Support method, support system, and program

Abstract

To provide a support method capable of supporting a user's intellectual work.SOLUTION: A support method supports utilization of a work space 200 and a refresh space 250 and includes an acquisition step (step S101) of acquiring a user's user information, estimation steps (step S102 and step S103) of estimating at least one of whether a user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200 and whether the user is resting in the refresh space 250, and estimating at least one of the user's recognition fatigue degree and the user's concentration degree, a determination step (step S104) of determining whether at least one of the recognition fatigue degree and the concentration degree is higher than a reference value, and a control step (step S105) of controlling a device 40 under at least one of a condition for increasing a concentration degree and a condition for reducing a recognition fatigue degree.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistance method, an assistance system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that the efficiency of a user performing intellectual work such as office work or study is affected by the degree of concentration (hereinafter referred to as "concentration level"). In addition, the user's concentration level changes depending on various environmental factors. For this reason, technology has been proposed to control the environmental factors that affect the user's concentration level.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a technology in which, when a decrease in the user's concentration level is detected, the user's environment is changed to temporarily further decrease the user's concentration level, and then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the change in the user's environment, the change in the user's environment is restored, thereby restoring the user's concentration level.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a technique for detecting a decrease in the user's concentration level when the user turns his or her gaze from a direction intended for performing intellectual work to a recovery unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-89747 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-158811 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention provides a support method and the like that can support a user's intellectual work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An assistance method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for assisting a user in using a workspace for performing intellectual work and a refreshment space for the user to take a break, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring user information of the user; an estimation step of estimating at least one of whether the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace and whether the user is taking a break in the refreshment space based on the user information, and estimating at least one of the user's cognitive fatigue level and the user's concentration level; a determination step of determining whether at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a reference value; and a control step of controlling equipment provided in at least one of the workspace and the refreshment space under at least one of conditions for improving the concentration level and conditions for reducing the cognitive fatigue level based on the result determined in the determination step.

[0008] An assistance system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an assistance system that assists a user in using a workspace for performing intellectual work and a refreshment space for the user to take a rest, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires user information of the user, an estimation unit that estimates at least one of whether the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace and whether the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space based on the user information, and estimates at least one of the user's cognitive fatigue level and the user's concentration level, a judgment unit that determines whether at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a reference value, and a control unit that controls equipment provided in at least one of the workspace and the refreshment space under conditions that improve the concentration level and reduce the cognitive fatigue level based on the results determined by the judgment unit.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described support method. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The support method etc. of the present invention can support the user's intellectual work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing functions of a support system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation example of the support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 1 of the support system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a second detailed operation example of the support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 3 of the support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 4 of the support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 5 of the support system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0013] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configuration, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the support system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the support system according to the embodiment. The support system 10 according to the embodiment is a system that can control devices that act on (in other words, provide stimuli to) a user who is performing intellectual work such as office work and learning, in order to improve the concentration of the user and relieve cognitive fatigue. Stimuli in the sense of relieving cognitive fatigue are sometimes called refreshment stimuli or micro-refreshment.

[0015] The place where the work and study is performed (the space where the user is given a stimulus) is not particularly limited. The place where the work and study is performed may be an office, a school, a house, or the like, but may also be a private booth (a closed space where the work or study can be performed) installed in a station or the like.

[0016] Concentration is an index of the degree of focus on intellectual work. If most of a certain time is spent on performing intellectual work, the concentration is said to be high. Conversely, if only a small amount of time is spent on performing intellectual work within a certain time, the concentration is said to be low. In this way, the concentration can be directly quantified based on the progress of the target intellectual work. In other words, it can be quantified as the concentration time ratio (CTR), which is the proportion of time during which concentration was spent on the intellectual work. Alternatively, the concentration can be indirectly quantified by estimating that the gaze is focused on the target intellectual work and that there is little movement of the gaze, regardless of the actual progress of the intellectual work. In this way, the user's concentration can be estimated as a numerical value by adopting existing appropriate technology from image information such as facial expressions and body movements, autonomic nervous system indicators obtained by a dedicated sensor, and information such as concentration fluctuations and concentration duration obtained by secondary processing of the concentration level per unit time in the time domain.

