Intelligence work support system and intelligence work support method

Abstract

This intellectual work assistance system is provided with: a first determination unit (32) that determines the start timing of applying a relaxation stimulus that is a stimulus for alleviating cognitive tension of a user who performs intellectual work; a second determination unit (33) that determines the length of time during which the relaxation stimulus is applied; and a control unit (34) that, by controlling the actuator, applies a relaxation stimulus to the user during a period of the determined time length, the period starting at the determined start timing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intellectual task support system and an intellectual task support method. Background Art

[0002] It is known that when performing intellectual tasks such as work or study, the user's work efficiency is affected by the degree of concentration of consciousness (hereinafter referred to as "concentration"). In addition, the user's concentration varies depending on various environmental factors. Therefore, a technology for controlling environmental factors that affect the user's concentration is proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of adding single-wavelength light to white light illumination in order to improve the level of wakefulness and improve work efficiency. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 can improve work efficiency without increasing the lighting energy.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a technique for setting the illumination in the time period after lunch higher than the normal illumination and setting the illumination in other time periods lower than the normal illumination. The technique disclosed in patent document 2 can improve the work efficiency in the time period after lunch and can suppress the total energy consumption.

[0005] (Prior art literature)

[0006] (Patent Document)

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-59677

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-245356 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The present invention provides an intellectual task support system and the like capable of supporting a user's intellectual task.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] An intellectual task support system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first determination unit, which determines the start timing of applying a relaxation stimulus, wherein the relaxation stimulus is a stimulus for alleviating cognitive tension of a user performing an intellectual task; a second determination unit, which determines the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus; and a control unit, which controls an actuator to apply the relaxation stimulus to the user during the determined length of time, wherein the period starts from the determined start timing.

[0013] The intellectual task support method involved in one embodiment of the present invention is an intellectual task support method executed by a computer, and the intellectual task support method includes: a first determination step of determining the start timing of applying a relaxation stimulus, wherein the relaxation stimulus is a stimulus used to relieve cognitive tension of a user performing an intellectual task; a second determination step of determining the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus; and a control step of controlling an actuator so as to apply the relaxation stimulus to the user during the determined length of time, wherein the period starts from the determined start timing.

[0014] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is for causing the computer to execute the mental task supporting method.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] The intellectual task support system of the present invention can support the intellectual tasks of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the functions of the mental task support system according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the mental task support system according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the relaxation stimulation database in Operation Example 1.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the change over time of the user's concentration when relaxation stimulation is applied.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of the working example 2 of the intellectual task support system involved in the implementation method.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the relaxation stimulation database in the second operation example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following embodiments are specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments to be described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, configuration positions of constituent elements, connection methods, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are all examples, and their purpose is not to limit the present invention. In addition, the constituent elements of the following embodiments that are not recorded in the independent technical solutions are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0025] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not a strict illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components, and repeated descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0026] (Implementation Method)

[0027] [constitute]

[0028] First, the configuration of a mental task support system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the intellectual task support system according to the embodiment. The intellectual task support system 10 according to the embodiment is a system that can provide relaxation stimulation to the user in order to relieve cognitive stress of the user who performs intellectual tasks such as work (office work) and study. The relaxation stimulation may also be called short relaxation.

[0029] In addition, there is no particular limitation on the location of work and study (space that provides relaxation stimulation to the user). The location of work and study is an office, school, or residence, etc., and may also be a single-room office (enclosed space for work or study) set up in a station or the like.

[0030] Cognitive stress may also be referred to as cognitive fatigue, etc. Relief of cognitive stress may also be referred to as recovery from cognitive fatigue or mood change, etc. By alleviating cognitive stress, it is possible to maintain and improve the user's concentration.

[0031] The intellectual task support system 10 relieves cognitive stress by applying relaxation stimulation to the user who is performing intellectual tasks in a very short time. The time length of applying relaxation stimulation is about several seconds to several hundred seconds (more than 1 second and less than 300 seconds), typically more than 1 second and less than 30 seconds. The relaxation stimulation is applied while the user continues to perform intellectual tasks, which is very different from the action of taking a 20-minute break after the user finishes the intellectual tasks.

[0032] In addition, there is a known technology that considers a decrease in concentration as a decrease in wakefulness and awakens the user by applying stimulation. However, the intellectual task support system 10 is not a system for awakening the user, and the relaxation stimulation therein is also different from the stimulation for awakening the user.

