Spatial environment setting method, information processing apparatus, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a technique for achieving equipment control according to a person's mental capacity.SOLUTION: The server 16 includes a user condition information reception unit 20, a margin determination unit 22, and a control information output unit 26. The user state information receiving unit 20 acquires information on a state of a user who works in a predetermined space from the user state determining device 14. The capacity level determination unit 22 determines the user's mental capacity level on the basis of the information on the user's state. The control information output unit 26 controls the output apparatus 12 that adjusts the environment of the predetermined space on the basis of the user's mental capacity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and more particularly to a spatial environment setting method, an information processing device, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] A user's work efficiency can be affected by the person's emotional state. For example, a person who is pressed for a task deadline may have a lower level of mental composure, which can lead to a decrease in work efficiency. Conventionally, a technology has been proposed that controls devices that adjust the environment of a space to relax the person using that space (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-175109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the level of mental composure differs from person to person and changes from moment to moment, the technology of Patent Document 1 controls a device in a fixed manner and does not provide device control that is fully in line with a person's level of mental composure. One object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that realizes device control that is in line with a person's level of mental composure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, a spatial environment setting method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device that acquires information about the status of a user working in a specified space, determines the user's level of mental composure based on the information about the user's status, and controls equipment that adjusts the spatial environment based on the user's level of mental composure.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device including: a user status acquisition unit that acquires information about the status of a user working in a predetermined space; a margin determination unit that determines the user's level of mental composure based on the information about the user's status; and a device control unit that controls devices that adjust the environment of the space based on the user's level of mental composure.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the expression of the present disclosure between a system, a computer program, a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc., is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize device control that is in line with a person's mental well-being. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a spatial environment setting system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a spatial environment setting system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a task urgency level. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a task urgency level. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device setting history. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a task urgency level. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a device control mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The subject of the device or method disclosed herein includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device or method disclosed herein. The computer's main hardware configuration is a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integration (LSIs). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable read-only memory (ROM), optical disk, or hard disk drive, or on a temporary storage medium such as a computer-readable random access memory (RAM). The program may be pre-stored on a recording medium or may be supplied to a recording medium or storage medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0011] In the embodiment, a spatial environment setting system is proposed that realizes device control in accordance with a person's mental ease. This makes it possible to realize spatial environment control that is in tune with the feelings of the person using the space, making it easier to improve the person's state of well-being. The user in the embodiment is a person who performs a task in a specific space. For example, the user may be a creator who engages in creative activities in the target space, or a programmer who programs in the target space. Furthermore, the mental ease is an index value that indicates the degree of mental ease, stability, or satisfaction.

[0012] First Embodiment 1 shows the configuration of a spatial environment setting system 10 according to a first embodiment. The spatial environment setting system 10 is an information processing system in which a plurality of devices operate in cooperation with one another. The spatial environment setting system 10 includes output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c, a user state determination device 14, and a server 16. The devices in the spatial environment setting system 10 are connected to one another via a communication network, such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet.

[0013] Each of the output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c is an electrical device (such as a home appliance) that is installed in a space where a user works (hereinafter also referred to as a "target space") and adjusts the environment of the target space. The output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are also collectively referred to as "output device 12."

[0014] In the embodiment, output device 12a is a lighting device that outputs light with a color temperature and brightness specified by the control information. Output device 12b is an audio device that outputs a type of sound specified by the control information at a specified volume. Output device 12c is an aroma diffuser that diffuses a type of aroma specified by the control information at a specified intensity. Output device 12 may include devices other than lighting devices, audio devices, and aroma diffusers, such as an air conditioner or air circulator.

[0015] The user state determination device 14 determines the user's state. In the present disclosure, the user's state refers to the user's physical state or mental state, or information indicating a combination of the user's physical state and mental state. For example, the user's physical state includes states resulting from a series of human actions, such as working, sleeping, and eating. Furthermore, the mental state includes states resulting from the five human senses, such as anxiety, joy, anger, and sadness. In the first embodiment, the user state determination device 14 determines the user's work time and the user's rest time. The work time is the time during which work is continued without a break, and can also be referred to as the work duration. The user state determination device 14 may obtain information on the time periods during which the user worked and the time periods during which the user rested from a schedule management device (not shown) and derive the user's work time and the user's rest time.

