Motion sickness evaluation system and motion sickness evaluation method

Abstract

Provided are a motion sickness evaluation system and a motion sickness evaluation method that make it possible to evaluate motion sickness with a high degree of freedom without using an actual vehicle. This motion sickness evaluation system is provided with: an image storage unit that stores image data that causes an experimenter to generate a visually induced motion sensation; a pattern storage unit that stores an occlusion pattern that occludes a partial region of an image obtained on the basis of the image data; a display control unit that displays, on a display unit, an evaluation image obtained by superimposing the mask pattern stored in the pattern storage unit on the image obtained on the basis of the image data stored in the image storage unit; and an evaluation processing unit that evaluates motion sickness of the subject on the basis of output information output from the subject who has observed the displayed evaluation image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a motion sickness assessment system and a motion sickness assessment method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, techniques for evaluating motion sickness based on displayed images have been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). On the other hand, in conventional methods for evaluating motion sickness, such as when evaluating motion sickness in vehicles from the perspective of a vehicle, the subject is generally riding in the actual vehicle, or images taken while actually riding in the vehicle are used to evaluate motion sickness.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-197771 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the aforementioned methods require actual use of transportation for evaluation, thus limiting the scope of the evaluation.

[0008] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a motion sickness evaluation system and method that can perform motion sickness evaluation with a high degree of freedom without using actual means of transportation.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a motion sickness evaluation system, comprising: an image storage unit storing image data that induces visually induced self-motion sensation in a subject; a pattern storage unit storing an occlusion pattern that occludes a portion of an image obtained based on the image data; a display control unit displaying an evaluation image on a display unit, the evaluation image being obtained by overlaying the occlusion pattern stored in the pattern storage unit onto the image obtained based on the image data stored in the image storage unit; and an evaluation processing unit evaluating the subject's motion sickness based on output information from the subject who has observed the displayed evaluation image.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a motion sickness evaluation method, which is a motion sickness evaluation method for a motion sickness evaluation system. The motion sickness evaluation system includes: an image storage unit that stores image data that induces visually induced self-motion sensation in a subject; and a pattern storage unit that stores an occlusion pattern that occludes a portion of an image obtained based on the image data. The motion sickness evaluation method includes: a display control step in which the display control unit displays an evaluation image on a display unit, the evaluation image being obtained by overlaying the occlusion pattern stored in the pattern storage unit onto the image obtained based on the image data stored in the image storage unit; and an evaluation step in which an evaluation processing unit evaluates the motion sickness of the subject based on output information output from the subject who has observed the displayed evaluation image.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, motion sickness evaluation with a high degree of freedom can be performed without using actual vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the motion sickness evaluation system of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of optical flow in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the occlusion pattern in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of an evaluation image generated by the display control unit in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the motion sickness evaluation system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation results of the motion sickness evaluation system according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the motion sickness evaluation system according to the second embodiment.

[0021] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0022] 1, 1a… Motion sickness assessment system, 10, 10a… Motion sickness assessment device, 11… Storage unit, 12, 12a… Control unit, 20… Display unit, 20a… Head-mounted display, 30… Input unit, 40… Measurement unit, 111… Image storage unit, 112… Pattern storage unit, 113… Output information storage unit, 114… Evaluation result storage unit, 121, 121a… Display control unit, 122… Evaluation processing unit, 123… Output processing unit, TU… Subject. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, a motion sickness evaluation system and motion sickness evaluation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] [First Implementation]

[0025] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the motion sickness assessment system 1 includes a motion sickness assessment device 10, a display unit 20, an input unit 30, and a measurement unit 40.

[0027] The motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment, for example, performs motion sickness evaluation (motion sickness evaluation) under obstructions (e.g., window frames, pillars, headrests, etc.) generated by the design of vehicles (mobile bodies) such as cars.

[0028] Display unit 20 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, displaying evaluation images based on the subject TU's assessment of motion sickness. Display unit 20 may also be, for example, a display unit capable of displaying three-dimensional images, which can be viewed stereoscopically by the subject TU using 3D glasses.

