Information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

An information processing device (1) acquires a value of a factor for a plurality of pieces of sound content, acquires a user state that is a state of a user relating to the factor, selects sound content having the value of the factor corresponding to the user state from among the plurality of pieces of sound content, and transmits the selected sound content to a space in which the user is present. And playing the selected sound content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for forming a space corresponding to the state of a user. Background Art

[0002] In Non-Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that by providing an airflow corresponding to the wakefulness of a user, the frequency of reduction in the user's wakefulness is reduced.

[0003] However, in Non-Patent Document 1, only the control of the airflow provided to the user according to the wakefulness of the user is disclosed. Thus, an environment surrounded by sounds corresponding to the state of the user (hereinafter, sound environment) cannot be formed in the space where the user exists.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Non-Patent Documents

[0006] Non-Patent Document 1: Jun Nishino, et al., "Research on a Small-Space Environment for Improving Comfort and Intellectual Productivity during Telecommuting Part 2: Verification of the Awakening Effect of Airflow Stimulation in a Small Space" (宅ワーク時の快適性と知的生産性を高める小空間環境に関する研究 その2:小空間における気流刺激による覚醒効果の検証), Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Architectural Institute of Japan (Kinki), Abstracts of Academic Lectures, September 2023 Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for forming a sound environment corresponding to the state of a user in the space where the user exists.

[0008] -Means for Solving the Problem-

[0009] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer, the information processing method including: obtaining values of factors for a plurality of sound contents; obtaining a user state, the user state being a state of the user related to the factor; selecting, from the plurality of sound contents, a sound content corresponding to the value of the factor of the user state; and playing the selected sound content in the space where the user exists. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an experimental environment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of sound environment conditions.

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the characteristics of a plurality of sound contents.

[0013] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The graph shows the frequency characteristics of various types of sound content.

[0014] Figure 5 It shows the... Figure 3 The graph shows the time-series changes in amplitude when various types of sound content are played in stereo.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the evaluation items and evaluation comments for each sound environment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the evaluation criteria for each evaluation item.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the relationship between evaluation items, factor loadings, and factors.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a graph showing an example of the results of factor analysis and cluster analysis of the evaluation results.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a graph showing an example of the results of factor analysis and cluster analysis of the evaluation results.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of an information processing device.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of the first selection table.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of the second selection table.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a graph showing an example of the time-series changes in a user's level of relaxation.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a graph showing an example of the time-series changes in user concentration.

[0028] Figure 19This is a diagram illustrating an example of another experimental setting.

[0029] Figure 20 This is a graph illustrating an example of the results of factor analysis and cluster analysis for another evaluation.

[0030] Figure 21 This is a graph illustrating an example of the results of factor analysis and cluster analysis for another evaluation.

[0031] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing an example of the third selection table.

[0032] Figure 23 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents.

[0033] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing an example of the fourth selection table.

[0034] Figure 25 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents.

[0035] Figure 26 It is shown that... Figure 12 The image shown is an example of a screen that processes related data. Detailed Implementation

[0036] (A method for realizing this disclosure)

[0037] In recent years, due to work style reforms and the pandemic, the reduction of stress for office workers has gained attention, and the existence of the office environment has been re-examined. This has promoted healthy business practices within companies, and Biophilic Design (BD) has received considerable attention. Research related to BD has investigated the impact of green visibility and views of green spaces. In the area of ​​sound environment, reports have shown that adding music and natural sounds to quiet offices can create an environment conducive to work, and that harmony between visual and auditory senses can improve comfort. However, the sound environment within BD has not been fully studied. The possibility of further improving intellectual productivity through research has been considered. Therefore, the inventors, focusing on the application of BD, conducted a subjective evaluation experiment with office workers as subjects, aiming to determine the optimal types of natural sounds and cue levels.

[0038] Figure 1This diagram illustrates an example of the experimental environment. Specifically, the experiment was conducted for two days in an anechoic chamber 50. The participants were 16 office workers (8 men and 8 women) aged 20 to 50. In the center of the anechoic chamber 50, a table was provided for the participants to input questionnaire data using a tablet terminal. Speakers 31, which played the fundamental tone representing the background noise, were positioned 2 meters away from the participants to the left and right. Additionally, two speakers 31 and one speaker 32, which played the natural tone supplemented to the fundamental tone, were positioned 2 meters away from the participants in the frontal direction.

[0039] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of multiple acoustic environment conditions. To ensure that the acoustic environment within the anechoic chamber 50 meets the following requirements... Figure 2 The 24 sound environment conditions shown cause four speakers 31 to play sound content representing the fundamental tone and speaker 32 to play sound content representing the natural tone. In addition, multiple sound environment conditions are applied randomly, taking into account the sequential effect.

[0040] For example, Figure 2 The sound environment condition NO. "1" in the text, "Basic tone: Office noise 40dB, Natural tone: Birdsong -5dB," means: the basic tone is 40dB of office noise, and the natural tone is the birdsong whose volume (S / N ratio relative to the sound pressure level of the basic tone) is -5dB relative to the basic tone. Hereafter, the volume difference between the natural tone and the basic tone will be abbreviated as "volume." The sound environment meeting this condition is achieved as follows: speaker 31 plays sound content representing 40dB of office noise, and speaker 32 plays sound content representing 35dB (=40dB - 5dB) of birdsong.

[0041] in addition, Figure 2 The sound environment condition NO. "21" in the document, "Basic tone: Office noise 35dB," means: an office noise level with a basic tone of 35dB and no natural tones. A sound environment meeting this condition is achieved by having speaker 31 play sound content representing 35dB of office noise.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the characteristics of multiple sound contents. To achieve the desired effect... Figure 2 The 24 sound environment conditions shown, numbered NO. "1" to "24", are used... Figure 3 The document shows 24 sound contents in 6 categories: "birds", "bell crickets", "rivers", "rain", "sea", and "back noise" and 4 volume levels: "-5dB", "0dB", "+5dB", and "+10dB". Figure 3The volume shown represents the volume difference (S / N ratio) relative to a background noise level of 40 dB.

[0043] For example, in achieving satisfaction Figure 2 Under the sound environment conditions of NO. "1" in the figure, namely "basic sound: office noise 40dB, natural sound: birdsong -5dB", speaker 31 plays Figure 3 The sound source shown is characterized by a background noise of type "office conversation" and a volume of "0dB" (actually 40 (=40-0)dB) as the basic tone. In this case, the speaker 32 further plays a sound source characterized by a bird call of type "bird" and a volume of "-5dB" (actually 35 (=40-5)dB) as the natural tone.

[0044] In addition, in achieving satisfaction Figure 2 Under the sound environment condition of NO. "21" and "basic tone: office noise 35dB", speaker 31 plays Figure 3 The sound source shown is characterized by the type of "office conversation" "back noise" and the sound content of "-5dB" (actually 35 (=40-5)dB) as the basic tone.

[0045] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The graph shows the frequency characteristics of various types of sound content. Figure 4 In the middle, it is shown that... Figure 3 The charts G41-G45 show the frequency characteristics of the sound content of the five categories of natural sounds: "birds," "insects," "rivers," "rain," and "sea." Figure 3 The graph G46 shown represents the frequency characteristics of the sound content of one type of "background noise" of the fundamental tone. In graphs G41 to G46, the horizontal axis represents frequency (Hz) and the vertical axis represents relative sound pressure (dB).

[0046] Figure 5 It shows the... Figure 3 The graph shows the time-series changes in amplitude when various types of sound content are played in stereo. Figure 5 The diagram shows graphs G51-G55 showing the time-series changes in amplitude when stereo sound content representing five types of natural sounds—"birds," "insects," "rivers," "rain," and "sea"—is played back, and graph G56 showing the time-series changes in amplitude when stereo sound content representing one type of fundamental sound—"background noise"—is played back. In graphs G51-G56, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents amplitude.

[0047] For example, the sound content of the species "bird" is as follows Figure 4 Chart G41 and Figure 5 As shown in Chart G51, this represents the sound content using unstable tones containing bird calls in the frequency band above 1kHz as the sound source. In this experiment, four types of bird sound content with volumes of "-5dB", "0dB", "+5dB", and "+10dB" were used.

[0048] The sound content of the "river" category is as follows Figure 4 Chart G43 and Figure 5 Chart G53 shows the sound content of a stable tone containing the sound of flowing water in a wide band as the sound source. In this experiment, four types of "river" sound content with volumes of "-5dB", "0dB", "+5dB", and "+10dB" were used.

[0049] The sound content of various types of "back view noise" is as follows Figure 4 Chart G46 and Figure 5 Chart G56 shows the sound content using a stable tone containing office conversations in a wideband as the sound source. In this experiment, four types of "background noise" sound content with volumes of "-5dB", "0dB", "+5dB", and "+10dB" were used.

[0050] In this experiment, subjects were instructed to respond in a manner that satisfied specific conditions. Figure 2 A questionnaire survey on the impressions of the sound environment under the 24 sound environment conditions shown. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the evaluation items and evaluation comments for each sound environment. Figure 6 The evaluation criteria shown are standardly used in the Institute of Architects for psychological evaluations within the office. Figure 7 This is a graph showing the evaluation scales for each evaluation item. In the above questionnaire survey, for 24 sound environments that met 24 sound environment conditions, through... Figure 7 The evaluation criteria shown in the seven stages evaluated... Figure 6 The 13 evaluation items are shown.

