Heating and cooling stimulation device

Abstract

Heating and cooling stimulation device (10), comprising: a stimulation delivery unit (12, 14) configured to deliver a hot stimulation and a cold stimulation to a subject; an estimation unit (S102) configured to estimate a degree of fatigue of the subject; and a control unit (S110 to S114, S210 to S214, S310 to S314, S410 to S414 and S510 to S514) configured to control an operation of the stimulation supply unit and to perform an alternating control in which the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation are alternately supplied to the subject according to the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimation unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit (12, 14) to increase an amount of cold stimulation received by the subject to increase a difference between an amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation in the alternating control as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimation unit becomes higher.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-187807, filed on October 11, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heating and cooling stimulation device. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Japanese patent JP 6 094 964 B2 discloses a heating and cooling stimulation device that alternately delivers hot and cold stimulation to a subject.

[0004] Furthermore, JP 2018-193057 A discloses a temperature-controlled seat device comprising a seat on which a seated person sits and a heat supply part capable of supplying heat to the seated person through the seat to raise the skin temperature of the seated person. The temperature-controlled seat device includes a cool air supply part capable of supplying cool air to the seated person through the seat to lower the skin temperature of the seated person, and a control device that controls the heat supply part and the cool air supply part. Furthermore, JP 2004-284450 A discloses a seat temperature adjustment system capable of alleviating the fatigue of a seated person detected based on a heartbeat signal. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] However, JP 6 094 964 B2 does not describe an effective reduction of the fatigue of a subject according to a degree of fatigue of the subject.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a heating and cooling stimulation device that can effectively reduce the fatigue of a subject according to a degree of fatigue of the subject.

[0007] The object is achieved by a heating and cooling stimulation device according to claim 1. Further features and advantageous developments are shown in the subclaims.

[0008] To achieve the above object, a heating and cooling stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a stimulation supply unit configured to supply hot stimulation and cold stimulation to a subject; an estimation unit configured to estimate a fatigue degree of the subject; and a control unit configured to control an operation of the stimulation supply unit and to perform alternating control in which the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation are alternately supplied to the subject according to the fatigue degree estimated by the estimation unit.Further, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit to increase an amount of cold stimulation received by the subject to increase a difference between an amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation in the alternating control as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimation unit becomes higher.

[0009] The heating and cooling stimulation device alternately delivers hot and cold stimulation to the subject or target person. Thus, the effect of improving blood circulation is achieved through a pumping action caused by the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. Furthermore, the heating and cooling stimulation device increases the amount of cold stimulation received by the subject as the degree of fatigue increases. Thus, the difference between the amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation increases as the subject's degree of fatigue increases, thereby accelerating the pumping action caused by the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. In this way, the effect of improving blood circulation can be enhanced.

[0010] For this reason, the heating and cooling stimulation device can effectively reduce the subject's fatigue according to his or her fatigue level.

[0011] Reference numerals enclosed in parentheses and attached to components or the like show an example of a correlation between the components and specific components or the like described in the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a heating and cooling stimulation device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a seat equipped with a seat heater and a blower for the heating and cooling stimulation device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of a multimedia display provided for the heating and cooling stimulation device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4A is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the first embodiment is 1; Fig. 4B is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the first embodiment is 2; Fig. 4C is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the first embodiment is 3; Fig. 4D is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the first embodiment is 4; Fig. 4E is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the first embodiment is 5; Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing of an HCU provided for the heating and cooling stimulation device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6A is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of a seat heater and a blower when the fatigue level of a second embodiment is 1; Fig. 6B is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the second embodiment is 2; Fig. 6C is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the second embodiment is 3; Fig. 6D is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the second embodiment is 4; Fig. 6E is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the second embodiment is 5; Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing of an HCU according to the second embodiment; Fig. 8A is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of a seat heater and a blower when the fatigue level of a third embodiment is 1; Fig. 8B is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the third embodiment is 2; Fig. 8C is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the third embodiment is 3; Fig. 8D is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the third embodiment is 4; Fig. 8E is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the third embodiment is 5; Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing of an HCU according to the third embodiment; Fig. 10A is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of a seat heater and a blower when the fatigue level of a fourth embodiment is 1; Fig. 10B is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fourth embodiment is 2; Fig. 10C is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fourth embodiment is 3; Fig. 10D is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fourth embodiment is 4; Fig. 10E is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fourth embodiment is 5; Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing of an HCU according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 12A is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of a seat heater and a blower when the fatigue level of a fifth embodiment is 1; Fig. 12B is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fifth embodiment is 2; Fig. 12C is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fifth embodiment is 3; Fig. 12D is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fifth embodiment is 4; Fig. 12E is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of the seat heater and the blower when the fatigue level of the fifth embodiment is 5; Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing of an HCU according to the fifth embodiment; and Fig. 14 is a time chart illustrating the operation contents of a seat heater and a blower when the fatigue level of a sixth embodiment is 5. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in accordance with the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals. (First embodiment)

[0013] A heating and cooling stimulation device 10 according to the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is installed in a vehicle. The heating and cooling stimulation device 10 includes a seat heater 12, a fan 14, a multimedia display 16, a seat ECU 18, and an HCU 20.

[0014] The seat heater 12 and the blower 14 are stimulation delivery units that deliver hot and cold stimulation to a passenger acting as a subject. Hot stimulation is thermal stimulation with a temperature higher than the subject's body temperature. Cold stimulation is thermal stimulation with a temperature lower than the subject's body temperature.