[0017] The alleviation of cognitive fatigue can be said to mean a reduction in accumulated cognitive fatigue, i.e., recovery from cognitive fatigue, or a change of mood. The alleviation of cognitive fatigue allows the user to maintain and improve his / her concentration. Although cognitive fatigue and concentration are different parameters, they affect each other. Therefore, in order to improve the user's concentration and support intellectual work, it is necessary to both create a situation in which the concentration is easily improved and to create a situation in which cognitive fatigue is not easily accumulated or in which accumulated cognitive fatigue is easily alleviated appropriately. By obtaining a correlation between cognitive fatigue and physiological / behavioral indices, the cognitive fatigue can be quantified from the physiological / behavioral indices. Alternatively, the cognitive fatigue can be quantified using a decrease in the progress speed of intellectual work as an index. In this way, the user's cognitive fatigue can be estimated as a numerical value by adopting existing appropriate technology from information such as image information such as facial expressions and body movements, autonomic nervous system indices obtained by a dedicated sensor, and fatigue fluctuations obtained by secondary processing of cognitive fatigue per unit time in the time domain.

[0018] The assistance system 10 controls the device 40 for a user performing intellectual work or taking a break between intellectual work, thereby providing a stimulus provided by the device 40 and encouraging an improvement in concentration or a reduction in cognitive tension.

[0019] For example, when stimulating a user with light emitted by a lighting device, which is device 40, in order to wake up the user and improve concentration, it is considered that light with strong brightness and high color temperature is appropriate. In contrast, in order to relax the user, it is sufficient to set the brightness of the light emitted by the lighting device to a level that is not too strong, and the color (color temperature) to a low color temperature.

[0020] Furthermore, when stimulating the user with the airflow generated by the airflow generating device that is the device 40, a strong wind is generally blown onto the user in order to improve the user's concentration. In contrast, when the purpose is to relax the user, this is achieved by generating a soft (weak) or fluctuating airflow over a wide area.

[0021] When stimulating the user with the scent emitted by the scent generating device, which is the device 40, a scent with an awakening effect, such as a lemon scent or a peppermint scent, is used if the purpose is to improve the user's concentration. On the other hand, if the purpose is to relax the user, a relatively weak scent, such as a cypress scent or a lavender scent, is used.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the support system 10 is provided across a work space 200 for a user to perform intellectual work and a refreshment space 250 for a user to take a break, and includes a camera 20, an information processing device 30, and a device 40.

[0023] The camera 20 is a camera provided in a space (each of the working space 200 and the refreshment space 250) where a user performing intellectual work or taking a break is located, and captures a video of the user performing intellectual work or taking a break. The camera 20 transmits image data of the captured video to the information processing device 30. The camera 20 may be a high-performance camera called an AI (Artificial Intelligence) camera or the like, and may perform a process of estimating the concentration level and cognitive fatigue level described below instead of the information processing device 30. In this case, the process of estimating the concentration level and cognitive fatigue level in the information processing device 30 can be omitted. In this example, an example in which the camera 20 acquires an image as user information will be described, but instead of the camera 20, a sensor such as a wearable sensor used to estimate the concentration level and cognitive fatigue level of the user described above may be provided.

[0024] The information processing device 30 performs information processing to provide a user who is performing intellectual work or taking a break with a stimulus that improves the concentration level of the user or reduces the cognitive fatigue level of the user. The information processing device 30 is, for example, a personal computer, but may also be a server device or a dedicated controller corresponding to the device 40. In FIG. 1, the information processing device 30 is provided outside the working space 200 and the refreshment space 250, but may be provided in either of these spaces.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing device 30. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 30 includes an acquisition unit 30a that acquires user information, a storage unit 30b that stores information, an estimation unit 30c that performs estimation based on the user information, a determination unit 30d that determines whether or not at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a reference value, and a control unit 30e that controls the device 40 based on the determination result.

[0026] The acquisition unit 30a, the estimation unit 30c, the judgment unit 30d, and the control unit 30e are functional components, and the functions of the acquisition unit 30a, the estimation unit 30c, the judgment unit 30d, and the control unit 30e are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or processor (hardware) provided in the information processing device 30 executing a computer program (software) stored in the memory unit 30b.

[0027] The acquisition unit 30a acquires an image from the camera 20 as user information.

[0028] The estimation unit 30c estimates at least one of whether the user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200 and whether the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250 based on the acquired user information. This estimation may be performed by performing at least one of the above to estimate the other in a complementary manner, for example, by determining that the user is not taking a break in the refreshment space 250 when the user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200, and that the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250 when the user is not performing intellectual work in the work space 200. More preferably, since the user is not necessarily taking a break in the refreshment space 250 even if the user is not performing intellectual work in the work space 200, it is sufficient to estimate both. Here, the estimation unit 30c determines whether the user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200 and whether the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250 depending on whether the user is included in the image. The estimation unit 30c may determine whether the user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200 and whether the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250 based on the results of the intellectual work and the break, without relying on the above.

[0029] The estimation unit 30c estimates at least one of the user's cognitive fatigue level and the user's concentration level based on the acquired user information. The method of estimating the user's cognitive fatigue level and the user's concentration level by the estimation unit 30c has already been described, and therefore will not be described here.

