Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of facilitating the early detection and early prevention of mental health disorders of a person to be observed, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.SOLUTION: An information processing device of an embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a first interface unit. The acquisition unit acquires pulse wave information related to the pulse wave of a person to be observed. The calculation unit calculates a mental stress value related to the mental stress of the person to be observed on the basis of the pulse wave information acquired by the acquisition unit. The first interface unit provides a first terminal used by the person to be observed with communication information including information prompting actions to reduce the mental stress of the person to be observed in accordance with determination results based on a predetermined threshold value and the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, for example, companies have placed importance on taking mental health measures as part of employee health care. It is known that an increase in the number of employees with mental health problems can have a negative impact on business activities and labor productivity.

[0003] One example of a mental health measure is the prevention of mental health problems. In order to prevent mental health problems, it is important not only to detect mental health problems in employees (those being observed) early on, but also for employees to take measures to prevent mental health problems early on. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-94205 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2023-36409 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2023-108666 A [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6724279 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can facilitate early detection and early prevention of, for example, mental health problems and chronic diseases, as a health care measure for the subject of observation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a first interface unit. The acquisition unit acquires pulse wave information related to the pulse wave of the observed subject. The calculation unit calculates a mental stress value related to the mental stress of the observed subject based on the pulse wave information acquired by the acquisition unit. The first interface unit provides communication information including information encouraging an action to reduce the mental stress of the observed subject to a first terminal used by the observed subject according to a determination result based on a predetermined threshold and the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a mental stress value. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a calculated mental stress value. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a compilation result of mental stress values. [Diagram 5] 3 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 100 observes the mental health state of at least one user (observation target) U1. When the information processing system 100 detects signs of mental health problems in the observation target U1, it provides the observation target U1 with communication information that encourages the observation target U1 to take actions that reduce the mental stress of the observation target U1.

[0010] In addition, the term "communication information" in this specification means information used by the information processing system 100 to communicate with users (e.g., users U1 to U3 using terminals 1 to 3) who use the information processing system 100. The communication information may include various types of information that can be recognized by users, such as text information, audio information, image information, and video information.

[0011] The information processing system 100 of the embodiment includes at least one of a first terminal 1, a second terminal 2, a third terminal 3, and an information processing device 4. The first terminal 1, the second terminal 2, the third terminal 3, and the information processing device 4 are connected to each other via a network 5 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] The network 5 may be a network using wireless communication or a network using wired communication. The network 5 may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network 5 may be configured by combining a plurality of networks.

[0013] The first terminal 1 is used by an observed person U1. The observed person U1 is a user whose mental health state is observed by the information processing system 100 of the embodiment. The observed person U1 may be, for example, an employee of a company. In the following, unless otherwise specified, a case will be described in which the observed person U1 is an employee of a company, and the observed person U1 will be referred to as an employee U1.

[0014] In the illustrated example, the information processing system 100 observes the mental health status of multiple employees U1 (U1a, U1b, U1c...). The information processing system 100 includes multiple first terminals 1 (1a, 1b, 1c...). The multiple employees U1 (U1a, U1b, U1c...) and the multiple first terminals 1 (1a, 1b, 1c...) are in one-to-one correspondence, for example. Employee U1 uses the first terminal 1 that corresponds to him / herself.

[0015] The second terminal 2 is used by a user U2 different from the observed person U1 (employee U1). The user U2 may be, for example, a medical professional or an external EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Examples of medical professionals include implementers (e.g., doctors and public health nurses) authorized to implement stress checks and administrative staff. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the case where the user U2 is a medical professional will be described, and the user U2 will be referred to as the medical professional U2.

[0016] The third terminal 3 is used by a user U3 different from the observed person U1 (employee U1). The user U3 may be, for example, an employee (management staff) who belongs to the management department of the company to which the employee U1 belongs. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the case where the user U3 is a management staff will be described, and the user U3 will be referred to as the management staff U3.

[0017] Each of the terminals 1 to 3 is configured using an information device such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or dedicated device. Although detailed illustration is omitted, each of the terminals 1 to 3 may include a communication unit, an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and the like. The communication unit communicates data with other devices (e.g., the information processing device 4) via the network 5. The input unit is operated by a user when inputting the user's instructions to the first terminal 1. The output unit outputs information in a form that the user can recognize. The storage unit stores data used by the control unit. The control unit controls each of the terminals 1 to 3 according to the user's operation and information received from the information processing device 4.