[0033] For example, in the case of applying stimulation to the user through the light emitted by the lighting device, if the purpose is to wake the user up, it is appropriate to increase the brightness and emit light with a high color temperature. In contrast, relaxation stimulation refers to stimulation that causes cognitive resources (attention) to leave (deviate from) the task object for a short period of time, thereby relieving cognitive tension. For example, this is achieved by temporarily changing the brightness and color (color temperature) of the light emitted by the lighting device. Specifically, when the user performs intellectual work, the color temperature emitted by the lighting device is reduced only for a short period of time, thereby relieving cognitive tension. In addition, as a relaxation stimulus, it is also possible to consider changing the light distribution or light source position of the lighting device, thereby changing the illumination pattern of the light in the area entering the user's field of view.

[0034] In addition, when the airflow generated by the airflow generating device stimulates the user, if the purpose is to wake the user, strong wind is usually blown to the user. In contrast, relaxation stimulation is achieved by generating soft (weak) or fluctuating airflow over a wide range.

[0035] When the user is stimulated by emitting an odor through the odor generating device, if the purpose is to awaken the user, a lemon odor or a mint odor with an awakening effect is used. In contrast, a relaxing stimulus is achieved by a less stimulating odor, such as a cypress odor or a lavender odor.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the mental task support system 10 includes a camera 20 , an information processing device 30 , and an actuator 40 .

[0037] The camera 20 is a camera installed in a space where a user performing intellectual work is located, and is used to capture a moving image of the user performing intellectual work. The camera 20 transmits the image data of the captured moving image to the information processing device 30. In addition, the camera 20 may be a high-function camera such as an AI (Artificial Intelligence) camera, and the camera 20 may perform the processing of calculating the concentration described later instead of the information processing device 30. In this case, the processing of calculating the concentration in the information processing device 30 may be omitted.

[0038] The information processing device 30 performs information processing to apply a relaxation stimulus to a user who is performing an intellectual task, and the relaxation stimulus is a stimulus for relieving the cognitive tension of the user. The information processing device 30 is, for example, a personal computer, or may be a server device or a dedicated controller corresponding to the actuator 40. Figure 1 The information processing device 30 is disposed in the space where the user is located, but may also be disposed outside the space.

[0039] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the information processing device 30 includes: an acquisition unit 31 for acquiring the user's state; a first determination unit 32 for determining the start timing of applying the relaxation stimulus; a second determination unit 33 for determining the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus; a control unit 34 for applying the relaxation stimulus to the user by controlling the actuator 40; a storage unit 35; and an input receiving unit 36.

[0040] The acquisition unit 31, the first determination unit 32, the second determination unit 33, and the control unit 34 are functional components, and the functions of the acquisition unit 31, the first determination unit 32, the second determination unit 33, and the control unit 34 are realized, for example, by executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35 by a microcomputer or processor (hardware) possessed by the information processing device 30.

[0041] The storage unit 35 is a storage device for storing the above-mentioned computer program and various information required for applying relaxation stimulation. The information required for applying relaxation stimulation includes a relaxation stimulation database described later. The storage unit 35 is implemented by a semiconductor memory or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0042] The input receiving unit 36 ​​receives input of information from the user. When the user starts using the computer task support system 10, the user inputs information as initial settings, and the input receiving unit 36 ​​receives the information. The input receiving unit 36 ​​is implemented by, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.

[0043] The information input by the user includes at least one of the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual task to be performed by the user, the environment of the space in which the user is located (in other words, the space in which the user performs the intellectual task), and the category of the actuator 40 (actuator 40 of the control object) set in the space in which the user is located.

[0044] The user's attributes are specifically the user's age, gender, and position, etc. The content of the intellectual task, for example, specifies the concentration required for the task. For the content of the intellectual task, for example, a selection is made from pre-prepared options, including tasks requiring a short time and high concentration and tasks requiring a long time and normal concentration.

[0045] The environment of the space where the user is located refers to, for example, whether it is an open space or a closed space, a single room or a shared space, in other words, the category of the space. The environment of the space where the user is located is selected from, for example, pre-prepared options. In addition, the environment of the space may also include information such as the temperature in the space (whether the area to which the space belongs is a warm area).