[0051] In addition, in this experiment, participants were instructed to imagine conducting personal business such as accounting in a free address space in an office. Furthermore, to grasp the impressions of five types of natural sounds, participants were asked to respond to their impressions of each sound environment 20 seconds after the initial sound content began playing. The sound content continued to play while participants were responding to their impressions of each sound environment.

[0052] After all participants finished answering, statistical analysis tools were used to conduct factor analysis and cluster analysis on all participants' evaluation results for 10 evaluation items other than the comprehensive evaluation items "liking", "ease of working", and "comfort" for 24 different sound environments.

[0053] Furthermore, in factor analysis, for Figure 7 The evaluation criteria shown have been standardized. Specifically, the following will be implemented: Figure 7 The rating scale "Neither" was set to "0", the positive rating scale "Slightly" to "+1", the positive rating scale "-" to "+2", the positive rating scale "Very" to "+3", the negative rating scale "Slightly" to "-1", the negative rating scale "-" to "-2", and the negative rating scale "Very" to "-3". Factor loadings were calculated using maximum likelihood and Promax oblique rotation. The goodness test was performed using chi-square values. The results were below the significance level by 5%. Factor scores were calculated using Bartlett's method.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between evaluation items, factor loadings, and factors. The factor analysis results above, for the five evaluation items related to the worker's relaxation level—"Relaxation," "Motivation," "Lack of Fatigue," "Conceptualization," and "Mood"—are categorized as "Relaxation / Motivation." The degree of relaxation refers to the extent to which the participant is relaxed. For the three evaluation items related to the participant's concentration level—"Distraction," "Quietness," and "Concentration"—the factor with the highest factor loading is categorized as "Concentration." The degree of concentration refers to the extent to which the participant is focused. For the two evaluation items related to the participant's liking of the existing space—"Openness" and "Atmosphere"—the factor with the highest factor loading is categorized as "Favorite Space."

[0055] Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 This is a graph showing an example of the results of factor analysis and cluster analysis of the evaluation results. Figure 9 The results show that the evaluation results for each sound environment were organized by setting the factor scores of "relaxation / motivation" on the horizontal axis and the factor scores of "concentration" on the vertical axis, and further classified into 3 groups by cluster analysis.

[0056] Specifically, in Figure 9 In the graph, circles (points) are marked on the coordinates corresponding to the factor scores for "Relaxation / Dynamics" and "Concentration" in the evaluation results for each sound environment. Additionally, in... Figure 9In the middle, corresponding to the circle (dot), there is a record indicating the type and volume of the sound content of the natural sound played in order to form each sound environment (e.g., "rain - 5dB").

[0057] exist Figure 9 In the evaluation results of a sound environment formed by playing only sound content representing a fundamental tone, the type and volume of the sound content representing the fundamental tone played to form the sound environment (e.g., "background noise - 5dB") are not recorded, but the type and actual volume of the sound content representing the fundamental tone are recorded (e.g., "background noise 35dB (=40dB - 5dB)"). Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the diagram, solid lines, dashed lines, and dashed ellipses represent the three groups classified by cluster analysis.

[0058] The factor score for the "Relaxation / Motivation" factor in the evaluation results for each sound environment can be seen as the degree to which the sound content played to create each sound environment influences the user's state related to the "Relaxation / Motivation" factor, i.e., the user's level of relaxation. Similarly, the factor score for the "Focus" factor in the evaluation results for each sound environment can be seen as the degree to which the sound content played to create each sound environment influences the user's state related to the "Focus" factor, i.e., the user's level of concentration.

[0059] Figure 10 and Figure 9 Similarly, the results are shown by organizing the evaluation results for each sound environment by setting the factor score of "relaxation / motivation" on the horizontal axis and the factor score of "favorite space" (other factors) on the vertical axis, and further classifying them into 3 groups through cluster analysis.

[0060] The inventor, through investigation Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Thus, the following understandings 1) and 2) were obtained.

[0061] 1) such as Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown by the solid arrow, assuming a natural sound environment where the sound content of the species "bird" and the volume "+10dB" is played, the sound content played as natural sound is changed to the species "bird" and the volume "-5dB". In this case, a sound environment can be created that maintains the factor scores of "pleasant space" and "relaxed / energetic" while improving the factor score of "focused".

[0062] 2) such as Figure 9 as well as Figure 10As shown by the dotted arrow, assuming a natural sound environment where the sound content of the "bird" type and volume "+10dB" is played, the sound content played as a natural sound is changed to the "sea" type and volume "0dB". In this case, a sound environment can be formed that maintains the factor score of the "favorite space" factor while improving the factor scores of the "relaxation / motivation" factor and the "concentration" factor.

[0063] Therefore, based on the above understanding, the inventors conducted in-depth research on the following technology: using factor scores of each factor in the evaluation results of the sound environment formed when multiple audio contents are played separately, a sound environment corresponding to the user's state regarding each factor is formed in the user's space. As a result, the various methods of this disclosure shown below were conceived. Hereinafter, the factor scores of the factors in the evaluation results of the sound environment formed when audio contents are played will be abbreviated as the values ​​of the factors for the audio contents.

[0064] (1) An information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer, the information processing method comprising: obtaining the values ​​of factors for multiple sound contents; obtaining a user state, the user state being a state of a user related to the factors; selecting sound contents from the multiple sound contents whose values ​​of the factors correspond to the user state; and playing the selected sound contents in the space where the user exists.

[0065] According to this configuration, sound content corresponding to the values ​​of factors related to the user's state is played in the space where the user exists. Therefore, this configuration can create a sound environment in the space where the user exists that corresponds to the user's state regarding the factors.

[0066] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the plurality of sound contents may include a given sound content, and in the selection, if the user state does not reach the target state, any sound content whose factor value is higher than the given sound content may be selected.

[0067] In this configuration, when the user's state has not reached the target state, a sound content with a factor value higher than the given sound content is played. Therefore, compared to playing the given sound content, this configuration improves the user's factor-related state, bringing them closer to the target state.

[0068] (3) In the information processing method described in (2) above, it is also possible that, in the selection, if the user state exceeds the state of the target, any sound content whose value of the factor is lower than the given sound content is selected.

[0069] In this configuration, furthermore, when the user's state exceeds the target state, the system plays a sound content whose value of the factor is lower than the given sound content. Therefore, compared to playing the given sound content, this configuration suppresses the user's factor-related state and also brings them closer to the target state.

[0070] (4) In the information processing method described in (2) or (3) above, it is also possible to further obtain the background noise of the space, and in the selection, set the background noise of the space as the given sound content.

[0071] According to this configuration, when the user's state has not reached the target state, sound content with a factor value higher than the background noise of the space where the user exists is played. Therefore, compared to the case where no sound content is played, this configuration improves the user's factor-related state, enabling them to approach the target state.

[0072] (5) In the information processing method described in (2) or (3) above, the user status acquisition, selection and playback are repeatedly performed each time a given time has elapsed, and in the selection, the sound content played in the space is set as the given sound content.

[0073] In this configuration, when the user's state is not the target state, each time a given period of time elapses, a sound content whose factor value is higher or lower than the sound content played in the user's space is selected and played. Therefore, this configuration allows the user's factor-related state to be raised or suppressed in stages, enabling it to approach the target state.

[0074] (6) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (5) above, the multiple sound contents may include multiple types of sound contents, and each type of sound content may include sound content with more than one volume.

[0075] According to this configuration, in the space where the user exists, sound content corresponding to the user's state can be selected and played from multiple types and more than one volume of sound content. Therefore, this configuration can flexibly create a sound environment suitable for the user's factor-related state.

[0076] (7) In the information processing method described in (6) above, the volume of one or more volumes may be expressed as the volume difference relative to the volume of the background noise in the space.

[0077] According to this configuration, in the space where the user exists, sound content with a volume difference relative to the background noise of that space can be played, which is suitable for the user's factor-related state.

[0078] (8) In the information processing method described in (2) or (3) above, it is also possible that, in the acquisition of the user state, the relaxation degree representing the degree of relaxation of the user is acquired as the user state, the state of the target is the state where the relaxation degree is a given value, and the value of the factor is a value representing the degree of influence of each sound content on the relaxation degree.

[0079] In this configuration, if the relaxation level does not reach a given value, a sound content that has a greater impact on the relaxation level than the given sound content is played. Therefore, compared to playing the given sound content, this configuration increases the user's relaxation level, bringing them closer to the target state.

[0080] (9) In the information processing method described in (2) or (3) above, it is also possible that, in the acquisition of the user state, the concentration degree representing the degree of concentration of the user is acquired as the user state, the state of the target is the state where the concentration degree is a given value, and the value of the factor is a value representing the degree of influence of each sound content on the concentration degree.

[0081] In this configuration, if the concentration level does not reach a given value, an audio content that has a greater impact on the concentration level than the given audio content is played. Therefore, compared to playing the given audio content, this configuration increases the user's concentration level, bringing them closer to the target state.

[0082] (10) In the information processing method described in (5) above, it is also possible to obtain a list of sound contents in which the value of the factor is above the baseline value among the plurality of sound contents, and select the sound contents in the list that are arranged in the order of the preceding or following order of the given sound contents.

[0083] According to this structure, the sound content played in the user's space is limited to sound content with a factor value above the baseline value, and can be efficiently selected according to the order of the list.

[0084] (11) In the information processing method described in (10) above, it may also be further possible to obtain the values ​​of other factors for the plurality of sound contents, wherein the selection is to obtain the list of the sound contents with the highest value of the other factors among the plurality of sound contents as the reference value.