[0018] The first terminal 1 of the embodiment has a mouse 6 as one of the above-mentioned input units, which is used by the employee U1 to operate the first terminal 1. The mouse 6 is provided with a sensor 7 that acquires pulse wave information 31 of the employee U1. The pulse wave information 31 is information related to the pulse wave of the employee U1. The pulse wave information 31 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The sensor 7 is, for example, a pulse wave sensor arranged on the mouse 6 at a location where the fingertips (for example, thumb or index finger) of employee U1 come into contact. The sensor 7 is arranged on, for example, the side of the mouse 6 and comes into contact with the thumb of employee U1 who operates the mouse 6. Then, light (LED light) is irradiated onto the thumb of employee U1, and pulse wave information 31 of employee U1 is acquired. By providing the sensor 7 on a device (mouse 6) for operating the first terminal 1, the pulse wave information 31 can be acquired while employee U1 is performing work using the first terminal 1. In addition, employee U1 does not need to go to a specific office or the like to acquire the pulse wave information 31. This makes it easy to continuously acquire the pulse wave information 31 over a long period of time.

[0020] The sensor 7 may be configured to acquire the pulse wave information 31, for example, in response to control by a control unit of the first terminal 1. For example, the sensor 7 may acquire the pulse wave information 31 when the control unit of the first terminal 1 detects that the employee U1 has performed an operation to start work on the first terminal 1. This makes it easier to incorporate the acquisition of the pulse wave information 31 by the sensor 7 into the flow of daily work performed by the employee U1. Examples of the "operation to start work" include an operation to start the first terminal 1, an operation to start a specific app installed on the first terminal 1, etc.

[0021] The sensor 7 outputs the acquired pulse wave information 31 to the information processing device 4, for example, via a communication unit of the first terminal 1 and the network 5. The sensor 7 may output the acquired pulse wave information 31 to the information processing device 4, linking it to information capable of identifying employee U1. The sensor 7 may output the acquired pulse wave information 31 to the information processing device 4, linking it to information capable of identifying the time when the pulse wave information 31 was acquired.

[0022] The information processing device 4 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer, a server device, etc. The information processing device 4 includes an acquisition unit 10, a processing unit 20, a storage unit 30, a first interface unit 41, a second interface unit 42, and a third interface unit 43.

[0023] The acquisition unit 10 acquires information output from each of the terminals 1 to 3 via the network 5. For example, the acquisition unit 10 acquires pulse wave information 31 output from the first terminal 1 (sensor 7). The acquisition unit 10 according to the embodiment acquires personal information 32, affiliation information 33, attendance information 34, subjective information 35, and external information 36 output from the terminals 1 to 3 or other devices. The information 32 to 36 will be described in detail later.

[0024] The first interface unit 41 outputs (provides) information to the first terminal 1 via the network 5. The first interface unit 41 outputs information to the first terminal 1 in response to control (command) by the processing unit 20, for example.

[0025] The second interface unit 42 outputs (provides) information to the second terminal 2 via the network 5. The second interface unit 42 outputs information to the second terminal 2 in response to control (command) by the processing unit 20, for example.

[0026] The third interface unit 43 outputs (provides) information to the third terminal 3 via the network 5. The third interface unit 43 outputs information to the third terminal 3 in response to control (command) by the processing unit 20, for example.

[0027] The storage unit 30 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 30 stores data used by the processing unit 20. The storage unit 30 of the embodiment stores pulse wave information 31, personal information 32, affiliation information 33, attendance information 34, subjective information 35, and external information 36.

[0028] The personal information 32 is information linked to the employee U1 as an individual. Examples of the personal information 32 include name, nickname, sex, date of birth, home address, blood type, height, weight, hobbies, and email address. The personal information 32 may include PHR (Personal Health Record) information such as medical checkup results. The personal information 32 may be input to the information processing device 4 and stored in the storage unit 30, for example, by the employee U1 operating the first terminal 1 or the managerial staff member U3 operating the third terminal 3.

[0029] The affiliation information 33 is information indicating the company to which the employee U1 belongs, or the affiliation of the employee U1 within the company. Examples of the affiliation information 33 include a company code, a company name, an industry, a department, an office location of the department, and a job type. The affiliation information 33 may be input to the information processing device 4 and stored in the storage unit 30, for example, by the employee U1 operating the first terminal 1 or the managerial staff member U3 operating the third terminal 3.

[0030] The attendance information 34 is information related to the attendance of the employee U1. Examples of the attendance information 34 include start time, end time, interruption and restart time of work, work location, and holidays. The attendance information 34 may be input to the information processing device 4 by the employee U1 operating the first terminal 1, for example, and stored in the storage unit 30.