[0046] The type of the actuator 40 refers to a type of device described later that the actuator 40 is. The type of the actuator is selected from, for example, pre-prepared options.

[0047] The actuator 40 is a stimulation applying device (stimulation prompting device) that applies a relaxation stimulation to the user by being controlled by the control unit 34. Figure 1 In the example, the actuator 40 is an indirect lighting device that applies a relaxing stimulus to the user by irradiating light to a portion R of the wall located in front of the user (in other words, a portion R of the wall that enters the field of vision of the user who is performing intellectual work).

[0048] In addition, the actuator 40 is not limited to an indirect lighting device, but can also be an ambient lighting device, a task lighting device, an airflow generating device, an air conditioning device, an odor generating device, a sound source reproduction device, an electric blind, or an image projection device, etc.

[0049] The ambient lighting device is a lighting device that illuminates the entire space where the user is located, thereby creating a brightness that serves as the basis of the space. The task lighting device is a lighting device that illuminates only the surroundings of the user. Both the ambient lighting device and the task lighting device provide a relaxing stimulus to the user through the illumination of light.

[0050] The airflow generating device is an air supply device without a temperature adjustment function. The airflow generating device can send airflow to the user to provide a relaxation stimulus to the user, or it can cause the airflow to occur in the entire space where the user is located to provide a relaxation stimulus to the user. The air conditioning device has a temperature adjustment function, and by sending air with adjusted temperature, the temperature of the entire space where the user is located is adjusted, thereby providing a relaxation stimulus to the user.

[0051] The sound source reproduction device applies a relaxation stimulus to the user by reproducing the sound source (that is, emitting sound). The electric blinds apply a relaxation stimulus to the user by switching from a closed state to an open state. In this case, the relaxation stimulus refers to the situation where external light enters the space where the user is located and the situation where the external scenery is presented to the user. The image projection device applies a relaxation stimulus to the user by projecting an image.

[0052] In addition, the control unit 34 applies a relaxing stimulus by changing the user's surrounding environment through the control of the actuator 40. In other words, the actuator 40 is a device that changes the user's surrounding environment (light environment or air quality environment, etc.), but it can also be a device that directly acts on the user (applies vibration, etc.).

[0053] In the following embodiments, any operation performed by the actuator 40 to provide relaxation stimulation (for example, the indirect lighting device emits blue monochromatic light) is also described as a form of relaxation stimulation.

[0054] [Working Example 1]

[0055] Next, operation example 1 of the mental task support system 10 will be described. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of working example 1 of the intelligence task support system 10 .

[0056] First, the input receiving unit 36 ​​receives input of information such as the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual work to be performed by the user, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of the actuator 40 set in the space where the user is located (S11). The input information is stored in the storage unit 35 as setting information. After the user inputs the information, the user starts to perform intellectual work. Intellectual work is work or study, etc.

[0057] Next, the acquisition unit 31 acquires (calculates) the concentration of the user who is performing the intellectual task (S12). The concentration is a parameter indicating the degree to which the user is concentrating on the intellectual task. The concentration is acquired in real time and repeatedly. The real time here is not strictly real time, and may also include errors. The error here includes the time required for information processing to obtain the concentration.

[0058] Specifically, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the user's motion image (image data) through the camera 20, performs image processing on the motion image, and calculates the feature quantity used to obtain the concentration. The feature quantity here refers to the movement of the line of sight, posture, movement of the hand, movement of the head, movement of the eye, expression, and the number of blinks. The acquisition unit 31 inputs these feature quantities into the machine learning model to obtain the concentration from the machine learning model. The machine learning model is pre-stored in the storage unit 35.

[0059] The machine learning model is, for example, a model to which logistic regression is applied, and is a learned model constructed by establishing corresponding data between feature quantities of multiple subjects and subjective evaluation results of whether the subjects are concentrated or not or evaluation results of a third party (concentrated: 1, not concentrated: 0) as learning data (teacher data). The machine learning model outputs, for example, a numerical value ranging from 0% (not concentrated) to 100% (concentrated) regarding the degree of concentration.

[0060] In addition, it is not necessary to apply logistic regression. In recent years, various indicators representing concentration have been proposed, and the machine learning model can also be a learned model constructed by establishing corresponding data between the feature quantities of multiple subjects and the indicators representing the concentration of the user as learning data (teacher data). In addition, the machine learning model can also be a model that applies deep learning and can estimate the concentration using images (moving images) as input.

