also notify the user of the results of the expense analysis.

[0069] The notification screen a2 also includes a message a23 recommending an alternative behavior. Specifically, the message a23 suggests that the recommended video is effective in preventing overeating. In this way, the breakdown of expenses may be reflected in the recommended alternative behavior. That is, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine the alternative behavior based on the results of an expense analysis, such as the breakdown of expenses. Furthermore, if the alternative behavior is watching videos, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine the recommended content based on the results of the expense analysis. Note that the message shown in FIG. 6 may be set in advance for each combination of an alternative behavior and recommended content, or may be generated by a large-scale language model, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the notification screen a2 includes an icon a24 that is a link to the recommended video, as well as information a25 that introduces a video distribution service. In this way, the notification unit 102A may notify the user of advertisements for services or products related to the alternative behavior. The information a25 also includes a link to access the provider of the service, allowing the user to easily start using the service.

[0071] Similarly to the notification screen a2, the notification screen a3 also includes a pie chart a31 showing a breakdown of expenditures. The breakdown of expenditures differs between the pie charts a21 and a31. The notification screen a3 also includes a message a32 indicating that expenditures on clothing have increased compared to the previous month. The notification screen a3 also includes information a33 introducing clothes that are less expensive than the clothes the user has previously purchased. In other words, the notification screen a3 uses information a33 to recommend purchasing lower-priced items as an alternative to excessive clothing consumption. This allows the user to relieve stress by purchasing clothing, while guiding them to avoid excessive spending.

[0072] It should be noted that information such as prices and images of products previously purchased by the user, as well as information on retailers, can be acquired from the user's purchase history, etc. The alternative behavior determination unit 105A can use such information to determine products and retailers to recommend to the user. Furthermore, for example, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may search for similar products using images of products previously purchased by the user, and determine, from among the detected products, products that are cheaper than the products purchased by the user as the products to recommend to the user.

[0073] Similarly to the notification screens a2 and a3, the notification screen a4 shown in FIG. 7 also includes a pie chart a41 showing the breakdown of expenditures, as well as a message a42 showing the results of the expenditure analysis. The notification screen a4 is displayed, for example, when "Details" is selected for "3. Reconsider how you spend your money" in the list a14 of the notification screen a1 shown in FIG. 5. The message a42 indicates that expenditures on alcoholic beverages are increasing among food expenses. Excessive expenditures, particularly excessive drinking and smoking, are of concern as they can have adverse health effects. Therefore, when expenditures on such specific items are high, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine an alternative behavior that places emphasis on behavioral restraint rather than on reducing expenditures.

[0074] For example, the notification screen a4 includes a message a43 urging the user to reconsider their spending, along with a list a44 of travel plans that are less than the amount spent on alcohol. The list a44 recommends an alternative behavior, such as going on a trip. This can encourage the user to shift from relieving stress through excessive drinking to relieving stress through travel.

[0075] In this way, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine consumption behavior for another object as an alternative behavior to substitute for consumption behavior for a predetermined object. This configuration is particularly effective for users whose stress can be reduced through consumption behavior. It is sufficient to determine in advance what alternative behavior is determined for what object. For example, if consumption behavior for luxury goods such as jewelry is determined as the predetermined behavior, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine consumption behavior for daily necessities as the alternative behavior.

[0076] The notification screen a5 is displayed, for example, when "Details" is selected for "4. Leverage past experiences" in the list a14 of the notification screen a1 shown in Fig. 5. The notification screen a5 includes a message a51 that encourages the user to find a suitable stress relief method from among past actions, and a list a52 of actions that the user has taken in the past and that are thought to have contributed to a reduction in stress level.

[0077] In this way, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may determine, as an alternative behavior, a behavior of the user's past that is considered to have contributed to a reduction in stress. The behavior that is considered to have contributed to a reduction in stress can be detected using the user's behavior history and time-series data on stress level. For example, the alternative behavior determination unit 105A may detect, from the time-series data on stress level, a date and time when the amount of reduction in stress level became equal to or greater than a threshold, identify an action performed on that date and time from the behavior history, and determine that action as an alternative behavior.

[0078] The notification unit 102A may also notify the user of the expenditure amount and the stress level reduction amount for each alternative action, along with each alternative action determined by the alternative action determination unit 105A, thereby enabling the user to consider the cost-effectiveness of the alternative action to be taken.

