Concentration level analysis device, concentration level analysis method, program, and concentration level support system

The concentration analysis device supports concentration levels by analyzing user states and adjusting environments to enhance focus, addressing the limitations of direct sensing restrictions and user discomfort.

JP2025001289APending Publication Date: 2025-01-08KK TOSHIBA +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023100790
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-20
Publication Date
2025-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Concentration level analysis systems fail to function effectively when users cannot be sensed due to restrictions on camera or sensor use, and some individuals dislike constant monitoring, preventing processing based on their concentration levels.

Method used

A concentration analysis device that includes a first acquisition section to gather status information, an identification section to determine changes in concentration levels, and a processing section to support users in achieving target concentration states, utilizing sensors and user terminals to analyze concentration types even when direct sensing is prohibited.

Benefits of technology

Enables processing to support concentration levels based on analyzed types, maintaining user focus through environmental adjustments and notifications, even in areas where direct sensing is not possible.

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Abstract

To provide a concentration level analysis device, a concentration level analysis method, a program, and a concentration level support system for enabling execution of processing in accordance with a concentration level of a user even in a state where the user cannot be sensed.SOLUTION: A concentration level analysis device includes a first acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a processing unit. The first acquisition unit acquires state information indicating a state of a user. The identification unit identifies, based on the state information, a type of temporal change in a concentration level indicating a degree of concentration of the user. The processing unit executes processing of supporting achievement of a target state of the concentration level of the user in accordance with the type.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a concentration analysis device, a concentration analysis method, a program, and a concentration support system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a concentration analysis system that analyzes a user's concentration level is known. The concentration analysis system analyzes the user's concentration level by sensing the user's current state. When the user's concentration level decreases, the concentration analysis system executes a process to restore the concentration level. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-089747 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 168220 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the concentration analysis system cannot always sense the state of the user. For example, when a user works in a confidential area where IT (Information Technology) devices are prohibited, the user cannot bring a camera or a sensor device into the confidential area. Also, some users do not like their state being sensed all the time. In this case, the concentration analysis system cannot execute a process according to the concentration level of the user.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to execute processing according to the user's concentration level even in a state in which it is not possible to sense the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A concentration analysis device according to an embodiment includes a first acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a processing unit. The first acquisition unit acquires state information indicating a state of a user. The identification unit identifies a type of change in concentration level over time indicating a degree to which the user is concentrating based on the state information. The processing unit executes a process for supporting the user in achieving a target state of the concentration level according to the type. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of a concentration support system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic example of a hardware configuration of the focus analysis device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the concentration degree database. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the concentration level type database. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic example of a hardware configuration of an execution device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic of functions of the focus analysis device and the execution device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the questionnaire image. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result of the user's concentration level. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the registration process executed by the focus analysis device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the concentration level type identification process executed by the concentration level analysis device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a service providing process executed by the focus analysis device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic example of functions of the concentration analysis device in the third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The concentration analysis device, the concentration analysis method, the program, and the concentration support system will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description of each embodiment and modification, parts with the same reference numerals have substantially the same functions, and descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic of a concentration support system 1 according to the first embodiment. The concentration support system 1 includes a sensor device 10, a user terminal 20, a concentration analysis device 30, and an execution device 40. The concentration support system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes one each of the sensor device 10, the user terminal 20, the concentration analysis device 30, and the execution device 40, but the number of each device is arbitrary.

[0010] The concentration support system 1 analyzes the concentration level, which indicates the degree of concentration of the user on an activity such as learning or work. Then, the concentration support system 1 executes a process to support the user in achieving a target state of concentration level according to the type of change in the concentration level over time.

[0011] The sensor device 10 is a device that senses the state of a user or has multiple sensors. For example, the sensor device 10 is a surveillance camera, smart glasses, a smart watch, a dedicated device, etc. The sensor is a sensor that detects the movement of casters of a chair with casters attached, an acceleration or millimeter wave sensor that detects the user's motion, a web camera that captures the user's facial expression, etc. The sensor device 10 outputs detection information obtained by sensing the state of the user. The detection information includes the detection result detected by the sensor and date and time information indicating the date and time of detection.

[0012] The user terminal 20 is an information processing device operated by a user, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The user terminal 20 acquires the detection information output from the sensor device 10.

[0013] The user terminal 20 also has a positioning function. For example, the user terminal 20 has a receiver that receives location information from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and a receiver that receives a Beacon transmitted by Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE). The user terminal 20 determines the current location of the user terminal 20 based on the information received by the receiver. The user terminal 20 also transmits location information indicating the current location of the user terminal 20 to the concentration analysis device 30.

[0014] The user terminal 20 may also have a built-in sensor device 10. For example, the user terminal 20 may have a camera that captures the user's facial expression, or a sensor that detects operations on an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. In this case, the user terminal 20 acquires detection information from the built-in sensor device 10. Then, the user terminal 20 transmits a user ID for identifying the user operating the user terminal 20 and the detection information to the concentration analysis device 30.

[0015] The concentration analysis device 30 is a server device that analyzes the concentration level of a user. More specifically, the concentration analysis device 30 analyzes the concentration level indicating the degree to which the user is concentrating on a task. The concentration analysis device 30 also identifies a concentration level type that is a type of change over time in the user's concentration level on the task. The concentration analysis device 30 causes the execution device 40 or the user terminal 20 to execute a process corresponding to the concentration level type. For example, the concentration analysis device 30 causes the execution device 40 or the user terminal 20 to execute a process corresponding to the concentration level type.