[0015] As in Fig. 2, the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 are installed in a driver's seat 101 for a vehicle. The seat 101 has a seat portion 102 that supports the hips and thighs of a passenger (i.e., a seated person) sitting on the seat 101, and a backrest portion 103 that supports the passenger's back. The front side of the backrest portion 103 is in contact with the passenger. The backside of the backrest portion is opposite the front side that is in contact with the passenger. The backrest portion 103 includes a seat cushion 104 made of an elastic material and a skin material 105 that covers the seat cushion 104.

[0016] The seat heater 12 is arranged in the backrest section 103 so that it extends across the front of the backrest section 103. The seat heater 12 generates heat by applying energy. The heat from the seat heater 12 is supplied to the passenger by radiation or conduction. In this way, the passenger is provided with a hot stimulation.

[0017] The blower 14 is provided in the backrest portion 103. In particular, the skin material 105 has a plurality of air inlets 106 at the front of the backrest portion 103. The skin material 105 has at least one air outlet 107 at the rear of the backrest portion 103. The seat cushion 104 has an air duct 108 from the air inlets 106 to the at least one air outlet 107. The blower 14 is arranged in the center of the air duct 108.

[0018] By operating the blower 14, the air in the vehicle is sucked from the air inlets 106 into the air duct 108, as indicated by dashed arrows CA in Fig. 2. The sucked air flows through the air duct 108 and is then blown out at least from the air outlet 107, as indicated by a dashed arrow BA in Fig. 2. In this way, air is sucked from the vehicle into the backrest section 103 by the operation of the fan 14.

[0019] While the vehicle is driving, the back of a passenger sitting in the driver's seat is separated from the backrest portion 103. Generally, in a vehicle equipped with an air conditioner, the air temperature in the vehicle is kept lower than the passenger's body temperature by the operation of the air conditioner. Therefore, by the operation of the blower 14, air in the vehicle is sucked into the backrest portion 103, so that air with a lower temperature than the passenger's body temperature comes close to the passenger's back. The air cools the passenger's shoulders, back, and hips. In other words, the cold stimulation is supplied to the passenger's back to reach the passenger's shoulders, back, and hips.Even when the passenger's back is in contact with the backrest portion 103, air in the vehicle is drawn into the backrest portion 103 through a gap between the passenger's back and the backrest portion 103. The air cools the passenger's shoulders, back, and hips.

[0020] The multimedia display 16 is installed on a dashboard in front of a front seat in the vehicle. The multimedia display 16 is a display / input unit for inputting information through a passenger's operation while displaying a screen. Specifically, the multimedia display 16 includes a display main unit for displaying the screen and a touch panel provided on the surface of the display main unit. The touch panel outputs a signal corresponding to the position of an operating body, such as a finger, placed on the surface of the touch panel.

[0021] In the present embodiment, in response to a passenger's operation of the touch panel, information about the passenger's fatigue level is input via the multimedia display 16. Specifically, the multimedia display 16 displays the instrument button of a fatigue reduction mode. When the passenger selects the instrument button, the multimedia display 16 displays a fatigue level selection screen as shown in Fig. 3. The selection screen displays a fatigue axis with six levels, from "no fatigue" to "extreme fatigue," sequentially starting from the left. The axis displays the fatigue levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, in sequence from the left. The fatigue level increases as the numerical value increases. The passenger operates the touch panel to select a fatigue level that most closely matches the passenger's current condition. In this way, information about the touch panel operation is transmitted to the HCU 20.

[0022] The seat ECU 18 is one of the electronic control devices installed in the vehicle. ECU 18 is an abbreviation for electronic control unit. The seat ECU 18 consists of a processor, a microcomputer with memory, and a peripheral circuit thereof. The memory includes a non-transitory tangible storage medium. The seat ECU 18 performs various operations and processing according to programs stored in the memory. For example, the seat ECU 18 actuates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 to alternately supply warm and cold stimulation to the passenger. Hereinafter, the alternate supply of hot and cold stimulation to the passenger is simply referred to as heating and cooling stimulation.

[0023] As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the seat ECU 18 controls the voltages for the seat heater and the blower to alternately repeat a hot stimulation supply state in which the heater voltage is "high" and the blower voltage is "low" and a cold stimulation supply state in which the heater voltage is "low" and the blower voltage is "high." The heater voltage is a voltage to be supplied to the heater. The blower voltage is a voltage to be supplied to the blower. The hot stimulation supply state is a state in which the seat heater 12 is operated to supply the hot stimulation to the passenger. The cold stimulation supply state is a state in which the blower 14 is operated to supply the cold stimulation to the passenger. Fig. 4A, the hot stimulation supply state is achieved at a heater voltage of V1 and a fan voltage of 0. The cold stimulation supply state is achieved at a heater voltage of 0 and a fan voltage of V2. In Fig. 4A is the voltage “0” when the fan voltage is “small” and the voltage “0” when the heater voltage is “small”.

[0024] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the seat ECU 18 controls the turning on and off of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 so as to alternately repeat a hot stimulation supply state in which the seat heater 12 is turned on while the blower 14 is turned off and a cold stimulation supply state in which the seat heater 12 is turned off while the blower 14 is turned on.

[0025] The HCU 20 is one of the electronic control units installed in the vehicle. The HCU 20 is an abbreviation for HMI control unit. HMI is an abbreviation for human-machine interface. The HCU 20 is electrically connected to the seat ECU 18. The HCU 20 is also electrically connected to the multimedia display 16.