[0085] According to this structure, the sound content played in the user's space is limited to sound content whose factor value is higher than the factor value of the sound content with the highest value of other factors, and can be selected efficiently according to the order of the list.

[0086] (12) In the information processing method described in (11) above, the values ​​of the other factors may also be values ​​representing the degree of influence of each sound content on the liking of the space.

[0087] According to this configuration, the sound content played in the user's space is limited to sound content whose factor value has the highest influence on the user's liking for the space, and can be efficiently selected according to the order of the list.

[0088] (13) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (12) above, it may be further described that the adjustment value of the factor is obtained, wherein the adjustment value of the factor is the value of the factor for the plurality of sound contents when a given device is set in the space, and in the selection, when the given device is set in the space, the sound content with the adjustment value of the factor corresponding to the user state is selected from the plurality of sound contents.

[0089] In this configuration, when a given device is installed in the space where the user exists, sound content with adjusted values ​​of factors corresponding to the user's state is played in that space. Therefore, this configuration can create a sound environment suitable for the user's factor-related state in a space where a given device is installed.

[0090] (14) In the information processing method described in (13) above, the given device may also be a cultivated plant.

[0091] In this configuration, when cultivated plants are placed in the user's space, sound content with adjusted values ​​of factors corresponding to the user's state is played in that space. Therefore, this configuration can create a sound environment suitable for the user's factor-related state in a space where cultivated plants are placed.

[0092] (15) In the information processing method described in (5) above, it is also possible that, in the selection, the greater the difference between the user state and the target state, the shorter the given time.

[0093] In this configuration, the greater the difference between the user's state and the target's state, the shorter the given time. Therefore, in this configuration, the greater the difference between the user's state and the target's state, the more frequently the user's factor-related states are progressively improved or suppressed, enabling the user's factor-related states to quickly approach the target state.

[0094] (16) An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a factor acquisition unit for acquiring the values ​​of factors for a plurality of sound contents; an acquisition unit for acquiring a user state, the user state being a state of the user related to the factors; a selection unit for selecting sound contents from the plurality of sound contents whose values ​​of the factors correspond to the user state; and a playback unit for playing the selected sound contents in the space where the user exists.

[0095] Based on this configuration, the same effect as the information processing method described in (1) above is obtained.

[0096] (17) In another aspect of this disclosure, the program is a program of an information processing device, which enables the information processing device to perform the following functions: a factor acquisition unit that acquires the values ​​of factors for a plurality of sound contents; an acquisition unit that acquires a user state, the user state being a state of the user related to the factors; a selection unit that selects from the plurality of sound contents the sound contents the sound contents corresponding to the values ​​of the factors corresponding to the user state; and a playback unit that plays the selected sound contents in the space where the user exists.

[0097] Based on this configuration, the same effect as the information processing method described in (1) above is obtained.

[0098] (18) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (15) above, it may be further to acquire the biometric information of the user sensed by the sensor, and in the acquisition of the user state, the user state is estimated based on the biometric information of the user.

[0099] In this configuration, the user's state is estimated based on biometric information sensed by sensors, and sound content corresponding to the value of a factor corresponding to that user state is played in the space where the user exists. Therefore, this configuration can create a sound environment suitable for the user's factor-related state in the space where the user exists.

[0100] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, structural elements, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, structural elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept are described as arbitrary structural elements. Furthermore, the various contents can be combined in all embodiments.

[0101] (Implementation Method 1)

[0102] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 1As shown, the information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 1, a sensor 2, a speaker 3, and a microphone 4.

[0103] The information processing device 1 is communicatively connected to the sensor 2, speaker 3, and microphone 4 via a network 8. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a computer such as a cloud server or an edge server. If the information processing device 1 is a cloud server, the network 8 is, for example, the Internet; if the information processing device 1 is an edge server, the network 8 is, for example, a local area network.

[0104] Sensor 2, speaker 3, and microphone 4 are installed in the space 5 where the user of the information processing system 100 resides. Hereinafter, the user of the information processing system 100 will be referred to simply as the user. Space 5 may include, for example, a living room, study, or office in the user's residence. The user performs tasks within space 5 using terminal devices such as computers (not shown). The tasks performed by the user may include, for example, desk work, intellectual tasks such as studying, assembly work, and drawing work.

[0105] Sensor 2 is a device for acquiring (sensing) information representing the user's biological body (hereinafter, biological information). Sensor 2 includes a communication circuit (not shown) that periodically acquires the user's biological information and uses the communication circuit to send the acquired user's biological information to information processing device 1.

[0106] Sensor 2 can be, for example, a cerebral blood flow sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, or a pulse sensor. A cerebral blood flow sensor, for example, is composed of a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor, detecting hemoglobin concentration as biological information. An ECG sensor, for example, is composed of electrodes, detecting the user's heart rate as biological information. An EEG sensor, for example, is composed of electrodes, detecting the user's brain waves as biological information. A pulse sensor, for example, is configured with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, detecting the user's pulse based on the change in the amount of transmitted or reflected light after light is shone onto the user's body surface. Alternatively, sensor 2 can also be, for example, an image sensor or a sound sensor. An image sensor, for example, is configured with a camera, detecting the user's posture based on the image captured by the camera as biological information. A sound sensor, for example, is configured with a microphone, detecting the user's voice based on the sound picked up by the microphone as biological information.

[0107] The speaker 3 is a device for playing sound content within the space 5. The speaker 3 includes a communication circuit (not shown) that, when the communication circuit receives a control signal from the information processing device 1, plays the fundamental tone or natural tone represented by the sound content indicated by the control signal at a volume indicated by the sound content.

[0108] Microphone 4 is a device for recording sound within space 5. Microphone 4 includes a communication circuit (not shown) that, when the communication circuit receives a control signal indicating an instruction to send sound data to information processing device 1, records sound within space 5 and sends the sound data representing the recorded sound within space 5 to information processing device 1 using the communication circuit.

[0109] The information processing device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a control unit 10.

[0110] Storage unit 11 is composed of a non-volatile, rewritable storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. Storage unit 11 stores data used in the aforementioned experiments, categorized as... Figures 3-5 The document shows 24 audio contents across 6 categories and 4 volume levels.

[0111] Storage unit 11 stores (acquires) factor scores for factors "relaxation / motivation," "concentration," and "favorite space," which are obtained from the above-described experiments and represent the evaluation results of the sound environment formed when 24 sound contents classified into the above 6 categories and 4 volume levels are played. For example, storage unit 11 stores factor scores for factors "relaxation / motivation," "concentration," and "favorite space," representing the evaluation results of the sound environment formed when sound contents of the "bird" category and at a volume of "0dB" are played.

[0112] Going forward, the factor scores for the evaluation results of the sound environment formed when playing sound content, namely the factor scores for "relaxation / motivation", "concentration", and "favorite space", will be recorded as the values ​​for the factors "relaxation / motivation", "concentration", and "favorite space" for the sound content.

[0113] In addition, storage unit 11 stores the first selection table described later ( Figure 13 ) and the second selection table ( Figure 15 ).

[0114] The communication unit 12 is a communication circuit that connects the information processing device 1 to the network 8. The communication unit 12 receives biometric information from the sensor 2. The communication unit 12 sends control signals indicating the content of the sound to the speaker 3. The communication unit 12 sends control signals indicating an instruction to send sound data to the information processing device 1 to the microphone 4. The communication unit 12 receives sound data representing the sound within the space 5 from the microphone 4.

[0115] The control unit 10 (computer) manages the overall control of the information processing device 1. The control unit 10 is configured by executing information processing programs by a computer. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may be configured with dedicated hardware circuitry. The control unit 10 includes an acquisition unit 101 (organism information acquisition unit, factor acquisition unit), an estimation unit 102, a selection unit 103, and a playback unit 104.

[0116] The acquisition unit 101 acquires information received by the communication unit 12. For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the user's biometric information received by the communication unit 12 from the sensor 2.

[0117] The acquisition unit 101 acquires priority information indicating whether relaxation or concentration is prioritized. Specifically, the acquisition unit 101 acquires priority information received by the communication unit 12 from an external device not shown. Alternatively, the priority information may be pre-stored in the storage unit 11. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the priority information from the storage unit 11.

[0118] In addition, the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the storage unit 11 the values ​​of the factors "relaxation / motivation", "concentration", and "favorite space" for the sound content classified into the above-mentioned 6 categories and 4 volumes.

[0119] Based on the user's biometric information obtained by the acquisition unit 101, the estimation unit 102 estimates the user's state related to factors (hereinafter, user state).

[0120] Specifically, the estimation unit 102 estimates the degree of relaxation, which represents the user's level of relaxation, based on the user's biometric information and the user's state related to the factor "relaxation / motivation". Additionally, the estimation unit 102 estimates the degree of concentration, which represents the user's level of concentration, based on the user's biometric information and the user's state related to the factor "concentration".

[0121] More specifically, the estimation unit 102 calculates physiological indicators for estimating the user's factor-related state based on the user's biological information. These physiological indicators are used by the estimation unit 102 to derive the user's factor-related state.

[0122] For example, physiological indicators can include pulse as shown in document D1 (Japanese Patent No. 7349629), user status as shown in document D2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-8278), hemoglobin concentration as shown in document D3 (International Publication No. 2012 / 150657), and habitual posture as shown in document D4 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-201755).

[0123] The estimation unit 102 estimates the user's state based on calculated physiological indicators. Furthermore, the user state is represented by continuous values ​​from 0.01 to 1 (1% to 100%), or from 1 to 100. Alternatively, the user state can be represented in binary. An example of binary representation of a user's relaxation level is 1 when the user is relaxed and 0 when they are not relaxed. An example of binary representation of a user's concentration level is 1 when the user is focused and 0 when they are not focused.

