Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide information useful for a user by applying information on a blood flow of the user.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a blood flow detection unit for detecting a blood flow of a part to be examined of a user by reception and emission of a laser beam; and a body state estimation unit for estimating a body state of the user on the basis of the information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the part to be examined and when the pressure application is released. The part to be examined is the user's head and neck, and the information processing device is a sound output device mounted on the user's head and neck.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technology for detecting blood flow in a user has become widespread. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that makes it possible to measure blood flow in a compressed part of the body of a user who is lying down in bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-272085 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the application of information about the user's blood flow has not been sufficiently explored.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a technique that makes it possible to provide useful information to a user by applying information about the user's blood flow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a blood flow detection unit that detects blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light, and a physical condition estimation unit that estimates a physical condition of the user based on blood flow information, which is information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the test area and when the application of the pressure is released; The test part is a head and neck part of the user, and the test part is an audio output device worn on the head and neck part of the user.

[0007] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method that includes detecting blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light, and estimating a physical condition of the user based on blood flow information that is information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the test area and the application of the pressure is released, the test area being the head and neck of the user, and is executed by a computer that functions as an audio output device worn on the head and neck of the user.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device, comprising: a blood flow detection unit that detects blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light; and a physical condition estimation unit that estimates the physical condition of the user based on blood flow information, which is information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the test area and the application of said pressure is released, the test area being the head and neck of the user, and an audio output device that is worn on the head and neck of the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an estimation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of how the estimation device 10 is attached according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 is a diagram showing a surface of the estimation device 10 attached to a user U. FIG. [Figure 3B] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a blood flow detection unit 111. FIG. [Figure 3C] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a blood flow detection unit 111. FIG. [Figure 3D] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a blood flow detection unit 111. FIG. [Figure 3E] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a blood flow detection unit 111. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram for explaining detection locations of blood flow in a test area of ​​a user U by a blood flow detection unit 111. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram for explaining the application of pressure by a user U. FIG. [Figure 6]13 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the amount of laser light received by the blood flow detection unit 111 is detected as a value representing a pressure fluctuation. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in blood flow over time when sufficient pressure is applied to the test part by a user U. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a blood flow wave having a projected wave and a reflected wave. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the change over time in blood flow when sufficient pressure is not applied to the test part by a user U. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of operations of the estimation device 10 when blood flow information is constantly acquired. [Figure 11] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operational flow of measuring a rapid reaction and estimating a physical state of a user U by the estimation device 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an information processing device 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] The explanation will be given in the following order. 1. Configuration of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure 2. Example of operation processing according to this embodiment 3. Hardware Configuration 4. Supplementary Information

[0012] <1. Configuration of Estimation Device According to One Embodiment of the Present Disclosure> The present disclosure relates to an estimation device, which is an example of an information processing device, that estimates a physical state of a user based on detected information on blood flow of the user.

[0013] First, before describing the estimation device according to this embodiment in detail, a description will be given of fluctuations in blood flow.

[0014] It is known that the blood pressure pulse wave, which indicates the time change of blood pressure, is expressed by the superposition of a projected wave, which is a pulse wave generated in the heart and propagated forward to the test part, and a reflected wave, which is a projected wave reflected at the periphery and propagated in the opposite direction to the projected wave. It is also known that such time change of blood pressure shows different characteristics depending on age. For example, in the blood pressure pulse wave, the reflected wave based on the projected wave appears later without being superimposed on the projected wave as the age decreases. This is because the younger the age, the softer the blood vessels are, so the slower the propagation of the reflected wave is. Also, the younger the age, the softer the blood vessels are, so the reflected wave is more difficult to propagate, so the reflected wave is attenuated, and the amplitude value of the reflected wave becomes smaller.

[0015] In this way, the blood pressure pulse wave shows different characteristics depending on the flexibility of the blood vessel. Here, the blood flow wave, which indicates the time change of the blood flow rate, indicates the flow of blood flowing due to the heartbeat. That is, since the blood flow wave also indicates a pulse wave like the blood pressure pulse wave, the waveform of the blood flow wave is almost the same as that of the blood flow wave. The estimation device according to the present disclosure makes it possible to estimate the state of the blood vessel based on obtaining such blood flow information. The information of the blood flow may include, for example, at least one of the blood flow rate, blood flow velocity, blood density, the amplitude value of the blood flow fluctuation, and the waveform of the blood flow fluctuation. The estimation device according to the present disclosure makes it possible to estimate the flexibility of the blood vessel, that is, the degree of arteriosclerosis, as the state of the blood vessel based on the information of the blood flow. The state of the blood vessel is an example of the physical state of the user in this embodiment.

[0016] In addition, blood vessels may contract or expand depending on the state of the autonomic nerves. Specifically, when the parasympathetic nerves are dominant, blood vessels expand. When blood vessels expand, the amount of blood flow decreases compared to when blood vessels contract.

[0017] In addition, when blood vessels are dilated, the blood vessels are softer than when they are contracted, so the reflected wave appears later than the projected wave, and the amplitude value of the reflected wave is smaller. The estimation device according to the present disclosure is capable of estimating the state of the autonomic nerves based on obtaining information representing such blood flow characteristics. The state of the autonomic nerves is an example of the physical state of the user in this embodiment.

[0018] Here, in order to improve the accuracy of estimating the user's physical condition, it is possible to apply pressure to the test part. For example, it is known that by applying pressure to the upper arm of the left hand, which is the test part, with a cuff to inhibit blood flow and then releasing the pressure, blood in the second finger of the left hand, which is the extremity of the test part, moves rapidly.

[0019] When the pressure applied by the cuff is released, i.e., when the application of pressure is removed, the amplitude of the blood flow waves (projected waves and reflected waves) becomes larger than when no pressure is applied, and the above-mentioned time change in blood flow rate is prominently shown. Therefore, the estimation device according to the present disclosure uses information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the test area and when the application of the pressure is removed, making it easier to estimate the user's physical condition. Hereinafter, the prominent time change in blood flow rate that appears in response to the removal of the application of pressure is also referred to as the "immediate response."

[0020] Next, a configuration of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an estimation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The estimation device 10 is a device that is attached to a subject of a user. In this embodiment, an example in which the subject of the user U is the ear and the estimation device 10 is an earphone will be mainly described. However, the subject of the user U is not limited to the ear, and may be, for example, any part of the head and neck of the user U. The head and neck are the area above the neck, and include the ear and the area around the ear (temple, base of the ear, etc.), the chin, the neck, etc. The head and neck, especially the area around the ear including the ear, has a rich blood flow and is therefore suitable as a subject.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the estimation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is worn. As shown in Fig. 2, the estimation device 10 according to this embodiment is an earphone worn on the ear of a user U. A blood pressure monitor that measures blood pressure by wrapping a cuff around the arm of the user U is known as a device for acquiring the blood pressure pulse wave of the user U, but this requires restraint in order to acquire the blood pressure pulse wave. By configuring the estimation device 10 according to this embodiment as an earphone, the blood flow of the user U can be detected for a long period of time without restraining the user U.

[0023] In addition, the known earphones are configured to include various sensors. Also, next-generation earphones equipped with various sensors are being considered. For example, it is assumed that the earphones are configured to include a touch sensor, a microphone, a proximity sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. Since a part of the configuration of the estimation device 10 according to this embodiment (for example, a pressure detection unit 112 described later, etc.) can be realized using sensors included in the known earphones or next-generation earphones, it is possible to more easily realize the estimation device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0024] In addition, as the estimation device 10 in the present embodiment, other audio output devices that are attached to the head and neck of the user, such as hearing aids, headphones, or earphones such as an HMD (Head Mounted Display), may be applied. That is, other audio output devices equipped with various sensors may be applied as the estimation device 10. The HMD may be a transparent type or a non-transparent type. For example, when the HMD is a transparent type, the HMD may provide an augmented reality (AR) space or a mixed reality (MR) space to the user. Also, when the HMD is a non-transparent type, the HMD may provide a virtual reality (VR) space to the user. Also, the form of the HMD is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a goggle type or a glass type. Specifically, the HMD may be an MR glass that provides an MR space to the user.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the estimation device 10 includes a detection unit 110, a communication unit 120, a control unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0026] (Detection unit 110) The detection unit 110 is configured with various sensors that detect the test area of ​​the user U. As shown in FIG.