[0016] The user state determination device 14 may also derive the user's working time and rest time by analyzing images captured by a camera installed in the target space. For example, the user state determination device 14 may detect, as the user's working time, the time the user stares at a display at a desk or the time the user continues to operate an information terminal used for work. The user state determination device 14 may also detect, as the user's rest time, the time the user leaves the desk or the time the user continues not to input any operation into the information terminal. The user state determination device 14 may also communicate with the user's information terminal (not shown) to obtain information regarding the execution status of applications on the information terminal.

[0017] The user state determination device 14 transmits information indicating the state of a user working in a target space (hereinafter also referred to as "user state information") to the server 16 in response to a request from the server 16, or autonomously or periodically. The user state information in the first embodiment includes information indicating the user's working time and information indicating the user's rest time for each application executed on the user's information terminal.

[0018] The server 16 is an information processing device that supports the setting of the environment (lighting, sound, aroma in the first embodiment) of the target space in accordance with the mental ease of the user working in the target space.

[0019] 1 includes a block diagram showing functional blocks included in server 16. Each block shown in the block diagram in this specification can be realized in terms of hardware by elements such as a computer processor (e.g., CPU) and memory, electronic circuits, and mechanical devices, and in terms of software by a computer program, etc., but the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0020] The server 16 includes a user state information receiving unit 20, a margin determining unit 22, a determining unit 24, and a control information output unit 26. A computer program implementing the functions of these multiple functional blocks may be installed in the storage of the server 16. The processor of the server 16 may load this computer program into main memory and execute it to fulfill the functions of these multiple functional blocks.

[0021] The user state information receiving unit 20 acquires the user state information transmitted from the user state determination device 14. The composure level determining unit 22 determines the user's composure level based on the user state information acquired by the user state information receiving unit 20.

[0022] The determination unit 24 determines the control mode (which can also be called the operation mode) of each output device 12 based on the user's mental margin determined by the margin determination unit 22. For example, the determination unit 24 determines the color temperature and brightness of the light to be output from the output device 12a (lighting equipment). The determination unit 24 also determines the type and volume of the sound to be output from the output device 12b (audio equipment). The determination unit 24 also determines the type and intensity of the aroma to be output from the output device 12c (aroma diffuser).

[0023] The control information output unit 26, as a device control unit, controls each output device 12 by transmitting control information indicating the control mode determined by the determination unit 24 to each output device 12. For example, the control information output unit 26 transmits control information specifying a color temperature and brightness to the output device 12a (lighting device) to instruct the lighting to be turned on. The control information output unit 26 also transmits control information specifying the type and volume of audio to the output device 12b (audio device) to instruct the audio output. The control information output unit 26 also transmits control information specifying the type and intensity of aroma to the output device 12c (aroma diffuser) to instruct the aroma to be diffused.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an example of control information. FIG. 2 shows control information for a relaxation mode and control information for a concentration mode. The relaxation mode is a device control mode that provides a spatial environment that makes it easy for the user to relax. The concentration mode is a device control mode that provides a spatial environment that enhances the user's ability to concentrate. The control information in FIG. 2 includes specifications for the color temperature and brightness of the light to be output from the output device 12a (lighting equipment). It also includes specifications for the type and volume of the sound to be output from the output device 12b (audio equipment). It also includes specifications for the type and intensity of the aroma to be output from the output device 12c (aroma diffuser).

[0025] The operation of the spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above will now be described. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 16 of the first embodiment. The user state information receiving unit 20 of the server 16 periodically acquires user state information from the user state determination device 14 (S10). Each time user state information is acquired, the availability level determining unit 22 of the server 16 determines the user's availability level based on the currently and previously acquired user state information (S11).