[0026] The HCU 20 estimates the degree of drowsiness of a passenger based on information input via the multimedia display 16. The HCU 20 transmits the operation contents of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the estimated degree of drowsiness to the seat ECU 18.

[0027] The HCU 20 consists of a processor, a microcomputer with memory, and a peripheral circuit thereof. The memory comprises a non-transitory tangible storage medium. The HCU 20 performs various operations and processing according to programs stored in the memory. With this configuration, the Fig. The control processing shown in Figure 5 is performed. The control processing will be described later.

[0028] The memory of the HCU 20 stores the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C, Fig. 4D and Fig. 4E are stored in advance as the operating contents of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the estimated degree of fatigue. Fig. Figure 4A shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 1. Fig. Figure 4B shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 2. Fig. Figure 4C shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 3. Fig. 4D shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 4. Fig. Figure 4E shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 5.

[0029] In the Fig. 4A to 4E, the hot stimulation delivery state and the cold stimulation delivery state are alternately performed. The heater voltage of the hot stimulation delivery state and the operating time of the seat heater 12 are kept constant. The fan voltage of the cold stimulation delivery state and the operating time of the fan 14 are kept constant. In this way, the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation are alternately delivered at a constant stimulation intensity.

[0030] In the Fig. In Figures 4A to 4E, V1, V3, V5, V7, and V9 denote the heater voltages in the hot stimulation delivery state. The relationship between the heater voltages is established as follows: V1 <V3<V5<V7<V9

[0031] In the Fig. In Figures 4A to 4E, V2, V4, V6, V8, and V10 represent the fan voltages in the cold stimulation delivery state. The relationship between the fan voltages is established as follows: V2 <V4<V6<V8<V10

[0032] In the Fig. 4A to 4E, the operating time of the seat heater 12 is maintained at T1 in the hot stimulation supply state. The operating time of the blower 14 is maintained at T2 in the cold stimulation supply state.

[0033] In the in the Fig. In the operating conditions illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4E, the heater voltage and the blower voltage increase as the estimated drowsiness level increases. In other words, the intensity of the hot stimulation delivered by the seat heater 12 and the intensity of the cold stimulation delivered by the blower 14 increase as the estimated drowsiness level increases. Thus, the amounts of hot stimulation and cold stimulation delivered to a passenger increase as the drowsiness level increases.

[0034] In this case, the stimulation amounts of the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation indicate the amount of heat energy supplied to a subject. The amounts of hot stimulation can be compared using at least one of the heater voltage per unit time in the hot stimulation supply state and the operating time of the seat heater 12 in the hot stimulation supply state. The amounts of hot stimulation are compared while keeping the operating time of the seat heater 12 constant in the hot stimulation supply state. In this case, the amount of heat generated by the seat heater 12 increases with increasing heater voltage per unit time in the hot stimulation supply state, thereby supplying a greater amount of heat energy to the subject.Therefore, in the present embodiment, the degree of hot stimulation received by the passenger increases as the degree of fatigue increases.

[0035] Likewise, the amounts of cold stimulation can be compared using at least one of the fan voltage per unit time in the cold stimulation supply state and the operating time of the fan 14 in the cold stimulation supply state. The amounts of cold stimulation are compared while keeping the operating time of the fan 14 in the cold stimulation supply state constant. In this case, as the fan voltage per unit time in the cold stimulation supply state increases, the air volume of the fan 14 increases, thereby drawing a larger volume of air close to the passenger's back. In this way, a larger amount of heat energy is removed from the subject. In other words, a larger amount of cold energy is supplied to the subject. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the higher the degree of fatigue, the greater the amount of cold stimulation received by the passenger.

[0036] The control processing performed by the HCU 20, as described in Fig. 5, is described below. The Fig. The steps illustrated in Figure 5 correspond to functional parts for implementing various functions. The control processing is performed when the passenger selects the display of the fatigue reduction mode displayed on the multimedia display 16. If the passenger does not select the display, the control processing is not executed.

[0037] In S101, the HCU 20 acquires information about the degree of fatigue. Information about the degree of fatigue is acquired from information entered by the passenger operating the touch panel. The information entered by the passenger is information about the operation of the touch panel, and the information corresponds to the position of a touch or approach of the passenger to the screen.

[0038] In step S102, the HCU 20 estimates the passenger's fatigue level based on the information acquired in step S101. In the present embodiment, the HCU 20 outputs one of 0 to 5 as the passenger's selected fatigue level, which is obtained from the operation information on the touch panel.

[0039] Subsequently, in step S103, the HCU 20 determines whether the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is at least 5. If the fatigue level is 5, the HCU 20 determines YES and proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the HCU 20 transmits to the seat ECU 18 an operation instruction to perform hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 4E, which correspond to the fatigue level of 5. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 4E. In this way, the passenger is alternately delivered hot and cold stimulations. The passenger receives the greatest amounts of hot and cold stimulation.

[0040] In step S103, if the fatigue level is lower than 5, the HCU 20 determines NO and proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the HCU 20 determines whether the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is at least 4. If the fatigue level is 4, the HCU 20 determines YES and proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 to perform hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 4D corresponding to the fatigue level of 4. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 4D. In this way, the passenger is alternately subjected to hot and cold stimulation. The passenger receives the second greatest stimulation intensity of the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation.