[0029] The input unit 30 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or operating pad, and receives evaluation information indicating the level of motion sickness experienced by the subject TU. The evaluation information may be, for example, information indicating the level of motion sickness such as "Level 1" to "Level 5," or information comparing two evaluation images to indicate which one is more likely to cause motion sickness. The input unit 30 sends the evaluation information input by the subject TU to the motion sickness evaluation device 10.

[0030] The measurement unit 40 may be, for example, an electroencephalometer (EEG) for measuring brain activity, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a MEG (Magnetoencephalography) device for measuring magnetoencephalography (MEG), or a camera (video recording device) for measuring eye movements, body movements, and subjective reports of psychological indicators (severity of discomfort, dizziness, etc.). The measurement unit 40 measures physiological parameters of the subject TU, including at least one of eye movements, brain activity, body movements, and subjective reports of psychological indicators (severity of discomfort, dizziness, etc.), as output information from the subject TU who has observed the displayed evaluation images. Here, physiological parameters include, for example, information representing brain activity (MRI, EEG, MEG, etc.), eye movements, body movements, and subjective reports of psychological indicators (severity of discomfort, dizziness, etc.). The measurement unit 40 sends the measured physiological parameters to the motion sickness evaluation device 10.

[0031] The motion sickness assessment device 10 is, for example, a computer device such as a personal computer or a server device. The motion sickness assessment device 10 includes a storage unit 11 and a control unit 12.

[0032] The storage unit 11 stores various information used in the various processes performed by the motion sickness evaluation device 10. The storage unit 11 includes an image storage unit 111, a pattern storage unit 112, an output information storage unit 113, and an evaluation result storage unit 114.

[0033] The image storage unit 111 stores image data (moving image data) that induces visually induced self-motion sensation in the subject TU. Here, the image data may include, for example, images of optical flow that use the movement of points to induce visually induced self-motion sensation. Examples of optical flow images include enlarged patterns where points move from the center of the image (moving image) outwards, and patterns where points move from the center of the image (moving image) outwards in a serpentine (slalom) motion.

[0034] Here, refer to Figure 2 Here is an example of an optical flow image (moving image) used in motion sickness assessment system 1.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of optical flow in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 Image G1 shown in (a) illustrates the image of the light flow of the enlarged pattern. As shown in image G1, in the image of the light flow of the enlarged pattern, points move from the center to the periphery to create the illusion of forward movement for the subject TU riding in the vehicle.

[0037] in addition, Figure 2Image G2 shown in (b) illustrates the image of the serpentine movement pattern of light flow. As shown in image G2, in the image of the serpentine movement pattern of light flow, points move from the center to the periphery and move left and right to serpentine, thus creating the illusion for the test subject TU, who is riding in a vehicle, that he is moving forward while swaying left and right.

[0038] It should be noted that, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the movement of a black dot on a white screen is depicted for clarity, but in practice, a white dot (a glowing dot) can also move on a black screen. Furthermore, the size of the dot can increase as it moves towards the periphery.

[0039] In addition, the image storage unit 111 will Figure 2 Multiple images of the same type are stored for comparison purposes. For example, the image storage unit 111 stores images by establishing a correspondence between the image ID (image recognition information) of the identified image and the image data.

[0040] return Figure 1 As explained, the pattern storage unit 112 stores occlusion patterns that obstruct a portion of an image obtained based on image data. An occlusion pattern is, for example, a pattern representing the shape of an obstruction generated by the design of a vehicle, obstructing the view outside when the test subject TU observes from inside the vehicle. That is, an occlusion pattern is, for example, a pattern obtained by simulating the obstruction of the field of vision caused by pillars, window frames, headrests of seats, etc.

[0041] Here, refer to Figure 3 Here is an example of the occlusion pattern used in motion sickness assessment system 1.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the occlusion pattern in this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 The occlusion pattern P1 shown in (a) illustrates a pattern in which an obstruction exists in the central part (central portion) of the image. The occlusion pattern P1 is, for example, a pattern obtained from a simulated headrest from the rear seat of a car towards the front seat.

[0044] in addition, Figure 3 The occlusion pattern P2 shown in (b) illustrates a pattern where there are two occlusions on the left and right sides of the image. The occlusion pattern P2 is, for example, a pattern obtained by simulating the pillar of the front part of a car.