[0016] The execution device 40 is a device that executes processing according to the user's concentration type. For example, the execution device 40 is an information processing device used by the user himself / herself who is the subject of concentration analysis, or an information processing device used by a user other than the user who is the subject of concentration analysis. The execution device 40 may also be an adjustment device that adjusts the environment in which the user is staying. Examples of adjustment devices include air conditioners, audio devices, lighting devices, and devices that diffuse fragrances. The execution device 40 may also be an electronic bulletin board that displays information about the area in which the user is staying.

[0017] Next, the hardware configuration of the focus analysis device 30 will be described.

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a hardware configuration of the focus analysis device 30 according to the first embodiment. The focus analysis device 30 has a processor 31, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 33, a storage device 34, and a communication interface 35.

[0019] The processor 31 comprehensively controls the concentration analysis device 30. For example, the processor 31 is a control circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM 32 is a volatile memory that provides a working area for the processor 31. The ROM 33 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and parameters. The processor 31 executes various arithmetic processing using the RAM 32 as a working area according to programs stored in the ROM 33, the storage device 34, etc.

[0020] The storage device 34 is a device that stores information such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. For example, the storage device 34 stores a control program. The control program is a program for realizing the functions of the storage device 34.

[0021] The storage device 34 also stores a detection information database 341 , a concentration level database 342 , a concentration level type database 343 , and a schedule database 344 .

[0022] In the detection information database 341, detection information is registered for each user ID.

[0023] In the concentration database 342, the concentration level of each user at each time point is registered. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the concentration database 342. As shown in FIG. 3, the concentration database 342 has the concentration level at each time point for each user ID. The concentration database 342 shown in FIG. 3 has two levels, 1 indicating a high concentration level and 0 indicating a low concentration level. However, the concentration level is not limited to two levels, and may be three or more levels. In addition, the concentration database 342 may register not only the absolute value of the concentration level itself, but also a change in the concentration level over time. The concentration database 342 may register a relative change from the previous state, such as whether the concentration level has increased, remained, or decreased compared to the most recent concentration level recording time point, in the same range.

[0024] For example, if a user has a relatively high concentration level of 0.3, even if the concentration level changes as the working time progresses, it is recorded in the range of 0.3 or less. Therefore, the user may be judged to be in a low concentration state throughout the working period. However, the user's concentration level changes as the working time progresses within the range of 0.3 or less. That is, the user's working time includes "time periods with relatively high concentration levels" and "time periods with relatively low concentration levels". The concentration level analysis device 30 may support the achievement of the target concentration level in accordance with the change over time. In this case, the concentration level analysis device 30 uniformly sets the concentration level that appears at the start of the work, i.e., the initial concentration level value, to 0.5 for example, and when the next concentration level recording timing comes, it determines whether the concentration level at the new time point has increased compared to the concentration level at the start of the work. The concentration level analysis device 30 records the concentration level as 1 if the concentration level has increased, records the concentration level as 0 if the concentration level has decreased, and records the concentration level as 0.5 again if the concentration level has not changed. This allows the focus analysis device 30 to eliminate the difference in absolute value of the focus state between each user, and to grasp the change in focus level between each user.

[0025] In the concentration type database 343, the concentration type of each user is registered. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the concentration type database 343. As shown in FIG. 4, in the concentration database 342, the concentration type of the user is registered for each user ID and time period. For example, in the concentration database 342, A, B, C, or D is registered as the concentration type. For example, A is a constant concentration type in which the concentration level is always high. For example, B is an indefinite type in which the state of concentration and the state of not concentrating switch relatively quickly. For example, C is a first half concentration type in which the state of high concentration is maintained in the first half, but the number of points of low concentration increases as time passes. For example, D is a second half concentration type in which the state of low concentration is often in the first half, but the number of points of high concentration increases as time passes. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, the time period is divided into four parts per day. However, the time period is not limited to being divided into four parts, and may be divided into three parts or less.

[0026] The schedule of each user is registered in the schedule database 344. For example, the content of each task and the start date and time and the end date and time of the task are registered for each user in the schedule database 344. For example, the schedule database 344 registers the date and time of a meeting, the date and time of a meeting, and the date and time of creating materials.

[0027] The communication interface 35 is an interface that executes communication with the user terminal 20 and the execution device 40. For example, the communication interface 35 receives detection information from the user terminal 20. In addition, the communication interface 35 transmits concentration support information to the execution device 40 that supports the user in achieving a target state of concentration.

[0028] 5 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a hardware configuration of an execution device 40 according to the first embodiment. The execution device 40 has a processor 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a storage device 44, a communication interface 45, a display unit 46, and an operation unit 47.

[0029] The processor 41 comprehensively controls the execution device 40. For example, the processor 41 is a control circuit such as a CPU. The RAM 42 is a volatile memory that provides a working area for the processor 41. The ROM 43 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and parameters. The processor 41 executes various arithmetic processing using the RAM 42 as a working area according to programs stored in the ROM 43, the storage device 44, etc.

[0030] The storage device 44 is a device that stores information such as an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. For example, the storage device 44 stores a control program. The control program is a program for realizing the functions of the storage device 44.

[0031] The communication interface 45 is an interface for executing communication with the focus analysis device 30 .

[0032] The display unit 46 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0033] The operation unit 47 is an input device that accepts operations from a mouse, keyboard, or the like.