[0027] (Blood flow detection unit 111) The blood flow detection unit 111 has an emitter and a receiver of laser light for the user U, and detects the blood flow in the test area by emitting and receiving laser light. The emitter irradiates the test area with laser light. The receiver receives the scattered light of the laser light irradiated from the emitter that is scattered by the test area.

[0028] The blood flow detection unit 111 acquires information on blood flow based on a digital signal obtained by A / D converting an analog signal indicating the intensity of light received by the light receiving unit. The information on blood flow may include, for example, blood flow rate, blood flow velocity, and blood density. In this embodiment, an example in which the information on blood flow is blood flow rate will be mainly described.

[0029] The blood flow detection unit 111 according to this embodiment functions as a laser Doppler blood flow meter that obtains information on blood flow based on a detected Doppler signal that has been Doppler shifted by irradiating a test part with laser light. More specifically, the laser light irradiated to the test part is Doppler shifted by the blood flow in the test part. The blood flow detection unit 111 obtains the blood flow amount by converting the Doppler signal generated by the Doppler shift into the frequency domain and weighting it. This makes it possible to output the blood flow amount of high frequency components that appear in the blood flow wave in the rapid reaction.

[0030] As a comparative example of the blood flow detection unit 111 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain a blood pressure pulse wave by detecting blood pressure using photoplethysmography (PPG). However, with PPG, signal noise is removed by a filter. As a result, high-frequency components appearing in the blood pressure pulse wave during a rapid response are eliminated by the filter, and a significant change in blood flow rate over time does not appear in the measurement result. With the blood flow detection unit 111 according to the present embodiment, the blood flow rate of the high-frequency components appearing in the blood flow wave can be retained, so that the physical condition of the user U can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0031] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a surface of the estimation device 10 worn by the user U. The surface of the estimation device 10 worn by the user U is a surface that comes into contact with the user U when the user U wears the estimation device 10 as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a detection point of blood flow in a test part of the user U by the blood flow detection unit 111. FIG. 4 shows positions P1 to P5 that can be blood flow detection points. As shown in FIG. 3A, the blood flow detection unit 111 is provided in a housing of the estimation device 10 realized as a canal type earphone, at a position that contacts the test part of the user U when the user U wears the estimation device 10. In this way, by disposing the blood flow detection unit 111, information on the blood flow in the concha shown at position P4 in FIG. 4 is acquired. The blood flow detection unit 111 may be provided according to the position of the detection point. In addition, the blood flow detection unit 111 may be provided so that the blood flow in the back of the ear, the top of the head, or the temporal part is detected depending on the shape of the estimation device 10. 3B to 3E are diagrams showing examples of the placement of the blood flow detection unit 111. For example, the blood flow detection unit 111 may be provided at positions C1 to C3 inside the housing of the canal-type earphone shown in Fig. 3B. The blood flow detection unit 111 may also be provided at a position that contacts the ear hole shown at position P1, the tragus shown at position P2, the earlobe shown at position P3, or the outside of the ear shown at position P5 in Fig. 4, and may acquire information on the blood flow in these areas.

[0032] However, the position of the blood flow detection unit 111 is not limited to this. As shown in positions C4 to C6 in FIG. 3B, by installing the blood flow detection unit 111 in the sound guide of the estimation device 10 realized as a canal-type earphone, information on blood flow in the ear canal, tragus, or external ear canal is acquired. In this case, it is preferable that the estimation device 10 does not have earpieces, or that the blood flow detection unit 111 is placed in a position where the earpieces do not block the distance to the subject (for example, positions C4 and C5). Alternatively, when the blood flow detection unit 111 is placed in a position where the earpieces block the distance to the subject (for example, position C6), it is preferable to use earpieces that transmit laser light.

[0033] When the estimation device 10 is realized as an ear-hook type earphone as shown in Fig. 3C, the blood flow detection unit 111 is installed at any position of the housing of the estimation device 10 (for example, position C11 facing the front side of the ear in the main body part 32 that houses the driver unit, and positions C12 to C14 facing the back side of the ear in the ear hook part 34), thereby obtaining information on blood flow in any part of the concha, auricle, back of the ear, base of the ear, head, etc. The ear-hook type earphone may be an earphone that is hooked from above the ear as shown in Fig. 3C, or as another example, an earphone that is hooked from below the ear.

[0034] Furthermore, when the estimation device 10 is realized as headphones as shown in FIG. 3D, the blood flow detection unit 111 may be placed at a position overlapping the driver unit (for example, the center position C15 within the range surrounded by the ear pads E). When the blood flow detection unit 111 is placed at a position overlapping the driver unit, information on blood flow in the concha or external ear canal is obtained. When the blood flow detection unit 111 is placed at another position, for example, position C16 biased downward within the range surrounded by the ear pads E, information on blood flow at the base of the ear or chin is obtained. Detection at the base of the ear and chin has the advantage of being less affected by hair and beard.

[0035] 3E, the blood flow detection unit 111 may be installed inside the ear pad E of the headphones. For example, when the blood flow detection unit 111 is installed so as to irradiate the head side with laser light as in positions C17, C18, and C19, information on blood flow in the head or the concha is obtained. When the blood flow detection unit 111 is installed so as to irradiate the back of the ear with laser light as in position C20, information on blood flow outside the ear is obtained. An opening or a portion through which the laser light passes may be formed in the ear pad E at a position between the blood flow detection unit 111 and the test area.

[0036] Furthermore, by installing the blood flow detection unit 111 on the headband of headphones, it is also possible to obtain information on blood flow at the top of the head, etc. Also, when the estimation device 10 is realized as a neckband speaker or earphones having a part that contacts around the neck, it is possible to obtain information on blood flow in the neck by installing the blood flow detection unit 111 on the part that contacts around the neck.

[0037] The blood flow detection unit 111 can detect blood flow even when not worn by the user U. For example, the user U presses the estimation device 10 against a part other than the ear, such as the forehead, cheek, or neck, so that the blood flow detection unit 111 comes into contact with the part, and the blood flow detection unit 111 can detect blood flow in the other part as a test part. However, as will be described in detail later, when the blood flow detection unit 111 uses blood flow values ​​acquired at multiple different times to estimate the physical condition of the user U, it is desirable to use blood flows detected by the same test part in order to match the detection environment.

[0038] The blood flow detection unit 111 may start detecting the blood flow based on an instruction to start detection of a quick reaction from the user U. The instruction to start detection of a quick reaction may be received by a user terminal used by the user U, or may be received by touching a touch sensor included in the detection unit 110.

[0039] The blood flow detection unit 111 may end the detection of the blood flow when the pressure determination unit 132 described below determines that the application of pressure has been released. Alternatively, the blood flow detection unit 111 may end the detection of the blood flow when the physical condition estimation unit 133 described below determines that the measurement of the immediate reaction has been completed.

[0040] The blood flow detection unit 111 may start detecting the blood flow when the power supply of the estimation device 10 is turned on, and may end the detection of the blood flow when the power supply is turned off. The blood flow detection unit 111 may start detecting the blood flow when a proximity sensor or an air pressure sensor included in the detection unit 110 detects that the estimation device 10 is worn by the user U, and may end the detection of the blood flow when it detects that the estimation device 10 is removed. That is, the blood flow detection unit 111 may constantly detect the blood flow when the power supply of the estimation device 10 is turned on or when the estimation device 10 is worn by the user U. In particular, when the estimation device 10 is an earphone, it is possible to constantly detect the blood flow without causing the user U any trouble.

[0041] According to the blood flow detection unit 111 described above, it is possible to detect blood flow non-invasively. Therefore, compared to a method of detecting blood flow by directly sensing pressure inside a blood vessel, the blood flow detection unit 111 can detect blood flow safely without injuring the body. Also, it is possible to detect blood flow without performing medical procedures.

[0042] (Pressure detection unit 112) The pressure detection unit 112 detects the pressure applied to the measurement target portion. The pressure detection unit 112 may be a pressure sensor, in which case the pressure detection unit 112 may acquire a pressure value. The pressure detection unit 112 may also be another sensor that can acquire a value representing pressure or a value representing a fluctuation in pressure.

[0043] For example, the pressure detection unit 112 may be a touch sensor. In this case, the pressure detection unit 112 may acquire the contact area of ​​the finger of the user U who applies the pressure as a value representing the pressure. This is because the greater the amount of pressure applied to the touch sensor, the greater the contact area.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows an example in which the pressure detection unit 112 is a touch sensor. As shown in Fig. 2, when the pressure detection unit 112 is a touch sensor, the pressure detection unit 112 is provided on a surface of the estimation device 10 opposite to the mounting surface.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the application of pressure to the test area by the user U. It is desirable that the pressure is applied in a direction perpendicular to the skin of the test area of ​​the user U. For example, it is desirable that pressure is applied to the pressure detection unit 112 by the finger of the user U in the direction of the arrow D1 shown in FIG. 5. This makes it possible to obstruct blood flow at the detection point detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 when sufficient pressure is applied to the pressure detection unit 112. After the blood flow at the detection point detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 is obstructed, the application of pressure is released, whereby a rapid response is measured.