[0031] Alternatively, the first terminal 1 may automatically acquire the attendance information 34 and output it to the information processing device 4. For example, the first terminal 1 may acquire the time when the employee U1 operates the first terminal 1 to start work as the start time of work. For example, the first terminal 1 may acquire the time when the power of the first terminal 1 is turned off as the end time of work.

[0032] The subjective information 35 is information obtained by subjectively (sensibly) evaluating events related to the mental health of employee U1 by employee U1. Examples of the subjective information 35 include sleep state, fatigue level, mood, vague complaints, and complaints. The subjective information 35 may be input to the information processing device 4 by employee U1 operating the first terminal 1, for example, and stored in the storage unit 30. The first terminal 1 may prompt employee U1 to input the subjective information 35 through an output unit of the first terminal 1 when employee U1 performs an operation to start work on the first terminal 1.

[0033] Examples of the external information 36 include holiday (national holiday) information, event information, content, weather information, announcements from companies, workplace environmental data, etc. The content may include, for example, trivia and other information useful for improving mental health.

[0034] The storage unit 30 may acquire the amount of activity of the employee U1, the operation time of the mouse 6, and the body temperature in addition to (or instead of) the above-mentioned information 31 to 36. Note that the information stored in the storage unit 30 is not limited to the above examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] The processing unit 20 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The processing unit 20 of the embodiment functions as a calculation unit 21, a sign detection unit 22, and an information generation unit 23 by the processor executing a program.

[0036] The calculation unit 21 calculates a mental stress value related to the mental stress of the employee U1 based on the pulse wave information 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 10. In particular, the calculation unit 21 may calculate a chronic mental stress value related to the chronic mental stress of the employee U1 based on a plurality of pieces of pulse wave information 31 acquired at different times. The chronic mental stress value is an example of a mental stress value. The calculation unit 21 may also calculate the mental stress value based on at least one of the personal information 32, the affiliation information 33, the attendance information 34, and the subjective information 35, and the pulse wave information 31. Details of the method of calculation of the mental stress value (chronic mental stress value) by the calculation unit 21 will be described later.

[0037] The sign detection unit 22 compares the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit 21 with a first threshold. The sign detection unit 22 also compares the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit 21 with a second threshold. The second threshold may be set to a value higher than the first threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold are set so as to classify the degree of mental health problems of employee U1 into three stages.

[0038] For example, when the mental stress value is less than the first threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "first case"), the mental stress of the employee U1 is low. That is, the first case corresponds to the mental health of the employee U1 being normal.

[0039] Next, when the mental stress value is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "second case"), this corresponds to a case where employee U1 has a moderate level of mental stress. That is, the second case corresponds to a case where employee U1 has a sign of mental health problems. In other words, the sign detection unit 22 of the embodiment compares the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit 21 with the first threshold to determine whether employee U1 has a sign of mental health problems.

[0040] A case where the mental stress value is equal to or greater than the second threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "third case") corresponds to a case where the employee U1 has a high level of mental stress. That is, the third case corresponds to a case where the employee U1 is suffering from mental health problems and it is desirable for the employee U1 to receive appropriate human intervention by a medical professional U2. That is, the sign detection unit 22 of the embodiment compares the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit 21 with the second threshold to determine whether the employee U1's mental health is suffering from a serious problem that requires intervention by a medical professional U2.

[0041] The information generation unit 23 generates communication information to be provided to the users U1 to U3 through the interfaces 41 to 43 and the terminals 1 to 3. For example, the information generation unit 23 generates communication information for the employee U1 based on the comparison result by the sign detection unit 22.

[0042] That is, in the first case described above, the information generating unit 23 generates communication information to be provided to the employee U1 through the first interface unit 41 and the first terminal 1. This communication information includes information (hereinafter referred to as "preventive information") encouraging behavior (self-care) that reduces the mental stress of the employee U1.

[0043] Examples of preventive information include information on lifestyle habits that are effective in preventing mental health problems, such as moderate exercise, sufficient sleep, regular sleep times (time to fall asleep and time to wake up), or regular eating habits. The information generating unit 23 may generate preventive information by referring to various information (e.g., information 32 to 36) stored in the storage unit 30. For example, when the subjective information 35 is stored that the employee U1 feels that he or she is not getting enough sleep, the information generating unit 23 may generate information that encourages sufficient sleep. When the sleep times (time to fall asleep and time to wake up) of the employee U1 are stored, the information generating unit 23 may check whether the sleep is regular (whether the employee falls asleep and wakes up at almost the same time, whether the employee falls asleep and wakes up at regular times, etc.), and when the sleep time varies on a daily basis (such as repeating sufficient sleep and lack of sleep), or when the sleep time is appropriate but the time to fall asleep and wake up varies (such as reversal of day and night), etc., information that encourages the employee to sleep at regular times or information that is effective in preventing mental health problems may be generated. In the case where the personal information 32 stores information that the employee U1 has a hobby of a particular sport, the information generating unit 23 may generate information that encourages the employee U1 to participate in that sport.