[0045] It should be noted that the pattern storage unit 112 will Figure 3Multiple occlusion patterns as shown are stored for comparison purposes. The pattern storage unit 112, for example, establishes a correspondence between the pattern ID (pattern identification information) that identifies the occlusion pattern and the occlusion pattern and stores it.

[0046] Return again Figure 1 As explained, the output information storage unit 113 stores output information from the subject TU who observed the evaluation images. Output information may include, for example, physiological parameters measured by the measurement unit 40 (information representing brain activity (MRI, EEG, magnetoencephalography, etc.), eye movements, body movements, and subjective reports of psychological indicators (severity of discomfort, dizziness, etc.)), or evaluation information representing the level of motion sickness input by the subject TU from the input unit 30. The output information storage unit 113 stores, for example, information indicating the type of output information, the subject ID (subject identification information) used to identify the subject TU, the image ID, the pattern ID, and the output information, establishing a correspondence between them.

[0047] The evaluation result storage unit 114 stores the evaluation results representing the motion sickness evaluation results. For example, the evaluation result storage unit 114 stores the results by establishing a correspondence between the subject ID, image ID, pattern ID, and evaluation results.

[0048] The control unit 12 is, for example, a processor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which comprehensively controls the motion sickness evaluation device 10. The control unit 12 executes various processes performed by the motion sickness evaluation device 10. In addition, the control unit 12 includes a display control unit 121, an evaluation processing unit 122, and an output processing unit 123.

[0049] The display control unit 121 displays an evaluation image on the display unit 20. This evaluation image is obtained by storing an occlusion pattern in an image overlay pattern storage unit 112, which is based on image data stored in the image storage unit 111. The display control unit 121 retrieves image data from the image storage unit 111 and an occlusion pattern from the pattern storage unit 112, for example... Figure 4 As shown, an evaluation image is generated based on an image overlap occlusion pattern obtained from image data. That is, the display control unit 121 generates an evaluation image based on an image overlap occlusion pattern obtained from image data in such a way that the occlusion pattern covers (occludes) a portion of the image obtained from image data.

[0050] Figure 4 This diagram shows an example of an evaluation image generated by the display control unit 121 in this embodiment.

[0051] Figure 4 Image G3 shown in (a) illustrates an example of an image obtained based on image data. Figure 4(b) shows the occlusion pattern P2. Additionally, Figure 4 Image TG1 shown in (c) illustrates an example of an evaluation image.

[0052] Display control unit 121 such Figure 4 As shown, towards Figure 4 The image shown in (a) (image G3) overlaps Figure 4 The occlusion pattern P2 shown in (b) is generated by Figure 4 The evaluation image shown in (c) is similar to that of TG1. The display control unit 121 displays the generated evaluation image on the display unit 20 for visual recognition by the test subject TU.

[0053] It should be noted that the display control unit 121 can also display the evaluation image on the display unit 20 in the form of a three-dimensional image that can be viewed stereoscopically by the test subject TU. For example, the display control unit 121 can also generate the evaluation image as a 3D image and display it on the display unit 20, so that the test subject TU can perform visual recognition through stereoscopic observation by wearing 3D glasses, for example.

[0054] The evaluation processing unit 122 evaluates the motion sickness of the subject TU based on output information from the subject TU who has observed the evaluation images displayed on the display unit 20. For example, the evaluation processing unit 122 evaluates the motion sickness of the subject TU based on physiological parameters measured by the measurement unit 40 or evaluation information indicating the level of motion sickness input by the subject TU from the input unit 30.

[0055] The evaluation processing unit 122 stores the acquired physiological parameters and evaluation information as output information in the output information storage unit 113. For example, the evaluation processing unit 122 establishes a correspondence between information indicating the type of output information, the subject ID (subject identification information) used to identify the subject TU, the image ID, the pattern ID, and the output information and stores them in the output information storage unit 113.