[0046] On the other hand, when pressure is applied in the direction of arrow D2, for example, even if the user U touches the pressure detection unit 112, which is a touch sensor, and applies pressure, it is assumed that the pressure applied is not enough to obstruct the blood flow at the location detected by the blood flow detection unit 111. Therefore, the user U needs to apply pressure in an appropriate direction.

[0047] The position to which pressure is applied may be a position where the blood flow detection unit 111 and the test part of the user U contact each other or the vicinity thereof as long as the pressure can obstruct the blood flow at the detection point by the blood flow detection unit 111. Furthermore, the position to which pressure is applied may be upstream of the blood vessel flowing through the detection point by the blood flow detection unit 111.

[0048] Furthermore, the pressure detection unit 112 may be a sensor that detects a value representing the movement of the pressure detection unit 112 as a value representing pressure. For example, the pressure detection unit 112 may be an acceleration sensor. When an appropriate pressure is applied to the pressure detection unit 112, the pressure detection unit 112 moves in the direction of the arrow D1 shown in FIG. 5. The acceleration may increase as the amount of pressure applied to the pressure detection unit 112 increases. Therefore, the pressure detection unit 112 may acquire the acceleration as a value representing the fluctuation in pressure. Furthermore, the pressure detection unit 112 may acquire the movement distance as a value representing the fluctuation in pressure based on estimating the movement distance from the acceleration.

[0049] The pressure detection unit 112 may be a microphone. The pressure detection unit 112 may be a microphone for realizing a noise canceling function. For example, the pressure detection unit 112 may be a feedforward microphone for detecting external noise, and in this case, the pressure detection unit 112 may obtain the volume as a value representing the pressure.

[0050] As another example, the pressure detection unit 112 may be a feedback microphone for detecting sounds inside the ear. In this case, a sweep sound may be output from a sound output unit (not shown) to the inside of the ear. The frequency of the sweep sound changes as the air pressure inside the ear changes based on the application of pressure. Therefore, the pressure detection unit 112 may obtain the frequency of the sweep sound as a value representing the pressure.

[0051] Furthermore, the pressure detection unit 112 may be an air pressure sensor that measures the air pressure inside the ear. In this case, the pressure detection unit 112 may obtain the air pressure as a value representing the pressure.

[0052] Furthermore, the pressure detection unit 112 may function as the blood flow detection unit 111. The pressure detection unit 112 may detect the amount of laser light received by the blood flow detection unit 111, which varies as the pressure detection unit 112 (i.e., the blood flow detection unit 111) moves, as a value representing the variation in pressure. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of detecting the amount of laser light received by the blood flow detection unit 111 as a value representing the variation in pressure. The left side shows a schematic diagram of the reception and emission of laser light L by the blood flow detection unit 111 when no pressure is applied. The right side shows a schematic diagram of the reception and emission of laser light L by the blood flow detection unit 111 when pressure is applied. As shown in FIG. 6, the blood flow detection unit 111 has a light emitting unit 1111 and a light receiving unit 1112.

[0053] By applying pressure to the blood flow detection unit 111, the light receiving unit 1112 of the blood flow detection unit 111 approaches the test area of ​​the user U. As a result, when pressure is applied to the blood flow detection unit 111, the amount of light of the laser L emitted from the light emitting unit 1111 and received by the light receiving unit 1112 is received by the light receiving unit without any leakage, and therefore is greater than when pressure is not applied.

[0054] Therefore, when the blood flow detector 111 functions as the pressure detector 112, the blood flow detector 111 may obtain the amount of light as a value representing the fluctuation in pressure.

[0055] Furthermore, the pressure detection unit 112 may estimate the movement distance of the blood flow detection unit 111 (i.e., the pressure detection unit 112) from the amount of change in the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 1112. Then, the pressure detection unit 112 may obtain the movement distance as a value representing the change in pressure.

[0056] (Communication unit 120) The communication unit 120 is configured by a communication interface, and exchanges various information with a user terminal such as a smartphone used by the user U. The type of the user terminal is not particularly limited, and may be a PC, a tablet terminal, a smart watch, or the like.

[0057] The communication unit 120 may receive, for example, an instruction to start detecting an immediate response from a user terminal. The instruction to start detecting an immediate response may be transmitted from the user terminal to the estimation device 10 based on an operation of an application by the user U. The communication unit 120 may also transmit a notification of an estimation result of the physical condition of the user U, etc., to the user terminal.

[0058] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and the like, and its functions can be realized by the CPU expanding a program stored in the storage unit 140 into a random access memory (RAM) and executing it. At this time, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded can also be provided. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be configured with a combination of multiple pieces of hardware. Such a control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the estimation device 10. In addition, the control unit 130 has functions as a blood flow information processing unit 131, a pressure determination unit 132, a physical condition estimation unit 133, and a notification control unit 134 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0059] (Blood flow information processing unit 131) The blood flow information processing unit 131 acquires blood flow information, which is information on the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit 111. The blood flow information processing unit 131 acquires blood flow information by processing the blood flow amount of the user acquired by the blood flow detection unit 111. The blood flow information processing unit 131 may acquire a time change in the blood flow amount from the continuously detected blood flow amount. More specifically, the blood flow information processing unit 131 may acquire a waveform of the time change in the blood flow amount. Furthermore, the blood flow information processing unit 131 may acquire the amplitude of a wave representing the time change in the blood flow amount. The amplitude may be the amplitude of a projected wave or a reflected wave.

[0060] The blood flow information acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131 may be stored in the storage unit 140 described below together with the date and time of detection by the blood flow detection unit 111. The blood flow information acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131 may be stored in an external server or the like via the communication unit 120. The blood flow information acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131 may be stored in association with a value representing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 at the date and time of detection by the blood flow detection unit 111 or a value representing a pressure fluctuation.

[0061] (Pressure determination unit 132) The pressure determination unit 132 has a function as a determination unit that determines whether the pressure on the test portion satisfies a criterion based on the value detected by the pressure detection unit 112. For example, the pressure determination unit 132 may perform a determination based on a threshold value, by comparing a value representing the pressure or a value representing a fluctuation in pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112. In the following description, an example in which a determination is performed based on a value representing pressure will be mainly described, but a similar determination may be performed for other values.

[0062] For example, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine whether or not the user U has started applying pressure to the test area. When the value representing the pressure changes from a value equal to or less than the threshold value to a value equal to or more than the threshold value, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine that the user U has started applying pressure to the test area.

[0063] Furthermore, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine whether or not the pressure applied to the test portion by the user U has been released. When the value representing the pressure changes from a value equal to or greater than the threshold value to a value equal to or less than the threshold value, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine that the pressure applied to the test portion by the user U has been released.

[0064] The pressure determination unit 132 may also determine whether or not the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is sufficient for measuring a rapid response.

[0065] Here, the change in blood flow over time when the pressure applied to the test part by the user U is sufficient for measuring the immediate reaction will be compared with the change in blood flow over time when the pressure is not sufficient, using Figures 7 to 9. In the explanation of Figures 7 to 9, an example is shown in which the pressure detection unit 112 detects the pressure value, but as explained above, other values ​​may be used to represent the pressure.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in blood flow rate over time when sufficient pressure is applied to the test part by the user U. Fig. 7 shows an example of a change in pressure on the test part detected by the pressure detection unit 112 and a change in blood flow rate in the test part detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 over time from before pressure is applied to the test part to after pressure is released when sufficient pressure is applied to the test part by the user U.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the blood flow wave is not visible from the start of pressure application to the release of pressure, i.e., during pressure application, due to the user U applying pressure to the test area. This indicates that blood flow in the test area is obstructed by pressure application. When pressure is released, blood moves rapidly, so the amplitude of the blood flow wave R when pressure is released becomes larger than that of the blood flow wave before pressure application. In this way, when the test area is pressurized to the extent that blood flow in the test area is obstructed, the change in blood flow rate over time becomes noticeable.