[0044] In addition, the processing unit 20 has a learning function and can provide information tailored to each individual from the information generation unit 23, taking into account changes in the calculation results by the calculation unit 21, for example, by recommending a method of dealing with employee U1's vague complaint according to the content of the complaint.

[0045] Then, the information generation unit 23 provides the generated communication information to the first terminal 1 through the first interface unit 41. In other words, the first interface unit 41 provides (outputs) the communication information including the prevention information to the first terminal 1 in response to the control (command) of the information generation unit 23.

[0046] This allows employee U1 to recognize that he or she has signs of mental health problems. Also, by encouraging the employee to take actions to reduce his or her mental health, it is possible to prevent employee U1 from becoming mentally unwell (i.e., the mental stress value from exceeding the second threshold).

[0047] Meanwhile, in the second case described above, the information generating unit 23 generates communication information to be provided to the medical worker U2 through the second interface unit 42 and the second terminal 2. This communication information includes information (hereinafter referred to as "illness information") that can identify the employee U1 whose mental stress value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0048] Then, the information generating unit 23 provides the generated communication information to the second terminal 2 through the second interface unit 42. In other words, the second interface unit 42 provides (outputs) the communication information including the illness information to the second terminal 2 in response to the control (command) of the information generating unit 23.

[0049] This allows the medical staff U2 to be informed of the employee U1 having a mental health disorder, thus enabling early intervention by the medical staff U2.

[0050] The information processing system 100 may request permission from the employee U1 to provide the illness information to the medical worker U2 before the second interface unit 42 provides the illness information. Then, the second interface unit 42 may provide the illness information to the medical worker U2 when permission from the employee U1 is obtained. The second interface unit 42 may be configured not to provide the illness information to the medical worker U2 when permission from the employee U1 is not obtained.

[0051] Furthermore, the information generating unit 23 generates statistical information based on a plurality of pieces of pulse wave information 31 acquired from a plurality of employees U1, without identifying each individual employee U1. The information generating unit 23 provides the generated statistical information to the third terminal 3 via the third interface unit 43. In other words, the third interface unit 43 provides (outputs) the statistical information to the third terminal 3 in response to the control (command) of the information generating unit 23.

[0052] When generating statistical information, information generating unit 23 may refer to not only pulse wave information 31 but also various kinds of information (e.g., information 32-36) stored in storage unit 30. For example, information generating unit 23 may generate statistical information including information on the trend of mental stress values ​​for each department and the trend of mental stress values ​​for the entire company by referring to affiliation information 33, etc. This makes it possible to provide support for so-called wellness management to managerial staff U3.

[0053] Next, a detailed description will be given of a method for calculating a mental stress value by the calculation unit 21. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a mental stress value.

[0054] In this example calculation method, a mental stress value is calculated based on pulse wave information 31. Specifically, it is assumed that there exists a function F such that the illustrated relationship A holds when pulse wave information 31 is the explanatory variable O and the mental stress value is the objective variable S. Then, function F is estimated, and the estimated function F is used to calculate the mental stress value, which is the objective variable S, from pulse wave information 31, which is the explanatory variable O.

[0055] Here, the explanatory variable O (pulse wave information 31) includes at least one of the parameters listed below, for example. The explanatory variable O (pulse wave information 31) may include multiple parameters from the parameters listed below. In other words, the function F may be a multivariate function. Note that the parameters listed below are parameters related to heartbeat intervals, but parameters related to pulse intervals may be used instead of (or in addition to) these parameters. Heart Rate Average (RRmean ): Average of a certain interval of heartbeats Standard deviation of heart rate intervals (RR std ): Standard deviation of a certain interval of heartbeat intervals Coefficient of variation (CV) of heartbeat interval: Coefficient of variation of heartbeat interval over a certain period (standard deviation / average) NN50: Number of adjacent heartbeat intervals with a difference of 50 ms or more pNN50: Ratio of NN50 NN40: Number of adjacent heartbeat intervals with a difference of 40 ms or more pNN40: Proportion of NN40. NN30: Number of adjacent heartbeat intervals with a difference of 30 ms or more pNN30: Ratio of NN30 RMSSD: The square root of the mean squared difference between consecutive adjacent heartbeat intervals LF: Low frequency components of the heartbeat interval (0.04 to 0.15 Hz) HF: High frequency components of the heartbeat interval (0.15 to 0.40 Hz) LF / HF: Ratio of LF to HF