[0026] In the present disclosure, a mechanism for determining a mental margin using user status information will be described in more detail. For example, user status information may be determined in advance as input information used to determine the mental margin, and the mental margin may be determined based on whether the user status information satisfies a predetermined rule. Specifically, the user's work time and rest time may be determined as specific parameters for the user status information. Furthermore, the predetermined rule for determining the mental margin may be calculated by calculating the length (continuous or cumulative) of work time and rest time within a predetermined time and the number of times they are performed. For example, if the user status information indicates that the user's work time using a specific application is less than one hour and that a pattern of 15 minutes or more of rest time is repeated four or more times a day, the margin determination unit 22 may determine that the user's mental margin is high. Alternatively, if the user status information indicates that the user's work time using a specific application is between one hour and two hours and that a pattern of 5 minutes or more and less than 15 minutes of rest time is repeated four or more times a day, the margin determination unit 22 may determine that the user's mental margin is medium. Furthermore, if the user status information indicates that the user's working time using a specific application is two hours or more and the break time is less than five minutes, this pattern is repeated four or more times a day, the margin determination unit 22 may determine that the user's mental margin is low.

[0027] The determination unit 24 of the server 16 determines the control mode of each output device 12 based on the user's mental composure (S12). The control information output unit 26 of the server 16 transmits control information indicating the control mode of each output device 12 determined in S12 to each output device 12 (S13).

[0028] A specific example of S12 will be described. (A) When it is determined that the user has a high level of mental composure, the decision unit 24 decides to switch the environmental control of the target space in accordance with the user's behavior (in other words, user-driven).

[0029] In (A), the user state determination device 14 may manage whether the user is working (working state) or taking a break (resting state) based on an image captured of the target space, etc. The user state information receiving unit 20 of the server 16 may acquire user state information indicating whether the user is working or resting. When the user is working, the determination unit 24 may determine the concentration mode shown in FIG. 2 as the device control mode. On the other hand, when the user is resting, the determination unit 24 may determine the relaxation mode shown in FIG. 2 as the device control mode.

[0030] Furthermore, (B) when the user's mental composure is determined to be medium, the decision unit 24 may determine that the transition from the concentration mode to the relaxation mode is user-driven, while the transition from the relaxation mode to the concentration mode is system-driven.

[0031] In (B), the determination unit 24 may determine the relaxation mode as the device control mode when it detects that the user has transitioned from a working state to a resting state based on the user state information. And / or, the determination unit 24 may determine the relaxation mode as the device control mode based on information instructing the operation of the output device 12 that is input to a remote control or the like (not shown) when it detects that the user has transitioned from a working state to a resting state based on the user state information.

[0032] In (B), the determination unit 24 may determine the concentration mode as the device control mode when the user is in a working state before a predetermined reference time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the transition to the relaxation mode, and may determine the relaxation mode as the device control mode when the user is in a relaxed state. On the other hand, if the time elapsed since the transition to the relaxation mode exceeds the reference time, the determination unit 24 may determine the concentration mode as the device control mode.

[0033] Also, (C) if it is determined that the user has a low level of mental composure, the decision unit 24 may determine that the transition from the concentration mode to the relaxation mode is user-driven according to the user's work efficiency (which can also be said to be performance), while the transition from the relaxation mode to the concentration mode is system-driven.

[0034] In (C), the user state determination device 14 may store the planned progress and actual progress related to the user's work and compare them to determine the user's work efficiency (for example, whether the task is completed as planned). The user state determination device 14 may transmit user state information indicating the achievement rate of the actual progress relative to the planned progress as work efficiency to the server 16. When the device control mode is the concentration mode, the determination unit 24 may permit a user-driven transition to the relaxation mode on the condition that the user's work efficiency (achievement rate of the actual progress relative to the planned progress) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The user-driven transition to the relaxation mode may be based on the user's state as described above, or may be based on a user operation input via a remote control or the like.