[0068] Therefore, when a value representing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine that the pressure is sufficient for measuring the immediate reaction. As the threshold, a value corresponding to the pressure at which blood flow is expected to be obstructed may be used. For example, the threshold may be a value greater than a value corresponding to the blood pressure of the user U.

[0069] In addition, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine that the pressure applied to the test area is sufficient to measure the immediate response if blood flow stops within a predetermined time after pressure application begins (for example, if the amount of change in blood flow within a predetermined time is below a threshold or if the blood flow rate is below a threshold).

[0070] The pressure determination unit 132 may determine whether the pressure applied to the test area is sufficient to measure the immediate reaction based on both whether the value representing the pressure has reached a threshold value or more and whether the blood flow has stopped. This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the applied pressure is sufficient to measure the immediate reaction.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the blood flow wave R when the pressure is released, and in detail, the blood flow wave R has a projected wave and a reflected wave. FIG. 8 shows an example of a blood flow wave having a projected wave and a reflected wave. FIG. 8 shows four blood flow waves, each having a projected wave WP and a reflected wave WR. The physical condition of the user U is estimated by the physical condition estimation unit 133 described later based on at least one of the blood flow rate, waveform, and amplitude of such blood flow waves.

[0072] 7 further shows the change over time in the amount of light received by the light receiving section of the blood flow detection section 111. It can be seen that as the pressure on the test area detected by the pressure detection section 112 increases, the amount of light received by the light receiving section of the blood flow detection section 111 increases, and as the pressure on the test area detected by the pressure detection section 112 decreases, the amount of light received by the light receiving section of the blood flow detection section 111 decreases. This shows that the amount of light received by the blood flow detection section 111 can be used as a value representing pressure.

[0073] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in blood flow rate over time when sufficient pressure is not applied to the test part by the user U. Fig. 9 shows the pressure on the test part detected by the pressure detection unit 112 and the change in blood flow rate detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 over time from before pressure is applied to the test part to after pressure is released when sufficient pressure is not applied to the test part by the user U.

[0074] According to FIG. 9, although the test area is pressurized by the user U, the blood flow wave is still visible even during the pressurization. This indicates that the blood flow in the test area is not obstructed. Therefore, even when the pressurization is released, the amplitude of the blood flow wave when the pressurization is released does not become larger than the amplitude of the blood flow wave before the pressurization. In this way, if the test area is not pressurized sufficiently to obstruct the blood flow in the test area, the change in the blood flow rate over time is not noticeable.

[0075] For example, if the user U applies a weak pressing force, if the user U applies pressure in a direction other than the appropriate pressure application direction, such as the direction of arrow D2 in Figure 5, as indicated by arrow D1, or if the blood flow detection unit 111 is floating above the test area, a blood flow wave such as that shown in Figure 9 will be acquired.

[0076] 9 further shows the change over time in the amount of light received by the blood flow detection unit 111. As can be understood by comparing with FIG. 7, when the pressure on the test area detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is insufficient, the amount of light received by the blood flow detection unit 111 does not increase sufficiently. This shows that it is possible to judge the pressure based on the amount of light received by the blood flow detection unit 111.

[0077] However, when pressure is judged using the amount of light received by the blood flow detection unit 111, the amount of light received may increase due to factors other than pressurization depending on the measurement conditions. Therefore, in order to judge pressure more accurately, it is more preferable that the pressure detection unit 112 is configured as a pressure sensor and pressure is judged using the pressure value detected by the pressure detection unit 112.

[0078] Furthermore, when the pressure detection unit 112 is configured with a feedback microphone or an air pressure sensor, if the estimation device 10 is not attached correctly, the air pressure may fluctuate even if the blood flow detection unit 111 is not in close contact with the test area. Therefore, when the pressure detection unit 112 is configured with a feedback microphone or an air pressure sensor, whether or not the blood flow detection unit 111 is in close contact with the test area may be determined separately based on the amount of light received by the blood flow detection unit 111 or the amount of blood flow measured by the blood flow detection unit 111.

[0079] The pressure determination unit 132 may also determine whether or not the position of the blood flow detection unit 111 has shifted between the start and end of pressurization. For example, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine that the position of the blood flow detection unit 111 has shifted when the blood flow rate varies greatly between before the start and after the end of pressurization.

[0080] (Physical condition estimation unit 133) The physical state estimation section 133 estimates the user's physical state from the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing section 131.

[0081] When the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is sufficient for measuring the immediate reaction, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical condition of the user U by using the blood flow information at the time when the pressure is released as the measurement result of the immediate reaction. Here, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical condition of the user U by using the blood flow information obtained from the time when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressure is released until a predetermined period has elapsed as the blood flow information at the time when the pressure is released. The predetermined period may be, for example, a period from the time when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressure is released until a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) has elapsed. In addition, the predetermined period may be from the time when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressure is released until the number of waves of the detected blood flow waves reaches a predetermined number. In addition, the predetermined period may be from the time when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressure is released until the amplitude value of the blood flow wave falls below a predetermined value. Furthermore, the predetermined period may be a period from when it is determined by the pressure determination unit 132 that the pressurization has been released until the value representing the pressure or the value representing the pressure fluctuation detected by the pressure determination unit 132 falls below a threshold value. The predetermined period is not limited to the examples described so far, and may be set arbitrarily as long as a period during which appropriate blood flow information can be obtained to estimate the physical condition of the user U.

[0082] In addition, if the timing of releasing the pressurization is inappropriate and the blood flow information processing unit 131 is unable to obtain blood flow information for the physical condition estimation unit 133 to estimate the physical condition, it is not necessary to estimate the physical condition of the user U.

[0083] The physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis of the user U. The physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis from the waveform of a blood flow wave included in the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131. For example, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis from the waveform of the blood flow wave based on how much the reflected wave is delayed with respect to the projected wave.

[0084] Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the degree of overlap between the projected wave and the reflected wave from the waveform of the blood flow wave included in the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131. Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis from the amplitude of the blood flow wave included in the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131. For example, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis from the amplitude of the reflected wave.

[0085] The physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis by comparing a sample of blood flow information at each age with blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131 according to the age of the user U registered in advance. Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may compare the sample of blood flow information at each age with the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131 after correcting the sample of blood flow information at each age according to the shape of the ear, chronic illness, or hospital history, etc.

[0086] The blood flow information sample that the physical state estimation unit 133 compares with the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131 is not limited to the blood flow information sample of the same age as the user U. For example, the physical state estimation unit 133 may compare the blood flow information of another user with the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131 according to the condition of the user U. The other user may be a user who has something in common with the user U, such as ear shape, chronic disease, or hospital history. The physical state estimation unit 133 may also compare the blood flow information obtained by correcting the blood flow information of the other user according to the characteristics of the user U with the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131.

[0087] Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the age of the user U by comparing a sample of the blood flow information at each age with the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131. The user U can recognize the degree of his / her arteriosclerosis by comparing the estimated age with his / her own age. The physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the age of the user U by comparing a sample of the change in the blood flow information in one day at each age (for example, the change in the blood flow information at three timings, that is, morning, afternoon, and evening) with the change in the blood flow information in one day acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131.

[0088] Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis based on past blood flow information of the user U stored in the storage unit 140 described below. For example, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may compare blood flow information of the user U acquired one month to several years ago with blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131 to estimate the degree of progression or improvement of arteriosclerosis.

[0089] The time when the blood flow information is acquired to be compared with the blood flow information acquired from the acquired blood flow information processing unit 131 may be set to a time closer to the present, such as one month ago, for a user U who is taking medicine to improve arteriosclerosis, compared to a user U who is not taking such medicine. On the other hand, for a user U who is not taking medicine to improve arteriosclerosis, the time may be set to several years ago. This is because arteriosclerosis does not generally progress in a short period such as one month, but improvement may be seen in a short period such as one month by administering medicine.

[0090] The physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis by collecting statistics on blood flow information acquired at multiple times. For example, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis by collecting statistics on blood flow information acquired within a predetermined period or within a predetermined number of times counting from the most recent acquisition. Since the blood flow information of the user U differs depending on the physical condition of the user U at the time of measurement, the degree of arteriosclerosis can be estimated more accurately by collecting statistics on blood flow information acquired at multiple times.

[0091] Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of arteriosclerosis by collecting and comparing blood flow information for a predetermined period (for example, one month to several years) and obtain the change in the degree of arteriosclerosis for each predetermined period.