[0056] The explanatory variable O (pulse wave information 31) can be used as an index related to the activity of the autonomic nerves of the person being observed (e.g., employee U1). The explanatory variable O (pulse wave information 31) is also called an autonomic nerve index. The explanatory variable O (pulse wave information 31) is objective information that can be measured by a sensor or the like.

[0057] On the other hand, the objective variable S (mental stress value) is an evaluation value based on at least one of the criteria listed below. The objective variable S (mental stress value) is one parameter (i.e., a scalar quantity). In other words, the function F is a single-valued function. ·BDI-II (registered trademark) 21 items - Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) (registered trademark) 20 items -STAI "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" 40 items - Occupational Stress Simple Questionnaire (57 items) POMS2 (registered trademark) 65 items PSS-10 (registered trademark) 10 items PSS-14 (registered trademark) 14 items · Presence or absence of stress

[0058] The objective variable S (mental stress value) is a value that varies depending on the subjective opinion of the person being observed (e.g., employee U1). For example, the subjective answers of the person being observed are obtained for each of the 10 items of the PSS-10, and the objective variable S (mental stress value) is calculated as one parameter from the answer results. In the following explanation, a case will be explained in which an evaluation value (scalar quantity) based on the 10 items of the PSS-10 is used as the objective variable S (mental stress value).

[0059] In order to estimate the function F, a preliminary experiment is conducted. In the preliminary experiment, a number of subjects are randomly selected and prepared. Then, various tasks M are given to each subject. The tasks M function as stressors that stimulate the subject mentally. The subject may be the above-mentioned employee U1, or may not be employee U1.

[0060] Then, for each task M, the sensor acquires pulse wave information 31, and a questionnaire is conducted based on the above criteria. As a result, a plurality of pairs of pulse wave information 31, which is an explanatory variable O, and mental stress value, which is an objective variable S, are obtained. The obtained pair of variables O and scalar S is used to perform learning (machine learning) as a regression problem, so that the function F can be estimated. The learning method is not particularly limited, and learning using a neural network such as a convolutional neural network may be adopted, for example. Alternatively, for example, the objective variable S is divided into three stages as symbols by two predetermined thresholds, and learning (machine learning) using a neural network or decision tree is performed as a classification problem with three classifications using the obtained pair of variables O and symbols S, so that the function F can be estimated. The number of classifications is set according to the number of stages of mental health disorders in the sign detection unit 22.

[0061] Pulse wave information 31 from the sensor is obtained as a variable O' at a predetermined time interval, a predetermined time, or a predetermined timing (for example, the start and end of work), and the output S'=F(O') using a function F is set as a chronic mental stress value related to the chronic mental stress of the person being observed (for example, employee U1). Note that in this specification, the term "chronic mental stress" refers to mental stress that continues for two weeks or more.

[0062] Here, pulse wave information 31 may be obtained by the sensor multiple times at predetermined time intervals (e.g., several days). That is, multiple pieces of pulse wave information 31 obtained at different times may be obtained. Function F may then be estimated based on the multiple pieces of pulse wave information 31. More specifically, multiple pieces of pulse wave information 31 obtained at different times may be used as input values ​​(explanatory variable O) of function F.

[0063] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a calculated mental stress value. More specifically, Fig. 3 shows the results of calculating chronic mental stress values ​​from pulse wave information 31 for each of 38 subjects based on the function F estimated by the above-mentioned method. The horizontal axis indicates the serial number assigned to the subject. The vertical axis indicates the chronic mental stress value (more specifically, the evaluation value based on the 10 items of PSS-10).

[0064] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the tabulation result of the mental stress value. More specifically, FIG. 4 is a table in which 38 subjects are divided into three groups A to C according to the chronic mental stress value. The chronic mental stress value "14" corresponds to the above-mentioned first threshold value. The chronic mental stress value "27" corresponds to the above-mentioned second threshold value. That is, the information processing device 4 provides communication information including preventive information to the subjects (observation subjects) belonging to group B through the first interface unit 41, etc. The information processing device 4 provides communication information including illness information capable of identifying the subjects belonging to group C to the medical worker U2.