[0035] In addition, in (C), the determination unit 24 may determine the concentration mode as the device control mode when the user is in a working state before a predetermined reference time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the transition to the relaxation mode, and may determine the relaxation mode as the device control mode when the user is in a relaxed state. On the other hand, if the time elapsed since the transition to the relaxation mode exceeds the reference time, the determination unit 24 may determine the concentration mode as the device control mode. However, if the user's level of mental composure is low, it is desirable that the intensity of device control in the concentration mode (brightness, volume, aroma intensity, etc.) be higher than when the level of mental composure is medium.

[0036] The spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment can improve the user's well-being by controlling the spatial environment in accordance with the user's mental margin. Furthermore, the spatial environment setting system 10 can appropriately determine the user's mental margin based on the user's work time and rest time.

[0037] A modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the user status information includes both the user's working time and rest time. However, as a modification, the user status information may include either the user's working time or rest time. The margin determination unit 22 of the setting history storage unit 18 may determine the user's margin based on either the user's working time or rest time and a predetermined criterion.

[0038] Another variation of the first embodiment will be described. The target user's level of mental composure may change depending on factors indicated by the user status information as well as the presence of entities (e.g., people, family, pets, etc.) who are with the user. Therefore, as a variation, the level of composure determination unit 22 of the server 16 may calculate the target user's level of mental composure by taking into account the engagement state with third parties. That is, the level of composure determination unit 22 of the server 16 may determine the target user's level of mental composure based on the engagement state between the target user and others in addition to information about the target user's status. The engagement state between the target user and others includes the state of communication between the target user and others.

[0039] The server 16 may further include an evaluation unit that evaluates the engagement state between the target user and others. The evaluation unit may acquire output information from a voice recognition sensor such as a smart speaker or output information from an image sensor that captures the target space. The detection unit may evaluate whether the target user is talking to others (e.g., family, friends, colleagues, pets, etc.) based on the output information of each sensor. The relaxedness determination unit 22 may determine that the user's relaxedness is high when the evaluation unit evaluates that the user is talking to others, even if the target user's break time is below a predetermined threshold, such as less than five minutes, and the user's relaxedness is determined to be low.

[0040] If the target user's level of mental free time is low, their five-minute break will be focused on functional matters such as going to the bathroom. However, if the target user's level of mental free time is high, they may use that time to talk or play with others, so the above-mentioned determination can be made. The engagement state with others may be determined, for example, based on (i) the number of times each person speaks to the other person in audio information over a certain period of time, (ii) the number of occurrences of pre-defined keywords (e.g., "relieved," "fun," "sleepy") for determining a high level of mental free time based on the results of morphological analysis of the audio information of the speech, or (iii) the distance and degree of contact between the target user and others based on image information or a quantitative distance calculated from the GPS location information of each user, which is determined and registered in advance. For example, the evaluation unit may analyze image information depicting the target user and determine that the target user's level of engagement with others, i.e., high level of mental free time, is high if the target user is petting or holding a pet.

[0041] Note that if the target user is near someone (including a pet) using an image sensor, an audio sensor, a GPS, etc., the measurement of the target user's level of composure may be stopped temporarily, and the target user's level of composure may be calculated again when the target user is alone again. In this case, the target user's level of composure can be calculated while minimizing the influence of third parties on the target user.

[0042] In the above modification, when the target user is involved with another person, the control information output unit 26 of the server 16 may further control a device that adjusts the environment of the space where the other person is present (i.e., the space used by the other person). As described above, even when the target user is talking with another person and is determined to have a high level of mental composure, it is preferable to encourage the target user to change his or her behavior if the task to be performed by the target user is highly urgent. In this case, it is preferable to expand the scope of space control to include not only the space used by the target user but also the spaces used by other people involved with the target user. For example, the control information output unit 26 of the server 16 may identify the space used by other people by analyzing captured images, etc. The control information output unit 26 may transmit device control information specifying an operation mode when the task is highly urgent to the environmental adjustment device (output device 12) in the space used by the target user and to the environmental adjustment device in the space used by other people.