[0061] In step S12, the concentration may be obtained without using a machine learning model. Conventionally, an index based on an algorithm that does not use a machine learning model has been proposed, and the index represents the concentration. The obtaining unit 31 obtains (calculates) the index as the concentration using the algorithm.

[0062] Next, the first decision unit 32 determines whether the obtained user's concentration is above a specified value (S13). The specified value is, for example, 80%, and is not particularly limited. When the first decision unit 32 determines that the concentration is above the specified value ("Yes" in S13), considering that the user is fully concentrating on the intellectual task, it is considered that there is no need to apply a relaxation stimulus. Therefore, in this case, no relaxation stimulus is applied, and the acquisition of concentration continues (S12). In this way, the intellectual task support system 10 does not apply a relaxation stimulus when the user's concentration is high, so that the user's concentration can be maintained and improved.

[0063] On the other hand, when the first decision unit 32 determines that the concentration is less than the specified value ("No" in S13), it determines whether there is a tendency for the concentration to decrease (S14). Since the concentration in step S12 is obtained in real time and repeatedly, the first decision unit 32 can obtain the most recent time series data of the concentration. The first decision unit 32 can determine whether there is a tendency for the concentration to decrease based on the inclination of the most recent time series data of the concentration (or the inclination of the moving average of the concentration). In addition, this method of determining whether there is a tendency for the concentration to decrease is an example, and there is no special limitation on the method of determining whether there is a tendency for the concentration to decrease.

[0064] In addition, in step S14, it is also possible to judge whether there is a sign of a decrease in concentration instead of judging whether there is a tendency of a decrease in concentration. For example, the change pattern of the time series data of the concentration of the user before the concentration is about to decrease a lot, or the action (habitual action) of the user before the concentration decreases a lot, etc. are determined in advance (learned), and the first determination unit 32 judges whether there is a sign of a decrease in concentration based on the change pattern or the action (habitual action). In addition, this method of judging whether there is a sign of a decrease in concentration is an example, and there is no special limitation on the method of judging whether there is a sign of a decrease in concentration.

[0065] When the first decision unit 32 determines that there is no tendency of concentration reduction (or a sign of concentration reduction) (No in S14), it is considered that relaxation stimulation is not necessary. Therefore, in this case, relaxation stimulation is not applied and concentration acquisition is continued (S12).

[0066] On the other hand, when the first determination unit 32 determines that there is a tendency of a decrease in concentration (or a sign of a decrease in concentration) ("Yes" in S14), it is determined whether a prescribed interval time has passed since the last application of the relaxation stimulus (S15). The prescribed interval time is, for example, a time of more than 5 minutes and less than 10 minutes. In addition, although the interval time is a fixed time that does not depend on the type of the actuator 40, it can also be changed according to the type of the actuator 40. In addition, the interval time can be changed according to the concentration of the most recent user. In this case, the lower the concentration of the most recent user, the shorter the interval time.

[0067] When the first decision unit 32 determines that the interval time has not passed ("No" in S15), it can be considered that relaxation stimulation is not needed. Therefore, in this case, relaxation stimulation is not applied, but the acquisition of concentration continues (S12). In other words, the control unit 34 does not apply relaxation stimulation during the specified interval time. In this way, the intellectual task support system 10 does not apply relaxation stimulation during the interval time (in other words, relaxation stimulation is applied at least after the interval time has passed), so that relaxation stimulation can be applied efficiently.

[0068] On the other hand, when the first decision unit 32 determines that the interval time has passed ("Yes" in S15), the current timing is determined as the start timing of applying the relaxation stimulus (S16). In other words, the first decision unit 32 determines the timing of detecting the tendency of the user's concentration to decrease (or the timing of detecting the sign of the user's concentration decrease) as the start timing based on the obtained user's concentration. In addition, it can be generally considered that the timing of detecting the tendency of the user's concentration to decrease (or the timing of detecting the sign of the user's concentration decrease) is earlier than the timing when the user feels sleepy (the timing when it is necessary to wake the user up).