[0065] In the above example, the explanatory variable O includes only pulse wave information 31, but the explanatory variable O can be changed as appropriate. For example, the explanatory variable O may include at least one of personal information 32, affiliation information 33, attendance information 34, and subjective information 35 in addition to pulse wave information 31. In this case, calculation unit 21 calculates the mental stress value based on at least one of personal information 32, affiliation information 33, attendance information 34, and subjective information 35, and pulse wave information 31. By using not only pulse wave information 31 but also information 32 to 35, the accuracy of the mental stress value calculation can be further improved.

[0066] Next, a description will be given of an example of a process (information processing method) performed by the information processing system 100. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the information processing method according to the embodiment.

[0067] First, the process of step S101 is performed. In the process of step S101, the acquisition unit 10 acquires pulse wave information 31 of employee U1. More specifically, the pulse wave information 31 of employee U1 is acquired by the sensor 7, and the acquired pulse wave information 31 is transmitted to the information processing device 4 via the first terminal 1 and the network 5. The transmitted pulse wave information 31 is then acquired by the acquisition unit 10. The process of step S101 may be started when employee U1 performs an operation on the first terminal 1 to start work.

[0068] After the process of step S101 is performed, the process of step S102 is performed. In the process of step S102, the calculation unit 21 calculates a mental stress value related to the mental stress of the employee U1 based on the pulse wave information 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 10. As described above, the calculation unit 21 may calculate a chronic mental stress value related to the chronic mental stress of the employee U1 based on a plurality of pieces of pulse wave information 31 acquired at different times. The calculation unit 21 may calculate the mental stress value based on at least one of the personal information 32, the affiliation information 33, the attendance information 34, and the subjective information 35, and the pulse wave information 31.

[0069] After the process of step S102 is performed, the process of step S103 is performed. In the process of step S103, the sign detection unit 22 judges whether or not the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit 21 is equal to or greater than the first threshold. If it is judged that the mental stress value is not equal to or greater than the first threshold (i.e., less than the first threshold) (step S103; NO), the process by the information processing system 100 ends.

[0070] If it is determined that the mental stress value is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S104. In the process of step S104, the sign detection unit 22 determines whether the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0071] If it is determined that the mental stress value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold (i.e., less than the second threshold) (step S104; NO), the process of step S105 is performed. In the process of step S105, the information generating unit 23 generates communication information including the above-mentioned preventive information.

[0072] After the process of step S105 is performed, the process of step S106 is performed. In the process of step S106, the information generation unit 23 provides (outputs) the communication information including the preventive information to the first terminal 1 through the first interface unit 41. In other words, the first interface unit 41 provides (outputs) the communication information including the preventive information to the first terminal 1 in response to the control (command) of the information generation unit 23. After the process of step S106 is performed, the process by the information processing system 100 ends.

[0073] If it is determined that the mental stress value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S104; YES), the process of step S107 is performed. In the process of step S107, the information generating unit 23 generates communication information including the above-mentioned illness information.

[0074] After the process of step S107 is performed, the process of step S108 is performed. In the process of step S108, the information generation unit 23 provides (outputs) the communication information including the illness information to the second terminal 2 through the second interface unit 42. In other words, the second interface unit 42 provides (outputs) the communication information including the illness information to the second terminal 2 in response to the control (command) of the information generation unit 23. After the process of step S107 is performed, the process by the information processing system 100 ends.

[0075] The embodiment in Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a processing method using a two-stage threshold, but the threshold can also be set in N stages. Communication information can be generated according to the judgment content of the threshold and provided to the first terminal 1.