[0124] As a method for calculating the degree of relaxation, document D1 is known. The estimation unit 102 only needs to use the method of document D1 to calculate the user's degree of relaxation. Document D1 discloses a method that calculates the ratio of LF (frequency band 0.05Hz to 0.15Hz) and HF (frequency band 0.15Hz to 0.40Hz) components, LF / HF, by performing frequency analysis on the RR interval of the time-related second-order differential waveform of the pulse detected by a pulse sensor, and then calculates the degree of relaxation based on the LF / HF ratio. Therefore, when using the method of document D1, the estimation unit 102 only needs to use the pulse as a physiological indicator to calculate the degree of relaxation.

[0125] As methods for calculating concentration, references D2, D3, and D4 are known. The estimation unit 102 can calculate the user's concentration simply by using any one of the methods from references D2 to D4.

[0126] For example, document D2 discloses a method that infers user behavior such as actions, blink count, gender, and age by inputting an image of the user captured by a camera into an image processing neural network, and calculates concentration by inputting the inferred user behavior into a concentration estimation neural network. Therefore, when using the method in document D2, the estimation unit 102 only needs to use the user behavior inferred by the image processing network as a physiological indicator to calculate the concentration.

[0127] Document D3 discloses a method that calculates the hemoglobin concentration, representing cerebral blood flow, based on biological data measured by a near-infrared sensor, and then calculates the concentration based on the hemoglobin concentration. Therefore, when using the method in document D3, the estimation unit 102 only needs to use the hemoglobin concentration as a physiological indicator to calculate the concentration.

[0128] Document D4 discloses a method that detects the user's habitual posture when concentrating based on an image of the user captured by a camera, and calculates the concentration level based on the detected habitual posture. Therefore, when using the method in document D4, the estimation unit 102 only needs to use the data representing the habitual posture when concentrating as a physiological indicator to calculate the user's concentration level.

[0129] In addition, in recent years, a glasses-type concentration measurement terminal has emerged. This terminal has an ocular potential sensor that measures the potential on the corneal side of the eyeball and can detect concentration based on changes in the measured potential during gaze and blinking. Alternatively, this glasses-type concentration measurement terminal can be used as sensor 2, and the estimation unit 102 can estimate the concentration contained in the biometric information sent by sensor 2 as the user state.

[0130] The selection unit 103 selects from the 24 audio contents stored in the storage unit 11, which are classified into the above-mentioned 6 categories and 4 volumes, the audio contents whose factor values ​​correspond to the user status estimated by the estimation unit 102.

[0131] Specifically, when the user's state has not reached the target state, the selection unit 103 selects any sound content whose factor value is higher than the given sound content. On the other hand, when the user's state has exceeded the target state, the selection unit 103 selects any sound content whose factor value is lower than the given sound content. Details regarding the selection unit 103 will be described later.

[0132] Playback unit 104 plays the sound content selected by selection unit 103 in the space 5 where the user exists.

[0133] Specifically, the playback unit 104 retrieves the sound content selected by the selection unit 103 from the storage unit 11. The playback unit 104 controls the communication unit 12 to send a control signal, including the sound content, indicating that the sound content should be played to the speaker 3. As a result, the speaker 3 plays the sound content contained in the control signal according to the instruction indicated by the control signal.

[0134] Next, the processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be explained. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of information processing device 1. When information processing device 1 starts... Figure 12 In the processing shown, in step S1, the acquisition unit 101 acquires priority information and the selection unit 103 determines the state of the target (step S1).

[0135] Specifically, in step S1, if the priority information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 indicates an emphasis on relaxation level, the selection unit 103 sets a given value (e.g., 50%, 0.5, etc.) as the target value for relaxation level ("emphasis on relaxation level" in step S1) and transfers the process to step S10. Furthermore, the priority information indicating an emphasis on relaxation level may also include a setting value that is set as the target value for relaxation level. In this case, the selection unit 103 may also set the setting value included in the priority information as the target value for relaxation level.

[0136] In step S10, the selection unit 103 determines whether a given time X has elapsed since the time point from which processing was transferred to step S10 (step S10). If the selection unit 103 determines in step S10 that the given time X has not elapsed (no in step S10), the processing is put on hold. On the other hand, if the selection unit 103 determines in step S10 that the given time X has elapsed (yes in step S10), the processing is transferred to step S11.

[0137] In step S11, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the user's biometric information most recently received by the communication unit 12 from the sensor 2 (step S11).

[0138] Next, in step S12, the estimation unit 102 estimates the user's level of relaxation based on the biological information obtained in step S11 (step S12).

[0139] Next, in step S13, the selection unit 103 determines whether the relaxation level estimated in step S12 is lower than the target value of the relaxation level set in step S1 (step S13).

[0140] If, in step S13, the selection unit 103 determines that the relaxation level estimated in step S12 is lower than the target value of the relaxation level set in step S1 (the state where the target has not been reached) (yes in step S13), the process is transferred to step S14.

[0141] In step S14, the selection unit 103 uses the first selection table stored in the storage unit 11 to select a sound content that corresponds to the next step number (sequence) of the current step number as the sound content to be played (step S14).

[0142] The following is a detailed description of step S14. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates an example of the first selection table. The first selection table is a table that establishes a correspondence between the first step list and the first selection list (list). The first step list is a list that arranges the step numbers, representing the execution order of processing, in numerical order. The first selection list is a list that arranges the sound content stored in the storage unit 11, which is classified into 6 categories and 4 volumes, among the sound content with a "relaxation / motivation" factor value of 24 values ​​above the baseline value, in order of the magnitude of the "relaxation / motivation" factor value.

[0143] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents. Specifically, Figure 14The relationship between the values ​​of the factor "relaxation / energization" and the factor "focus" for the 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes stored in storage unit 11 is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In, with Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Similarly, for sound content of the type "background noise", the volume of the sound content is recorded as the actual volume (e.g., "35dB (=40dB-5dB)").

[0144] Figure 13 The first selection list shown is based on Figure 14 The values ​​of the "Relaxation / Dynamic" factor (values ​​on the horizontal axis) for 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes are shown. Figure 10 The values ​​shown are created for the factor "like space" (vertical axis values) for 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes.

[0145] Figure 13 The first selection list shown illustrates an example constructed as follows: The value of the factor "preferred space" ( Figure 10 The highest species "bird" and the volume "-5dB" sound content factor "relaxation / energization" value are set as the baseline values, such as in Figure 14 As shown by the thick arrows, the eight sound contents with a "Relaxation / Power" value higher than the baseline value are arranged in ascending order of the "Relaxation / Power" factor value. The sound contents in the first selection list can be arranged in any order other than ascending order of the "Focus" factor value, provided that they are arranged at least in ascending order of the "Relaxation / Power" factor value.

[0146] Furthermore, the number of step numbers included in the first step list and the number of audio contents included in the first selection list are not limited to [specific number of steps]. Figure 13 The eight options shown can be any number of the same type. Furthermore, the baseline value for the first selection list is not limited to the value of the factor "favorite space" (…). Figure 10 The highest value of the "Relaxation / Power" factor for the sound content. For example, the baseline value for the first selection list can also be set to the "Relaxation / Power" factor for the sound content of the same type "Background Noise" and volume "0dB" (actually 40 (=40-0)dB) as the base tone representing the background noise of space 5.

[0147] In step S14, the selection unit 103 retrieves the first selection table from the storage unit 11. Figure 13 The selection unit 103 obtains the next step number (e.g., "STEP1") of the current step number (e.g., "STEP0") from the first step list of the first selection table.

[0148] The selection unit 103 selects the first selection list from the first selection table obtained from the storage unit 11. Figure 13 In the selection process, the value of the factor "Relaxation / Motivation" is higher than the sound content (given sound content) corresponding to the current step number (e.g., "STEP0") and the sound content (e.g., "Rain 0dB" (sound content with the type "Rain" and the volume "0dB") corresponding to the obtained next step number (e.g., "STEP1"), and is used as the sound content for playback.

[0149] When selecting the sound content of the playback target, the selection unit 103 updates the current step number (e.g., "STEP0") based on the acquired next step number (e.g., "STEP1"). Furthermore, the selection unit 103... Figure 12 After the process shown begins, if step S14 is initially performed, the current step number is set to "STEP0".

[0150] On the other hand, if the selection unit 103 determines in step S13 that the relaxation level estimated in step S12 is higher than the target value of the relaxation level set in step S1 (in the case of exceeding the target) (no in step S13), the process is transferred to step S15.

[0151] In step S15, the selection unit 103 uses the first selection table stored in the storage unit 11 to select a sound content that corresponds to the previous step number of the current step number as the sound content to be played (step S15).

[0152] The following is a detailed description of step S15. In step S15, the selection unit 103, similar to step S14, retrieves the first selection table from the storage unit 11. Figure 13 The selection unit 103 obtains the previous step number (e.g., "STEP0") of the current step number (e.g., "STEP1") from the first step list of the first selection table.

[0153] The selection unit 103 selects the first selection list from the first selection table obtained from the storage unit 11. Figure 13 In the selection of the sound content to be played, the value of the factor “relaxation / motivation” is lower than the sound content (given sound content) that corresponds to the current step number (e.g., “STEP1”) and corresponds to the sound content (e.g., “bird -5dB” (sound content of species “bird” and volume “-5dB”) that corresponds to the previous step number (e.g., “STEP0”).