[0030] The determination unit 30d compares the estimated concentration level and cognitive fatigue level with reference values ​​to determine whether the concentration level is higher than the reference value (in other words, whether the concentration level is equal to or lower than the reference value) and whether the cognitive fatigue level is higher than the reference value (in other words, whether the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than the reference value). Therefore, the determination unit 30d can use the reference value for comparison with the concentration level and the reference value for comparison with the cognitive fatigue level.

[0031] Here, the reference value may be a predetermined numerical value (first reference value) of the concentration level and the cognitive fatigue level, a relative value (second reference value) having a predetermined difference value with respect to the concentration level and the cognitive fatigue level at a certain timing, or a predetermined numerical value (third reference value) of the concentration level and the cognitive fatigue level when the working space 200 and the refreshment space 250 were used in the past. Which reference value is appropriate to use depends on the device 40 to be operated and the effect on the user that is desired by the device 40, so the selection of the reference value will be described in some operation examples described later. In addition, such a reference value is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 30b, etc., and is read out from the storage unit 30b as necessary.

[0032] The control unit 30e uses the determination result of the determination unit 30d and the control conditions for controlling the device 40 according to the determination result to transmit a control signal to the device 40 so that the device 40 is controlled under those conditions. The device 40 provides a stimulus to the user so as to satisfy at least one of the above conditions, that is, the condition for improving the concentration level and the condition for reducing the cognitive fatigue level, by simply operating according to the control signal.

[0033] The control unit 30e also has a function of controlling the start timing of control. That is, by adjusting the timing of transmitting a control signal, the control unit 30e can also control the timing of applying a stimulus by the device 40. Therefore, the above conditions include the start timing of applying a stimulus and the end timing of applying a stimulus or the length of time for applying a stimulus, and the control unit 30e transmits a control signal to match such timing.

[0034] The storage unit 30b is a storage device that stores the computer program and various information necessary for providing a stimulus to the user. The storage unit 30b is realized by a semiconductor memory or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The various information necessary for providing a stimulus stored in the storage unit 30b includes a reference value, a setting of which reference value (first reference value to third reference value) is to be used for the reference value, and a control condition for controlling the device 40. Other examples of the various information necessary for providing a stimulus will be described later.

[0035] The information processing device 30 may include an input receiving unit (not shown). The input receiving unit receives information input from a user. When starting to use the support system 10, the user inputs information as initial settings, and the input receiving unit receives this information. The input receiving unit is realized by, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.

[0036] The information input by the user includes at least one of the following: the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual work or rest the user is about to perform, the environment of the space in which the user is located (in other words, the space in which the user is performing the intellectual work or resting), and the type of device 40 (device 40 to be controlled) installed in the space in which the user is located.

[0037] Specifically, the attributes of a user include the user's age, sex, and job title. The content of the intellectual work is defined, for example, by the concentration level required for the work. The content of the intellectual work is selected from among pre-prepared options, such as work that requires high concentration in a short period of time and work that requires general concentration in a long period of time. The content of the break is selected from among pre-prepared options, such as a break spent simply not doing work and a break using a device such as a pressure device / vibration device that is highly effective in recovering from physical fatigue.

[0038] The environment of the space in which the user is located means, for example, whether it is an open space or a closed space, a private room or a shared space, in other words, the type of space. The environment of the space in which the user is located is selected, for example, from options prepared in advance. The environment of the space may include information such as the temperature in the space (whether the area to which the space belongs is a warm area or not).

[0039] The type of the device 40 means the type of device (described later) that the device 40 is. The type of the device 40 is selected, for example, from options prepared in advance.

[0040] The device 40 is a stimulus providing device (stimulus presenting device) that provides a stimulus to the user under the control of the control unit 30e. In the example of Fig. 1, the device 40 is an indirect lighting device that provides a stimulus to the user by irradiating light onto a partial area of ​​a wall located in front of the user (in other words, a partial area of ​​a wall within the field of view of the user performing intellectual work).

[0041] In addition, the device 40 is not limited to an indirect lighting device, but may be an ambient lighting device, a task lighting device, an airflow generating device, an air conditioning device, a fragrance generating device, a sound source reproducing device, an electric blind, or an image projection device.

[0042] An ambient lighting device is a lighting device that creates the basic brightness of a space by illuminating the entire space in which the user is located. A task lighting device is a lighting device that illuminates only the area around the user in a spot-like manner. Both ambient lighting devices and task lighting devices provide visual stimuli to the user by emitting light. Depending on the conditions, the provided stimuli can improve the user's concentration or enhance the effect of the user's break (refreshing effect).