[0056] In addition, the evaluation processing unit 122 performs motion sickness evaluation on the subject TU by outputting the physiological parameters and evaluation information stored in the output information storage unit 113, either individually or in combination. It should be noted that physiological parameters such as brain activity (MRI, EEG, magnetoencephalography, etc.), eye movements, and body movements are known to change depending on the state of motion sickness, such as the vehicle being used. By using these existing technologies, the evaluation processing unit 122 performs motion sickness evaluation.

[0057] The evaluation processing unit 122 can, for example, compare two occlusion patterns or two images to determine which one is more prone to motion sickness, or it can combine multiple output information to calculate a score representing the ease of motion sickness. Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 122 can, for example, rank the ease of motion sickness among multiple occlusion patterns or multiple images based on the calculated score.

[0058] The evaluation processing unit 122 stores the evaluation results in the evaluation result storage unit 114. For example, the evaluation processing unit 122 may also establish a correspondence between the subject ID, image ID, pattern ID, and evaluation results and store them in the evaluation result storage unit 114. Additionally, the evaluation processing unit 122 may also store the comparison results of two occlusion patterns or two images, as well as the ranking of multiple occlusion patterns or multiple images, in the evaluation result storage unit 114 as evaluation results.

[0059] The output processing unit 123 outputs the evaluation results evaluated by the evaluation processing unit 122 to the outside. For example, the output processing unit 123 can count the evaluation results stored in the evaluation result storage unit 114 and output them to the outside, or it can generate display information based on the evaluation results stored in the evaluation result storage unit 114 and output it to the outside.

[0060] Next, the operation of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 according to this embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The example shown illustrates a case of evaluating the scintillation of multiple occlusion patterns.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the motion sickness evaluation device 10 of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 first acquires image data from the image storage unit 111 (step S101). The display control unit 121 of the motion sickness evaluation device 10, for example, acquires image data from the image storage unit 111. Figure 2 Image data of the image shown.

[0063] Next, the display control unit 121 retrieves the initial occlusion pattern from the pattern storage unit 112 (step S102). The display control unit 121, for example, retrieves the pattern from the pattern storage unit 112. Figure 3 The occlusion data shown.

[0064] Next, the display control unit 121 displays the image overlap occlusion pattern obtained based on the image data on the display unit 20 (step S103). The display control unit 121, for example, is as follows: Figure 3An evaluation image is generated as shown by an image overlay occlusion pattern, and the generated evaluation image is displayed on the display unit 20.

[0065] Next, the evaluation processing unit 122 of the motion sickness evaluation device 10 acquires the output information from the subject TU (step S104). The evaluation processing unit 122 acquires the physiological parameters measured by the measurement unit 40 and the evaluation information input by the subject TU from the input unit 30 as output information. In addition, the evaluation processing unit 122 establishes a correspondence between information indicating the type of output information, the subject ID, the image ID, the pattern ID, and the output information and stores it in the output information storage unit 113.

[0066] Next, the evaluation processing unit 122 evaluates the subject's dizziness caused by the partition pattern based on the output information (step S105). The evaluation processing unit 122 evaluates the subject TU's dizziness, for example, based on physiological parameters measured by the measurement unit 40 stored in the output information storage unit 113, or evaluation information input by the subject TU from the input unit 30. The evaluation processing unit 122 stores the evaluation results in the evaluation result storage unit 114.

[0067] Next, the control unit 12 of the motion sickness evaluation device 10 determines whether a subsequent partition pattern exists (step S106). The control unit 12 determines whether a subsequent partition pattern exists, for example, by checking whether the number of partition patterns has reached a predetermined number or whether the last partition pattern stored in the pattern storage unit 112 has been reached. If a subsequent partition pattern exists (step S106: Yes), the control unit 12 causes the process to proceed to step S107. Conversely, if no subsequent partition pattern exists (step S106: No), the control unit 12 causes the process to proceed to step S108.

[0068] In step S107, the display control unit 121 retrieves the next occlusion pattern from the pattern storage unit 112. After the processing in step S107, the display control unit 121 returns the processing to step S103.

[0069] Additionally, in step S108, the output processing unit 123 of the control unit 12 outputs the evaluation result. The output processing unit 123, for example, is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, display information is generated by sequentially arranging the dizziness susceptibility among multiple occlusion patterns and then output to the outside. After the processing in step S108, the control unit 12 ends the processing.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation results of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment.