[0069] Next, the second decision unit 33 decides the length of time to apply the relaxation stimulation (S17). The second decision unit 33 can refer to the relaxation stimulation database pre-stored in the storage unit 35 to decide the length of time suitable for the user based on the information input in step S11. Figure 4is a diagram showing an example of the relaxation stimulation database in the working example 1. In other words, the second decision unit 33 determines the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulation from one or more (basically a plurality of) prescribed time lengths included in the relaxation stimulation database based on at least one of the attributes of the user input in step S11, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of the actuator 40.

[0070] In addition, the length of one or more prescribed time periods included in the relaxation stimulation database is determined by the designer of the intellectual task support system 10 based on experience, experimentation, or logic. As described above, the length of time for applying relaxation stimulation is approximately several seconds to several hundred seconds (more than 1 second and less than 300 seconds), typically more than 1 second and less than 30 seconds.

[0071] Next, the control unit 34 applies a relaxation stimulus to the user by controlling the actuator 40 (S18). The relaxation stimulus is applied during the time length determined in step S17, and the time period is taken as the starting point at the start timing determined in step S16. The control unit 34 can implement the application of the relaxation stimulus by sending a control signal to the actuator 40.

[0072] For example, when the actuator 40 is an indirect lighting device, the indirect lighting device irradiates a blue monochromatic light to a region R in front of the user (in the region R of the user's face). Figure 1 ). The indirect lighting device is usually off, but only emits blue monochromatic light during the above period. Thus, the intellectual task support system 10 can relieve the cognitive stress of the user who performs intellectual tasks.

[0073] As described above, the intellectual task support system 10 obtains the concentration level in real time, and applies a relaxation stimulus to the user when a tendency of a decrease in the concentration level of the user is detected (or a sign of a decrease in the concentration level of the user is detected). Figure 5 is a diagram showing the time-dependent change in the user's concentration when a relaxation stimulus is applied. Figure 5 As shown, according to the intellectual task support system 10, since the relaxation stimulation is applied before the concentration level drops significantly, the saturation of cognitive stress can be suppressed, and the concentration level of the user can be maintained and improved.

[0074] Furthermore, the mental task support system 10 can use the relaxation stimulation database to provide relaxation stimulation to the user during the time period optimized by a designer, etc. The relaxation stimulation database can easily implement the application of relaxation stimulation with high versatility.

[0075] [Working Example 2]

[0076] In working example 1, the intellectual task support system 10 determines the start timing of applying relaxation stimulation based on the user's concentration. Here, the intellectual task support system 10 can determine the start timing of applying relaxation stimulation without using the user's concentration when the user's concentration cannot be obtained (such as when the camera 20 is not provided). This working example 2 is described below. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an operation example 2 of the mental task support system 10 .

[0077] First, the input receiving unit 36 ​​receives input of information such as the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual task to be performed by the user, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of the actuator 40 installed in the space where the user is located (S11). The processing of step S11 is the same as that of the working example 1.

[0078] Next, the first decision unit 32 decides the start timing of applying the relaxation stimulation (S16a). The first decision unit 32 refers to the relaxation stimulation database pre-stored in the storage unit 35 and can decide the start timing suitable for the user (the time interval for applying the relaxation stimulation) based on the information input in step S11. Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relaxation stimulation database in the working example 2. The one or more predetermined timings (time intervals) included in the relaxation stimulation database are determined by the designer of the mental task support system 10 based on experience, experimentation or logic.

[0079] Next, the second decision unit 33 determines the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulation (S17). The second decision unit 33 refers to the relaxation stimulation database (preliminary stored in the storage unit 35) Figure 7 ), the length of time suitable for the user can be determined based on the information input in step S11. The processing of step S17 is the same as that of working example 1.

[0080] Next, the control unit 34 applies a relaxation stimulus to the user by controlling the actuator 40 (S18). The relaxation stimulus is applied during the length of time determined in step S17, and the period is based on the start timing determined in step S16a. The control unit 34 can apply the relaxation stimulus by sending a control signal to the actuator 40. The processing of step S18 is the same as that of working example 1.

[0081] As described above, the mental task support system 10 can provide relaxation stimulation to the user at a timing optimized by a designer, etc., using the relaxation stimulation database. The relaxation stimulation database can easily realize the application of relaxation stimulation with high versatility.

[0082] [About Modification Example of User Status]

[0083] In the above embodiment, the user's concentration is obtained in real time to determine the start timing of applying the relaxation stimulation. The user's concentration is an example of the user's state. Here, in order to determine the start timing, the user's state other than the concentration may also be obtained in real time.