[0043] The airflow generating device is a blower device that does not have a temperature adjustment function. The airflow generating device may provide a tactile stimulus to the user by directing an airflow at a spot on the user, or may provide a tactile stimulus to the user by generating an airflow in the entire space in which the user is located. The air conditioning device has a temperature adjustment function, and provides a tactile stimulus to the user by adjusting the temperature of the entire space in which the user is located by blowing temperature-adjusted air.

[0044] A sound source playback device provides an auditory stimulus to a user by playing a sound source (i.e., outputting sound). An electric blind provides a visual stimulus to a user by transitioning from a closed state to an open state. In this case, the stimulus may mean letting in outside light into the space in which the user is located, or showing the user the outside scenery. An image projection device provides a visual stimulus to a user by projecting an image. In this case, the stimulus itself includes image information to be presented to the user. In other words, by visually recognizing the image information, a visual stimulus accompanied by information can be provided to the user. A fragrance generating device sprays a fragrance component into a space to provide the user with an olfactory stimulus corresponding to the fragrance component.

[0045] The control unit 30e applies a stimulus by changing the environment around the user through control of the device 40. In other words, the device 40 is a device that changes the environment around the user (such as the light environment or the air quality environment), but may also be a device that directly acts on the user (such as by applying vibrations).

[0046] In the following embodiments, the operation of device 40 to provide a stimulus (for example, an indirect lighting device emitting monochromatic blue light) is also referred to as the form of the stimulus.

[0047] [Example] Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the support system 10. FIG.

[0048] First, the input receiving unit receives input of information from the user, such as the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual work or rest the user will be performing, the environment of the space in which the user is located, and the type of device 40 installed in the space in which the user is located. The input information is stored in the storage unit 30b as setting information. After inputting the information, the user starts the intellectual work or rest. The intellectual work is office work, study, etc.

[0049] Next, the acquisition unit 30a acquires an image of the user performing intellectual work or taking a break as user information (S101). Step S101 is an example of an acquisition step. The estimation unit 30c estimates whether the user is performing intellectual work and whether the user is taking a break (S102). For example, when the user is included in the image of the workspace 200, the estimation unit 30c may determine that the user is performing intellectual work, or may determine whether the user is performing intellectual work based on the track record or the like when the user is included in the image of the workspace 200. Also, when the user is included in the image of the refreshment space 250, the estimation unit 30c may determine that the user is taking a break, or may determine whether the user is taking a break based on the track record or the like when the user is included in the image of the refreshment space 250.

[0050] Next, the estimation unit 30c estimates at least one of the user's cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level based on the acquired user information (S103). Steps S102 and S103 are an example of an estimation step. The method of estimating the user's cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level based on the user information by the estimation unit 30c has already been described. The estimation by the estimation unit 30c provides numerical values ​​of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level.

[0051] Next, the determination unit 30d determines whether the estimated cognitive fatigue level and concentration level are higher than a reference value (S104). Step S104 is an example of a determination step. Then, the control unit 30e generates and outputs a control signal for controlling the device 40 under at least one of a condition for improving the user's concentration level and a condition for reducing the user's cognitive fatigue level based on the determination result in the determination step, and controls the device 40 (S105). Step S105 is an example of a control step.

[0052] Hereinafter, detailed operation examples of the support system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 8. Some operation examples described below may be operated alternatively in the support system 10, or a combination of a plurality of them may be operated in parallel.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 1 of the support system according to the embodiment. After step S101, in step S102, it is estimated whether or not the user is performing intellectual work (S201). If it is estimated that the user is not performing intellectual work in the work space 200 (No in step S201), this operation (step S203 described later) is not performed. That is, the control of the device 40 related to this operation is not executed. If it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200 (Yes in step S201), it is further determined in step S104 whether or not the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than a reference value (S202). If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is higher than the reference value (No in step S202), this operation is not performed. If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than the reference value (Yes in step S202), in step S105, the device 40 is controlled under conditions that improve the concentration level (S203).