[0041] In step S104, if the fatigue level is lower than 4, the HCU 20 determines NO and proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the HCU 20 determines whether the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is at least 3. If the fatigue level is 3, the HCU 20 determines YES and proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 to perform hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 4C corresponding to the fatigue level of 3. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 4C. In this way, the passenger is alternately subjected to hot and cold stimulation. The passenger receives the third greatest stimulation intensity of the hot stimulation and the third greatest stimulation intensity of the cold stimulation.

[0042] In step S105, if the fatigue level is lower than 3, the HCU 20 determines NO and proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the HCU 20 determines whether the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is at least 2. If the fatigue level is 2, the HCU 20 determines YES and proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 to perform hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 4B corresponding to the fatigue level of 2. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 4B. In this way, the occupant is alternately provided with warm and cold stimulation. The passenger receives the fourth-highest stimulation levels of the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation.

[0043] In step S106, if the fatigue level is less than 2, the HCU 20 determines NO and proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the HCU 20 determines whether the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is at least 1. If the fatigue level is 1, the HCU 20 determines YES and proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 to perform hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 4A corresponding to the fatigue level of 1. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 4A. In this way, the passenger is alternately delivered warm and cold stimulation. The passenger receives the fifth greatest stimulation intensity of the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation.

[0044] In step S107, if the fatigue level is 0, the HCU 20 determines NO and proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the HCU 20 sends an instruction to the seat ECU 18 to stop the hot stimulation and cold stimulation. The seat ECU 18 stops the seat heater 12 and the blower 14. Thus, the hot and cold stimulation are not supplied to the passenger.

[0045] After steps S110, S111, S112, S113 and S114 have been executed, the screen of Fig. 3 and the Fig. The control processing shown in Figure 5 is carried out. Fig. 5 is not repeated when step S108 is executed and when the passenger selects the termination of the fatigue reduction mode.

[0046] As described above, according to the heating and cooling stimulation device 10 of the present embodiment, the HCU 20 estimates the passenger's fatigue level in step S102. In steps S110, S111, S112, S113, and S114, the HCU 20 indirectly controls the operation of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 to alternately supply the warm and cool stimulation to the passenger according to the estimated fatigue level.

[0047] In this way, the passenger is alternately subjected to hot and cold stimulation when they become tired. The cold stimulation cools the human body to constrict the blood vessels. The hot stimulation heats the human body to dilate the blood vessels. Thus, the alternating hot and cold stimulation creates a pumping effect by dilating and constricting the blood vessels, thereby achieving the effect of improving blood circulation.

[0048] Furthermore, in steps S110 to S114, the HCU 20 controls the operation of the seat heater 12 such that the intensity of the hot stimulation supplied by the seat heater 12 increases as the estimated level of sleepiness increases. The HCU 20 controls the operation of the blower 14 such that the intensity of the cold stimulation supplied by the blower 14 increases as the estimated level of sleepiness increases. In this way, the HCU 20 controls the operation of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 such that the amount of hot stimulation the passenger receives and the amount of cold stimulation the passenger receives increase as the estimated level of sleepiness increases.

[0049] With this configuration, the difference between the degree of hot and cold stimulation increases with the subject's degree of fatigue, thereby accelerating the pumping action by dilating and constricting blood vessels. Thus, the effect of improving blood circulation can be enhanced as the passenger's fatigue increases. Therefore, the heating and cooling stimulation device 10 can effectively reduce the passenger's fatigue according to the subject's degree of fatigue.

[0050] In the present embodiment, step S102 corresponds to the estimation unit that estimates the subject's fatigue level. Steps S110, S111, S112, S113, and S114 correspond to the control unit that controls the operation of the stimulation delivery unit to alternately deliver the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation to the subject according to the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit. (Second embodiment)

[0051] In the present embodiment, the control processing performed by an HCU 20 is partially different from that in the first embodiment. Other configurations of a heating and cooling stimulation device 10 are identical to those in the first embodiment. Points different from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the memory of the HCU 20 stores the Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B, Fig. 6C, Fig. 6D and Fig. 6E are stored in advance as operation contents of a seat heater 12 and a blower 14 in accordance with an estimated degree of fatigue. Fig. Figure 6A shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 1. Fig. Figure 6B shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 2. Fig. Figure 6C shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 3. Fig. Figure 6D shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 4. Fig. Figure 6E shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 5.

[0053] In the Fig. 6A to 6E, T1, T3, T5, T7, and T9 indicate the operating times of the seat heater 12 in a hot stimulation supply state. The relationship between the operating times is established as follows: T1 <T3<T5<T7<T9

[0054] In the Fig. 6A to 6E, T2, T4, T6, T8, and T10 indicate the operating times of the blower 14 in a cold stimulation supply state. The relationship between the operating times is established as follows: T2 <T4<T6<T8<T10

[0055] In the Fig. 6A to 6E, a heater voltage is maintained at V1 in the hot stimulation supply state. A fan voltage is maintained at V2 in the cold stimulation supply state.

[0056] In the in the Fig. In the operating states illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6E, as the degree of fatigue increases, the operating time of the seat heater 12 in the hot stimulation supply state and the operating time of the blower 14 in the cold stimulation supply state increase. The operating times are compared with each other while maintaining a heater voltage in the hot stimulation supply state. In this case, as the operating time of the seat heater 12 in the hot stimulation supply state increases, the amount of heat energy supplied to a subject increases. Similar to the hot stimulation supply state, the operating times are compared with each other while maintaining the blower voltage in the cold stimulation supply state.