[0079] [Processing Flow: Notification During Analysis] The processing flow executed by information processing device 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing executed by information processing device 1A. The flow diagram of Fig. 8 includes each step of the stress management method in this exemplary embodiment. The processing of Fig. 8 is started, for example, in response to a command to execute an analysis of stress level and expenditure amount by a user (person to be managed, such as stress) using terminal device 2 via terminal device 2.

[0080] In S21, the stress level calculation unit 103A calculates the average stress level for the target period. The average calculated in S21 is a first index value indicating the user's level of stress. The target period may be predetermined or may be specified by the user. For example, the target period may be the period from the first day of the month to the time when the processing of S21 is performed. Furthermore, instead of calculating the average stress level, the stress level calculation unit 103A may calculate another representative value (for example, the mode or median).

[0081] In S22, the income and expenditure management unit 104A identifies the user's total expenditure for the target period. The total expenditure obtained in S22 is a second index value related to a predetermined behavior (excessive consumption behavior) that the user engages in due to stress. As described above, the income and expenditure management unit 104A stores various data related to the user's income and expenditure in the storage unit 11A or the like, and therefore can identify the user's total expenditure for the target period by referring to the stored data.

[0082] In S23 (condition determination process), the condition determination unit 101A determines whether the average value calculated in S21 and the total expenditure amount acquired in S22 satisfy a predetermined condition, specifically, whether they are both equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the determination in S23 is YES, the process proceeds to S24, and if the determination in S23 is NO, the process in FIG. 8 ends.

[0083] In S24, the alternative action determination unit 105A determines an alternative action. For example, the alternative action determination unit 105A may determine an alternative action based on at least one of a breakdown of the user's expenditures, the user's behavioral history, alternative actions previously selected by the user, the stress level, and the total expenditure amount.

[0084] In S25 (notification process), the notification unit 102A issues a notification recommending the execution of an alternative behavior as a notification to reduce at least one of excessive consumption behavior and user stress. For example, the notification unit 102A may issue the above notification by generating a notification screen such as those shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and displaying it on the terminal device 2.

[0085] In S26, the notification unit 102A checks whether other notification destinations are registered. If the determination in S26 is NO (other notification destinations are not registered), the process in Fig. 8 ends. On the other hand, if the determination in S26 is YES (other notification destinations are registered), the process proceeds to S27.

[0086] In S27, the notification destination status confirmation unit 106A determines whether the stress level of the other notification destination person is equal to or lower than a threshold. For example, the notification destination status confirmation unit 106A may acquire biometric data of the other notification destination person, such as the heart rate measured by the wearable device 3, via the terminal device 2 of the other notification destination person, and cause the stress level calculation unit 103A to calculate the stress level using the acquired biometric data. This allows the notification destination status confirmation unit 106A to make the determination in S27 based on the current stress level of the other notification destination person. If the determination in S27 is NO, the process of S27 is performed again after a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the determination in S27 is YES, the process proceeds to S28.

[0087] In S28 (notification processing), the notification unit 102A notifies the other notification recipients that the target person's stress has increased and their spending has increased. For example, the notification unit 102A may perform the notification by displaying a message on the terminal device 2 of the other notification recipient indicating that the target person's stress has increased and their spending has increased. This notification is also a type of notification intended to curb at least one of excessive spending behavior and stress. When the processing of S28 ends, the processing of FIG. 8 ends.

[0088] [Example 2 of Notification Screen: Real-Time Notification] The notification unit 102A may provide a notification when a predetermined condition is satisfied, i.e., in real time. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when a notification is provided in real time. The notification screen a6 shown in FIG. 9 includes a graph a61 showing the transition of stress level and a graph a62 showing the transition of total expenditure. By presenting such graphs to the user when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the user can be made aware of the stress level and total expenditure at that time, and can be encouraged to reduce excessive spending behavior and stress.

[0089] The notification screen a6 also includes a message a63 informing the user that stress is high and that the total expenditure has exceeded the upper limit, and recommending that the user continue shopping when they feel more calm. This makes it possible to prevent the total expenditure from becoming excessive due to further expenditure.

[0090] [Example 3 of Notification Screen: Notification During Shopping] The notification unit 102A may issue a notification when a consumer has performed a consumption behavior in a state where a predetermined condition is satisfied, or when the consumer is about to perform a consumption behavior. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification during online shopping. The screen a7 shown in FIG. 10 is a product purchase screen for online shopping. The screen a7 includes an image a72 of the product to be purchased and a button a73 for confirming the purchase. The screen a7 also includes a message a71 indicating that the user is experiencing high stress and recommending that the user reconsider purchasing the product once they have calmed down. By having the notification unit 102A display such a message a71, the user can prevent consumption behavior that they may later regret.