[0054] In the example of FIG. 4, since the user is performing intellectual work and the cognitive fatigue level is relatively low, the device 40 is controlled under conditions for improving the concentration level so that the user can continue the intellectual work with greater concentration. As the reference value, the first reference value or the second reference value may be used. In addition, when the second reference value is used, a reference value that is lower by the difference value with respect to the cognitive fatigue level when the user ends the intellectual work in the past is appropriate. In this way, while the cognitive fatigue level is lower by more than the difference value compared to when the user decided to end the intellectual work in the past, the user can work on the intellectual work with a higher concentration level. By working on the intellectual work with a higher concentration level, the cognitive fatigue level is more likely to increase than usual. However, in this case, since the cognitive fatigue level is lower by more than the difference value compared to when the intellectual work was ended in the past, even if the user's cognitive fatigue level is easily increased, it is appropriate.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 2 of the support system according to the embodiment. After step S101, in step S102, it is estimated whether or not the user is performing intellectual work (S301). If it is estimated that the user is not performing intellectual work in the work space 200 (No in step S301), this operation (step S303 described later) is not performed. That is, the control of the device 40 related to this operation is not executed. If it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200 (Yes in step S301), it is further determined in step S104 whether or not the concentration level is equal to or lower than a reference value (S302). If it is determined that the concentration level is higher than the reference value (No in step S302), this operation is not performed. If it is determined that the concentration level is equal to or lower than the reference value (Yes in step S302), in step S105, the device 40 is controlled under the condition of pausing the intellectual work (S303).

[0056] In the example of FIG. 5, the user is performing intellectual work and the concentration level is relatively low, so that the device 40 is controlled under the condition of pausing the intellectual work to encourage the user to take a break. The control of the device 40 here includes control of projecting image information indicating that the user's concentration level is decreasing (i.e., information on the user's state), control of projecting image information indicating that the user should take a break (i.e., information recommending the user to take a break), or control of indirectly encouraging the user to move to the refreshment space 250 by worsening the surrounding environment of the work space 200 (such as by lowering the temperature extremely). As the reference value, the first reference value or the second reference value may be used. In addition, when the second reference value is used, a reference value that is lower by the difference value with respect to the concentration level at the start of the current intellectual work is appropriate. In this way, since the concentration level is lower than when the current intellectual work was started by more than the difference value, even when the start time is taken into consideration, a decrease in concentration level by the difference value has occurred, so that the user is made to take a break, and the concentration level can be improved when the user returns to the subsequent intellectual work.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 3 of the support system according to the embodiment. After step S101, in step S102, it is estimated whether or not the user is performing intellectual work (S401). If it is estimated that the user is not performing intellectual work in the work space 200 (No in step S401), this operation (step S403 described later) is not performed. That is, the control of the device 40 related to this operation is not executed. If it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the work space 200 (Yes in step S401), it is further determined in step S104 whether or not the cognitive fatigue level is higher than a reference value (S402). If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than the reference value (No in step S402), this operation is not performed. If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is higher than the reference value (Yes in step S402), in step S105, the device 40 is controlled under the condition of pausing the intellectual work (S403).

[0058] In the example of FIG. 6, the user is performing intellectual work and the cognitive fatigue level is relatively high, so that the device 40 is controlled under the condition of pausing the intellectual work to encourage the user to take a break. The control of the device 40 here includes control of projecting image information indicating that the user's concentration level is decreasing (i.e., information on the user's state), or image information indicating that the user should take a break (i.e., information recommending the user to take a break) on the image projection device, or control of indirectly encouraging the user to move to the refreshment space 250 by worsening the surrounding environment of the work space 200 (such as by lowering the temperature extremely). As the reference value, the first reference value or the second reference value may be used. In addition, when the second reference value is used, a reference value that is higher by the difference value with respect to the cognitive fatigue level at the start of the current intellectual work is appropriate. In this way, since the cognitive fatigue level is higher than when the current intellectual work was started by more than the difference value, even when the start time is taken into consideration, an accumulation of the cognitive fatigue level of the difference value has occurred, so that the user is made to take a break, and the cognitive fatigue level can be reduced when the user returns to the subsequent intellectual work.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 4 of the support system according to the embodiment. After step S101, in step S102, it is estimated whether or not the user is taking a break (S501). If it is estimated that the user is not taking a break in the refreshment space 250 (No in step S501), this operation (step S503 described later) is not performed. That is, the control of the device 40 related to this operation is not executed. If it is estimated that the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250 (Yes in step S501), it is further determined in step S104 whether or not the cognitive fatigue level is higher than a reference value (S502). If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than the reference value (No in step S502), this operation is not performed. If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is higher than the reference value (Yes in step S502), in step S105, the device 40 is controlled under conditions that refresh the user (S503).

[0060] In the example of Fig. 7, the user is taking a break and the cognitive fatigue level is relatively high, so that the device 40 is controlled under conditions that refresh the user to enhance the effect of the break. As the reference value, the first reference value or the second reference value may be used. When the second reference value is used, a reference value that is higher by the difference value with respect to the cognitive fatigue level at the time of ending the previous break is appropriate. In this way, the user can take a break with a more enhanced refreshing effect while the cognitive fatigue level is higher by at least the difference value than when the user decided to end the previous break.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a detailed operation example 5 of the support system according to the embodiment. After step S101, in step S102, it is estimated whether or not the user is taking a break (S601). If it is estimated that the user is not taking a break in the refreshment space 250 (No in step S601), this operation (step S603 to be described later) is not performed. That is, the control of the device 40 related to this operation is not executed. If it is estimated that the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250 (Yes in step S601), it is further determined in step S104 whether or not the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than a reference value (S602). If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is higher than the reference value (No in step S602), this operation is not performed. If it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than the reference value (Yes in step S602), in step S105, the device 40 is controlled under the condition to start the intellectual work (S603).