[0034] Next, the functional configurations of the concentration analysis device 30 and the execution device 40 will be described.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic example of functions of the focus analysis device 30 and the execution device 40 according to the first embodiment. The processor 31 of the focus analysis device 30 realizes the functions shown in Fig. 6 by executing various processes using the RAM 32 as a working area in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 33, the storage device 34, etc. That is, the focus analysis device 30 has a user registration unit 311, a detection information acquisition unit 312, a questionnaire acquisition unit 313, a location information acquisition unit 314, a focus analysis unit 315, a focus type registration unit 316, and a service processing unit 317.

[0036] All or part of the functions of the concentration analysis device 30 and the execution device 40 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via an electric communication line.

[0037] The user registration unit 311 registers a user who receives a service according to the concentration level. For example, the user registration unit 311 registers a user who is a target of analysis for analyzing the concentration level based on an operation accepted by the user terminal 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the user registration unit 311 accepts registration of whether or not sensing of the user by the sensor device 10 is permitted, based on an operation accepted by the user terminal 20. Then, the user registration unit 311 registers, for each user, whether or not sensing of the user is permitted.

[0039] Furthermore, the user registration unit 311 accepts the registration of a schedule based on an operation accepted by the user terminal 20. That is, the user registration unit 311 accepts the registration of the work content such as a meeting, going out, and creating materials, as well as the start time and end time. Then, the user registration unit 311 registers the accepted schedule in the schedule database 344.

[0040] The detection information acquisition unit 312 acquires detection information obtained by sensing the state of the user. When the sensor device 10 can detect the state of the user, it is preferable for the detection information acquisition unit 312 to acquire the detection information at any time. However, when the concentration analysis time is specified in advance by reservation or the like, the detection information acquisition unit 312 may acquire the detection information only during the analysis permission time or the analysis permission time period. For example, the detection information acquisition unit 312 acquires the detection information after the concentration type of the user is registered by the concentration type registration unit 316. In addition, the detection information acquisition unit 312 receives the detection information detected by the sensor device 10 and the user ID of the user who is the detection target of the detection information via the user terminal 20. The detection information indicates the state of the user working, detected by the sensor device 10. In other words, the detection information is an example of state information indicating the state of the user.

[0041] The detection information acquisition unit 312 also receives detection information and the user ID of the user detected by the detection information from the user terminal 20 incorporating the sensor device 10. Then, the detection information acquisition unit 312 registers the user ID and the detection information in the detection information database 341.

[0042] In addition, the detection information acquisition unit 312 registers the user's schedule in the schedule database 344. More specifically, the detection information acquisition unit 312 accepts the user's schedule contents, such as meetings, consultations, and document preparation, registered in a timetable, and the scheduled date and time when the user will carry out the scheduled contents. Then, the detection information acquisition unit 312 registers the schedule contents and the scheduled date and time in the schedule database 344.

[0043] The questionnaire acquisition unit 313 acquires answer information indicating answers to a questionnaire regarding the user's concentration level. The answer information indicates the user's concentration state while working as an answer to the questionnaire. That is, the answer information is an example of state information indicating the user's state indicated by the answer to the questionnaire. The detection information acquisition unit 312 and the questionnaire acquisition unit 313 are an example of a first acquisition unit.

[0044] More specifically, the questionnaire acquisition unit 313 displays a questionnaire regarding the concentration level for each time period on the user terminal 20. The questionnaire includes questions regarding the concentration state, such as the user's actions and psychological state, for each time period and changes over time. Furthermore, each question is provided with about four options. Furthermore, when an answer to the questionnaire regarding the concentration level for each time period is input, the questionnaire acquisition unit 313 acquires answer information indicating the answers to the questionnaire from the user terminal 20. For example, the answer information includes an option selected by the user for each question.

[0045] For example, the questionnaire acquisition unit 313 displays a questionnaire image G1 on the user terminal 20. Then, the questionnaire acquisition unit 313 acquires answer information from the user terminal 20. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the questionnaire image G1. The questionnaire image G1 is an image that asks a user about a concentration type according to a working state of the user when performing a certain task. The questionnaire image G1 also has a first input field G11 for inputting a concentration type for a time period from 8:00 to 12:00, a second input field G12 for inputting a concentration type for a time period from 12:00 to 15:00, a third input field G13 for inputting a concentration type for a time period from 15:00 to 18:00, and a fourth input field G14 for inputting a concentration type for a time period from 18:00 to 8:00. Then, the questionnaire acquisition unit 313 acquires answer information having the concentration types inputted in the first input field G11, the second input field G12, the third input field G13, and the fourth input field G14 from the user terminal 20.

[0046] The location information acquisition unit 314 acquires location information indicating the location of the user terminal 20 from the user terminal 20. The location information acquisition unit 314 is an example of a third acquisition unit. The location information may be information indicating coordinates of the GNSS or the like, or may be information indicating a location identified by information received by BLE.

[0047] The concentration level analysis unit 315 analyzes the concentration level of the user based on state information such as detection information and questionnaire response information. More specifically, the concentration level analysis unit 315 determines whether or not sensing of the user by the sensor device 10 is permitted. When sensing of the user is permitted, the concentration level analysis unit 315 analyzes the concentration level of the user based on the detection information. For example, the concentration level analysis unit 315 analyzes whether or not the concentration level of the user is high at each time point, or how it has changed compared to the previous time point, based on the detection information.

[0048] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the analysis results of the user's concentration level. As shown in Fig. 8, the concentration level analysis unit 315 analyzes whether the user's concentration level is high at each point in time. In Fig. 8, the vertical axis indicates the concentration level, and the horizontal axis indicates the time. Fig. 8 also shows the analysis results of four users with user IDs "1", "2", "3", and "4".