[0091] For example, such a notification can be made by using the price of a product or service before the purchase is confirmed (for example, the total price of products and services in a so-called "cart" in online shopping) as the second index value. Alternatively, the sum of the expenditure amount and the price of the product or service before the purchase is confirmed may be used as the second index value. Furthermore, the notification unit 102A may issue a notification when the user attempts to make a purchase when the expenditure amount and stress level satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0092] As described above, the notification unit 102A may issue a notification to the target person urging the target person to refrain from performing a predetermined behavior when the target person is about to perform the predetermined behavior, thereby obtaining the effect of preventing the target person from performing the predetermined behavior in addition to the effect provided by the information processing device 1.

[0093] Furthermore, the notification unit 102A may notify the subject of an alternative action at the timing when the subject is about to perform a consumption behavior. In this case, the alternative action determination unit 105A may determine, as the alternative action, the purchase of a product or service that is cheaper than the product or service the subject is about to purchase. Alternatively, the alternative action determination unit 105A may determine, as the alternative action, the purchase of a product that is unlikely to result in wasteful expenditure, such as daily necessities. By notifying the subject of such an alternative action, it is expected that spending will be reduced.

[0094] [Processing Flow: Control Using Flags] Another example of processing executed by information processing device 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flow diagram showing another example of processing executed by information processing device 1A. The flow diagram of Fig. 11 also includes each process of the stress management method in this exemplary embodiment. The processing of Fig. 11 is performed continuously so that real-time notification can be performed.

[0095] In S31, the stress level calculation unit 103A calculates the stress level of the user. For example, the stress level calculation unit 103A may acquire biometric data such as the heart rate measured by the wearable device 3 via the terminal device 2 of the subject, and calculate the stress level using the acquired biometric data.

[0096] In S32, the income and expenditure management unit 104A identifies the user's total expenditure up to the present time. For example, the income and expenditure management unit 104A may identify the total expenditure for the period from the first day of the month to the time when the processing of S32 is performed. Note that the processing of S32 may be performed before S31, or the processing of S31 and S32 may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the income and expenditure management unit 104A may perform the processing of S32 when it detects a new expenditure, and may also perform the processing of S31 at the same time.

[0097] In S33, the condition determination unit 101A determines whether the stress level calculated in S31 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the determination in S33 is NO, the process proceeds to S34, where the condition determination unit 101A turns the stress flag OFF. On the other hand, if the determination in S33 is YES, the process proceeds to S35, where the condition determination unit 101A turns the stress flag ON. In other words, the stress flag indicates whether the stress level is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Note that the processes in S33 and the following S34 and S35 may be performed at any timing after the process in S31.

[0098] In S36, the condition determination unit 101A determines whether the total expenditure amount identified in S32 is equal to or greater than a threshold. If the determination in S36 is NO, the process proceeds to S37, where the condition determination unit 101A turns the expenditure flag OFF. On the other hand, if the determination in S36 is YES, the process proceeds to S38, where the condition determination unit 101A turns the expenditure flag ON. In other words, the expenditure flag indicates whether the total expenditure amount is equal to or greater than a threshold. Note that the processes in S36 and the following S37 and S38 may be performed at any timing after the process in S32.

[0099] In S39 (condition determination process), the condition determination unit 101A determines whether both the stress flag and the expense flag are ON. If the determination in S39 is NO, the process returns to S31. On the other hand, if the determination in S39 is YES, the process proceeds to S40.

[0100] In S40 (notification processing), the notification unit 102A issues a notification encouraging the user to reduce spending in order to curb excessive consumption. Note that in S40, the notification unit 102A may issue a notification to reduce stress, such as displaying a message suggesting that the user take a deep breath to calm down. After S40 ends, the process returns to S31.

[0101] [Modifications] The entities that execute the processes described in the exemplary embodiments above are arbitrary and are not limited to the above examples. In other words, as long as the devices that make up the stress management system 4 can execute the processes described in the exemplary embodiments above, they can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the functions of the information processing device 1A may be provided in another server, or some of the functions of the information processing device 1A may be provided in the terminal device 2. For example, by providing the terminal device 2 with a condition determination unit 101A and a notification unit 102A, etc., it becomes possible to manage stress using the terminal device 2 alone or in combination with the wearable device 3.