[0062] In the example of FIG. 8, since the user is taking a break and the cognitive fatigue level is relatively low, the device 40 is controlled under the condition of starting the intellectual work so that the user can end the break and return to the intellectual work. The control of the device 40 here includes control of projecting image information indicating that the user's cognitive fatigue level has decreased (i.e., information on the user's state), or image information indicating that the user should return to the intellectual work (i.e., information recommending the user to resume the intellectual work) using the image projection device, or control of indirectly encouraging the user to move to the working space 200 by worsening the surrounding environment of the refreshment space 250 (such as by lowering the temperature drastically). As the reference value, the first reference value or the third reference value may be used. In addition, when the third reference value is used, a reference value that matches the cognitive fatigue level at the time of ending the past break is appropriate. In this way, the user can be made to start the intellectual work when the cognitive fatigue level has decreased to a value equivalent to that at the time the user decided to end the past break.

[0063] [Variations regarding various information required for providing stimuli] In the above embodiment, an explanation of how the various pieces of information necessary for providing stimuli are used is omitted, but by using the various pieces of information necessary for providing stimuli, it is possible to provide stimuli that are more suited to the individual.

[0064] The various information necessary for providing a stimulus includes, for example, the degree of cognitive fatigue, the attribute information of the user, and the time during which the user uses the work space or the refreshment space. The type of device 40 to be controlled may be changed for each user based on the above information. In other words, when the users are divided into a plurality of groups each consisting of one or more users based on the degree of cognitive fatigue, the attribute information of the user, and the time during which the user uses the work space or the refreshment space, the type of device 40 to be controlled may be set for each group.

[0065] In addition, the various information required to provide stimuli includes standard cognitive effort, concentration level, concentration fluctuation characteristics, and concentration duration for each user, and may be used to set reference values.

[0066] In addition, the various information required for providing stimulation includes the time spent after deviating from the standard state until returning to the standard state (time spent performing intellectual work or time spent resting), which may be used to set a reference value.

[0067] In addition, the various information required to provide stimulation may include time information, and the reference value may change depending on the progress of at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level of an average person over time.

[0068] In addition, the various information necessary for providing stimuli includes past data on the cognitive fatigue level and concentration level for each user, and at least a part of the past data may be used to set the reference value.

[0069] [Effects, etc.] Inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification are, for example, the following inventions. Hereinafter, the inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described together with the effects and the like obtained by the inventions.

[0070] Invention 1 is a support method for supporting the use of a workspace 200 for a user to perform intellectual work and a refreshment space 250 for the user to take a break, the support method including an acquisition step (step S101) of acquiring user information of the user, an estimation step (steps S102 and S103) of estimating, based on the user information, at least one of whether the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200 and whether the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250, and estimating at least one of the user's cognitive fatigue level and the user's concentration level, a determination step (step S104) of determining whether at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a reference value, and a control step (step S105) of controlling equipment 40 provided in at least one of the workspace 200 and the refreshment space 250 under at least one of conditions for improving the concentration level and conditions for reducing the cognitive fatigue level, based on the result determined in the determination step.

[0071] Such a support method can assist the user in performing intellectual tasks.

[0072] Invention 2 is the support method according to Invention 1, wherein the reference value is a predetermined numerical value of at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level.

[0073] This type of assistance method can assist the user in performing intellectual work based on the determination result of whether or not at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a predetermined value.

[0074] Invention 3 is an assistance method related to Invention 1, in which the reference value is a relative value having a predetermined difference value with respect to at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level at the time when the user starts intellectual work in the workspace 200 or a break in the refreshment space 250.

[0075] This type of support method can support the user's intellectual work based on the determination result of whether or not at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level at the time the user starts the intellectual work in the workspace 200 or the rest in the refreshment space 250 is higher than a relative value having a predetermined difference value.

[0076] Invention 4 is an assistance method related to Invention 1, wherein the reference value is a relative value having a predetermined difference value with respect to at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level at the time when the user finishes the intellectual work in the workspace 200 or the rest in the refreshment space 250.

[0077] This type of support method can support the user's intellectual work based on the determination result of whether or not at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level at the time when the user finishes the intellectual work in the workspace 200 or the rest in the refreshment space 250 is higher than a relative value having a predetermined difference value.