[0049] Figure 8(1) shows the change over time in the concentration level of the user with the user ID "1" in Figure 3. The user with the user ID "1" always has a high concentration level.

[0050] Figure 8(2) shows the change over time in the concentration level of the user with the user ID "2" in Figure 3. The concentration level of the user with the user ID "2" constantly fluctuates between high and low.

[0051] Figure 8 (3) shows the change over time in the concentration level of the user with user ID "3" in Figure 3. The user with user ID "3" maintains a high concentration level in the first half of the time, but as time passes, there are more and more points in time when the concentration level becomes low.

[0052] Figure 8 (4) shows the change over time in the concentration level of the user with user ID "4" in Figure 3. The user with user ID "4" often has a low concentration level in the first half of the day, but as time passes, there are more and more points where the concentration level becomes high.

[0053] In addition, the concentration level analysis unit 315 performs an analysis according to the type of detection information. For example, when a face image is the detection information, the concentration level analysis unit 315 analyzes the concentration level based on the facial expression of the user shown in the facial image. For example, the concentration level analysis unit 315 obtains the concentration level by inputting the user's facial image into a trained model that has trained the correlation between the concentration level and facial expression.

[0054] For example, when the detected information is acceleration representing the user's body movement, the concentration level analysis unit 315 acquires the concentration level based on the amount of change in acceleration per unit time. For example, when the amount of change in acceleration per unit time is less than a threshold, the concentration level analysis unit 315 determines that the concentration level is high.

[0055] For example, when the motion information indicating the movement of casters attached to a chair is the detection information, the concentration level analysis unit 315 acquires the concentration level based on the number of rotations of the casters per unit time. For example, when the number of rotations per unit time is less than a threshold, the concentration level analysis unit 315 determines that the concentration level is high.

[0056] The concentration level analysis unit 315 may also acquire the concentration level based on multiple types of detection information. For example, the concentration level analysis unit 315 may acquire the concentration level by majority vote of multiple types of detection information. For example, when there are five types of detection information, the concentration level analysis unit 315 determines that the concentration level is high if there are three or more types of detection information indicating a high concentration level.

[0057] The concentration level analysis unit 315 may also obtain the concentration level by combining multiple types of detection information. For example, when the detection information includes motion information indicating the motion of casters attached to a chair and a facial image indicating a facial expression, if the rotation per unit time indicated by the motion information is less than a threshold value and a facial expression corresponding to a "concentration" state is detected based on the trained AI model, the concentration level analysis unit 315 determines that the concentration level is high. Note that these methods for determining the level of concentration are merely examples, and the concentration level analysis unit 315 may use other methods for determination.

[0058] On the other hand, when user sensing is prohibited, the concentration level analysis unit 315 analyzes the concentration level of the user for each time period based on the answer information indicating the answer to the questionnaire. For example, the concentration level analysis unit 315 performs scoring according to the answer indicated by the answer information. Then, the concentration level analysis unit 315 determines the concentration level of the user for each time period according to the scored score. Alternatively, the concentration level analysis unit 315 obtains the concentration level of the user for each time period by inputting the answer information into a trained model that has trained the correlation between the answer to the questionnaire and the concentration level.

[0059] The concentration level type registration unit 316 identifies the concentration level type of the change in the user's concentration level on a task over time, based on the concentration level analyzed by the concentration level analysis unit 315. The concentration level type registration unit 316 is an example of an identification unit.

[0060] For example, there are four concentration types.

[0061] The constant concentration type is a type in which the degree of concentration is always high. For example, the constant concentration type corresponds to the user with the user ID "1" in FIG. 8(1).

[0062] The indefinite type is a type in which a state of concentration and a state of not concentration change in a relatively short time. For example, the indefinite type corresponds to the user with the user ID “2” in FIG. 8(2).

[0063] The first half concentration type is a type in which the concentration level is maintained high in the first half, but the number of points where the concentration level is low increases as time passes. For example, the first half concentration type is the type that the user with user ID "3" in Figure 8 (3) corresponds to.

[0064] The latter half concentration type is a type in which the concentration level is low in the first half, but the concentration level increases as time passes. For example, the latter half concentration type is the type of user with user ID "4" in Figure 8(4).

[0065] For example, the concentration type registration section 316 determines whether the concentration level per unit time is high or low based on the following formula (1).

[0066] Index = Number of highly concentrated detections / Number of all detections (1)

[0067] The concentration type registration unit 316 identifies the concentration type for each time period based on the index. For example, the unit time is 2 hours. For example, the unit time is the first 2 hours and the second 2 hours of the time period. If both the indexes of the first and second halves are equal to or greater than the threshold, the concentration type registration unit 316 identifies the type as a constant concentration type. If both the indexes of the first and second halves are less than the threshold, the concentration type registration unit 316 identifies the type as an indefinite type. If the index of the first half is equal to or greater than the threshold and the index of the second half is less than the threshold, the concentration type registration unit 316 identifies the type as a first half concentration type. If the index of the first half is less than the threshold and the index of the second half is equal to or greater than the threshold, the concentration type registration unit 316 identifies the type as a second half concentration type. Then, the concentration type registration unit 316 registers the identified concentration type in the concentration type database 343.

[0068] Furthermore, the concentration type registration unit 316 updates the concentration type when an update condition is satisfied. That is, when the update condition is satisfied, the concentration type registration unit 316 identifies the concentration type of the user based on the newly acquired state information. The update condition may be any condition. For example, the update condition may be that a set period has elapsed since the previous registration of the concentration type, that a predetermined date and time has elapsed, or that an operation to instruct an update has been accepted via the user terminal 20 or the like.