[0154] When selecting the sound content of the playback object, the selection unit 103 updates the current step number (e.g., "STEP1") based on the obtained previous step number (e.g., "STEP0").

[0155] In addition, selection section 103 Figure 12 After the processing begins, if step S15 is performed initially, the current step number is set to "STEP0". In this case, in step S15, the selection unit 103 selects the sound content that corresponds to the current step number "STEP0" in the first step list of the first selection table as the sound content to be played.

[0156] If the audio content of the playback object is selected in step S14, proceed to step S16. Also, if the audio content of the playback object is selected in step S15, proceed to step S16 as well.

[0157] In step S16, the playback unit 104 plays the sound content of the playback object selected in step S14 or step S15 in the space 5 where the user exists (step S16).

[0158] Thus, in steps S14 and S15, the selection unit 103 uses the first selection table to select the sound content to be played. Therefore, sound content to be played in the user's space 5 is limited to those with a "relaxation / energization" factor value higher than a baseline value, allowing for efficient selection according to the list's order. Furthermore, the baseline value is the value of the "preferred space" factor (…). Figure 10 With the highest value of the "relaxation / motivation" factor in the sound content, it is possible to bring the user's relaxation level close to the target state after setting the user's space 5 to a preferred state.

[0159] Alternatively, the sound content in the first selection list can be arranged in ascending order of the value of the "relaxation / motivation" factor, and also in ascending order of the value of the "concentration" factor. In this case, the user's relaxation level is increased while their concentration level is also increased, creating a sound environment suitable for improving the user's efficiency. Alternatively, the sound content in the first selection list can be arranged in ascending order of the value of the "relaxation / motivation" factor, and also in the reverse order of the value of the "concentration" factor (decreasing the value). In this case, the user's relaxation level is increased while their concentration level is decreased, creating a sound environment suitable for the user's rest. That is, by arranging the sound content in the first selection list at least in ascending order of the value of the "relaxation / motivation" factor, and changing it according to the value of the "concentration" factor, a sound environment corresponding to the user's state and the purpose of the space can be created.

[0160] On the other hand, in step S1, if the priority information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 indicates a focus level, the selection unit 103 sets a given value (e.g., 80%, 0.8, etc.) as the target value of the focus level ("focus level" in step S1) and transfers the process to step S20. Furthermore, the priority information indicating the focus level may also include a setting value that is set as the target value of the focus level. In this case, the selection unit 103 may also set the setting value included in the priority information as the target value of the focus level.

[0161] In step S20, the selection unit 103, similar to step S10, determines whether a given time X has elapsed since the time point from which the processing was transferred to step S20 (step S20). If the selection unit 103 determines in step S20 that the given time X has not elapsed (no in step S20), the processing is made to wait; if it determines that the given time X has elapsed (yes in step S20), the processing is transferred to step S21.

[0162] In step S21, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the user's biometric information most recently received by the communication unit 12 from the sensor 2, just as in step S11 (step S21).

[0163] Next, in step S22, the estimation unit 102 estimates the user's concentration level based on the biological information obtained in step S21 (step S22).

[0164] Next, in step S23, the selection unit 103 determines whether the concentration estimated in step S22 is lower than the target value of concentration set in step S1 (step S23).

[0165] If, in step S23, the selection unit 103 determines that the concentration estimated in step S22 is lower than the target value of concentration set in step S1 (the state where the target has not been reached) (yes in step S23), the process is transferred to step S24.

[0166] In step S24, the selection unit 103 uses the second selection table stored in the storage unit 11 to select a sound content that corresponds to the next step number of the current step number as the sound content to be played (step S24).

[0167] The following is a detailed description of step S24. Figure 15This is a diagram showing an example of the second selection table. The second selection table is a table that establishes a correspondence between the list of second steps numbered sequentially and the second selection list (list). The second selection list is a list that arranges the sound content stored in the storage unit 11, which is classified into 6 categories and 4 volumes, among the sound content whose factor "concentration" value is above the baseline value, in order of the magnitude of the factor "concentration" value.

[0168] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents. Specifically, Figure 16 The relationship between the values ​​of the factor "relaxation / energization" and the factor "focus" for the 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes stored in storage unit 11 is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 16 In, with Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Similarly, for audio content of the category "background noise", the volume of the audio content is recorded as the actual volume (e.g., "35dB (=40dB-5dB)").

[0169] Figure 15 The second selection list shown is based on Figure 16 The values ​​shown are for the factor "focus" (vertical axis values) of 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes, and for... Figure 10 The values ​​shown are created based on the "like space" factor (vertical axis value) of 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes.

[0170] Figure 15 The second selection list shown illustrates an example constructed as follows: The value of the factor "preferred space" ( Figure 10 The highest-level species "bird" and the value of the "concentration" factor for the sound content with a volume of "-5dB" are set as the baseline values, such as in Figure 16 The seven audio items with a "focus" value higher than the baseline value, as indicated by the thick arrows, are arranged in ascending order of their "focus" value, except for a portion of the audio items. The audio items in the second selection list may be arranged in any order other than the "relaxation / motivation" value, provided they are arranged at least in ascending order of their "focus" value.

[0171] Furthermore, the number of step numbers included in the second step list and the number of audio contents included in the second selection list are not limited to [specific number of steps]. Figure 15 The seven options shown can be any number of the same type. Furthermore, the baseline value for the second selection list is not limited to the value of the factor "preferred space" (…). Figure 10The value of the factor "focus" of the highest sound content. For example, the base value of the second selection list can also be set to the value of the factor "focus" of the sound content that is the same as the base tone of the background noise representing space 5, the type "background noise", and the volume "0dB" (actually 40 (=40-0)dB).

[0172] In step S24, the selection unit 103 retrieves the second selection table from the storage unit 11. Figure 15 The selection unit 103 obtains the next step number (e.g., "STEP1") of the current step number (e.g., "STEP0") from the second step list of the obtained second selection table.

[0173] The selection unit 103 selects the second selection list from the second selection table obtained from the storage unit 11. Figure 15 In the selection of the sound content to be played, the sound content whose value of the selection factor "focus" is higher than the sound content (given sound content) that corresponds to the current step number (e.g., "STEP0") and corresponds to the obtained next step number (e.g., "STEP1") (e.g., "River -5dB" (sound content of type "River" and volume "-5dB")).

[0174] When selecting the sound content of the playback target, the selection unit 103 updates the current step number (e.g., "STEP0") based on the acquired next step number (e.g., "STEP1"). Furthermore, the selection unit 103... Figure 12 After the process shown begins, if step S24 is performed initially, the current step number is set to "STEP0".

[0175] On the other hand, if in step S23 the selection unit 103 determines that the concentration estimated in step S22 is higher than the target value of the concentration set in step S1 (the state of exceeding the target) (no in step S23), the process is transferred to step S25.

[0176] In step S25, the selection unit 103 uses the second selection table stored in the storage unit 11 to select a sound content that corresponds to the previous step number of the current step number as the sound content to be played (step S25).

[0177] The following is a detailed description of step S25. In step S25, similar to step S24, the selection unit 103 retrieves the second selection table from the storage unit 11. Figure 15 The selection unit 103 obtains the previous step number (e.g., "STEP0") of the current step number (e.g., "STEP1") from the second step list of the obtained second selection table.

[0178] The selection unit 103 selects the second selection list from the second selection table obtained from the storage unit 11. Figure 15 In the selection of sound content, the sound content whose value of the selection factor "concentration" is lower than the sound content (given sound content) corresponding to the current step number (e.g., "STEP1") and corresponding to the obtained previous step number (e.g., "STEP0") (e.g., "bird -5dB" (sound content with the species "bird" and the volume "-5dB")) is selected as the sound content to be played.

[0179] When selecting the sound content of the playback object, the selection unit 103 updates the current step number (e.g., "STEP1") based on the obtained previous step number (e.g., "STEP0").

[0180] In addition, selection section 103 Figure 12 After the processing begins, if step S25 is performed initially, the current step number is set to "STEP0". In this case, in step S25, the selection unit 103 selects the sound content that corresponds to the current step number "STEP0" in the second step list of the second selection table as the sound content to be played.

[0181] If the audio content of the playback object is selected in step S24, proceed to step S26. Also, if the audio content of the playback object is selected in step S25, proceed to step S26 as well.

[0182] In step S26, the playback unit 104 plays the sound content of the playback object selected in step S24 or step S25 in the space 5 where the user exists (step S26).

[0183] Thus, in steps S24 and S25, the selection unit 103 uses the second selection table to select the sound content to be played. Therefore, sound content to be played in the user's space 5 is limited to sound content whose factor value is above the baseline value, allowing for efficient selection according to the list's order. Furthermore, the baseline value is the value of the factor "preferred space" (…). Figure 10 When the highest value of the "concentration" factor of the sound content is reached, it is possible to make the user's concentration close to the target state after setting the user's space 5 to the preferred state.

[0184] Alternatively, the sound content in the second selection list can be arranged in ascending order of the value of the "focus" factor, and also in ascending order of the value of the "relaxation / motivation" factor. In this case, the user's focus and relaxation levels are both increased, creating a sound environment conducive to improving the user's efficiency. Alternatively, the sound content in the second selection list can be arranged in ascending order of the value of the "focus" factor, and also in the reverse order of the value of the "relaxation / motivation" factor (decreasing the value). In this case, the user's focus and relaxation levels are both increased, creating a sound environment conducive to improving both the user's focus and tension. In short, by arranging the sound content in the second selection list at least in ascending order of the value of the "focus" factor, and changing it according to the value of the "relaxation / motivation" factor, a sound environment corresponding to the user's state and the purpose of the space can be created.