[0057] In this case, as the operating time of the fan 14 in the cold stimulation supply state increases, the amount of heat energy extracted from the subject increases. In other words, a larger amount of cold energy is supplied to the subject. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the amount of hot and cold stimulation a passenger receives increases with increasing fatigue.

[0058] The HCU 20 carries out the Fig. 7. The control processing shown in Fig. The control processing shown in Figure 7 differs from that shown in Fig. 5 by replacing steps S110, S111, S112, S113, and S114 with steps S210, S211, S212, S213, and S214. Steps S210, S211, S212, S213, and S214 correspond to a control unit controlling the operation of a stimulation supply unit to alternately supply the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation to the subject in accordance with the degree of fatigue estimated by an estimation unit.

[0059] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 5, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to a seat ECU 18 in step S210 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 6E corresponding to the fatigue level of 5. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 6E shown operating contents.

[0060] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 4, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S211 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 6D corresponding to fatigue level 4. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 6D shown operating contents.

[0061] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 3, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S212 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 6C corresponding to fatigue level 5. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 6C shown operating contents.

[0062] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 2, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S213 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 6B corresponding to fatigue level 5. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 6B shown operating contents.

[0063] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 1, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S214 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 6A, corresponding to fatigue level 5. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 6A shown operating contents.

[0064] As described above, in steps S210 to S214, the HCU 20 controls the operation of the seat heater 12 such that the operating time of the seat heater 12 during which the seat heater 12 provides the warm stimulation is extended as the estimated sleepiness level becomes higher. The HCU 20 controls the operation of the blower 14 such that the operating time of the blower 14 during which the blower 14 provides the cold stimulation is extended as the estimated sleepiness level becomes higher. In this way, the HCU 20 controls the operation of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 such that the amount of warm stimulation received by the passenger and the amount of cold stimulation received by the passenger increase as the estimated sleepiness level becomes higher. In this way, the same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved in the present embodiment. (Third embodiment)

[0065] In the present embodiment, the control processing performed by an HCU 20 is partially different from the first embodiment. Other configurations of a heating and cooling stimulation device 10 are identical to those of the first embodiment. The following describes points different from the first embodiment. The present embodiment corresponds to a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the memory of the HCU 20 stores the Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B, Fig. 8C, Fig. 8D and Fig. 8E are stored in advance as operation contents of a seat heater 12 and a blower 14 in accordance with an estimated degree of fatigue. Fig. Figure 8A shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 1. Fig. Figure 8B shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 2. Fig. Figure 8C shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 3. Fig. Figure 8D shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 4. Fig. Figure 8E shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 5.

[0067] In the correlation between Fig. 8A to 8E, the relationship between the heater voltages, the relationship between the fan voltages, the relationship between the operating times of the seat heater 12 and the operating times of the fan 14 are established as follows: V1 <V3<V5<V7<V9 V2 <V4<V6<V8<V10 T1 <T3<T5<T7<T9 T2 <T4<T6<T8<T10

[0068] In the respective Fig. In the operating states illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8E, the heater voltage and operating time of the seat heater 12 in the hot stimulation supply state, and the fan voltage and operating time of the fan 14 in the cold stimulation supply state, increase as the estimated sleepiness level increases. Thus, in the present embodiment, the amounts of hot and cold stimulation received by a passenger also increase as the sleepiness level increases, as described in the first and second embodiments.

[0069] The HCU 20 carries out the Fig. 9. The control processing shown in Fig. The control processing shown in Figure 9 differs from that shown in Fig. 5 by replacing steps S110, S111, S112, S113, and S114 with steps S310, S311, S312, S313, and S314, respectively. Steps S310, S311, S312, S313, and S314 correspond to a control unit controlling the operation of a stimulation supply unit to alternately supply the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation to the subject in accordance with the degree of fatigue estimated by an estimation unit.

[0070] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 5, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to a seat ECU 18 in step S310 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 8E corresponding to the fatigue level of 5. The seat ECU 18 controls both the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the operation contents in Fig. 8E.

[0071] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 4, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S311 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 8D corresponding to the fatigue level 4. The seat ECU 18 operates each of the seat heaters 12 and the blower 14 according to the operation contents in Fig. 8D.

[0072] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 3, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S312 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 8C, which correspond to fatigue level 5. The seat ECU 18 controls both the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 8C shown operating content.

[0073] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 2, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S313 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 8B, which correspond to fatigue level 5. The seat ECU 18 operates the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 8B shown operating contents.

[0074] If the fatigue level estimated in step S102 is 1, the HCU 20 transmits an operation instruction to the seat ECU 18 in step S314 to perform the hot and cold stimulation according to the operation contents in Fig. 8A, which correspond to fatigue level 5. The seat ECU 18 controls both the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 8A shown operating contents.