[0092] Furthermore, the physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves of the user U. The physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves from the blood flow volume. The physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves based on how late the reflected wave appears with respect to the projected wave. The physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves based on how much the projected wave and the reflected wave are overlapped. The physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves from the amplitude of the blood flow wave. For example, the physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves from the amplitude of the reflected wave.

[0093] The physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves from past blood flow information of the user U stored in the storage unit 140 described below. The physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves by collecting statistics of blood flow information acquired at multiple times. For example, the physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the autonomic nerves by collecting statistics of blood flow information every 30 minutes and comparing the collected information, and obtain the change in the state of the autonomic nerves every 30 minutes.

[0094] In addition, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may compile statistics on blood flow information acquired within a specified period or within a specified number of times from the most recent acquisition, acquire blood flow information for cases in which the user U's sympathetic nervous system is dominant and for cases in which the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, and estimate the state of the autonomic nervous system based on comparing the acquired results with the most recent blood flow information.

[0095] The physical condition estimating section 133 may estimate the physical condition of the user U using blood flow information other than the measurement results of the immediate reaction.

[0096] For example, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the user's physical condition from blood flow information when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that pressure from the user U has begun, but the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is not determined to be sufficient to measure a rapid response.

[0097] Even if the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is not determined to be sufficient for measuring a rapid reaction, it is assumed that the blood flow wave will be more prominent than when no pressure is applied. Therefore, for example, if the waveform of the blood flow wave having a projected wave and a reflected wave is acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical condition of the user U using the blood flow information represented by the blood flow wave.

[0098] However, it is assumed that there are different characteristics between a case where the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is determined to be sufficient for measuring a rapid response and a case where it is not determined to be insufficient. For example, when the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is determined to be sufficient for measuring a rapid response, i.e., when blood flow is not obstructed, the amplitude of the blood flow wave may be smaller than when blood flow is obstructed.

[0099] Therefore, when the pressure determination unit 132 does not determine that the detected pressure is sufficient for measuring a rapid response, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may correct the blood flow information to estimate the physical condition. For example, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may correct the blood flow information based on a value representing the pressure detected when the blood flow is detected. The physical condition estimation unit 133 may correct the amplitude of the blood flow wave when the detected pressure is not determined to be sufficient for measuring a rapid response to increase according to the magnitude of the value representing the pressure.

[0100] For example, when the user U plays music using the estimation device 10, which is an earphone, the pressure applied by a touch operation on the estimation device 10 may be insufficient to measure a rapid reaction. In such a case, the acquired blood flow information is used to estimate the physical condition of the user U, thereby reducing the effort of the user U to apply pressure to estimate the physical condition. In addition, since the blood flow information is obtained from the actions that the user U performs on a daily basis, the number of samples of the blood flow information increases, improving the accuracy of estimating the condition of the user U.

[0101] The physical state estimation section 133 may accumulate the blood flow information of the user U in the storage section 140 described below and use it to learn a model for estimating the state of the user U. The model may be learned for each user U, or the blood flow information of a plurality of users U may be collected in an external server or the like and learned. The physical state estimation section 133 estimates the state of the user U using the model learned in this manner, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the state of the user U.

[0102] Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical condition of the user U using blood flow information when no pressure is applied to the test part of the user U. The blood flow of the user U is not limited to the degree of arteriosclerosis and the state of the autonomic nerves as described above, but varies depending on the condition of the user U. For example, the blood flow rate of the test part may temporarily increase when the user U exercises or takes a certain medicine.

[0103] Therefore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical condition of the user U using blood flow information of the user U at normal times when no pressure is applied to the test part of the user U. When blood flow is constantly detected by the blood flow detection unit 111, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may use a value at a timing when the blood flow information does not fluctuate significantly as the normal blood flow information. In this way, the blood flow detection unit 111 constantly detects blood flow, thereby obtaining blood flow information at various timings, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the physical condition of the user U.

[0104] Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may determine whether the user U is at rest based on detection values ​​from an acceleration sensor, a microphone, or the like included in the detection unit 110. In this case, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may use blood flow information detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 in a resting state as blood flow information in normal times. Furthermore, if blood flow is not constantly detected by the blood flow detection unit 111, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may control the blood flow detection unit 111 to start measuring the blood flow when it is determined that the user U is at rest.

[0105] The physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical condition of the user U using, for example, blood flow information before pressurization and blood flow information at normal times in the measurement of the rapid response. The physical condition estimation unit 133 may compare the blood flow information before pressurization with the blood flow information at normal times. The physical condition estimation unit 133 may correct the measurement result of the rapid response based on the comparison result to estimate the physical condition of the user U.

[0106] Although the above description has mainly focused on an example in which the physical condition estimation unit 133 estimates the state of the user U based on the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the state of the user U from a value representing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112. This is because a pulse wave may be obtained from the value representing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112. Moreover, the physical condition estimation unit 133 can estimate the state of the user U with even higher accuracy by estimating the state of the user U using both the blood flow information acquired from the blood flow information processing unit 131 and the value representing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112.

[0107] (Notification control unit 134) The notification control unit 134 controls notifications to the user U. The notification control unit 134 may control the communication unit 120 to transmit a notification to a user terminal, or may control a speaker (not shown) included in the estimation device 10 to output audio of the notification.

[0108] For example, in response to an instruction to start measuring an immediate response received by the communication unit 120 from a user terminal, the notification control unit 134 may control the communication unit 120 or the speaker to notify the user U to start applying pressure to the test area.

[0109] Furthermore, when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that pressurization has started, the notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the user U that pressurization has started.

[0110] As an example of a notification that pressurization has started, the notification control unit 134 may control the transmission of a notification from the communication unit 120 so that the text "Pressurization has started" is displayed on the user terminal, or may control a speaker so that a notification sound or voice guidance is output from the speaker.

[0111] As another example of the notification of the start of pressurization, the notification control unit 134 may control the transmission of a notification from the communication unit 120 so that an image of the estimation device 10 being pressed against the test area of ​​the user U is displayed on the user terminal.

[0112] The notification control unit 134 may notify the status of pressurization after the pressure determination unit 132 determines that pressurization has started. As an example of notifying the status of pressurization, the notification control unit 134 may control the transmission of a notification from the communication unit 120 so that the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 is processed by the blood flow information processing unit 131 and the time change in the value representing the blood pressure or the blood flow wave is displayed on the user terminal in real time. This allows the user U to grasp the state of pressure application in real time, making it easier to apply appropriate pressure for measuring the immediate reaction.

[0113] When the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is not sufficient to measure a rapid response reaction, the notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the user U that the pressurization is insufficient.

[0114] Furthermore, the notification control unit 134 may perform control so as to notify the user U of the direction in which pressure is applied. In particular, when the direction in which pressure is applied is not appropriate, the notification control unit 134 may perform control so as to notify the user U of an appropriate direction. Whether or not the direction in which pressure is applied is appropriate may be determined based on the detection result of an acceleration sensor, a touch sensor, or the like included in the detection unit 110.

[0115] In addition, the notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the user U to reattach the estimation device 10 when the pressure detection unit 112 determines that the position of the blood flow detection unit 111 has shifted after pressurization has begun.

[0116] Furthermore, the notification control unit 134 may perform control so as to notify that the measurement has been stopped when the pressurization state continues for a predetermined time. The notification control unit 134 may determine whether the measurement has failed or not according to the waveform of the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit 111. For example, the measurement may be determined to have failed when the blood flow rate has not decreased despite pressurization being detected by the pressure detection unit 112. Then, when it is determined that the measurement has failed, the notification control unit 134 may control the execution of a notification that the measurement has been stopped.

[0117] When the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is sufficient for measuring a rapid response, the notification control unit 134 notifies the user U to continue applying pressure. For example, the notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the user U to continue applying pressure for a predetermined period of time.

[0118] The notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the release of the application of pressure. For example, the notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the release of the application of pressure when the state in which the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is determined by the pressure determination unit 132 to be sufficient for measuring a rapid reaction continues for a predetermined period of time.

[0119] The notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify whether or not the measurement of the immediate reaction is completed when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the pressurization has been released. For example, the notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify that the measurement of the immediate reaction is completed when the physical condition estimation unit 133 determines that the blood flow information processing unit 131 has obtained blood flow information for the physical condition estimation unit 133 to estimate the physical condition.

[0120] Furthermore, the notification control unit 134 may perform control so as to further notify the result of estimation of the physical state of the user U by the physical state estimation unit 133. The estimation result may be notified immediately after the pressure is released, or may be notified after the estimation result is processed by an external device, an external server, or the like.