[0185] Next, use Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 right Figure 12 An example of the processing shown will be described. Figure 17 This is a graph showing an example of the time-series changes in a user's level of relaxation. Figure 17 The horizontal axis represents from Figure 12 The time elapsed since the start of the process is shown on the vertical axis, which represents the degree of relaxation estimated based on the biological information sent from sensor 2 to information processing device 1.

[0186] start Figure 12 In the process shown, in step S1, assuming that the priority information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 indicates an emphasis on relaxation level, the selection unit 103 sets a target value for the relaxation level. In this case, Figure 12 After the processing shown begins, each time a given time X elapses, the following processes are repeated: acquiring biological information in step S11, estimating relaxation level in step S12, selecting audio content of the playback object in steps S13 to S15, and playing audio content in step S16.

[0187] like Figure 17 As shown, if, after a given time X has elapsed for time X1, the relaxation level estimated in step S12 is below the target value, then step S14 is performed. Figure 12 In step S14, the first selection list of the first selection table is selected (). Figure 13 The sound content that corresponds to the next step number of the current step number and whose factor "relaxation / motivation" value is higher than the sound content that corresponds to the current step number is selected as the sound content to be played, and this sound content is played in step S16. Thus, as... Figure 17As shown, after time X1, the relaxation level of users associated with the factor "relaxation / motivation" increased.

[0188] Similarly, steps S14 and S16 are also performed at time X2 after a given time X has elapsed from time X1, and at time X3 after a given time X has elapsed from time X2. As a result, the sound content with a higher value than the sound content corresponding to the current step number is played, and the user's relaxation level related to the factor "relaxation / motivation" also increases after time X2 and time X3.

[0189] Then, after a given time X has elapsed from time X3 to time X4, if the relaxation level estimated in step S12 exceeds the target value, proceed to step S15. Figure 12 In step S15, the first selection list of the first selection table is selected (). Figure 13 The sound content that corresponds to the previous step number in the current step number and whose factor "relaxation / motivation" value is lower than the sound content corresponding to the current step number is selected as the sound content to be played, and this sound content is played in step S16. Thus, as... Figure 17 As shown, after time X4, the relaxation level of users associated with the factor "relaxation / motivation" was suppressed.

[0190] Similarly, in time X5, which is a given time X after time X4, steps S15 and S16 are also performed. As a result, the sound content with a lower value than the sound content corresponding to the current step number is established, and after time X5, the user's relaxation level related to the factor "relaxation / motivation" is suppressed.

[0191] Figure 18 This is a graph showing an example of the time-series changes in user concentration. Figure 18 The horizontal axis represents from Figure 12 The time elapsed since the start of the process is shown on the vertical axis, which represents the concentration estimated based on the biological information sent from sensor 2 to information processing device 1.

[0192] start Figure 12 In the process shown, in step S1, assuming that the priority information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 indicates the degree of importance, the selection unit 103 sets a target value for the degree of importance. In this case, Figure 12 After the processing shown begins, each time a given time X elapses, the following processes are repeated: acquiring biological information in step S21, estimating concentration in step S22, selecting the audio content of the playback object in steps S23 to S25, and playing the audio content in step S26.

[0193] like Figure 18 As shown, after a given time X has elapsed to time X1, if the concentration estimated in step S22 is below the target value, then step S24 is performed. Figure 12 In step S24, the second selection list of the second selection table is selected. Figure 15 The sound content that corresponds to the next step number of the current step number and whose factor "set" value is higher than the sound content that corresponds to the current step number is selected as the sound content to be played, and this sound content is played in step S26. Thus, as... Figure 18 As shown, after time X1, the concentration of users associated with the factor "concentration" increases.

[0194] However, subsequently, during the period up to time X2 after a given time X from time X1, the user's concentration decreases. If the concentration estimated in step S22 at time X2 is below the target value, steps S24 and S26 are performed. As a result, the sound content with a higher value for the playback factor "concentration" than the sound content corresponding to the current step number is established, and after time X2, the user's concentration related to the factor "concentration" increases.

[0195] Then, if, after a given time X has elapsed from time X2 to time X3, the concentration estimated in step S22 exceeds the target value, step S25 is performed. In step S25, the second selection list of the second selection table is selected (…). Figure 15 The sound content that corresponds to the previous step number in the current step number and whose factor "focus" value is lower than the sound content that corresponds to the current step number is selected as the sound content to be played, and this sound content is played in step S26. Thus, as... Figure 18 As shown, after time X3, the concentration of users associated with the factor "concentration" is suppressed.

[0196] Subsequently, during the period from time X3 to time X4, after a given time X has elapsed, the user's concentration decreases. If the concentration estimated in step S22 at time X4 is below the target value, steps S24 and S26 are performed. As a result, the sound content with a higher value for the playback factor "concentration" than the sound content corresponding to the current step number is established. After time X4, the concentration of users related to the factor "concentration" increases.

[0197] Then, after a given time X has elapsed from time X4 to time X5, if the concentration estimated in step S22 exceeds the target value, step S25 is performed. In step S25, sound content with a "concentration" value lower than the sound content corresponding to the current step number is selected as the sound content to be played, and this sound content is played in step S26. Thus, as... Figure 18 As shown, after time X5, the concentration of users associated with the factor "concentration" is suppressed.

[0198] Thus, according to Embodiment 1, when the user's relaxation level (or concentration) does not reach the target value, sound content with a playback factor value higher than the currently played sound content is played; when the user's relaxation level (or concentration) exceeds the target value, sound content with a playback factor value lower than the currently played sound content is played. Therefore, this configuration can create a sound environment in the user's space 5 that corresponds to the user's relaxation level (or concentration), bringing the user's relaxation level (or concentration) close to the target state.

[0199] Next, the information displayed on the display device (monitor) of the portable terminal, smartphone, or computer used by the user or administrator of the information processing system 100, and the information displayed on the display device (monitor) of the external device, and the information displayed on the display device (monitor) of the external device used by the user or administrator of the information processing system 100, and the information displayed on the display device (monitor) of the external device, and the information displayed on the display device (monitor) of the external device, and the information displayed on the display device (monitor) of the external device, such as the portable terminal, smartphone, or computer used by the user or administrator of the information processing system 10 ... Figure 12 The following is an example of a screen showing the processing of related elements. Figure 26 It is shown that... Figure 12 The image shown is an example of a screen that processes related data.

[0200] Screen W1 is an operation screen used to select whether to prioritize relaxation or concentration. Screen W1 includes a button B11 for selecting relaxation and a button B12 for selecting concentration. When button B11 or button B12 is selected, an external device replaces screen W1 and displays screen W2.

[0201] Screen W2 is the operation screen used to set the target value for relaxation or concentration. Screen W2 includes a radio button (option button) B21 for selecting any one of 1 to 10 as the target value, a back button B22, and a next button B23. Figure 26 The example shown illustrates selecting the radio button B21 corresponding to 5 on screen W2 and setting 5 as the target value.

[0202] In addition, when displaying screen W2 in place of screen W1, the radio button B21 corresponding to any given value from 1 to 10 can be set to be automatically selected.

[0203] Furthermore, the values ​​1 to 10 displayed on screen W2 are examples of target values. The values ​​that can be selectively displayed on screen W2 and the set target values ​​may not be the same. For example, it is possible that when radio button B21 corresponding to 2 is selected on screen W2, 2 is set as the target value, and when radio button B21 corresponding to 10 is selected, 10 is set as the target value. Alternatively, it is possible that when radio button B21 corresponding to 2 is selected, 4 is set as the target value, and when radio button B21 corresponding to 10 is selected, 8 is set as the target value. Alternatively, it is possible that when radio button B21 corresponding to 2 is selected, 4 or 40% is set as the target value, and when radio button B21 corresponding to 10 is selected, 8 or 80% is set as the target value.

[0204] When the return button B22 is pressed, the external device displays screen W1 instead of screen W2. When the next button B23 is pressed, the external device displays screen W3 instead of screen W2. Screen W3 is an operation screen used to send information indicating the content selected through screens W1 and W2 to the information processing device 1. Screen W3 includes a start button B31.

[0205] When button B11 is pressed on screen W1, and start button B31 is pressed, the external device sends priority information indicating the level of relaxation and a target value set via screen W2 to the information processing device 1. Conversely, when button B12 is pressed on screen W1, and start button B31 is pressed, the external device sends priority information indicating the level of concentration and a target value set via screen W2 to the information processing device 1. Accordingly, when the communication unit 12 receives the priority information and target value from the external device, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the priority information and target value. Then, the control unit 10 begins... Figure 12 The process is as shown. After the external device sends the priority information and the target value, it replaces screen W3 with screen W4.

[0206] Screen W4 shows Figure 12 The process shown is in progress. Screen W4 contains a function to abort. Figure 12 The process is stopped by button B41. When button B41 is pressed, the external device will indicate that the process is stopped. Figure 12 The processing information shown (later, the stop instruction information) is sent to the information processing device 1. Accordingly, when the communication unit 12 receives the stop instruction information from the external device, the control unit 10 terminates the execution. Figure 12 The processing shown.

[0207] When the execution ends Figure 12During the processing shown, the control unit 10 controls the communication unit 12 to indicate the end of the process. Figure 12 The processing information shown (later, processing completion information) is sent to an external device. Upon receiving the processing completion information from the information processing unit 1, the external device displays a message indicating the end of the process. Figure 12 The process shown is guided by screen W5. Screen W5 includes an end button B51. When the end button B51 is pressed, the external device sets screen W5 to not be displayed.