[0069] The service processing unit 317 executes a process to support the user in achieving a target state of concentration according to the concentration type. The target state of the user's concentration refers to a state in which the user's concentration is improved immediately after the start of work, for example. The target state of the user's concentration refers to a state in which the user's concentration, which has already increased to a high level, is maintained after a certain period of time has passed since the start of work, for example. The target state of the user's concentration refers to a drop in the user's concentration when a long period of work is completed, that is, a transition to a relaxed state. The service processing unit 317 is an example of a processing unit. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information to the user terminal 20 or the execution device 40 according to the concentration type, which supports the user in achieving a target state of concentration. The service processing unit 317 then causes a device, such as the user terminal 20 or the execution device 40, to execute a process to support the user in achieving a target state of concentration. The service processing unit 317 also causes the process to be executed at a time specified by the concentration type.

[0070] Furthermore, the concentration type database 343 registers a concentration type for each time period. That is, the concentration type registration unit 316 identifies the user's concentration type for each time period to which the current time belongs, and registers the identified concentration type in the concentration type database 343. Then, the service processing unit 317 executes a process to support the user in achieving a target state of concentration according to the concentration type for the time period to which the current time belongs. In other words, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information to support the user in achieving a target state of concentration according to the concentration type for the time period to which the current time belongs.

[0071] Furthermore, the service processing unit 317 acquires the user's schedule from the schedule database 344. The service processing unit 317 is an example of a second acquisition unit. Then, the service processing unit 317 executes processing according to the acquired user's schedule and the concentration level type for each time period.

[0072] The process of supporting the user in achieving the target state of concentration is a process of transmitting concentration support information for controlling another device capable of supporting the user in achieving the target state of concentration. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for controlling the execution device 40 to the execution device 40 that adjusts at least one of the temperature, humidity, sound, lighting, and smell of the environment in which the user is staying, according to the concentration type. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message indicating an action to be suggested to the user, according to the concentration type. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for adding an icon indicating that the user is concentrating to an image of an application that transmits a message, according to the concentration type. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for notifying that the user is concentrating, to an information processing device within a specified range from the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 314, according to the concentration type.

[0073] An example of the process executed by the service processing unit 317 for each of the concentration level types will be described below.

[0074] First, a case where the user's concentration level type is the constant concentration type will be described.

[0075] In the case of the constant concentration type, the user is constantly concentrating on work, etc., and therefore does not drink enough water or exercise. In addition, it is preferable for the constant concentration type to release and reset the mental tension, i.e., tension, by taking a proper rest before starting work. Therefore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message indicating an action to be suggested to the user. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message suggesting drinking water and doing exercise such as stretching or walking to the user terminal 20 when it is 15 minutes before the work start time shown in the schedule database 344.

[0076] Furthermore, the service processing unit 317 controls the execution device 40 to adjust the environment in which the user is staying during a work period indicated in the schedule database 344. The service processing unit 317 then transmits concentration support information to the execution device 40 to cause the air conditioner to set a lower temperature, the audio device to generate a sound that maintains the user's concentration, and the lighting device to set a brighter color temperature.

[0077] Furthermore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information that causes an icon indicating that the user is concentrating to be displayed on the information processing device of another person. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information that causes an icon indicating that the user is concentrating to be added to an image for selecting a destination in software for sending a message. This allows the other person to know that the user is concentrating, and therefore refrains from sending messages with low urgency to the user. Therefore, the service processing unit 317 can maintain the user in a state of high concentration.

[0078] Furthermore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for postponing a preset notification among notifications to the user operating the user terminal 20. For example, the service processing unit 317 postpones a low-priority notification such as a notification that the user terminal 20 has received a message. This allows the service processing unit 317 to postpone a response to the message, thereby allowing the user to maintain a high state of concentration.

[0079] Furthermore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information notifying that the user is concentrating to information processing devices within a specified range from the location indicated by the location information based on the location information of the user terminal 20 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 314. This allows other people to know that the user is concentrating, and therefore reduces the number of times they talk to the user. Therefore, the service processing unit 317 can maintain a high level of concentration.

[0080] Furthermore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message suggesting stretching to the user terminal 20 when a work period shown in the schedule database 344 ends. The service processing unit 317 also transmits concentration support information for causing an audio device to generate a sound that relaxes the user. Thus, the service processing unit 317 can release the user from a high concentration state, in other words, induce the user to move from a high concentration state to a low concentration state.

[0081] Next, a case where the user's concentration level type is the indefinite type will be described.

[0082] In the case of the indefinite type, the user switches between a state of concentrating on a task and a state of not concentrating on a task in a comparatively short time. Therefore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message indicating an action to be suggested to the user. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message suggesting hydration or a toilet break to the user terminal 20, for example, every 30 minutes.

[0083] Next, a case where the user's concentration type is the first half concentration type will be described.

[0084] In the case of the first half concentration type, the user concentrates on the work in the first half, but in the second half, the state of concentrating on the work and the state of not concentrating on the work switch in a relatively short time. Therefore, the user lacks hydration and exercise. Therefore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message indicating an action to be suggested to the user. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message suggesting hydration and exercise such as stretching or walking to the user terminal 20 when it is 15 minutes before the work start time shown in the schedule database 344. In addition, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message suggesting hydration and toilet break to the user terminal 20, for example, every 30 minutes, in the second half.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first half, the service processing unit 317 controls the execution device 40 to adjust the environment in which the user is staying. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information to set the temperature setting of the air conditioner lower, set the audio device to emit a sound that maintains the concentration level, and set the color temperature of the lighting device to a brighter level. Then, in the second half, the service processing unit 317 returns the state of the execution device 40 to the original state.