[0102] In the flow diagrams shown in Figures 8 and 11, the processing of each step may be executed by one device (which may also be referred to as a processor) or by multiple devices (which may also be referred to as processors). In other words, the execution entity of the processing shown in Figures 8 and 11 may be one processor or multiple processors.

[0103] [Example of Software Implementation] Some or all of the functions of the information processing devices 1 and 1A may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or may be implemented by software.

[0104] In the latter case, the information processing devices 1 and 1A are realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as information processing device 1 or 1A.

[0105] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P (stress management program) for operating the computer C as the information processing device 1 or 1A. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of the information processing device 1 or 1A.

[0106] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0107] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0108] The program P can also be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0109] [Appendix 1] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0110] (Appendix A1) An information processing device comprising: a condition determination means for determining whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value relating to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition; and a notification means for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress when the condition determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0111] (Supplementary Note A2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note A1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the second index value increases due to an increase in the first index value.

[0112] (Supplementary Note A3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note A1, wherein the predetermined condition is that both the first index value and the second index value are equal to or greater than predetermined threshold values.

[0113] (Supplementary Note A4) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A3, wherein the notification means issues a notification to the target person urging the target person to refrain from the predetermined behavior at a timing when the target person is about to perform the predetermined behavior.

[0114] (Supplementary Note A5) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A4, wherein the notification means issues a notification recommending the execution of an alternative action that is to replace the predetermined action.

[0115] (Supplementary Note A6) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note A5, wherein the alternative action is an action that brings about a change in the second index value that is smaller than a change that would occur if the predetermined action were performed and that is within a predetermined acceptable range.

[0116] (Appendix A7) The information processing device according to any one of Appendices A1 to A6, wherein the notification means sends the notification to a predetermined notification destination other than the target person when an index value indicating a degree of stress of the person at the predetermined notification destination is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0117] (Appendix A8) The information processing device according to Appendix A1, wherein the condition determination means determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied using a machine-learned model that uses at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an explanatory variable and a third index value indicating the need for notification or a classification of a fluctuation pattern of at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an objective variable.

[0118] [Appendix B (Method Claim Set)] (Appendix B1) A stress management method comprising: a condition determination process in which at least one processor determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value relating to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition; and a notification process in which, if the condition determination process determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a notification is issued to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress.

[0119] (Appendix B2) The stress management method according to Appendix B1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the second index value increases due to an increase in the first index value.

[0120] (Appendix B3) The stress management method according to Appendix B1, wherein the predetermined condition is that both the first index value and the second index value are equal to or greater than predetermined threshold values.

[0121] (Appendix B4) A stress management method described in any of Appendices B1 to B3, wherein in the notification processing, the at least one processor notifies the subject to encourage the subject to refrain from the specified behavior when the subject is about to perform the specified behavior.

[0122] (Supplementary Note B5) The stress management method according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B4, wherein in the notification process, the at least one processor issues a notification recommending the execution of an alternative behavior that replaces the predetermined behavior.

[0123] (Appendix B6) The stress management method according to Appendix B5, wherein the alternative behavior is a behavior that brings about a change in the second index value that is smaller than that which would occur if the specified behavior were performed and that is within a specified acceptable range.

[0124] (Appendix B7) A stress management method described in any of Appendices B1 to B6, wherein in the notification processing, the at least one processor sends the notification to a specified notification destination other than the target person when an index value indicating the degree of stress of the person at the specified notification destination is below a specified threshold.

[0125] (Appendix B8) The stress management method described in Appendix B1, wherein, in the condition determination process, the at least one processor determines whether the specified condition is met using a machine-learned model that uses at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an explanatory variable and a third index value indicating the need for notification or a classification of the fluctuation pattern of at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an objective variable.

[0126] [Appendix C (Claim Set of Program)] (Appendix C1) A stress management program that causes a computer to function as a condition determination means that determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value related to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification means that, when the condition determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, issues a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress.

[0127] (Appendix C2) The stress management program according to appendix C1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the second index value increases due to an increase in the first index value.

[0128] (Appendix C3) The stress management program according to appendix C1, wherein the predetermined condition is that both the first index value and the second index value are equal to or greater than predetermined threshold values.

[0129] (Appendix C4) A stress management program described in any one of Appendices C1 to C3, wherein the notification means notifies the subject to encourage the subject to refrain from the specified behavior when the subject is about to perform the specified behavior.

[0130] (Appendix C5) The stress management program according to any one of appendices C1 to C4, wherein the notification means issues a notification recommending the execution of an alternative behavior to replace the predetermined behavior.