[0075] As described above, according to the heating and cooling stimulation device 10 of the present embodiment, in steps S310 to S314, the HCU 20 controls the operation of the seat heater 12 so that, as the estimated fatigue level becomes higher, the intensity of the hot stimulation supplied by the seat heater 12 is increased and the operating time of the seat heater 12 during which the seat heater 12 provides the hot stimulation is extended. The HCU 20 controls the operation of the blower 14 so that, as the estimated fatigue level becomes higher, the intensity of the cold stimulation supplied by the blower 14 is increased and the operating time of the blower 14 during which the blower 14 provides the cold stimulation is extended.In this way, the HCU 20 controls the operation of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 so that the degree of hot stimulation received by the passenger and the degree of cold stimulation received by the passenger increase as the estimated degree of fatigue increases. Thus, the same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved in the present embodiment. (Fourth embodiment)

[0076] In the present embodiment, the control processing performed by an HCU 20 is partially different from that in the first embodiment. Other configurations of a heating and cooling stimulation device 10 are identical to those in the first embodiment. The following describes the points different from the first embodiment.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the memory of the HCU 20 stores the Fig. 10A, Fig. 10B, Fig. 10C, Fig. 10D and Fig. 10E are stored in advance as the operation contents of a seat heater 12 and a blower 14 in accordance with an estimated degree of fatigue. Fig. Figure 10A shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 1. Fig. Figure 10B shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 2. Fig. Figure 10C shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 3. Fig. 10D shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 4. Fig. 10E shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 5.

[0078] In the correlation of Fig. In FIGS. 10A to 10E, the relationship between the sizes of V1, V3, V5, V7, and V9 is identical to that of the first embodiment. The relationship between the sizes of V2, V4, V6, V8, and V10 is identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0079] The HCU 20 carries out the Fig. 11. The control processing shown in Fig. The control processing shown in Figure 11 differs from that shown in Fig. 5 by replacing steps S110, S111, S112, S113, and S114 with steps S410, S411, S412, S413, and S414, respectively. Steps S410, S411, S412, S413, and S414 correspond to a control unit controlling the operation of a stimulation delivery unit to alternately deliver hot and cold stimulation to a subject in accordance with a degree of fatigue estimated by an estimation unit.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the fan voltage is set to 0 in the hot stimulation supply state in which a heater voltage is “large” and a fan voltage is “small”. In the present embodiment, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 10A to 10E, the blower voltages V11, V12, V13, V14, and V15 are in a hot stimulation supply state. V11 to V15 are small values greater than 0, allowing hot stimulation to be supplied to a passenger by operating the seat heater 12 even when the blower 14 is operating. V11 to V15 may be the same or different.

[0081] In this way, the blower 14 can be operated when the hot stimulation is supplied to the passenger when the seat heater 12 supplies the hot stimulation to the passenger. The same effect as in the first embodiment is also achieved in the present embodiment. (Fifth embodiment)

[0082] In the present embodiment, the control processing performed by an HCU 20 is partially different from that in the first embodiment. Other configurations of a heating and cooling stimulation device 10 are identical to those in the first embodiment. The following describes the points different from the first embodiment.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the memory of the HCU 20 stores the Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B, Fig. 12C, Fig. 12D and Fig. 12E are stored in advance as operation contents of a seat heater 12 and a blower 14 in accordance with an estimated degree of fatigue. Fig. 12A shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 1. Fig. Figure 12B shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 2. Fig. Figure 12C shows the operating contents when the fatigue level is 3. Fig. 12D shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 4. Fig. 12E shows the operation contents when the fatigue level is 5.

[0084] In the correlation between Fig. 12A to 12E, the relationship between the sizes of V1, V3, V5, V7, and V9 is identical to that of the first embodiment. The relationship between the sizes of V2, V4, V6, V8, and V10 is identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0085] The HCU 20 carries out the Fig. 13. The control processing shown in Fig. The control processing shown in Figure 13 differs from that shown in Fig. 5 by replacing steps S110, S111, S112, S113, and S114 with steps S510, S511, S512, S513, and S514, respectively. Steps S510, S511, S512, S513, and S514 correspond to a control unit controlling the operation of a stimulation supply unit to alternately supply hot and cold stimulation to a subject in accordance with a degree of fatigue estimated by an estimation unit.

[0086] In the first embodiment, in a cold stimulation supply state in which a heater voltage is “small” and a fan voltage is “large”, the heater voltage is set to 0. In the present embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 12A to 12E, the heater voltages V16, V17, V18, V19, and V20 are in the cold stimulation supply state. V16 to V20 are small values greater than 0, allowing the cold stimulation to be supplied to a passenger by the operation of the blower 14 even when the seat heater 12 is operating.

[0087] In this way, the seat heater 12 can be operated when the warm stimulation is supplied to the passenger, while the cold stimulation is supplied to the passenger by the operation of the blower 14. In the present embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved. (Sixth embodiment)

[0088] In the present embodiment, the control processing performed by an HCU 20 is partially different from that in the first embodiment. Other configurations of a heating and cooling stimulation device 10 are identical to those in the first embodiment.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the Fig. 4E are stored in the memory of the HCU 20 in advance as the operation contents for a fatigue level of 5. If the fatigue level is 5, the HCU 20 transmits the operation contents shown in Fig. 4E to the seat ECU 18. The seat ECU 18 controls both the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the Fig. 4E shown operating contents.

[0090] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the Fig. 14 are stored in the memory of the HCU 20 in advance as the operation contents for a fatigue level of 5. When the fatigue level is 5, the HCU 20 transmits the Fig. 14 to a seat ECU 18. The seat ECU 18 controls a seat heater 12 and a blower 14 according to the Fig. 14 operating contents shown.