[0071] Figure 6The example shown is an instance where the motion sickness evaluation device 10 outputs the evaluation results as the order of motion sickness ease among multiple occlusion patterns.

[0072] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the evaluation processing unit 122 outputs display information displayed from left to right in order of increasing susceptibility to dizziness from the most susceptible occlusion patterns to the least susceptible ones. That is, in Figure 6 The evaluation results shown indicate that the occlusion pattern PT11 is the most likely to cause dizziness, followed by the occlusion patterns PT12, PT13, and PT14 in that order, which are less likely to cause dizziness.

[0073] It should be noted that, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The example shown illustrates how the motion sickness evaluation system 1 displays the position of multiple occlusion patterns as evaluation results, but it is not limited to this. It can also be an evaluation that compares two occlusion patterns or two images, or simply evaluate the motion sickness of the subject TU to one evaluation image.

[0074] As explained above, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment includes an image storage unit 111, a pattern storage unit 112, a display control unit 121, and an evaluation processing unit 122. The image storage unit 111 stores image data that induces visually induced self-motion sensations in the subject TU. The pattern storage unit 112 stores occlusion patterns that occlude a portion of the image obtained based on the image data. The display control unit 121 displays an evaluation image on the display unit 20, which is obtained by overlaying the image data stored in the image storage unit 111 onto the occlusion pattern stored in the image overlay pattern storage unit 112. The evaluation processing unit 122 evaluates the motion sickness of the subject TU based on output information from the subject TU who has observed the displayed evaluation image.

[0075] Therefore, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment displays an occlusion pattern on the display unit 20, which overlaps with an image to induce a visually induced sense of motion in the test subject TU, thereby obscuring a portion of the image. Thus, by changing the occlusion pattern, a high degree of freedom in motion sickness evaluation can be achieved without using an actual vehicle. The motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment, for example, enables the development of designs that minimize motion sickness in vehicles such as cars.

[0076] The motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment can, for example, evaluate the ease of motion sickness in advance when designing pillars, seats, cockpits, etc., to provide a less motion sickness-prone view from the rear seat of a vehicle. Furthermore, by changing the parameters of the optical flow, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment can evaluate the design and ease of motion sickness for various types of transportation that induce motion sickness, such as seasickness and airsickness, regardless of the vehicle's motion.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image data includes images of light flow that uses the movement of points to generate a visually induced sense of motion. Additionally, the occlusion pattern is a pattern representing the shape of an obstruction created by the design of the vehicle, obstructing the view outside when the subject (TU) observes from inside the vehicle.

[0078] Therefore, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment can easily modify the evaluation image by using the image of optical flow. In addition, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment can evaluate the ease of motion sickness in advance when designing the shape of the occlusion by using a pattern representing the shape of the occlusion generated based on the design of the vehicle.

[0079] In this embodiment, the display control unit 121 displays the evaluation image on the display unit 20 in the form of a three-dimensional image that can be viewed stereoscopically by the test subject TU. For example, the display control unit 121 generates a three-dimensional evaluation image that can be viewed stereoscopically through 3D glasses and displays it on the display unit 20, and the test subject TU observes the evaluation image while wearing 3D glasses.

[0080] Therefore, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment can evaluate the ease of motion sickness more realistically and accurately by using three-dimensional images that can be observed in three-dimensional form in the evaluation images.

[0081] Furthermore, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment includes a measurement unit 40, which measures physiological parameters of the subject TU as output information, including at least one of the following: eye movement, brain activity, body movements, and subjective reports of psychological indicators (e.g., severity of feeling, dizziness, etc.). The evaluation processing unit 122 evaluates the motion sickness of the subject TU based on the physiological parameters measured by the measurement unit 40 or the evaluation information indicating the level of motion sickness input by the subject TU from the input unit 30.