[0208] Alternatively, it can be configured so that when the start button B31 is pressed on screen W3, the external device will not display screen W3, and screen W4 will also not be displayed. In this case, it can also be configured so that the external device can be used to stop the process. Figure 12 The given operation of the process is shown, and if the operation is performed, screen W4 is displayed.

[0209] Furthermore, it can also be set as follows: Figure 12 After the process is completed, the time progression of the user's relaxation or concentration during the process is displayed on an external device.

[0210] Specifically, it can also be configured such that the control unit 10 will... Figure 12 The user's level of relaxation estimated in step S12 or the user's level of concentration estimated in step S22 is correlated with the current moment and stored in the storage unit 11. Furthermore, it can also be configured such that, in an external device, after the screen W5 is set to not be displayed, and after the user or administrator performs a gaze observation... Figure 12 In the case of a given operation where the user state in the process is shifted over time, information indicating the user state (later, display indication information) is sent to the information processing device 1.

[0211] Alternatively, when the communication unit 12 receives the display instruction information, the control unit 10 retrieves the information from the storage unit 11 from the start... Figure 12 The processing time shown is the current time up to the time when the communication unit 12 receives the display instruction information, and the user's relaxation or concentration level corresponding to the current time is established and returned to the external device.

[0212] Correspondingly, it can also be configured such that, after the external device sends the display information, it displays a screen that corresponds to the user's relaxation or concentration level received from the information processing device 1 with the current moment. Figure 26 The screen W61 shown is an example of a display that establishes a correspondence between the user's level of relaxation and the current moment. Figure 26 The screen shown in W62 is an example of a screen that correlates the user's concentration with the current moment.

[0213] (Implementation Method 2)

[0214] In Implementation 1, the following example is illustrated: based on the following... Figure 1 The subjective evaluation experiment conducted on office staff in the anechoic chamber 50, as subjects, yielded factor values ​​for 24 sound contents classified into 6 categories and 4 volume levels. Sound contents corresponding to the user's state regarding the factors were then played. Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of another experimental environment. In Embodiment 2, the following example is explained: based on... Figure 19 The values ​​of the 24 sound content factors were obtained from a subjective evaluation experiment conducted in the same office staff as described above, using the same staff as those in the anechoic chamber 50a. Sound content corresponding to the user's state regarding these factors was then played. Later, in... Figure 1 The subjective evaluation experiment conducted in the anechoic chamber 50 shown above is recorded as Experiment 1. Figure 19 The same subjective evaluation experiment conducted in the anechoic chamber 50a shown above is recorded as Experiment 2.

[0215] Experiment 2 in Figure 19 The experiment was conducted for two days in the anechoic chamber 50a shown, similar to the first experiment. Sixteen office workers (eight men and eight women) aged 30 to 60 were among the participants. In the center of the anechoic chamber 50a, as in the first experiment, a table was provided for participants to input questionnaires using a tablet. Additionally, cultivated plants 90, such as foliage plants, were placed on and around the table, within the participants' field of vision. Along with this, four speakers 31, which played the sound content representing the fundamental tone that constitutes background noise, were positioned 2 meters diagonally away from the participants, unlike in the first experiment. One speaker 32, which played the sound content representing the natural tone that is supplemented to the fundamental tone, was positioned 2 meters away from the participants in a frontal direction, as in the first experiment.

[0216] Furthermore, similar to Experiment 1, using Figure 3 The 24 sound contents, categorized into 6 types and 4 volume levels, are used to play sound contents representing fundamental tones by four speakers 31 and sound contents representing natural tones by speaker 32, thereby ensuring that the sound environment within the anechoic chamber 50a satisfies the following requirements. Figure 2 The 24 sound environment conditions are shown.

[0217] Furthermore, similar to Experiment 1, the same questionnaire was administered to the participants. After all participants completed the questionnaire, as in Experiment 1, statistical analysis tools were used to conduct factor analysis and cluster analysis on all participants' evaluations of 10 evaluation items (excluding the comprehensive evaluation items "liking level", "ease of operation", and "comfort") for 24 different sound environments created within the anechoic chamber for 50a.

[0218] Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 This is a graph showing an example of the results of factor analysis and cluster analysis for other evaluation outcomes. Figure 20 and Figure 9 Similarly, the results of the evaluation for each sound environment are shown by setting the factor scores of "relaxation / motivation" on the horizontal axis and the factor scores of "concentration" on the vertical axis, and further classified into three groups by cluster analysis.

[0219] Figure 21 and Figure 10 Similarly, the results are shown by setting the factor scores of "relaxation / motivation" on the horizontal axis and the factor scores of "favorite space" on the vertical axis to organize the evaluation results for each sound environment, and further classifying them into 3 groups through cluster analysis.

[0220] Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 The configuration positions of the three groups classified by cluster analysis and Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Significantly different. The inventors of this invention have... Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 The configuration positions of the three groups were examined, and the results showed that by setting the cultivated plant 90, when playing the sound content of the species "bird" and "bell cricket" with high harmony when the cultivated plant 90 was visually recognized, the factor value increased.

[0221] Therefore, in Embodiment 2, based on the above understanding, when cultivated plants 90 are provided in the user's space 5, in steps S14 and S15 ( Figure 12 In step S24 and step S25, the third selection table, described later, is used instead of the first selection table. Figure 12 In the second selection table, the fourth selection table, described later, is used instead of the second selection table.

[0222] Specifically, the third selection table and the fourth selection table are stored in the storage unit 11. Additionally, the storage unit 11 stores information indicating whether a cultivated plant 90 is installed in the user's space 5. When performing steps S14, S15, S24, and S25, the selection unit 103 refers to the cultivated plant information stored in the storage unit 11.

[0223] In steps S14 and S15, when the cultivation plant information indicates that a cultivation plant 90 is installed in the user's space 5, the selection unit 103 uses a third selection table instead of the first selection table to select sound content. In steps S24 and S25, when the cultivation plant information indicates that a cultivation plant 90 is installed in the user's space 5, the selection unit 103 uses a fourth selection table instead of the second selection table to select sound content.

[0224] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the third selection table. The third selection table is the same as the first selection table ( Figure 13 Similarly, a corresponding table is created between the third step list, which is equivalent to the first step list of the first selection table, and the third selection list, which is equivalent to the first selection list of the first selection table. The third selection list, like the first selection list, is a list that arranges the sound content stored in the storage unit 11, which is categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes, among the sound content whose factor "relaxation / power" value (factor adjustment value) is above the baseline value when cultivated plants 90 are set in space 5, in order of magnitude of the factor "relaxation / power" value (factor adjustment value) when cultivated plants 90 are set in space 5.

[0225] Figure 23 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents. Specifically, Figure 23 The diagram shows the relationship between the values ​​of the "relaxation / energization" factor for 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volume levels, and the values ​​of the "concentration" factor for the same 24 sound contents, when cultivated plants 90 are installed in space 5. Furthermore, in... Figure 23 In, with Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Similarly, for sound content of the type "background noise", the volume of the sound content is recorded as the actual volume (e.g., "35dB (=40dB-5dB)").

[0226] Figure 22 The third selection list shown is based on Figure 23The values ​​shown are for the "Relaxation / Dynamic" factor (horizontal axis) and the "Focus" factor (vertical axis) for 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes, and for... Figure 21 The values ​​shown are created based on the "like space" factor (vertical axis value) of 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes.

[0227] Figure 22 The third selection list shown will use the value of the factor "preferred space" ( Figure 21 The values ​​are higher than the median, and the values ​​of the factors "Relaxation / Motivation" and "Concentration" are also higher. Figure 23 The values ​​of the "Relaxation / Power" factor for the sound content near the center value, namely the "River" type and the volume "-5dB", are set as the baseline values. Figure 22 The third selection list shown illustrates an example structured as follows: (e.g., in...) Figure 23 As shown by the thick arrow, the eight sound contents with a "relaxation / motivation" value above the baseline value are arranged in order of the magnitude of the "relaxation / motivation" value.

[0228] Furthermore, the number of step numbers included in the third step list and the number of audio contents included in the third selection list are not limited to [specific number of steps]. Figure 22 The eight options shown can be any number of the same type. Furthermore, the base values ​​for the third selection list are not limited to those described above. For example, they can be set to the value of the "Relaxation / Power" factor for the sound content of the type "Background Noise" and the volume "0dB" (actually 40 (=40-0)dB), which is the same as the base tone representing the background noise in space 5.

[0229] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the fourth selection table. The fourth selection table is the same as the second selection table ( Figure 15 The same structure is used to create a corresponding table between the fourth step list, which is equivalent to the second step list of the second selection table, and the fourth selection list, which is equivalent to the second selection list of the second selection table. The fourth selection list is the same as the second selection list. It is a list that arranges the sound content stored in the storage unit 11, which is classified into 24 sound contents into 6 categories and 4 volumes, and whose factor "concentration" value (factor adjustment value) is above the baseline value when cultivated plants 90 are set in space 5, in order of the magnitude of factor "concentration" value (factor adjustment value) when cultivated plants 90 are set in space 5.

[0230] Figure 25 This is a graph showing the relationship between the values ​​of the first factor and the second factor for multiple sound contents. Specifically, Figure 25The diagram shows the relationship between the values ​​of the "relaxation / energization" factor for 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volume levels, and the values ​​of the "concentration" factor for the same 24 sound contents, when cultivated plants 90 are installed in space 5. Furthermore, in... Figure 25 In, with Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Similarly, for sound content of the type "background noise", the volume of the sound content is recorded as the actual volume (e.g., "35dB (=40dB-5dB)").