[0086] In the first half, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for displaying an icon indicating that the user is concentrating on another person's information processing device. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for adding an icon indicating that the user is concentrating on an image for selecting a destination in software for sending a message. Then, in the second half, the service processing unit 317 erases the icon.

[0087] In the first half, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for postponing a preset notification among notifications to be sent to the operator by the user terminal 20. Then, in the second half, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for notifying the operator of the postponed content.

[0088] In the first half, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for notifying information processing devices within a specified range from the location information that the user is concentrating, based on the location information of the user terminal 20 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 314. In the second half, the service processing unit 317 may or may not notify that the state in which the user is concentrating is likely to end.

[0089] Next, a case where the user's concentration level type is the latter half concentration type will be described.

[0090] In the latter half concentration type, the user switches between a state of concentrating on a task and a state of not concentrating on a task in a relatively short time in the first half, but concentrates on the task in the latter half.

[0091] The service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message indicating an action to be suggested to the user. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message suggesting hydration or a toilet break to the user terminal 20, for example, every 30 minutes, in the first half of the period. In addition, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information having a message suggesting, for example, a caffeine drink or stretching to the user terminal 20 at the timing of switching between the first half and the second half of the period.

[0092] Furthermore, in the latter half of the day, the service processing unit 317 controls the execution device 40 to adjust the environment in which the user is staying. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information to set the temperature setting of the air conditioner lower, set the audio device to emit a sound that maintains the level of concentration, and set the color temperature of the lighting device to a brighter level.

[0093] In the latter half of the process, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for displaying an icon indicating that the user is concentrating. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for adding an icon indicating that the user is concentrating to an image for selecting a destination in software for sending a message.

[0094] Furthermore, in the latter half of the period, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for postponing a preset notification among notifications to the operator by the user terminal 20. For example, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for postponing a notification that the user terminal 20 has received a message.

[0095] In addition, in the latter half of the process, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information to information processing devices within a specified range of the location information of the user terminal 20 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 314, to notify them that users are concentrating.

[0096] In this way, the service processing unit 317 acquires, from the concentration type database 343, the concentration type set for the user and for the time period to which the current time belongs. Then, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for executing a process according to the acquired concentration type at the time period specified by the acquired concentration type. Furthermore, the service processing unit 317 transmits concentration support information for executing a process such as a notification according to the working time indicated in the schedule database 344. In this way, the service processing unit 317 provides a service suitable for the user according to the concentration type.

[0097] 6. The processor 41 of the execution device 40 executes various processes using the RAM 42 as a working area in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 43, the storage device 44, etc. That is, the execution device 40 has a communication control unit 411 and a service execution unit 412.

[0098] All or part of the functions of the execution device 40 may be realized using hardware such as ASIC or FPGA. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0099] The communication control unit 411 receives concentration support information from the concentration analysis device 30. The communication control unit 411 is an example of a communication unit.

[0100] The service execution unit 412 executes a process of supporting the user in achieving a target state of concentration level, based on the concentration support information received by the communication control unit 411. The service execution unit 412 is an example of an execution unit. For example, when the execution device 40 is an air conditioner, the service execution unit 412 sets the set temperature low, when the execution device 40 is an audio device, the service execution unit 412 sets the device to generate a sound that maintains the concentration level, and when the execution device 40 is a lighting device, the service execution unit 412 sets the color temperature to a brighter level.

[0101] Furthermore, when the executing device 40 is another person's information processing device, the service executing unit 412 adds an icon indicating that users are congregating to an image for selecting a destination in the software for sending a message. Furthermore, when the executing device 40 is another person's information processing device, the service executing unit 412 displays a message notifying that users are congregating.

[0102] Furthermore, when the execution device 40 is the user terminal 20, the service execution unit 412 displays a message suggesting hydration or exercise. Furthermore, when the execution device 40 is the user terminal 20, the service execution unit 412 sets to postpone low-priority notifications such as notifications of message reception. Note that the above-mentioned process of supporting the user in achieving a target state of concentration is one example, and the service execution unit 412 may execute any process.

[0103] Next, various processes executed by the focus analysis device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0104] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a registration process executed by the focus analysis device 30 according to the first embodiment. The registration process is a process for registering a focus type for a user.

[0105] The concentration type registration unit 316 determines whether or not a concentration type has been registered for the user ID in the concentration type database 343 (step S11). If the concentration type has not been registered (step S11; No), the concentration type registration unit 316 proceeds to step S13.

[0106] If the concentration type has already been registered (step S11; Yes), the concentration type registration unit 316 determines whether or not the update conditions for the concentration type are met (step S12). The update conditions include, for example, the reservation date and time, and whether or not a certain period of time has passed since the previous registration date and time of the concentration type. If the update conditions for the concentration type are not met (step S12; No), the concentration type registration unit 316 ends the registration process.

[0107] When the update condition for the concentration level type is satisfied (Step S12; Yes), the concentration level type registration section 316 proceeds to Step S13.

[0108] The concentration analysis device 30 executes a concentration type identification process (step S13).

[0109] The concentration type registration section 316 registers the concentration type identified by the concentration type identification process in the concentration type database 343 (step S14).

[0110] With the above, the concentration type registration section 316 ends the registration process.