[0084] As a state of the user other than the concentration, the user's emotion can be cited as an example. There is a known technique for estimating the user's emotion based on the user's facial image (expression), and this technique can be used when the user's emotion is obtained. The first decision unit 32 can determine the timing when the user's cognitive fatigue is considered to be saturated by estimating the user's emotion as the start timing of starting to apply the relaxation stimulus.

[0085] In addition, the user's state other than concentration may include what kind of work the user is doing (user's work state). The first determination unit 32 may determine, for example, the timing when the user starts a work unrelated to mental work as the start timing for applying the relaxation stimulation.

[0086] As other user states, the user's fatigue level can also be cited as an example. There is a known technology for estimating the user's fatigue level based on the user's posture captured by a camera, and this technology can be used when the user's fatigue level is obtained. The first decision unit 32 can, for example, determine the timing when the user's fatigue level reaches a specified value as the start timing of starting to apply the relaxation stimulus.

[0087] [Variation of the method for determining relaxation stimulation]

[0088] In the above embodiment, regarding the relaxation stimulation method, for example, one optimal control parameter for maintaining and improving the concentration is defined for each type of the actuator 40. In other words, the relaxation stimulation method is automatically determined based on the type of the actuator 40 input in step S11.

[0089] Here, when the relaxation stimulation database defines a plurality of relaxation stimulation methods, the relaxation stimulation method can be determined from the plurality of methods included in the relaxation stimulation database. In other words, the control unit 34 can determine the relaxation stimulation method from the plurality of methods based on the relaxation stimulation database.

[0090] In this case, the one or more prescribed methods included in the relaxation stimulation database are determined by the designer of the mental task support system 10 based on experience, experiments or logic.

[0091] In addition, when the user's state such as concentration can be obtained in real time, the control unit 34 can determine the relaxation stimulation method based on the obtained user's state. For example, when the actuator 40 is an indirect lighting device, the color (or color temperature) of the light emitted by the indirect lighting device can be changed according to the concentration just before the relaxation stimulation is applied. In this case, the appropriate color of light corresponding to the concentration is determined by the designer of the intellectual task support system 10 based on experience, experiment or logic.

[0092] [Variation of determining the length of time for applying relaxation stimulation]

[0093] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus is determined using the relaxation stimulus database. However, in the case where the user's state such as the concentration level can be obtained in real time, the second decision unit 33 can determine the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus based on the obtained user's state. For example, the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus can be changed according to the user's concentration level just before the moment when the relaxation stimulus is started. In this case, the length of the appropriate time corresponding to the concentration level is determined by the designer of the intellectual task support system 10, etc., based on experience, experiments, or logic.

[0094] [Effects, etc.]

[0095] Inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification include, for example, the following inventions. Inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described below in conjunction with the effects obtained by the inventions.

[0096] In the invention 1, the intellectual task support system 10 comprises: a first determination unit 32, which determines the start timing of applying a relaxation stimulus, which is a stimulus for alleviating cognitive tension of a user performing an intellectual task; a second determination unit 33, which determines the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus; and a control unit 34, which controls the actuator 40 to apply the relaxation stimulus to the user during a determined length of time, the period starting from the determined start timing.

[0097] Such a mental task support system 10 can support the mental tasks of the user.

[0098] In the invention 2, according to the intellectual task support system 10 of the invention 1, the length of time is not less than 1 second and not more than 300 seconds.

[0099] Such a mental task support system 10 can support the mental task of the user by applying relaxation stimulation in a short period of time.

[0100] In the third aspect of the invention, according to the mental task support system 10 of the first or second aspect of the invention, the first determination unit 32 determines the start timing from one or more predetermined timings.

[0101] Such a mental task support system 10 can easily realize the application of a relaxation stimulus with high versatility.

[0102] In Invention 4, according to the intellectual task support system 10 described in Invention 3, the first determination unit 32 determines the start timing from one or more specified timings based on at least one of the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space in which the user is located, and the type of the actuator.

[0103] Such a mental task support system 10 can provide a relaxation stimulus based on at least one of the attributes of the user, the content of the mental task, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of the actuator.

[0104] In the invention 5, according to the intellectual task support system 10 described in the invention 1 or 2, the intellectual task support system 10 further comprises an acquisition unit 31, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the user's status in real time, and the first determination unit 32 determines the start timing based on the acquired user's status.