[0231] Figure 24 The fourth selection list shown is based on Figure 25 The values ​​shown are for the "Relaxation / Dynamic" factor (horizontal axis) and the "Focus" factor (vertical axis) for 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes, and for... Figure 21 The values ​​shown are created based on the "like space" factor (vertical axis value) of 24 sound contents categorized into 6 types and 4 volumes.

[0232] Figure 24 The fourth selection list shown will use the value of the factor "favorite space" ( Figure 21 The values ​​are higher than the median, and the values ​​of the factors "Relaxation / Motivation" and "Concentration" are also higher. Figure 25 The value of the factor "concentration" for sound content near the center value, the type "river", and the volume "-5dB" is set as the baseline value. Figure 24 The fourth selection list shown illustrates an example constructed as follows: (e.g., in...) Figure 25 As shown by the thick arrow, the eight audio contents with a "focus" value above the baseline value are arranged in order of the magnitude of the "focus" value.

[0233] Furthermore, the number of step numbers included in the fourth step list and the number of audio contents included in the fourth selection list are not limited to... Figure 24 The eight options shown can be any number of the same. In addition, the reference values ​​for the fourth selection list are not limited to those mentioned above. For example, they can also be set to the value of the factor "concentration" of the sound content, which is the same as the basic tone of the background noise representing space 5, and has the same type "background noise" and volume "0dB" (actually 40 (=40-0)dB).

[0234] According to Embodiment 2, when a plant 90 is installed in the space 5 where the user exists, sound content with a value corresponding to the user's relaxation level (or concentration level) is played in that space 5. Therefore, a sound environment suitable for the user's relaxation level (or concentration level) can be created in that space 5, bringing the user's relaxation level (or concentration level) close to the target state.

[0235] The following variations are possible with respect to this disclosure.

[0236] (1) In the first selection list ( Figure 13 ), second choice list ( Figure 15 ), the third choice list ( Figure 22 ) and the 4th choice list ( Figure 24 In the process of establishing the sound content corresponding to step number "STEP0", the sound content can also be changed to the background noise of space 5 actually picked up by microphone 4. This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0237] When the selection unit 103 selects the sound content corresponding to the step number "STEP0" as the sound content to be played in steps S14, S15, S24, and S25, the processing is interrupted, and the communication unit 12 is controlled to send a control signal to the microphone 4 indicating an instruction to send sound data to the information processing device 1. Accordingly, the microphone 4 sends sound data representing the sound received in space 5 to the information processing device 1. When the communication unit 12 receives the sound data, the selection unit 103 performs sound analysis on the sound data and extracts the sound data representing the background noise of space 5 (hereinafter, background noise data). The selection unit 103 reselects the background noise data as the sound content to be played and transfers the processing to step S16 or step S26.

[0238] According to this configuration, when the user's relaxation (or concentration) has not reached the target state, sound content with a playback factor value higher than the background noise of the space where the user exists is played. Therefore, compared to the case where no sound content is played, this configuration can increase the user's relaxation (or concentration), bringing it closer to the target state.

[0239] (2) In step S13 ( Figure 12 In step S23, the selection unit 103 can also be configured such that the greater the difference between the estimated relaxation level in step S12 and the target relaxation level set in step S1, the shorter the given time X. Similarly, in step S23... Figure 12 In the selection unit 103, the larger the difference between the concentration estimated in step S22 and the target value of the concentration set in step S1, the shorter the given time X will be.

[0240] According to this structure, the greater the difference between the user's relaxation level (or concentration) and the target value, the more frequently the user's relaxation level (or concentration) is increased or suppressed in stages, enabling the user's relaxation level (or concentration) to quickly approach the target value.

[0241] (3) such as Figure 16 As shown, the "concentration" factor value for the sound content of the "bell cricket" species and the volume "-5dB" is lower than that for the "rain" species and the volume "0dB". However, Figure 15 In the second selection list shown, the sound content of the type "bell cricket" and the volume "-5dB" is arranged in a later order than the sound content of the type "rain" and the volume "0dB".

[0242] Therefore, in the above-described embodiment 1, the following situation can be avoided: step S24 is performed in an audio environment where the sound content of type "rain" and volume "0dB" is played. Figure 12 In the case of, or in the sound environment where the value of the factor "concentration" is significantly higher than that of the type "rain" and the volume "0dB" of the sound content of the type "sea" and the volume "0dB", step S25 was performed. Figure 12 In the case of "concentration", large changes in the value of the factor "concentration" have an excessive impact on user concentration.

[0243] Similarly, it can also be found in the 4th selection list ( Figure 24 In the first selection list, the order of the audio content can be changed to reduce the variation in the value of the "concentration" factor. Similarly, this can also be done in the first selection list ( Figure 13 ) and the third choice list ( Figure 22 In this process, the order of the sound content is changed to reduce the change in the value of the factor "relaxation / motivation".

[0244] (4) In Figure 12 In the process shown, step S1 can also be omitted. Figure 12 After the processing begins, the selection unit 103, similar to step S1, sets the target value for the user's relaxation level and then proceeds with the processing after step S10. Alternatively, in... Figure 12 In the process shown, step S1 can also be omitted. Figure 12 After the processing begins, the selection unit 103, similar to step S1, sets the target value for the user's concentration and then proceeds with the processing after step S20.

[0245] (5) In Figure 12 In the process shown, at least one of steps S15 and S25 may be omitted.

[0246] (6) In Figure 12 In the process shown, step S10 can also be omitted, and the process ends after step S16. Figure 12 The processing is shown. Similarly, in Figure 12 In the process shown, step S20 can also be omitted, and the process ends after step S26. Figure 12 The processing shown.

[0247] (7) In Figure 12 In the illustrated process, steps S11 and S12 can also be replaced by the acquisition unit 101 acquiring the user status received by the communication unit 12 from the external terminal. The external terminal can be, for example, a computer or portable terminal that transmits and receives subjective evaluation results of user status based on questionnaires, etc., or a wearable terminal worn by the user that acquires biometric information and estimates the user's status. Alternatively, the external terminal can be a server that communicates with various terminals.

[0248] This disclosure is useful in the field of sound environment in bio-friendly design.

Claims

1. An information processing method, specifically an information processing method in a computer. The information processing method includes: Get the values ​​of factors for multiple audio contents; Obtain the user state, which is the user's state related to the factor; From the plurality of audio content, select the audio content whose value corresponds to the user's state as the value of the factor; The selected audio content is played in the space where the user exists.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple audio contents include the given audio content. In the selection, if the user state does not reach the target state, select any sound content whose factor value is higher than the given sound content.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein, In the selection, further, if the user state exceeds the target state, select any sound content whose factor value is lower than the given sound content.

4. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, Furthermore, the background noise of the space is obtained. In the selection, the background noise of the space is set as the given sound content.

5. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, Each time a given period of time elapses, the process of obtaining the user's state, making the selection, and playing the game is repeated. In the selection, the sound content played in the space is set to the given sound content.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple audio contents include multiple types of audio content. Various types of audio content contain audio content with more than one volume.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein, The volume of each of the above and below is expressed as the volume difference relative to the volume of the background noise in the space.

8. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, In acquiring the user state, the relaxation level, which represents the degree of relaxation of the user, is acquired as the user state. The target state is the state where the degree of relaxation is a given value. The value of the factor represents the degree to which each sound content affects the level of relaxation.

9. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, In acquiring the user state, the concentration degree, which represents the degree of user concentration, is acquired as the user state. The state of the target is the state where the concentration is a given value. The value of the factor represents the degree to which each sound content affects the concentration.

10. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein, In the selection, Obtain a list of the audio contents whose factor values ​​are above a baseline value, arranged in ascending order of the factor values. Select the audio content in the list whose order is either the preceding or following order of the given audio content.

11. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein, Furthermore, the values ​​of other factors for the multiple sound contents are obtained. In the selection, the list is obtained in which the value of the factor of the sound content with the highest value of the other factors among the plurality of sound contents is set as the benchmark value.

12. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein, The values ​​of the other factors represent the degree to which each sound content influences the liking of the space.

13. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, Further, the adjustment value of the factor is obtained, which is the value of the factor for the plurality of sound contents when a given device is set in the space. In the selection, when the given device is set in the space, the sound content with the adjustment value of the factor corresponding to the user state is selected from the plurality of sound content.

14. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein, The given equipment is for cultivating plants.

15. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein, In the selection, The greater the difference between the user's state and the target's state, the shorter the given time.

16. An information processing apparatus comprising: The factor acquisition unit acquires the values ​​of factors for multiple audio contents; The acquisition unit acquires the user status, which is the user's status related to the factor. The selection unit selects, from the plurality of audio contents, the audio content whose value corresponds to the user's state; and The playback unit plays the selected audio content in the space where the user is located.

17. A program, which is a program for an information processing device. The program enables the information processing device to perform the following functions: The factor acquisition unit acquires the values ​​of factors for multiple audio contents; The acquisition unit acquires the user status, which is the user's status related to the factor. The selection unit selects, from the plurality of audio contents, the audio content whose value corresponds to the user's state; and The playback unit plays the selected audio content in the space where the user is located.

18. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, Furthermore, the user's biometric information is acquired by the sensors. In obtaining the user's state, the user's state is inferred based on the user's biometric information.

Images