[0078] Invention 5 is a support method related to Invention 1, wherein the reference value is a predetermined numerical value of at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level at the time when intellectual work was previously performed in the workspace 200 or a break was taken in the refreshment space 250.

[0079] This type of support method can support the user's intellectual work based on the determination result of whether or not at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a predetermined value at the time when the user previously performed intellectual work in the workspace 200 or took a break in the refreshment space 250.

[0080] Invention 6 is an assistance method according to Invention 2 or 4, in which, in the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200, and in the determination step, it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than a reference value, and in the control step, the equipment 40 is controlled under conditions that improve the user's concentration level.

[0081] In this type of support method, in the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200, and if in the determination step it is determined that the level of cognitive fatigue is below a reference value, in the control step, the device 40 is controlled under conditions that improve the user's level of concentration, thereby supporting the user's intellectual work.

[0082] Invention 7 is a support method according to Invention 2 or 3, in which, in the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200, and in the determination step, it is determined that the concentration level is equal to or lower than a reference value, and in the control step, the equipment 40 is controlled under conditions that cause the user to pause the intellectual work.

[0083] In this type of support method, in the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200, and if in the determination step it is determined that the level of concentration is below a reference value, in the control step, the equipment 40 is controlled under conditions that cause the user to pause the intellectual work, thereby supporting the user's intellectual work.

[0084] Invention 8 is an assistance method according to Invention 2 or 3, in which, if it is estimated in the estimation step that the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200, and it is determined in the determination step that the level of cognitive fatigue is higher than a reference value, then in the control step, the equipment 40 is controlled under conditions that cause the user to pause the intellectual work.

[0085] In this type of support method, if it is estimated in the estimation step that the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200, and if it is determined in the determination step that the level of cognitive fatigue is higher than a reference value, then in the control step, the device 40 is controlled under conditions that cause the user to pause the intellectual work, thereby supporting the user's intellectual work.

[0086] Invention 9 is a support method according to Invention 2 or 5, in which, in the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space 250, and in the determination step, it is determined that the level of cognitive fatigue is higher than a reference value, and in the control step, the equipment 40 is controlled under conditions that refresh the user.

[0087] In this type of support method, if it is estimated in the estimation step that the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space 250, and if it is determined in the determination step that the level of cognitive fatigue is higher than a reference value, then in the control step, the device 40 is controlled under conditions that refresh the user, thereby supporting the user's intellectual work.

[0088] Invention 10 is a support method according to Invention 2 or 4, in which, in the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space 250, and in the determination step, it is determined that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than a reference value, and in the control step, the equipment 40 is controlled under conditions that cause the user to start intellectual work.

[0089] In this type of support method, in the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space 250, and if in the determination step it is determined that the level of cognitive fatigue is below a reference value, in the control step, the device 40 is controlled under conditions that cause the user to start intellectual work, thereby supporting the user's intellectual work.

[0090] Invention 11 is a support method according to any one of Inventions 2 to 10, in which in a control step, the type of device 40 to be controlled is changed based on at least one of the degree of cognitive fatigue, the user's attribute information, and the time the user uses the work space or the refreshment space.

[0091] Such an assistance method can change the type of device 40 to be controlled based on at least one of the level of cognitive fatigue, the user's attribute information, and the time during which the user uses the work space or the refreshment space.

[0092] Invention 12 is a support method according to any one of Inventions 2 to 11, in which in a control step, the device 40 is controlled under conditions that cause the user to pause the intellectual work, and the control of the device 40 under conditions that cause the user to pause the intellectual work includes control to present information on the user's condition or control to present information recommending that the user take a break.

[0093] Such an assistance method can assist a user in performing intellectual work by causing the user to pause the intellectual work through control of presenting information about the user's condition or control of presenting information recommending the user to take a break.

[0094] Invention 13 is a support system 10 that supports the use of a workspace 200 for a user to perform intellectual work and a refreshment space 250 for the user to take a break, the support system 10 including an acquisition unit 30a that acquires user information of the user, an estimation unit 30c that estimates, based on the user information, at least one of whether the user is performing intellectual work in the workspace 200 and whether the user is taking a break in the refreshment space 250, and estimates at least one of the user's cognitive fatigue level and the user's concentration level, a determination unit 30d that determines whether at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a reference value, and a control unit 30e that controls equipment 40 provided in at least one of the workspace 200 and the refreshment space 250 under conditions that improve the concentration level and reduce the cognitive fatigue level, based on the result determined by the determination unit 30d.

[0095] Such a support system 10 can support a user in performing intellectual tasks.

[0096] The invention 14 is a program for causing a computer to execute the support method according to any one of the inventions 1 to 13.