[0121] The notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the user U that the measurement of the immediate reaction has failed when the physical condition estimation unit 133 determines that the blood flow information processing unit 131 has not obtained blood flow information for the physical condition estimation unit 133 to estimate the physical condition. In this case, the notification control unit 134 may perform control to notify the user U to start applying pressure to the test area in order to perform remeasurement.

[0122] The notification control unit 134 does not necessarily have to execute various notifications as described above. For example, if the pressure applied by the user U is a touch operation when playing music using the estimation device 10, which is an earphone, the notification control unit 134 may not execute a notification about the pressurization. For example, if the time when the pressure is applied is shorter than a predetermined time, the notification control unit 134 may determine that the pressurization is due to the touch operation and may not execute a notification about the pressurization. However, even in the case of a touch operation, an operation to instruct the notification about the pressurization may be accepted by an application or the like installed in the user terminal. Furthermore, an instruction as to whether or not to use the pressure applied by the touch operation for measuring a rapid reaction may be accepted by the user terminal. Furthermore, a setting as to whether or not to execute various notifications may be accepted by the user terminal.

[0123] (Storage unit 140) The storage unit 140 is realized by a ROM that stores programs and calculation parameters used in the processing of the control unit 130, and a RAM that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate.

[0124] The storage unit 140 may store the blood flow information acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131 together with the date and time of detection by the blood flow detection unit 111. The storage unit 140 may also store the blood flow information in association with a value representing the pressure or a value representing a pressure fluctuation detected by the pressure detection unit 112 at the date and time of detection by the blood flow detection unit 111.

[0125] 2. Example of Operation Processing According to an Embodiment of the Present Disclosure Next, a flow of operation processing of the estimation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. First, an example of the flow of operation of the estimation device 10 in a case where blood flow information is constantly acquired will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of operation of the estimation device 10 in a case where blood flow information is constantly acquired.

[0126] First, when the user U turns on the power of the estimation device 10 (S101), the blood flow detection unit 111 of the detection unit 110 detects the blood flow in the test area (S102). In addition, the pressure detection unit 112 of the detection unit 110 detects pressure and obtains a value representing the pressure on the test area (S103).

[0127] The detection result by the detection unit 110 is output to the control unit 130 (S104). The blood flow information processing unit 131 of the control unit 130 acquires the blood flow information detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 (S105). Note that the pressure determination unit 132 may make a determination on the value representing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112, and for example, if the value representing the pressure is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the process may proceed to S208 in Fig. 11. This makes it possible to perform a rapid response measurement when the pressure is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0128] The control unit 130 stores the blood flow information in the storage unit 140 together with the date and time of detection by the blood flow detection unit 111 (S106). Furthermore, the control unit 130 may store the blood flow information in the storage unit 140 in association with a value representing the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 at the date and time of detection by the blood flow detection unit 111 or a value representing a fluctuation in pressure.

[0129] While the power supply of the estimation device 10 is on, the estimation device 10 repeats the processes of S102 to S106 to continuously obtain blood flow information.

[0130] Next, an example of an operational flow of measuring a quick reaction and estimating a physical state of the user U by the estimation device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operational flow of measuring a quick reaction and estimating a physical state of the user U by the estimation device 10.

[0131] First, when a user U performs an operation to start a prompt reaction measurement, the communication unit 120 receives a prompt reaction measurement start instruction from the user terminal (S201).

[0132] The communication unit 120 notifies the user U of the start of measurement by transmitting a notification of the start of measurement to the user terminal (S202).

[0133] The user U applies pressure to the test area via the estimation device 10 (S203). The blood flow detection unit 111 of the detection unit 110 detects the blood flow in the test area (S204). In addition, the pressure detection unit 112 of the detection unit 110 detects the pressure and obtains a value representing the pressure on the test area (S205).

[0134] The detection result by the detection unit 110 is output to the control unit 130 (S206). The pressure determination unit 132 of the control unit 130 determines the applied pressure (S207). For example, the pressure determination unit 132 may determine whether the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 112 is sufficient for measuring a rapid response.

[0135] The notification control unit 134 controls the communication unit 120 to notify the user U of the application of pressure based on the determination result by the pressure determination unit 132 (S208). The communication unit 120 transmits a notification of the application of pressure to a user terminal used by the user U (S209). For example, the communication unit 120 may notify the user U that the pressure is insufficient, may notify the user U that the pressure will be continued for a predetermined time, or may notify the user U that the application of pressure should be stopped. Note that the method of notifying the user U is not limited to notification by the user terminal.

[0136] If the notification sent from the communication unit 120 is not a notification to stop applying pressure (S210 / NO), the process returns to S203, and the user U applies pressure according to the notification content.

[0137] If the notification sent from the communication unit 120 is a notification to stop applying pressure (S210 / YES), the user U stops applying pressure (S211).

[0138] The blood flow detection unit 111 of the detection unit 110 detects the blood flow in the test area (S212). The pressure detection unit 112 of the detection unit 110 detects the pressure and obtains a value representing the pressure on the test area (S213). The detection result by the detection unit 110 is output to the control unit 130 (S214).

[0139] The blood flow information processing unit 131 of the control unit 130 acquires the blood flow information detected by the blood flow detection unit 111 as a measurement result of the immediate reaction (S215). The physical condition estimation unit 133 estimates the physical condition of the user U from the measurement result of the immediate reaction (S216). At this time, the blood flow information stored in S106 in the sequence diagram of FIG. 10 may be used for the estimation.

[0140] If the timing of releasing the pressure is inappropriate and the blood flow information processing unit 131 is unable to obtain blood flow information for the physical state estimation unit 133 to estimate the physical state, the physical state estimation unit 133 may not estimate the physical state of the user U. In this case, the notification control unit 134 may control the communication unit 120 to notify that pressure will be applied again, and the process may return to S203.

[0141] The notification control unit 134 controls the communication unit 120 to notify the user U of the estimation result (S217). The communication unit 120 transmits a notification of the estimation result to a user terminal used by the user U (S218). Note that the method of notifying the user U is not limited to notification by the user terminal.

[0142] <3. Hardware configuration example>> The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. The above-described information processing is realized by cooperation between software and hardware. Hereinafter, an example of a hardware configuration that can be applied to the estimation device 10 will be described.

[0143] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of an information processing device 90. Note that the hardware configuration example of the information processing device 90 described below is merely an example of the hardware configuration of the estimation device 10. Therefore, the estimation device 10 does not necessarily have to have all of the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 12.

[0144] 12, the information processing device 90 includes a CPU 901, a ROM 903, and a RAM 905. The information processing device 90 may also include a host bus 907, a bridge 909, an external bus 911, an interface 913, an input device 915, an output device 917, a storage device 919, a drive 921, a connection port 923, and a communication device 925. Instead of or in addition to the CPU 901, the information processing device 90 may have a processing circuit such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0145] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls all or part of the operations in the information processing device 90 according to various programs recorded in the ROM 903, the RAM 905, the storage device 919, or the removable recording medium 927. The ROM 903 stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 905 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901 and / or parameters that change appropriately in the execution. The CPU 901, the ROM 903, and the RAM 905 are connected to each other by a host bus 907 constituted by an internal bus such as a CPU bus. Furthermore, the host bus 907 is connected to an external bus 911 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 909.

[0146] For example, the functions of the control unit 130 can be realized by the CPU 901 working in cooperation with the ROM 903, the RAM 905, and software.

[0147] The input device 915 is a device operated by a user, such as a button. The input device 915 may include a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a switch, a lever, and the like. The input device 915 may also include a microphone that detects the user's voice. The input device 915 may be, for example, a remote control device that uses infrared rays or other radio waves, or an external connection device 929 such as a mobile phone that supports the operation of the information processing device 90. The input device 915 includes an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the user and outputs it to the CPU 901. The user operates the input device 915 to input various data to the information processing device 90 and instruct processing operations.

[0148] The input device 915 may also include an imaging device and a sensor. The imaging device is a device that captures real space using an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and various members such as a lens for controlling the formation of a subject image on the imaging element, to generate a captured image. The imaging device may capture a still image or a moving image.

[0149] The sensor is, for example, a variety of sensors such as a distance measurement sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a vibration sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, etc. The sensor acquires information on the state of the information processing device 90 itself, for example, the attitude of the housing of the information processing device 90, or information on the surrounding environment of the information processing device 90, for example, the brightness or noise around the information processing device 90. The sensor may also include a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor that receives a GPS signal and measures the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the device.