[0131] (Appendix C6) The stress management program according to Appendix C5, wherein the alternative behavior is a behavior that brings about a change in the second index value that is smaller than that caused by the predetermined behavior and that is within a predetermined acceptable range.

[0132] (Appendix C7) A stress management program described in any of Appendices C1 to C6, wherein the notification means sends the notification to a specified notification destination other than the target person when an index value indicating the degree of stress of the person at the specified notification destination is below a specified threshold.

[0133] (Appendix C8) The stress management program described in Appendix C1, wherein the condition determination means determines whether the specified condition is met using a machine-learned model that uses at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an explanatory variable and a third index value indicating the need for notification or a classification of the fluctuation pattern of at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an objective variable.

[0134] [Appendix D] (Appendix D1) An information processing device having at least one processor, the at least one processor executing a condition determination process that determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value related to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification process that issues a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress when it is determined in the condition determination process that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0135] (Appendix D2) The information processing device according to appendix D1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the second index value increases due to an increase in the first index value.

[0136] (Appendix D3) The information processing device according to appendix D1, wherein the predetermined condition is that both the first index value and the second index value are equal to or greater than predetermined thresholds.

[0137] (Appendix D4) An information processing device described in any of Appendices D1 to D3, wherein in the notification processing, the at least one processor notifies the subject to encourage the subject to refrain from the specified behavior when the subject is about to perform the specified behavior.

[0138] (Supplementary Note D5) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes D1 to D4, wherein in the notification process, the at least one processor issues a notification recommending the execution of an alternative action that replaces the predetermined action.

[0139] (Supplementary Note D6) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note D5, wherein the alternative action is an action that brings about a change in the second index value that is smaller than a change that would occur if the predetermined action were performed and that is within a predetermined acceptable range.

[0140] (Appendix D7) An information processing device described in any of Appendices D1 to D6, wherein in the notification processing, the at least one processor sends the notification to a specified notification destination other than the target person when an index value indicating the degree of stress of the person at the specified notification destination is below a specified threshold.

[0141] (Appendix D8) The information processing device described in Appendix D1, wherein in the condition determination process, the at least one processor determines whether the specified condition is met using a machine-learned model that uses at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an explanatory variable and a third index value indicating the need for notification or a classification of a fluctuation pattern of at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an objective variable.

[0142] [Appendix E (US Countermeasure Recording Medium: Standalone Format Only)] The information processing device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a stress management program for causing the at least one processor to execute each of the processes.

[0143] (Appendix E1) A non-transient recording medium having recorded thereon a stress management program that causes a computer to execute a condition determination process that determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value related to a predetermined behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a predetermined condition, and a notification process that issues a notification to suppress at least one of the predetermined behavior and stress when the condition determination process determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0144] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing device 101 Condition determination unit (condition determination means) 102 Notification unit (notification means) 1A Information processing device 101A Condition determination unit (condition determination means) 102A Notification unit (notification means)

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a condition determination means for determining whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value related to a specified behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a specified condition; and a notification means for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of the specified behavior and stress when the condition determination means determines that the specified condition is satisfied.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the second index value has increased due to an increase in the first index value.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that both the first index value and the second index value are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification means issues a notification to the subject urging the subject to refrain from the specified behavior when the subject is about to perform the specified behavior.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification means issues a notification recommending the execution of an alternative action to replace the predetermined action.

6. An information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the alternative behavior is a behavior that brings about a change in the second index value that is smaller than a change that would occur if the specified behavior were performed and that is within a specified tolerance range.

7. An information processing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification means sends the notification to a specified notification destination other than the target person when an index value indicating the degree of stress of the person at the specified notification destination is below a specified threshold value.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the condition determination means determines whether or not the specified condition is satisfied using a machine-learned model having at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an explanatory variable and a third index value indicating the need for notification or a classification of a fluctuation pattern of at least one of the first and second index values ​​as an objective variable.

9. A stress management method including: a condition determination process in which at least one processor determines whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value related to a specified behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a specified condition; and a notification process in which, when it is determined in the condition determination process that the specified condition is satisfied, a notification is issued to suppress at least one of the specified behavior and stress.

10. A stress management program that causes a computer to function as: a condition determination means for determining whether a first index value indicating the degree of stress of a subject and a second index value related to a specified behavior that the subject engages in due to stress satisfy a specified condition; and a notification means for issuing a notification to suppress at least one of the specified behavior and stress when the condition determination means determines that the specified condition is satisfied.

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