[0043] In this way, by changing the spatial environment used by others, the other users can sense the change in the spatial environment settings and encourage the target user to address the task. Furthermore, by notifying others of the urgency of the target user's own task through the spatial environment settings, a sense of crisis and urgency can be fostered and stimulated in the target user. As a result, this can encourage the target user to concentrate and help them meet task deadlines.

[0044] Second Embodiment The second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Components of the second embodiment that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0045] 4 shows the configuration of a spatial environment setting system 10 according to the second embodiment. The spatial environment setting system 10 according to the second embodiment further includes a task management device 15 and a setting history storage unit 18 in addition to the configuration of the spatial environment setting system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] The task management device 15 is an information processing device that manages information about tasks to be performed by a user (hereinafter also referred to as "task information") based on information registered by the user. The task information includes the deadline date and time of the task and the remaining number of checks. The remaining number of checks is the remaining number of times the task deliverable will be checked, and can also be considered the remaining number of feedbacks. The task management device 15 transmits the user's task information to the server 16 in response to a request from the server 16, or autonomously or periodically.

[0047] The setting history storage unit 18 stores information indicating past control modes of each output device 12 by the user (hereinafter also referred to as "device setting history"). The device setting history includes the setting date and time, the period until the deadline, and the device control mode. The device control modes of the second embodiment include, in order of decreasing degree of relaxation promotion (in other words, decreasing degree of concentration promotion), a relaxation-based mode, a balanced mode, a concentration-based mode, and a concentration promotion mode.

[0048] The relaxation-based mode is a device control mode that sets aside more time in a space environment that is conducive to relaxation. In the relaxation-based mode, the ratio of time spent in relaxation mode to time spent in concentration mode may be 2:1. The balanced mode is a device control mode that balances the time spent in relaxation mode and time spent in concentration mode to an equal extent. In the balanced mode, the ratio of time spent in relaxation mode to time spent in concentration mode may be 1:1.

[0049] The concentration-based mode is a device control mode that sets aside more time in a spatial environment that is conducive to concentration. In the concentration-based mode, the ratio of time in relaxation mode to time in concentration mode may be 1:2. The concentration-promoting mode is a device control mode that, in principle, creates a spatial environment that is conducive to concentration, but allows the user to switch to relaxation mode depending on their performance. In the concentration-promoting mode, the ratio of time in relaxation mode to time in concentration mode may be 1:5.

[0050] The setting history storage unit 18 transmits the user's device setting history to the server 16 in response to a request from the server 16, or autonomously or periodically.

[0051] The server 16 of the second embodiment includes a task information receiving unit 30, a device setting history acquiring unit 32, and a task urgency determining unit 34 in addition to the configuration of the server 16 of the first embodiment. The task information receiving unit 30 acquires user task information transmitted from the task management device 15. The device setting history acquiring unit 32 acquires user device setting history transmitted from the setting history storage unit 18.

[0052] The task urgency determination unit 34 determines the degree of urgency of a task based on the user's task information and the device setting history (in other words, the user's past control modes of each output device 12). The degree of urgency of a task is also referred to as the "task urgency level" hereinafter. The task urgency levels in the second embodiment are divided into four levels, from the lowest level D to the highest level A. The determination unit 24 determines the control mode of each output device 12 based on the user's mental composure and the user's task urgency level.

[0053] As a modified example, the task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level based only on the user's task information. Fig. 5 shows an example of determining the task urgency level. The task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level based on the period until the deadline based on the deadline date and time indicated in the task information and the remaining number of checks indicated in the task information. For example, if the period until the deadline is three months or more, the task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level to Level D regardless of the remaining number of checks.

[0054] Furthermore, when the deadline is about one month away, the task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level as level C or level B depending on the remaining number of checks. Furthermore, when the deadline is about one week away, the task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level as level B or level A depending on the remaining number of checks. When the deadline is one day away, the task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level as level A regardless of the remaining number of checks.