[0076] 5, a mental stress value was calculated based on pulse wave information 31 in step S101 and a threshold judgment was performed, but it is possible to use vital information obtained from other devices, not limited to pulse wave information 31, and generate content suited to the vital information in information generation unit 23 and provide the information to first terminal 1. For example, a threshold judgment is performed based on a vital value obtained from a blood pressure monitor, and recommendation information is generated based on the threshold judgment result and provided to first terminal 1.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the sensor 7 is provided in the mouse of the first terminal 1, but the configuration of the sensor 7 is not limited to this. The sensor 7 may be provided in a wearable device or earphones worn by the employee U1, or in a camera of a PC or smartphone. The sensor 7 does not have to be a device that operates the first terminal 1. As long as the pulse wave information 31 of the employee U1 can be acquired, the specific configuration and installation location of the sensor 7 can be changed as appropriate. For example, when the sensor 7 is provided in an inner earphone, the sensor 7, which is a pulse wave sensor, may be disposed at a location that contacts the ear canal of the ear. When the sensor 7 is provided in another earphone, the sensor 7, which is a pulse wave sensor, may be disposed at a location that contacts any of the following: the base of the earlobe on the jaw side, behind the ear, or the helix of the auricle. When the sensor 7 is provided in a wristband, the sensor 7, which is a pulse wave sensor, may be disposed at a location that contacts the wrist. When the sensor 7 is provided in a chest band, the sensor 7, which is an electrocardiogram sensor, may be disposed on a belt that is wrapped around the chest, and the heartbeat interval may be collected. Heartbeat intervals may be collected by attaching sensor 7, which is a stick-on electrocardiogram sensor, to the chest. If sensor 7 is attached to a camera (such as a web camera), pulse waves may be measured by pressing a fingertip against the camera or by capturing an image of the face, etc.

[0078] In the above embodiments, the user (observation subject) U1 is an employee, the user U2 is a medical worker, and the user U3 is a manager, but the users U1 to U3 are not limited to these. For example, the user U3 may be a person who does not belong to the company to which the employee U1 belongs (e.g., an employee of an insurance company, etc.). The user (observation subject) U1 may also be an individual who does not belong to a company (e.g., an elderly person living alone, etc.).

[0079] In the above-described embodiments, the communication information is generated when the mental stress value exceeds the first threshold or the second threshold, but the communication information may be generated in other cases. Some examples of the communication information to be generated are given below.

[0080] For example, while the sensor 7 is acquiring the pulse wave information 31, communication information for employee U1 may be generated and output to the first terminal 1. This communication information may include, for example, information about actions (e.g., breathing techniques and sleeping techniques) that are effective in reducing mental stress. In this case, the time taken for the sensor 7 to acquire the pulse wave information 31 can be used to encourage employee U1 to improve his or her mental health.

[0081] Furthermore, communication information including information (for example, a graph) showing the transition of the mental stress value of the employee U1 may be generated and output to the first terminal 1.

[0082] Furthermore, by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) or the like into the information processing system 100 (processing unit 20), communication information for employee U1 may be generated even when pulse wave information 31 is not being acquired. In other words, the information processing system 100 may be configured to be able to communicate with employee U1 at times other than when pulse wave information 31 is being acquired. In this case, the above-mentioned information 32 to 36 may be automatically acquired from communication between employee U1 and the information processing device 4. Furthermore, the information generating unit 23 may generate communication information according to the preferences of employee U1.

[0083] In each of the above embodiments, the information processing system 100 aims to detect and prevent mental health problems of employee U1 early, but the aim of the information processing system 100 is not limited to this. For example, the information processing system 100 (processing unit 20) may grasp the chronic disease risk of employee U1 based on PHR information or the like. Then, when the risk is grasped, communication information may be generated for employee U1 and medical staff U2.

[0084] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by having a calculation unit 21 that calculates a mental stress value based on pulse wave information 31, and a first interface unit 41 that provides communication information including preventive information to the first terminal 1 when the mental stress value is equal to or greater than a first threshold, it is possible to facilitate early detection and early prevention of mental health problems in the subject U1 of observation.

[0085] (Modification) The information processing system 100 according to each of the above embodiments is configured on the cloud, and the information processing system 100 can be used as a healthcare support service by a virtual public health nurse, in the form of a service provider dispatching a personalized virtual public health nurse (information processing system 100) to each of the employees (students) U1a, U1b, and U1c to a contracted company (including organizations such as schools) and the contracted company's employees U1 (in the case of a school, students are also included).

[0086] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system 101 (referred to as a virtual public health nurse service) configured on the cloud. In this modification, communication with employee U1 is realized by an avatar (virtual public health nurse). In other words, image information or video information of an avatar imitating a public health nurse is included in the communication information. The character (appearance, clothing, personality, etc.) of the public health nurse can be changed by user settings. Explanation of the same configuration as that of the information processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted. In this modification, the storage unit 30 further includes character attribute information 37 and contract management information 38, and when communication information is provided to employee U1 from the information generation unit 23 of the processing unit 20 via the first interface unit 41, information is provided to each employee U1 by changing the speaking style and tone of voice based on the character attribute information 37.