[0150] The output device 917 is configured with a device capable of visually or audibly notifying the user of acquired information. The output device 917 may be, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or a sound output device such as a speaker or a headphone. The output device 917 may also include a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a projector, a hologram, a printer device, or the like. The output device 917 outputs the result obtained by the processing of the information processing device 90 as a video such as text or an image, or as a sound such as voice or audio. The output device 917 may also include a lighting device that brightens the surroundings.

[0151] The storage device 919 is a data storage device configured as an example of a storage unit of the information processing device 90. The storage device 919 is configured, for example, with a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. This storage device 919 stores programs or various data executed by the CPU 901, and various data acquired from the outside.

[0152] The drive 921 is a reader / writer for a removable recording medium 927 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and is built into or externally attached to the information processing device 90. The drive 921 reads out information recorded on the attached removable recording medium 927 and outputs the information to the RAM 905. The drive 921 also writes information onto the attached removable recording medium 927.

[0153] The connection port 923 is a port for directly connecting a device to the information processing device 90. The connection port 923 may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IEEE 1394 port, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) port, or the like. The connection port 923 may also be an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, or the like. By connecting an external connection device 929 to the connection port 923, various types of data may be exchanged between the information processing device 90 and the external connection device 929.

[0154] The communication device 925 is, for example, a communication interface configured with a communication device for connecting to a local network or a communication network with a base station of wireless communication. The communication device 925 may be, for example, a communication card for wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or WUSB (Wireless USB). The communication device 925 may also be a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various communications. The communication device 925 transmits and receives signals, for example, between the Internet or other communication devices using a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP. The communication network with the local network or base station connected to the communication device 925 is a network connected by wire or wirelessly, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, or satellite communication.

[0155] <4. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or amended examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0156] For example, in the above embodiment, the subject of the user U is an ear and the estimation device 10 is an earphone, but the present technology is not limited to such an example. For example, the estimation device 10 may be shaped so as to be wrapped around a subject such as a finger or an arm.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the user U applies pressure to the test part, but the method of applying pressure is not limited to this. For example, if the estimation device 10 is a headphone, the device may be designed to apply lateral pressure by tightening the headband.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the degree of arteriosclerosis and the state of the autonomic nerves are described as examples of the physical condition of the user U estimated by the physical condition estimation unit 133, but other conditions may be estimated. For example, the physical condition of the user U estimated by the physical condition estimation unit 133 may be the degree of heat stroke. When the user U has heat stroke, the blood vessels expand to release heat. This reduces the blood flow rate of the test area of ​​the user U. Also, when the user U is dehydrated, the amplitude of the reflected wave of the measurement result of the immediate reaction is reduced. Therefore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the degree of heat stroke using the blood flow rate and the amplitude of the reflected wave acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131.

[0159] Furthermore, the physical condition of the user U estimated by the physical condition estimation unit 133 may be a dehydrated state. When the user U is dehydrated, the blood vessels contract. This increases the blood flow rate in the test area of ​​the user U. Furthermore, when the user U is dehydrated, the amplitude of the reflected wave in the measurement result of the immediate reaction increases. Therefore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the dehydration state using the blood flow rate and the amplitude of the reflected wave acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131.

[0160] The physical state of the user U estimated by the physical state estimation unit 133 may be the effectiveness of a drug such as a blood-thinning drug taken by the user U. For example, when the blood-thinning drug is working effectively, blood vessels expand. Also, the amount of blood pumped from the heart is suppressed, so the blood flow rate is reduced. Also, when the blood-thinning drug is working effectively, the amplitude of the reflected wave of the measurement result of the immediate reaction is reduced. Therefore, the physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the effectiveness of the blood-thinning drug using the blood flow rate and the amplitude of the reflected wave acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131. In addition, the physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the effectiveness of the blood-thinning drug at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes after taking the drug, or every day). This allows the user U to check the effectiveness of the blood-thinning drug at regular intervals and use it as a reference for the timing of taking the drug. This allows the user U to check the effectiveness of the blood-thinning drug at regular intervals and use it as a reference for the timing of taking the drug.

[0161] Furthermore, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the effectiveness of the antihypertensive agent by comparing the blood flow information immediately before and 30 minutes after the administration. The timing described above is not limited to 30 minutes after administration, and may be set, for example, according to the type of drug. More specifically, when nitroglycerin is administered to stop an attack caused by angina pectoris, the timing may be set to 1 to 2 minutes after administration, when the effect is expected to be achieved. When the symptom is expected to be improved by a means other than administration of medication, the timing may be set according to the means. For example, the period may be set to 2 to 5 minutes after the start of breathing control, when the effect of breathing control against hyperventilation is expected to be achieved.

[0162] Furthermore, the physical state of the user U estimated by the physical state estimation unit 133 may be the effectiveness of a stimulant such as caffeine taken by the user U. The stimulant causes the blood vessels of the user U to contract. This increases the blood flow rate in the test area of ​​the user U. Furthermore, when the stimulant is working effectively, the amplitude of the reflected wave in the measurement result of the immediate reaction increases. Therefore, the physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the effectiveness of the stimulant using the blood flow rate and the amplitude of the reflected wave acquired by the blood flow information processing unit 131. This allows the user U to check the effectiveness of the stimulant and use it as a reference for the timing of taking it.

[0163] In the above embodiment, an example in which various processes are performed by the estimation device 10 has been described, but the process for the signal acquired by the detection unit 110 and the process for estimating the physical state of the user U may be executed by a user terminal, other devices, an external server, or the like. More specifically, at least some of the functions of the control unit 130 and the storage unit 140 may be realized by a user terminal, other devices, an external server, or the like. The other devices may be, for example, audio output devices such as earphones, headphones, hearing aids, or HMDs worn by the user U other than the estimation device 10. The user terminal, other devices, and external servers are examples of information processing devices according to the present disclosure.

[0164] In the above embodiment, an example in which blood flow information of the user U is measured by one estimation device 10 has been described, but the number of estimation devices 10 that measure blood flow information is not limited. For example, one earphone of a pair of earphones worn on both ears may function as the estimation device 10, or both earphones may function as the estimation device 10. In addition, one of the pair of earphones may have all the configurations described above, and the other may have only a part of the configurations of the estimation device 10 described above (at least the configuration of the detection unit 110). More specifically, one of the pair of earphones may not have at least any of the configurations of the blood flow information processing unit 131, the pressure determination unit 132, the physical state estimation unit 133, and the notification control unit 134. In this case, the earphone having all the configurations functions as the estimation device 10 that acquires the detection results by the detection unit 110 of the other earphone from the other earphone and integrates the detection results.

[0165] When both of the pair of earphones have the function of the detection unit 110, the notification control unit 134 may control to notify which earphone is to be used for the measurement of the immediate reaction. More specifically, the notification control unit 134 may execute control of the notification to use the other earphone for the measurement according to the determination result by the pressure determination unit 132 when the immediate reaction based on the detection result by the detection unit 110 of one earphone is measured. For example, the notification control unit 134 may execute control of the notification to use the other earphone for the measurement when the pressure determination unit 132 determines that the position of the blood flow detection unit 111 has shifted or that the application of pressure has been affected by the touch operation performed immediately before. One of the pair of earphones corresponds to the dominant hand of the user U, and therefore pressure is frequently applied or the position is shifted due to frequent touch operations. Therefore, by notifying to use the other earphone for the measurement of the immediate reaction, the immediate reaction can be measured using the earphone that is less likely to apply pressure or shift in position.

[0166] Furthermore, when both of a pair of earphones have the function of the detection unit 110, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may determine the reliability of the blood flow information detected by the detection unit 110 of each earphone, based on the blood flow information of the user U in normal conditions detected by the detection unit 110. The physical condition estimation unit 133 may determine the reliability such that the smaller the variation in the blood flow information of the user U in normal conditions detected by the detection unit 110 of each earphone, the higher the reliability. Since the variation in the blood flow information of the user U in normal conditions is considered to be caused by the wearing state of the earphones of the user U, the notification control unit 134 may control the execution of a confirmation notification of the wearing state of the earphones when the reliability is lower than a predetermined value.

[0167] If both earphones in a pair have the function of the detection unit 110, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical condition based on the detection results from each of the pair of earphones. This is because there is a difference in blood flow information between the left and right ears even when detection is performed at the same time. If the estimation results of the physical condition based on the detection results from each earphone are different, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may take the result estimated by the earphone with the higher reliability of blood flow information as the final estimation result. Furthermore, if the estimation results are expressed as numerical values, the physical condition estimation unit 133 may take the average value of the respective values ​​as the final estimation result. Furthermore, both results may be notified as the final estimation result.