[0055] FIG. 6 also shows an example of determining the task urgency level. The task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level based only on the time until the deadline, which is determined based on the deadline date and time indicated in the task information. In this case, the user's task information may not include the number of remaining checks. In this case, the task urgency level may be determined to be higher the shorter the time until the deadline. Note that the correspondence between the time until the deadline, the number of remaining checks, and the task urgency level may be predetermined by the user, system developer, etc., and the task urgency determination unit 34 may determine the task urgency level according to the predetermined correspondence.

[0056] The operation of the spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment configured as above will now be described. 7 shows an example of a device setting history stored in the setting history storage unit 18. The device setting history indicates a device control pattern according to the user's individual way of thinking. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the user temporarily switches the environment of the target space to the concentration-based mode both when there are more than three months left until the deadline and when there is more than one month left until the deadline, thereby facilitating the completion of the task.

[0057] 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 16 of the second embodiment. The task information receiving unit 30 of the server 16 periodically acquires user task information from the task management device 15 (S20). The device setting history acquiring unit 32 of the server 16 periodically acquires the user's device setting history from the setting history storage unit 18 (S21). The task urgency determining unit 34 of the server 16 determines the task urgency level based on the user's task information and the user's device setting history (S22).

[0058] FIG. 9 shows an example of task urgency level determination. The task urgency level in FIG. 9 is determined based on the user's device setting history shown in FIG. 7. Because the user switches to the concentration-based mode once after three months and once after one month, the task urgency determination unit 34 sets the task urgency level for that period to level A. In principle, if there is one day left until the deadline, the task urgency determination unit 34 sets the task urgency level to level A. However, in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 9, work in the concentration-based mode is included even while there is still ample time until the deadline. Therefore, the task urgency determination unit 34 sets the task urgency level to level B (or level C) when there is one day left until the deadline.

[0059] Returning to Fig. 8, similarly to the first embodiment, the user status information receiving unit 20 of the server 16 periodically acquires user status information from the user status determination device 14 (S23). Each time user status information is acquired, the composure level determining unit 22 of the server 16 determines the user's composure level based on the user status information acquired up to that point (S24). Note that the processes of S23 to S24 may be executed before the processes of S20 to S22. Furthermore, the processes of S23 to S24 may be executed in parallel with the processes of S20 to S22.

[0060] The determination unit 24 of the server 16 determines the operation mode of each output device 12 based on the user's task urgency level determined in S22 and the user's mental composure determined in S24 (S25). In the second embodiment, the determination unit 24 selects one of four predetermined device control modes (relaxation-based mode, balanced mode, concentration-based mode, and concentration promotion mode) as the operation mode of each output device 12.

[0061] 10 shows an example of determining the device control mode. If the task urgency level is level D, the determination unit 24 determines the device control mode to be the relaxation-based mode regardless of the mental composure. Also, if the task urgency level is level C, the determination unit 24 determines the device control mode to be the relaxation-based mode if the mental composure is relatively low, and determines the device control mode to be the balanced mode if the mental composure is relatively high.

[0062] Furthermore, when the task urgency level is Level B, the determination unit 24 determines the device control mode to be the balanced mode if the mental composure is relatively low, and determines the device control mode to be the concentration-based mode if the mental composure is relatively high. Furthermore, when the task urgency level is Level A, the determination unit 24 determines the device control mode to be the concentration-based mode if the mental composure is relatively low, and determines the device control mode to be the concentration-promoting mode if the mental composure is relatively high.

[0063] 8, the control information output unit 26 of the server 16 basically controls the operation of each output device 12 in accordance with the device control mode determined in S25 (S26). For example, when the device control mode is determined to be the relaxation-based mode, the control information output unit 26 switches between transmitting control information instructing the operation mode of the relaxation mode to each output device 12 and transmitting control information instructing the operation mode of the concentration mode to each output device 12 such that the ratio of the time for the relaxation mode to the time for the concentration mode is 2:1.