[0105] Such a mental task support system 10 can provide relaxation stimulation according to the state of the user.

[0106] In invention 6, according to the intellectual task support system 10 of invention 5, the user's state includes the user's concentration.

[0107] Such a mental task support system 10 can provide relaxation stimulation according to the user's concentration level.

[0108] In Invention 7, according to the intellectual task support system 10 described in Invention 6, the first decision unit 32 determines the timing of detecting a tendency of a decrease in the user's concentration or the timing of detecting a sign of a decrease in the user's concentration as the start timing based on the user's concentration included in the obtained user's state.

[0109] Such a mental task support system 10 can maintain and improve the user's concentration by applying a relaxation stimulus before the user's concentration drops significantly.

[0110] In the eighth aspect of the present invention, according to the mental task support system 10 of the sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention, the control unit 34 does not apply the relaxation stimulus when the acquired concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0111] Such a cognitive task support system 10 can achieve maintaining and improving the user's concentration by suppressing the relaxation stimulus that prevents the user from concentrating on the cognitive task.

[0112] In the ninth aspect of the invention, according to the mental task support system 10 according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects of the invention, the control unit 34 does not apply the relaxation stimulus during a predetermined interval time after the relaxation stimulus is applied.

[0113] Such a mental task support system 10 can provide relaxation stimulation at a timing with a high effect.

[0114] In the invention 10, according to the mental task support system 10 of any one of the inventions 1 to 9, the second determination unit 33 determines the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulation from one or more predetermined time lengths.

[0115] Such a mental task support system 10 can easily realize the application of a relaxation stimulus with high versatility.

[0116] In Invention 11, according to the intellectual task support system 10 described in Invention 10, the second determination unit 33 determines the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulation from one or more specified time lengths based on at least one of the attributes of the user, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space in which the user is located, and the type of the actuator.

[0117] Such a mental task support system 10 can provide a relaxation stimulus based on at least one of the attributes of the user, the content of the mental task, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of the actuator.

[0118] In Invention 12, the intellectual task support system 10 according to any one of Inventions 1 to 9 further comprises an acquisition unit 31, which acquires the user's status in real time, and a second determination unit 33 determines the length of time based on the acquired user's status.

[0119] Such a mental task support system 10 can provide relaxation stimulation according to the user's concentration level.

[0120] In Invention 13, according to the intellectual task support system 10 described in any one of Inventions 1 to 12, the intellectual task support system 10 also includes an acquisition unit 31, which acquires the user's status in real time, and the control unit 34 determines the relaxation stimulation method based on the acquired user's status.

[0121] Such a mental task support system 10 can provide relaxation stimulation according to the user's concentration level.

[0122] In the invention 14, according to the intellectual task support system 10 according to any one of the inventions 1 to 13, the control unit 34 changes the environment around the user by controlling the actuator 40, thereby applying the relaxation stimulus.

[0123] Such a mental task support system 10 can realize relaxation stimulation by changing the environment surrounding the user.

[0124] In the invention 15, the intellectual task support method is a method executed by a computer such as the intellectual task support system 10. The intellectual task support method includes: a first determination step of determining the start timing of applying a relaxation stimulus, the relaxation stimulus being a stimulus for relieving cognitive tension of a user performing intellectual tasks; a second determination step of determining the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus; and a control step of controlling the actuator 40 so as to apply the relaxation stimulus to the user during the determined length of time, the period starting from the determined start timing.

[0125] This intellectual task supporting method can support the intellectual tasks of users.

[0126] (Other Embodiments)

[0127] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0128] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the intellectual task support system is implemented by multiple devices. In the case where the intellectual task support system is implemented by multiple devices, the components (especially the functional components) of the intellectual task support system described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be distributed in any way to the multiple devices of the intellectual task support system. For example, the acquisition unit, the first determination unit, the second determination unit, and the control unit can be distributed to multiple devices.

[0129] In addition, the intellectual task support system may be implemented as a single device. For example, the intellectual task support system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to an information processing device.

[0130] In addition, the intellectual task support system can be implemented as a client server system. For example, the intellectual task support system may further include a cloud server (server device), and part or all of the processing performed by the information processing device may be performed by the cloud server. Specifically, the relaxation stimulation database of the above-mentioned embodiment may be stored in the cloud server, and part or all of the information processing related to the relaxation stimulation database may be performed by the cloud server.