[0082] Therefore, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment can more accurately and objectively evaluate the motion sickness of the subject TU by using physiological parameters of the subject TU, which include at least one of subjective reports of eye movements, brain activity, body movements, and psychological indicators (e.g., severity of discomfort, dizziness, etc.). Furthermore, the motion sickness evaluation system 1 of this embodiment can evaluate the subjective motion sickness of the subject TU by using evaluation information indicating the level of motion sickness input by the subject TU from the input unit 30.

[0083] Furthermore, the motion sickness evaluation method of this embodiment is a motion sickness evaluation method of the motion sickness evaluation system 1. The motion sickness evaluation system 1 includes: an image storage unit 111 that stores image data that causes the subject TU to experience visually induced self-motion sensation; and a pattern storage unit 112 that stores an occlusion pattern that occludes a portion of the image obtained based on the image data. The motion sickness evaluation method includes a display control step and an evaluation step. In the display control step, the display control unit 121 displays an evaluation image on the display unit 20. The evaluation image is obtained by sending an occlusion pattern stored in the image overlay pattern storage unit 112, which is obtained based on the image data stored in the image storage unit 111. In the evaluation step, the evaluation processing unit 122 evaluates the motion sickness of the subject TU based on output information output from the subject TU who has observed the displayed evaluation image.

[0084] Therefore, the motion sickness evaluation method of this embodiment achieves the same effect as the motion sickness evaluation system 1 described above. For example, by changing the occlusion pattern, a high degree of freedom in motion sickness evaluation can be performed without using actual vehicles.

[0085] [Second Implementation]

[0086] Next, the motion sickness evaluation system 1a of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] It should be noted that in the motion sickness evaluation system 1a of this embodiment, a modified example in which the head-mounted display 20a is used as the display unit 20 is described.

[0088] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the motion sickness evaluation system 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, the motion sickness assessment system 1a includes a motion sickness assessment device 10a, a head-mounted display 20a, an input unit 30, and a measurement unit 40.

[0090] It should be noted that, in Figure 7 In the middle, regarding the above-mentioned Figure 1 For the same structure, the same reference numerals are assigned and their descriptions are omitted.

[0091] The head-mounted display 20a is a display device that can be held on the head of the subject TU and can display three-dimensional images, such as VR (Virtual Reality) images, that can be observed stereoscopically by the subject TU. The head-mounted display 20a displays VR images output from the motion sickness evaluation device 10a.

[0092] Motion sickness assessment device 10a is, for example, a computer device such as a personal computer or server device, and includes a storage unit 11 and a control unit 12a.

[0093] The control unit 12a is, for example, a processor including a CPU, which comprehensively controls the motion sickness evaluation device 10a. The control unit 12a includes a display control unit 121a, an evaluation processing unit 122, and an output processing unit 123.

[0094] The basic function of the display control unit 121a is the same as that of the display control unit 121 in the first embodiment, but it generates a VR image for the head-mounted display 20a as an evaluation image and outputs it to the head-mounted display 20a for display. That is, the display control unit 121a generates a three-dimensional image that can be observed stereoscopically by the test subject TU as an evaluation image and displays it on the head-mounted display 20a.

[0095] As explained above, in the motion sickness evaluation system 1a of this embodiment, the display unit 20 is a head-mounted display 20a that can be held on the head of the test subject TU, and the display control unit 121a generates a three-dimensional image that can be observed in three dimensions by the test subject TU as an evaluation image and displays it on the head-mounted display 20a.

[0096] Therefore, the motion sickness evaluation system 1a of this embodiment, for example by displaying VR images on the head-mounted display 20a, can evaluate the motion sickness of the test subject TU with evaluation images that are closer to reality.

[0097] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0098] For example, in the embodiments described above, an example of motion sickness evaluation system 1 (1a) evaluating motion sickness vehicles was described, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be used to evaluate motion sickness-resistant designs for image items of browsers, web pages, displays, etc.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of the display control unit 121 (121a) using the image of optical flow for evaluation image has been described, but it is not limited to this and other images may also be used.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples were described in which the display control unit 121 (121a) uses images of enlarged patterns and images of serpentine movement when using optical flow, but it is not limited to this, and images of other optical flows may also be used.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples of physiological parameters such as information representing brain activity (MRI, EEG, magnetoencephalography, etc.), eye movements, body movements, and subjective reports of psychological indicators (severity of feeling, dizziness, etc.) have been described, but the embodiments are not limited to these, and other physiological parameters may also be used.