[0111] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the concentration type identification process executed by the concentration analysis device 30 according to the first embodiment. The concentration type identification process is a process for identifying the concentration type of the user. The concentration type identification process is the process of step S13 shown in FIG. 9.

[0112] The detection information acquisition unit 312 determines whether or not it is possible to acquire the detection information from the sensor device 10 (step S21). For example, when the user is not permitted to acquire the detection information or when the user is not sensed by the sensor device 10, the detection information acquisition unit 312 determines that the detection information cannot be acquired.

[0113] If the detection information cannot be acquired (step S21; No), the questionnaire acquiring unit 313 acquires answer information having answers to the questionnaire (step S22).

[0114] The concentration level analysis unit 315 calculates the user's concentration level for each prescribed time period based on the acquired response information (step S23).Then, the concentration level analysis device 30 proceeds to step S28.

[0115] If the detection information can be acquired (step S21; Yes), the detection information acquisition unit 312 determines whether or not the detection information has been acquired within a specified period from the current time point (step S24). That is, the detection information acquisition unit 312 determines whether or not the detection information is registered in the detection information database 341.

[0116] If the detection information has been acquired (step S24; Yes), the focus analysis device 30 proceeds to step S27.

[0117] If the detection information has not been acquired (step S24; No), the detection information acquisition unit 312 acquires the detection information from the sensor device 10 (step S25).

[0118] The detection information acquisition unit 312 determines whether acquisition of the detection information is complete (step S26). If acquisition of the detection information is not complete (step S26; No), the detection information acquisition unit 312 acquires the detection information from the sensor device 10 in step S25.

[0119] When the acquisition of the detection information is completed (Step S26; Yes), the focus analysis device 30 proceeds to Step S27.

[0120] The concentration level analysis unit 315 calculates the concentration level for each time point based on the detection information (step S27).

[0121] The concentration level analysis unit 315 identifies the concentration level type based on the change in the concentration level over time (step S28).

[0122] With the above, the focus analysis device 30 ends the focus type identification process.

[0123] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a service provision process executed by the focus analysis device 30 according to the first embodiment. The service provision process is a process for supporting the user in achieving a target state of focus based on the focus type.

[0124] The service processing unit 317 judges whether or not it is possible to acquire the concentration type of the user from the concentration type database 343 (step S31). If the concentration type cannot be acquired (step S31; No), the service for supporting the achievement of the target state of concentration based on the concentration type cannot be provided, and the process is terminated.

[0125] If the concentration level type has been acquired (step S31; Yes), the service processing unit 317 acquires the user's schedule from the schedule database 344 (step S32).

[0126] The service processing unit 317 determines the service content and execution time to be provided to the user based on the user's concentration level type and schedule (step S33). That is, the service processing unit 317 determines the content of the process to promote the achievement of the user's concentration level to the target state.

[0127] The service processing unit 317 executes the service content at the determined execution time (step S34). That is, the service processing unit 317 executes a process for suppressing a decrease in the user's concentration level.

[0128] With the above, the concentration analysis device 30 ends the service providing process.

[0129] As described above, the concentration analysis device 30 according to the first embodiment acquires state information indicating the state of the user. The concentration analysis device 30 also identifies the type of change in concentration over time indicating the degree to which the user is concentrating, based on state information such as detection information detected by the sensor device 10 and answer information having answers to a questionnaire. The concentration analysis device 30 executes a process to support the achievement of the user's concentration to a target state according to the concentration type and the user's work schedule, specifically, the user's work start and end times. In this way, the concentration analysis device 30 executes a process to support the achievement of the user's concentration to a target state according to the type of change in the user's concentration over time, so that even in a state in which the user's concentration cannot be sensed all the time, it is possible to execute a process according to the user's concentration.

[0130] (Variation 1) In the first embodiment, the focus analysis device 30 has been described as having a user registration unit 311, a detection information acquisition unit 312, a questionnaire acquisition unit 313, a location information acquisition unit 314, a focus analysis unit 315, a focus type registration unit 316, and a service processing unit 317. However, all or part of the functions of the focus analysis device 30 may be possessed by another device. For example, all or part of the functions of the focus analysis device 30 may be possessed by the execution device 40, the user terminal 20, or a device not shown in FIG. 1.

[0131] In the first embodiment, it has been described that the execution device 40 has the communication control unit 411 and the service execution unit 412. However, all or part of the functions of the execution device 40 may be possessed by another device. For example, all or part of the functions of the execution device 40 may be possessed by the concentration analysis device 30, the user terminal 20, or a device not shown in FIG. 1.

[0132] (Variation 2) In the first embodiment, the concentration type has been described as representing a change in concentration over time as shown in Fig. 8. However, the concentration type is not limited to a change in concentration over time. For example, the concentration type may be determined by the ratio of the time during which one can concentrate to the time during which one cannot concentrate during a certain period of work (e.g., one hour or one week).

[0133] For example, if a user has a total of 45 discontinuous minutes of focused time and a total of 15 discontinuous minutes of unfocused time during a continuous task, the percentage of time that can be focused is 0.75. If another user has a total of 12 discontinuous minutes of focused time and a total of 48 discontinuous minutes of unfocused time during a continuous task, the percentage of time that can be focused is 0.2.

[0134] If we were to classify concentration types into four types based on the percentage of time available for concentration, we could define type 1 as "0 or more but less than 0.25," type 2 as "0.25 or more but less than 0.5," type 3 as "0.5 or more but less than 0.75," and type 4 as "0.75 or more but less than 100."