[0131] Furthermore, the mental task support system may execute the processing described in the above embodiment as being implemented using the relaxation stimulation database by using a machine learning model that has learned the contents of the relaxation stimulation database.

[0132] In addition, the communication method between the devices in the above-mentioned embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the communication between the devices may be performed via a relay device (not shown).

[0133] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. For example, the processing performed by the selection unit may be performed by the control unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processing may be changed, and multiple processing may be performed in parallel.

[0134] In the above embodiments, each component can be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0135] In addition, each component can be implemented by hardware. For example, each component can be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits can be a circuit as a whole, or they can be independent circuits. In addition, these circuits can be general circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0136] In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented by a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM or other recording medium. It may also be implemented by any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0137] For example, the present invention can be implemented as a method for supporting intellectual work performed by a computer such as an intellectual work support system, or as a program for causing a computer to perform such a method for supporting intellectual work. Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having such a program recorded thereon.

[0138] In addition, various modifications that may be conceived by those skilled in the art to the various embodiments, or any combination of components and functions in the various embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, are also included in the present invention.

[0139] Description of Reference Numerals

[0140] 10 Intelligence Operation Support System

[0141] 20 Camera

[0142] 30 Information processing device

[0143] 31 Get Department

[0144] 32 First Decision Department

[0145] 33 Second Decision Department

[0146] 34 Control Department

[0147] 35 Storage

[0148] 36 Input receiving unit

[0149] 40 Actuator

Claims

1. An intelligence task support system comprising: a first determination unit that determines a start timing of applying a relaxation stimulus, the relaxation stimulus being a stimulus for alleviating cognitive stress of a user performing a mental task; a second determination unit, which determines the length of time for which the relaxation stimulus is applied; and The control unit controls the actuator so as to apply the relaxation stimulation to the user during the determined time period, wherein the period starts from the determined start timing.

2. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1, The length of the time is not less than 1 second and not more than 300 seconds.

3. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2, The first determination unit determines the start timing from one or more predetermined timings.

4. The intellectual task support system according to claim 3, The first determination unit determines the start timing from the one or more predetermined timings based on at least one of the attribute of the user, the content of the mental task, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of the actuator.

5. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2, The intellectual task support system further comprises an acquisition unit, which acquires the status of the user in real time. The first determination unit determines the start timing based on the acquired state of the user.

6. The intellectual task support system according to claim 5, The state of the user includes the concentration of the user.

7. The intellectual task support system according to claim 6, The first determination unit determines, as the start timing, a timing at which a tendency of a decrease in the user's concentration is detected or a timing at which a sign of a decrease in the user's concentration is detected, based on the user's concentration included in the acquired user's state.

8. The intellectual task support system according to claim 6, The control unit does not apply the relaxation stimulation when the obtained concentration level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

9. The intellectual task support system according to claim 5, The control unit does not apply the relaxation stimulation during a predetermined interval time after the relaxation stimulation is applied.

10. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2, The second determination unit determines the length of time during which the relaxation stimulation is applied from one or more predetermined lengths of time.

11. The intellectual task support system according to claim 10, The second determination unit determines the length of time for applying the relaxation stimulus from one or more specified time lengths based on at least one of the attributes of the user, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space in which the user is located, and the type of the actuator.

12. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2, The intellectual task support system further comprises an acquisition unit, which acquires the status of the user in real time. The second determination unit determines the length of the time based on the acquired state of the user.

13. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2, The intellectual task support system further comprises an acquisition unit, which acquires the status of the user in real time. The control unit determines the relaxation stimulation method based on the acquired state of the user.

14. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit changes the environment around the user by controlling the actuator, thereby applying the relaxation stimulus.

15. A method for supporting intellectual tasks, which is a method executed by a computer. The intellectual task support method comprises: A first determination step of determining a start timing for applying a relaxation stimulus, wherein the relaxation stimulus is a stimulus for alleviating cognitive stress of a user performing intellectual work; a second decision step, determining the length of time for which the relaxation stimulus is applied; as well as The control step controls the actuator so that the relaxation stimulus is applied to the user during the determined length of time, wherein the period starts from the determined start timing.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the mental task supporting method according to claim 15.

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