[0102] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example of the motion sickness evaluation device 10 (10a) being implemented by a single device has been described, but it is not limited to this and may also be implemented by multiple devices (e.g., multiple server devices). Additionally, for example, an external device (an external server device, etc.) may be provided with a portion of the storage unit 11.

[0103] It should be noted that each structure of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 (1a) described above has an internal computer system. Furthermore, it is also possible to record the program used to implement the functions of each structure of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 (1a) on a computer-readable recording medium, and then have the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium, thereby performing the processing within each structure of the motion sickness evaluation system 1 (1a). Here, "having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium" includes installing programs into the computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices.

[0104] Furthermore, "computer system" can also include multiple computer devices connected via networks including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Additionally, "computer-readable recording media" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard drives built into computer systems. Thus, recording media storing programs can also be non-transitory recording media such as CD-ROMs.

[0105] Furthermore, the recording medium also includes internal or external recording media that can be accessed from the distribution server for distributing the program. It should be noted that the program can be divided into multiple parts and downloaded at different times before being combined into various structures within the motion sickness evaluation system 1 (1a), and the distribution servers for each of the divided programs can be different. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes recording media that retain the program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within the computer systems of servers and clients that have been sent via a network. Additionally, the aforementioned program can also be used to implement a portion of the functions described above. Furthermore, it can also be a structure that can achieve the aforementioned functions through combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, i.e., a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0106] Alternatively, some or all of the above functions can be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each of these functions can be processorized individually, or some or all can be integrated into a processor. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSI; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Additionally, if advancements in semiconductor technology lead to integrated circuit technologies that replace LSI, integrated circuits based on these technologies can also be used.

Claims

1. A motion sickness assessment system, wherein, The motion sickness evaluation system has the following features: The image storage unit stores image data that induces visually induced self-motion sensations in the test subjects. A pattern storage unit stores occlusion patterns that are occluded in a portion of an image obtained based on the image data. The display control unit displays an evaluation image on the display unit, the evaluation image being obtained by overlaying the occlusion pattern stored in the pattern storage unit onto an image obtained based on the image data stored in the image storage unit. as well as The evaluation processing unit evaluates the subject's motion sickness based on output information from the subject who has observed the displayed evaluation images.

2. The motion sickness evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein, The image data includes images of optical flow that uses the motion of points to generate the visually induced sense of motion. The occlusion pattern is a pattern representing the shape of an obstruction created based on the design of the vehicle, which obstructs the view outside when the subject is observing from inside the vehicle.

3. The motion sickness evaluation system according to claim 2, wherein, The display control unit displays the evaluation image on the display unit in the form of a three-dimensional image that can be observed stereoscopically by the test subject.

4. The motion sickness evaluation system according to claim 3, wherein, The display unit is a head-mounted display that can be held on the head of the test subject. The display control unit generates a three-dimensional image that can be observed stereoscopically by the subject as the evaluation image, and displays the three-dimensional image on the head-mounted display.

5. The motion sickness assessment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The motion sickness evaluation system includes a measurement unit that measures the physiological parameters of the subject, including at least one of the following: eye movement, brain activity, body movements, and psychological indicators, as output information. The evaluation processing unit evaluates the subject's motion sickness based on the physiological parameters measured by the measurement unit or the evaluation information indicating the level of motion sickness input by the subject from the input unit.

6. A motion sickness evaluation method, which is a motion sickness evaluation system comprising: an image storage unit that stores image data that induces visually induced self-motion sensation in the test subject; and a pattern storage unit, which stores occlusion patterns that are occluded in a portion of an image obtained based on the image data, wherein, The motion sickness evaluation method includes: In the display control step, the display control unit displays an evaluation image on the display unit. The evaluation image is obtained by overlaying the occlusion pattern stored in the pattern storage unit onto the image obtained based on the image data stored in the image storage unit. as well as In the evaluation step, the evaluation processing unit evaluates the subject's motion sickness based on the output information from the subject who has observed the displayed evaluation images.

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