[0091] The Fig. The operation content shown in Figure 14 includes a heater voltage of V1 in a hot stimulation supply state and a fan voltage of V2 in a cold stimulation supply state in an initial phase until the elapse of a predetermined time immediately after the start of the hot and cold stimulation supply. V1 and V2 in Fig. 14 correspond to V1 and V2 in Fig. 4A. V1 and V2 in Fig. 14 can be other small tensions, regardless of the degree of fatigue.

[0092] Then, the heater voltage is set to V9 in the hot stimulation supply state and the fan voltage is set to V10 in the cold stimulation supply state. V9 and V10 in Fig. 14 are equivalent to V9 and V10 in Fig. 4E. V9 and V10 in Fig. 14 are large voltages that are adjusted according to the degree of fatigue.

[0093] In this way, in the present embodiment, the HCU 20 first performs initial control when the fatigue level is high. In the initial control, the hot and cold stimulation are performed such that the hot stimulation intensity and the cold stimulation intensity are each set to a predetermined low initial intensity, regardless of the fatigue level. The HCU 20 then controls the execution of the hot and cold stimulation such that the hot stimulation intensity and the cold stimulation intensity are each set higher than the initial intensity preset according to the fatigue level.

[0094] Even with a high level of fatigue, the passenger will be alternately given low-intensity hot stimulation and low-intensity cold stimulation in the initial phase. Thereafter, depending on the level of fatigue, the passenger will be alternately given high-intensity hot stimulation and high-intensity cold stimulation.

[0095] According to the present embodiment, after the initial phase, the hot and cold stimulation are delivered to the passenger at high intensity depending on the degree of fatigue. This achieves the same effect as in the first embodiment.

[0096] In addition, the present embodiment also achieves the following effects. In particular, when the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation are delivered at high intensity immediately after the start of supply, unlike the present embodiment, a passenger may feel uncomfortable.

[0097] According to the present embodiment, in the initial phase, the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation are performed at low intensity regardless of the degree of fatigue. Thus, the passenger's discomfort can be suppressed.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the initial control is performed when the fatigue level is 5. However, the initial control may also be performed when the fatigue level is not 5. (Other embodiments) (1) In the above embodiments, the HCU 20 controls the respective operations of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 so that the amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation received by the passenger increase as the degree of fatigue estimated in step S102 becomes higher. However, the HCU 20 may control the respective operations of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 so that only the amount of cold stimulation increases among the amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation. With this control, the same effect as in the first embodiment can also be achieved.

[0099] However, the operation of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 is preferably controlled to increase the amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation. In this case, as the degree of fatigue increases, the amount of cold stimulation and the amount of hot stimulation received by the subject increase. Thus, compared with the case where only the amount of cold stimulation increases from the amount of cold stimulation and the amount of hot stimulation, a difference between the amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation is increased, thereby enhancing the effect of improving blood circulation. (2) In the foregoing embodiments, the HCU 20 transmits the operation contents to the seat ECU 18 in accordance with the estimated sleepiness level. The seat ECU 18 controls both the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the transmitted operation content. However, the HCU 20 may operate both the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 according to the operation content corresponding to the sleepiness level. Specifically, the HCU 20 may directly control the respective operations of the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 to alternately supply warm and cold stimulation to the passenger according to the estimated sleepiness level. (3) In the foregoing embodiments, the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 are provided in the backrest portion 103 of the seat 101. However, the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 may also be housed in the seat portion 102 of the seat 101. (4) In the above embodiments, the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 are installed on the driver's seat 101. However, the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 may be installed on a seat other than the driver's seat. (5) In the above embodiments, the seat heater 12 and the blower 14 are used as stimulation supply units that supply hot and cold stimulation to the subject. However, other units may be used as stimulation supply units. For example, a device that circulates a heating medium may be used to heat or cool the subject. Alternatively, a thermoelectric converter or a heat exchanger may be used to heat or cool the subject. In addition, a unit for blowing warm air into the subject may be used as a configuration for providing hot stimulation in the stimulation supply unit. In addition, a unit for blowing cold air into the subject may be used as a configuration for supplying cold stimulation in the stimulation supply unit. (6) In the above embodiments, the stimulation supply unit is installed on the seat of the vehicle. However, the stimulation supply unit may be installed on the seat of a mobile unit other than a vehicle. Alternatively, the stimulation supply unit may be installed in a seat other than the seat of a mobile unit. Alternatively, the stimulation supply unit may be installed in a location other than a seat. The stimulation supply unit may be a compact and portable unit that is not installed in a specific location. Alternatively, the stimulation supply unit may be attached to the subject. For example, the stimulation supply unit may be attached to a shoulder, waist, or arm of the subject. (7) In the foregoing embodiments, the HCU 20 acquires information input by the passenger through a touch panel operation as information about the degree of sleepiness in step S101 for the control processing of the HCU 20. In step S102, the HCU 20 estimates the degree of sleepiness of the passenger based on the acquired information. However, the HCU 20 may also estimate the degree of sleepiness of the passenger based on other information about the degree of sleepiness.

[0100] Other information includes information obtained through voice input from the passenger. For example, an agent asks the passenger about their level of fatigue via external communication. The passenger answers the question with their voice. The passenger's voice indicating the level of fatigue is recorded via a microphone. In this case, the HCU 20 records the voice in step S101. In step S102, the HCU 20 can analyze the voice and estimate the level of fatigue.

[0101] Other information includes the seat time, i.e., the time elapsed since the passenger began sitting on seat 101. The longer the seat time, the higher the level of fatigue. Therefore, the HCU 20 detects the seat time using a seat sensor or the like. The HCU 20 can estimate the passenger's level of fatigue based on the detected seat time.