[0097] Such a program can assist a user in performing intellectual tasks using a computer.

[0098] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, the assistance system is realized by a plurality of devices. When the assistance system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components (particularly, functional components) of the assistance system described in the above embodiment may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices of the assistance system. For example, the acquisition unit, the estimation unit, the determination unit, and the control unit may be distributed among the plurality of devices.

[0100] The assistance system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the assistance system may be realized as a single device corresponding to an information processing device.

[0101] The support system may be realized as a client-server system. For example, the support system may further include a cloud server (server device), and a part or all of the processes executed by the information processing device may be executed by the cloud server.

[0102] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the process performed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. For example, the process performed by the selection unit may be executed by the control unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0104] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0105] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0106] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0107] For example, the present invention may be realized as an assistance method executed by a computer such as an assistance system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an assistance method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having such a program recorded thereon.

[0108] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10 Support System 20 Camera 30 Information processing device 30a Acquisition part 30b Storage section 30c Estimation part 30d Judgment section 30e Control section 40 equipment 200 workspace 250 Refreshing Space

Claims

1. A method for supporting a user in utilizing a workspace for performing intellectual work and a refreshment space for the user to take a break, comprising: acquiring user information of the user; an estimation step of estimating at least one of whether the user is performing intellectual work in the work space and whether the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space based on the user information, and estimating at least one of a cognitive fatigue level of the user and a concentration level of the user; a determination step of determining whether or not at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a reference value; A control step of controlling equipment provided in at least one of the working space and the refreshment space under at least one of a condition for improving the concentration level and a condition for reducing the cognitive fatigue level based on the result determined in the determination step. How to help.

2. The reference value is a predetermined numerical value of at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level. The method of claim 1 .

3. The reference value is a relative value having a predetermined difference value with respect to at least one of the cognitive fatigue degree and the concentration degree at the time when the user starts the intellectual work in the work space or the rest in the refreshment space. The method of claim 1 .

4. The reference value is a relative value having a predetermined difference value with respect to at least one of the cognitive fatigue degree and the concentration degree at the time when the user finishes the intellectual work in the work space or the rest in the refreshment space. The method of claim 1 .

5. The reference value is a predetermined numerical value of at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level at a time when intellectual work was performed in the work space or a rest was taken in the refreshment space in the past. The method of claim 1 .

6. When it is estimated in the estimation step that the user is performing intellectual work in the work space, and when it is determined in the determination step that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than the reference value, in the control step, the device is controlled under conditions that improve the concentration level of the user. The support method according to claim 2 or 4.

7. In the estimation step, it is estimated that the user is performing intellectual work in the work space, and in the determination step, when it is determined that the concentration level is equal to or lower than the reference value, in the control step, the device is controlled under a condition that causes the user to pause the intellectual work. The support method according to claim 2 or 3.

8. When it is estimated in the estimation step that the user is performing intellectual work in the work space, and when it is determined in the determination step that the cognitive fatigue level is higher than the reference value, in the control step, the device is controlled under a condition that causes the user to pause the intellectual work. The support method according to claim 2 or 3.

9. When it is estimated in the estimation step that the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space and when it is determined in the determination step that the cognitive fatigue level is higher than the reference value, the device is controlled in the control step under a condition that refreshes the user. The support method according to claim 2 or 5.

10. When it is estimated in the estimation step that the user is taking a rest in the refreshment space and when it is determined in the determination step that the cognitive fatigue level is equal to or lower than the reference value, the device is controlled in the control step under a condition that causes the user to start intellectual work. The support method according to claim 2 or 4.

11. In the control step, the type of the device to be controlled is changed based on at least one of the degree of cognitive fatigue, attribute information of the user, and the time during which the user uses the work space or the refreshment space. The support method according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

12. In the control step, the device is controlled under a condition that causes the user to pause the intellectual work; The control of the device under the condition that the user is to take a break from the intellectual work includes a control of presenting information on the user's condition or a control of presenting information recommending a break to the user. The support method according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

13. A support system for supporting a user in using a workspace for performing intellectual work and a refreshment space for the user to take a break, An acquisition unit that acquires user information of the user; an estimation unit that estimates at least one of whether the user is performing intellectual work in the work space and whether the user is taking a break in the refreshment space based on the user information, and estimates at least one of a cognitive fatigue level of the user and a concentration level of the user; a determination unit that determines whether or not at least one of the cognitive fatigue level and the concentration level is higher than a reference value; A control unit that controls equipment provided in at least one of the working space and the refreshment space under conditions that improve the concentration level and reduce the cognitive fatigue level based on the result determined by the determination unit. Support system.

14. A method for causing a computer to execute the support method according to claim 1, program.

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