[0168] Furthermore, the blood flow information obtained by blood flow information processing unit 131 may be corrected based on statistical differences between the left and right blood flow information obtained at multiple timings. Then, the physical state estimation unit 133 may estimate the physical state based on the detection results after correction by both earphones. Furthermore, when the physical state estimation unit 133 estimates the physical state based on the detection results by each of a pair of earphones and the number of data points of blood flow information obtained by one earphone is insufficient for estimating the physical state, the blood flow information obtained by the other earphone may be used as reference data.

[0169] So far, an example has been described in which both of a pair of earphones have the function of the detection unit 110, but the function of the detection unit 110 may be installed in multiple devices of different types. For example, an earphone having the function of the detection unit 110 and functioning as the estimation device 10 may be worn in one ear of the user U, and a hearing aid or the like having the function of the detection unit 110 may be worn in the other ear. Of the multiple devices having the function of the detection unit 110, one may be connected to a user terminal, and the other may be connected to a device connected to the user terminal.

[0170] In addition, the effects described in this specification are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above effects.

[0171] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) a blood flow detection unit that detects blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light; a physical state estimation unit that estimates a physical state of the user based on information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the measurement area and when the application of the pressure is released; Equipped with the test area is the head and neck area of ​​the user, An information processing device that is an audio output device worn on the user's head and neck. (2) a pressure detection unit that detects a value representing a change in pressure applied to the test portion; a pressure determination unit that determines whether the pressure applied to the test portion satisfies a criterion based on a value representing the pressure fluctuation; Equipped with the physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user based on information about the blood flow when the pressure that the pressure determination unit has determined to satisfy the criterion is applied to the test area and when the application of the pressure is released; and The information processing device according to (1), wherein the pressure detection unit detects a value representing the movement of the pressure detection unit as a value representing a fluctuation in the pressure. (3) The information processing device described in (2), wherein the pressure detection unit functions as the blood flow detection unit and detects the amount of laser light received by the blood flow detection unit, which fluctuates due to movement of the pressure detection unit, as a value representing the fluctuation in pressure. (4) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the pressure detection unit detects an acceleration of a movement of the pressure detection unit as a value representing a fluctuation in the pressure. (5) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the pressure detection unit detects a moving distance of the pressure detection unit as a value representing a fluctuation in the pressure. (6) The physical condition estimation unit estimates a blood vessel condition of the user. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The physical state estimation unit estimates an autonomic nerve state of the user. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5). (8) The information on the blood flow includes at least one of a blood flow volume, an amplitude value of blood flow fluctuation, and a waveform of blood flow fluctuation. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The pressure on the test area is applied by the user. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The information processing device includes: A notification control unit controls a notification of an instruction to apply or release pressure to the user based on a result of the determination by the pressure determination unit. The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (4). (11) The information processing device described in any of (2) to (4) and (10), wherein the physical condition estimation unit estimates the physical condition of the user by using blood flow information from when the value representing the pressure fluctuation detected by the pressure determination unit falls below a threshold value until a predetermined period of time has elapsed as blood flow information at the time when the application of the pressure is released. (12) the physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user further based on information on the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit in a state in which no pressure is applied to the measurement area. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11). (13) the physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user further based on information of the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit before pressure is applied to the measurement area. The information processing device according to (12). (14) The physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user further based on information of the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit when the user is at rest. The information processing device according to (12) or (13). (15) the information processing device is a device attached to the test area, The blood flow detection unit constantly measures the blood flow information when the information processing device is attached to the test part. The information processing device according to any one of (12) to (14). (16) The information processing device further includes a communication unit that receives a detection start instruction transmitted from a user terminal used by the user based on an operation by the user, The blood flow detection unit detects the blood flow based on the detection start instruction received by the communication unit, The communication unit transmits a notification of the estimation result of the physical state of the user by the physical state estimation unit to the user terminal. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (15). (17) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the blood flow detection unit is a laser Doppler blood flow meter that detects the blood flow based on a Doppler signal detected by irradiating the test area with the laser light. (18) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the audio output device is any one of an earphone, a headphone, a hearing aid, or an HMD (Head Mounted Display). (19) Detecting blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light; Estimating a physical state of the user based on information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the test area and when the application of the pressure is released; Including, The test area is the user's head and neck, and the information processing method is executed by a computer that functions as an audio output device worn on the user's head and neck. (20) a blood flow detection unit that detects blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light; a physical state estimation unit that estimates a physical state of the user based on information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the measurement area and when the application of the pressure is released; Equipped with the test area is the head and neck area of ​​the user, A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device that is an audio output device worn on the user's head and neck. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 10 Estimation device 110 Detection unit 111 Blood flow detection unit 112 Pressure detection unit 120 Communications Department 130 Control section 131 Blood flow information processing unit 132 Pressure judgment unit 133 Physical Condition Estimation Department 134 Notification control section 140 Storage section

Claims

1. a blood flow detection unit that detects blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light; a physical state estimation unit that estimates a physical state of the user based on information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the measurement area and when the application of the pressure is released; Equipped with the test area is the head and neck area of ​​the user, An information processing device that is an audio output device worn on the user's head and neck.

2. a pressure detection unit that detects a value representing a change in pressure applied to the test portion; a pressure determination unit that determines whether the pressure applied to the test portion satisfies a criterion based on a value representing the pressure fluctuation; Equipped with the physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user based on information about the blood flow when the pressure that the pressure determination unit has determined to satisfy the criterion is applied to the test area and when the application of the pressure is released; and The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure detection unit detects a value representing a movement of the pressure detection unit as a value representing a variation in the pressure.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the pressure detection unit functions as the blood flow detection unit and detects the amount of the laser light received by the blood flow detection unit, which varies as the pressure detection unit moves, as a value representing the variation in pressure.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the pressure detection section detects an acceleration of a movement of the pressure detection section as a value representing a variation in the pressure.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the pressure detection unit detects a moving distance of the pressure detection unit as a value representing a variation in the pressure.

6. The physical condition estimation unit estimates a blood vessel condition of the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The physical state estimation unit estimates an autonomic nerve state of the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The information on the blood flow includes at least one of a blood flow volume, an amplitude value of blood flow fluctuation, and a waveform of blood flow fluctuation. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The pressure on the test area is applied by the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The information processing device includes: A notification control unit controls a notification of an instruction to apply or release pressure to the user based on a result of the determination by the pressure determination unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

11. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the physical condition estimation unit estimates the physical condition of the user by using blood flow information from when the value representing the pressure fluctuation detected by the pressure determination unit falls below a threshold value until a predetermined period of time has elapsed as blood flow information at the time when the application of the pressure is released.

12. the physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user further based on information on the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit in a state in which no pressure is applied to the measurement area. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

13. the physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user further based on information of the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit before pressure is applied to the measurement area. The information processing device according to claim 12.

14. The physical state estimation unit estimates a physical state of the user further based on information of the blood flow detected by the blood flow detection unit when the user is at rest. The information processing device according to claim 12.

15. the information processing device is a device attached to the test area, The blood flow detection unit constantly measures the blood flow information when the information processing device is attached to the test part. The information processing device according to claim 12.

16. The information processing device further includes a communication unit that receives a detection start instruction transmitted from a user terminal used by the user based on an operation by the user, The blood flow detection unit detects the blood flow based on the detection start instruction received by the communication unit, The communication unit transmits a notification of the estimation result of the physical state of the user by the physical state estimation unit to the user terminal. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

17. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the blood flow detection unit is a laser Doppler blood flow meter that detects the blood flow based on a Doppler signal detected by irradiating the test area with the laser light.

18. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the audio output device is any one of an earphone, a headphone, a hearing aid, and an HMD (Head Mounted Display).

19. Detecting blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light; Estimating a physical state of the user based on information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the test area and when the application of the pressure is released; Including, The test area is the user's head and neck, and the information processing method is executed by a computer that functions as an audio output device worn on the user's head and neck.

20. a blood flow detection unit that detects blood flow in a test area of ​​a user by receiving and emitting laser light; a physical state estimation unit that estimates a physical state of the user based on information on the blood flow when pressure is applied to the measurement area and when the application of the pressure is released; Equipped with the test area is the head and neck area of ​​the user, A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device that is an audio output device worn on the user's head and neck.

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