[0102] The other information also includes biological information about the passenger. For example, the HCU 20 detects the passenger's heart rate, which is determined by a heart rate sensor. A predetermined relationship is established between the heart rate and the degree of fatigue. The HCU 20 can estimate the degree of fatigue based on the detected passenger's heart rate.

[0103] Other information also includes information about the vehicle's behavior during driving. As the passenger's fatigue level increases during vehicle driving, lane changes or changes in the distance between vehicles increase. Therefore, the HCU 20 can collect information about the vehicle's behavior and estimate the fatigue level based on the collected information about the vehicle's behavior. (8) The present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. The present disclosure can be arbitrarily changed and also includes various modifications or variations within the relevant range. Moreover, the aforementioned embodiments are not irrelevant to each other. The embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other unless the combination is obviously impermissible. In the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not always necessary unless otherwise specified as necessary elements or noted as theoretically necessary elements.When reference is made to numerical values such as the number, numerical values, amounts, and ranges of the constituent elements of the embodiments in the foregoing, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific numerical values unless otherwise stated as necessary numerical values or noted as theoretically necessary numerical values. (9) The HCU 20 and the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer including a processor programmed to perform one or more functions included in a computer program and a memory. Alternatively, the HCU 20 and the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with at least one dedicated hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the HCU 20 and the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented by at least one dedicated computer comprising a combination of the processor programmed to perform one or more functions, the memory, and the at least one dedicated hardware logic circuit.The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable, non-transferable, tangible recording medium as an instruction to be executed by a computer. (Conclusion)

[0104] According to a first aspect described in some or all embodiments, a heating and cooling stimulation device comprises: a stimulation supply unit configured to supply hot stimulation and cold stimulation to a subject; an estimation unit configured to estimate a fatigue level of the subject; and a control unit configured to control an operation of the stimulation supply unit to alternately supply the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation to the subject according to the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit. The control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit such that an amount of cold stimulation received by the subject is increased as the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit becomes higher.

[0105] According to a second aspect, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation delivery unit to increase the amount of cold stimulation received by the subject by increasing an intensity of the cold stimulation delivered by the stimulation delivery unit as the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit increases. The second aspect can be used as a specific configuration of the first aspect.

[0106] According to a third aspect, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation delivery unit to increase the amount of cold stimulation received by the subject by extending an operation time of the stimulation delivery unit during which the stimulation delivery unit delivers the cold stimulation as the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit increases. The third aspect can be used as a specific embodiment of the first aspect.

[0107] According to a fourth aspect, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit so that an amount of hot stimulation received by the subject increases as the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit becomes higher. With this configuration, the amount of cold stimulation and the amount of hot stimulation received by the subject increase as the fatigue level increases. Thus, compared with the case where only the amount of cold stimulation increases among the amount of cold stimulation and the amount of hot stimulation, a difference between the amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation is increased, thereby enhancing the effect of improving blood circulation.

[0108] According to a fifth aspect, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit to increase the amount of hot stimulation received by the subject by increasing an intensity of the hot stimulation supplied by the stimulation supply unit as the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit increases. The fifth aspect can be used as a specific configuration of the fourth aspect.

[0109] According to a sixth aspect, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation delivery unit to increase the amount of hot stimulation received by the subject by extending an operation time of the stimulation delivery unit during which the stimulation delivery unit delivers the hot stimulation as the fatigue level estimated by the estimation unit increases. The sixth aspect can be used as a specific embodiment of the fourth aspect.

Claims

[1] Heating and cooling stimulation device (10), comprising: a stimulation delivery unit (12, 14) configured to deliver a hot stimulation and a cold stimulation to a subject; an estimation unit (S102) configured to estimate a degree of fatigue of the subject; and a control unit (S110 to S114, S210 to S214, S310 to S314, S410 to S414 and S510 to S514) configured to control an operation of the stimulation supply unit and to perform an alternating control in which the hot stimulation and the cold stimulation are alternately supplied to the subject according to the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimation unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit (12, 14) to increase an amount of cold stimulation received by the subject to increase a difference between an amount of hot stimulation and the amount of cold stimulation in the alternating control as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimation unit becomes higher. [2] The heating and cooling stimulation device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supplying unit (12, 14) to increase the amount of cold stimulation received by the subject by increasing an intensity of the cold stimulation supplied by the stimulation supplying unit (12, 14) as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimating unit becomes higher. [3] The heating and cooling stimulation device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supplying unit (12, 14) to increase the amount of cold stimulation received by the subject by lengthening an operation time of the stimulation supplying unit during which the stimulation supplying unit supplies the cold stimulation as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimating unit becomes higher. [4] The heating and cooling stimulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit (12, 14) to increase an amount of hot stimulation received by the subject as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimation unit becomes higher. [5] The heating and cooling stimulation device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supplying unit (12, 14) to increase the amount of hot stimulation received by the subject by increasing an intensity of the hot stimulation supplied by the stimulation supplying unit (12, 14) as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimating unit becomes higher. [6] The heating and cooling stimulation device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulation supply unit (12, 14) to increase the amount of hot stimulation received by the subject by lengthening an operation time of the stimulation supply unit (12, 14) during which the stimulation supply unit (12, 14) supplies the hot stimulation as the degree of fatigue estimated by the estimation unit becomes higher.

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