[0087] The character attribute information 37 is attribute information of the virtual public health nurse who realizes communication with the employee U1. For example, setting information such as the appearance, sex, personality, tone of voice, and speaking style of the virtual public health nurse can be included. By the employee U1 selecting and setting various attribute information, a personalized virtual public health nurse can be set for each employee U1, and the speaking style and tone of voice can be changed according to the setting. Specifically, the information generating unit 23 can change the recommendation contents and speaking style according to the health condition of the employee U1 detected by the processing unit 20 from the data acquired by the acquisition unit 10, and it is possible to realize communication according to the setting, such as a strict tone of voice when normal but a gentle tone when the employee is unwell.

[0088] The contract management information 38 is contract information related to the use of the virtual public health nurse service, such as information on the contracting company, its employees, contract period, billing information, and information on the virtual public health nurses dispatched in association with the employees.

[0089] The virtual public health nurse service is a service in which a personalized virtual public health nurse is dispatched to a contracting company and its employee U1 based on contract management information. During the contract period, the contracting company is provided with statistical information based on multiple pulse wave information 31 acquired from multiple employees U1, generated by information generation unit 23, and the employee is provided with communication information generated by information generation unit 23 according to the health status assessment result. Even if employee U1 of the contracting company leaves the contracting company due to resignation or the like, the personalized virtual public health nurse service can be used by making a separate individual contract. In that case, the dispatched virtual public health nurse can be continuously dispatched based on contract management information, and the same service can be continuously used by using various information (pulse wave information 31, personal information 32, subjective information 35, external information 36) managed as an employee of the contracting company.

[0090] As described above, a personalized virtual public health nurse can be used by each employee U1 regardless of their position, making it easier to detect and prevent mental health problems, chronic diseases, and the like early on.

[0091] All or part of the functions of the processing unit 20 may be realized using hardware such as ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), and storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via an electric communication line.

[0092] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100, 101...information processing system, 1...first terminal, 2...second terminal, 3...third terminal, 4...information processing device, 6...mouse (device), 7...sensor, 10...acquisition unit, 21...calculation unit, 31...pulse wave information, 32...personal information, 33...affiliation information, 34...attendance information, 35...subjective information, 37...character attribute information, 38...contract management information, 41...first interface unit, 42...second interface unit, 43...third interface unit

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires pulse wave information relating to the pulse wave of the subject; a calculation unit that calculates a mental stress value related to the mental stress of the subject of observation based on the pulse wave information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a first interface unit that provides communication information including information encouraging an action to reduce the mental stress of the observed subject to a first terminal used by the observed subject in accordance with a judgment result based on a predetermined threshold value and the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit. Information processing device.

2. The first interface unit provides, to the first terminal, communication information including information encouraging the observed subject to take an action to reduce the mental stress of the observed subject when the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the calculation unit calculates a chronic mental stress value related to chronic mental stress of the observed subject based on a plurality of pieces of pulse wave information acquired at different timings.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The calculation unit is Personal information of the observed subject; Affiliation information of the observed subject in the company to which the observed subject belongs; Attendance information of the observed person at the enterprise; and Subjective information input by the observed subject; and calculating the mental stress value based on the pulse wave information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2; The first terminal; A sensor for acquiring the pulse wave information, The sensor is provided in a device for operating the first terminal. Information processing system.

6. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2; The first terminal; A sensor for acquiring the pulse wave information, The sensor acquires the pulse wave information when the observed person performs an operation to start a task on the first terminal. Information processing system.

7. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2; a second terminal used by a user different from the observed target, The information processing device further includes a second interface unit, When the mental stress value calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a second threshold, the second interface unit provides, to the second terminal, information capable of identifying the observed subject whose mental stress value is equal to or greater than the second threshold. Information processing system.

8. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2; a third terminal used by a user different from the observed target, The information processing device further includes a third interface unit, The third interface unit provides statistical information based on the plurality of pieces of pulse wave information acquired from the plurality of observed subjects to the third terminal without identifying each of the observed subjects. Information processing system.

9. The computer Acquire pulse wave information relating to the pulse wave of the subject of observation; calculating a mental stress value related to the mental stress of the observed person based on the acquired pulse wave information; providing communication information, including information encouraging an action to reduce the mental stress of the observed subject, to a first terminal used by the observed subject according to a determination result based on a predetermined threshold value and the calculated mental stress value; Information processing methods.

10. On the computer, Acquire pulse wave information relating to the pulse wave of the subject of observation; Calculating a mental stress value related to the mental stress of the observed person based on the acquired pulse wave information; providing communication information, including information encouraging the observed person to take an action to reduce the observed person's mental stress, to a first terminal used by the observed person according to a determination result based on a predetermined threshold value and the calculated mental stress value; program.

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