[0135] When classifying concentration types in this way, the concentration analysis device 30 registers in the concentration type database 343, for example, that a certain user's concentration type is type 2, "0.25 or more and less than 0.5." If the percentage of time that this user can concentrate on a certain day is 0.1, the time that the user can concentrate is abnormally short compared to type 2 registered in the concentration type database 343. In such a case, the concentration analysis device 30 determines that the target state of the concentration of the target user is "improving concentration." Then, based on the determination result, the concentration analysis device 30 may determine and execute a service content (for example, setting the air conditioner temperature lower) for improving the concentration of the target user.

[0136] In this way, the concentration analysis device 30 according to the second modification may classify concentration types into multiple types according to the total amount of concentration time, the proportion of the state in which one is able to concentrate, etc., in addition to classifying concentration types according to changes in concentration over time. Also, in the second modification, an example was described in which concentration types were classified into four types according to the proportion of the time when one is able to concentrate, but the concentration types are not limited to four, and may be three, five, or even more.

[0137] (Variation 3) It has been explained that the concentration analysis device 30 according to the first embodiment has the user registration unit 311, the detection information acquisition unit 312, the questionnaire acquisition unit 313, the position information acquisition unit 314, the concentration analysis unit 315, the concentration type registration unit 316, and the service processing unit 317. However, the concentration analysis device 30 may have only some of the functions of the user registration unit 311, the detection information acquisition unit 312, the questionnaire acquisition unit 313, the position information acquisition unit 314, the concentration analysis unit 315, the concentration type registration unit 316, and the service processing unit 317.

[0138] 12 is a diagram showing a schematic example of functions of the concentration analysis device 30a in Modification 3. For example, the concentration analysis device 30 may include a detection information acquisition unit 312 that acquires state information indicating a state of a user, a concentration analysis unit 315 that identifies a type of change in concentration level over time that indicates the degree to which the user is concentrating based on the state information, and a service processing unit 317 that executes a process of supporting the user in achieving a target state of the concentration level according to the type.

[0139] In addition, the program executed by the concentration analysis device 30 of this embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor storage device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0140] The program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0141] The program may also be provided in a state where it is pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1...concentration support system, 10...sensor device, 20...user terminal, 30...concentration analysis device, 31...processor, 32...RAM (Random Access Memory), 33...ROM (Read Only Memory), 34...storage device, 35...communication interface, 40...execution device, 41...processor, 42...RAM (Random Access Memory), 43...ROM (Read Only Memory), 44...storage device, 45...communication interface, 46...display unit, 47...operation unit, 311...user registration unit, 312...detection information acquisition unit, 313...questionnaire acquisition unit, 314...location information acquisition unit, 315...concentration analysis unit, 316...concentration type registration unit, 317...service processing unit, 341...detection information database, 342...concentration database, 343...concentration type database, 344...schedule database, 411...communication control unit, 412...service execution unit.

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires status information indicating a status of a user; an identification unit that identifies a type of change in a concentration level over time, which indicates a degree to which the user is concentrating, based on the state information; a processing unit that executes a process of supporting the user in achieving a goal state of the concentration level according to the type; A concentration analysis device comprising:

2. The processing unit executes the process at a time specified by the type. The concentration analysis device according to claim 1 .

3. The identification unit identifies the type of the user for each time period; The processing unit executes the process depending on the type of the time zone to which the current time belongs. The concentration analysis device according to claim 1 .

4. The first acquisition unit acquires the status information after identifying the type, the identification unit identifies the type of the user based on the newly acquired state information when an update condition is satisfied. The concentration analysis device according to claim 1 .

5. A second acquisition unit that acquires a schedule of the user, The processing unit executes the process according to the schedule and the type. The concentration analysis device according to claim 1 .

6. The first acquisition unit acquires the state information indicating a state of the user detected by a sensor. The concentration analysis device according to claim 1 .

7. The first acquisition unit acquires the status information indicating a status of the user indicated by a response to a questionnaire. The concentration analysis device according to claim 1 .

8. The processing unit controls an adjustment device that adjusts the environment in which the user is staying, depending on the type. The concentration analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The processing unit transmits a message indicating a suggested action to the user in accordance with the type. The concentration analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. the processing unit adds an icon indicating that the user is concentrating on an image of an application that transmits a message according to the type. The concentration analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A third acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a location of the user, The processing unit notifies information processing devices within a specified range from the position indicated by the position information that the users are concentrating, according to the type. The concentration analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. Obtaining status information indicating a user's status; Identifying a type of change in concentration level over time indicative of a degree of concentration of the user based on the state information; execute a process of supporting the user in achieving the goal state of the concentration level according to the type; Concentration analysis method.

13. Computer, A first acquisition unit that acquires status information indicating a status of a user; an identification unit that identifies a type of change in a concentration level over time, which indicates a degree to which the user is concentrating, based on the state information; a processing unit that executes a process of supporting the user in achieving a goal state of the concentration level according to the type; A program to make it function as such.

14. A concentration support system comprising: a concentration analysis device that analyzes a user's concentration; and an execution device that executes a process according to an analysis result by the concentration analysis device, The concentration analysis device includes: A first acquisition unit that acquires status information indicating a status of the user; an identification unit that identifies a type of change in the concentration level over time, which indicates a degree to which the user is concentrating, based on the state information; a processing unit that transmits concentration support information that supports the user in achieving a target state of the concentration level according to the type; Equipped with The execution device is A communication unit that receives the concentration support information; An execution unit that executes a process according to the concentration support information; A concentration support system equipped with

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