[0064] Furthermore, when the device control mode is determined to be the balanced mode, the control information output unit 26 switches between transmitting control information instructing the operation mode of the relaxation mode to each output device 12 and transmitting control information instructing the operation mode of the concentration mode to each output device 12 so that the ratio of the time in the relaxation mode to the time in the concentration mode is 1:1. Furthermore, when the device control mode is determined to be the concentration-based mode, the control information output unit 26 controls each output device 12 so that the ratio of the time in the relaxation mode to the time in the concentration mode is 1:2. Furthermore, when the device control mode is determined to be the concentration-promoting mode, the control information output unit 26 controls each output device 12 so that the ratio of the time in the relaxation mode to the time in the concentration mode is 1:5.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the determination unit 24 changes the rule (hereinafter also referred to as "actuation pattern") regarding switching of the control mode of the output device 12 based on a combination of the user's mental composure and the device control mode. The control information output unit 26 controls switching from the concentration mode to the relaxation mode and switching from the relaxation mode to the concentration mode in accordance with the actuation pattern determined by the determination unit 24.

[0066] Figure 10 includes an example of determining an actuation pattern. The actuation pattern "Guiding the user by changing the space (promoting a relaxed space in a system-driven manner)" is a pattern in which the switch from concentration mode to relaxation mode is system-driven (such as automatic switching triggered by a time), while the switch from relaxation mode to concentration mode is user-driven (control according to the user's behavior). The actuation pattern "Control in which the system adapts to the user's behavior" is a pattern in which both the switch from concentration mode to relaxation mode and the switch from relaxation mode to concentration mode are user-driven.

[0067] The actuation pattern "Guiding the user by changing the space (promoting a concentration space in a system-driven manner)" is a pattern in which the switch from concentration mode to relaxation mode is user-driven, while the switch from relaxation mode to concentration mode is system-driven.The actuation pattern "Guiding the user by forcible changing the space (system-driven switch to a concentration space)" is a pattern in which both the switch from concentration mode to relaxation mode and the switch from relaxation mode to concentration mode are system-driven, and the switch from concentration mode to relaxation mode by user operation is prohibited (or can be said to be rejected).

[0068] The spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment can perform more appropriate spatial environment control by taking into account the urgency of the tasks that the user is handling.

[0069] The present disclosure has been described above based on the first and second embodiments. The embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process of the embodiments, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] In the first and second embodiments described above, the user state determination device 14, the task management device 15, and the setting history storage unit 18 are provided as devices separate from the server 16. As a modification, the server 16 may have the functions of at least one of the user state determination device 14, the task management device 15, and the setting history storage unit 18.

[0071] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. A new embodiment resulting from a combination combines the effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component recited in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications, either individually or in combination.

[0072] <Additional Notes> The above description of the embodiment and modifications discloses the following techniques. [Technology 1] The information processing device Obtaining information about the state of users working in a given space; determining a mental composure of the user based on information about the user's state; controlling a device that adjusts the environment of the space based on the user's level of mental composure; How to set up the spatial environment. According to this spatial environment setting method, spatial environment control is performed in accordance with the user's level of mental composure, which makes it easier to improve the user's state of well-being. [Technology 2] The information about the user's status includes at least one of the user's working time and the user's rest time. The spatial environment setting method described in Technology 1. According to this spatial environment setting method, it becomes easier to appropriately determine the user's mental well-being based on the user's working time and / or rest time. [Technology 3] The information processing device, Further determining the urgency of the task being performed by the user; controlling the device based on the user's level of composure and the degree of urgency of the task; The spatial environment setting method described in Technology 1. According to this spatial environment setting method, it is possible to take into account the urgency of the tasks the user is handling, thereby enabling more appropriate spatial environment control. [Technology 4] determining the urgency of the task based on the time until the deadline of the task; A spatial environment setting method according to Technology 3. This spatial environment setting method makes it easier to appropriately determine the degree of urgency of the tasks the user is facing. [Technology 5] determining the urgency of the task based on the time until the deadline of the task and the number of times the deliverable of the task is checked; A spatial environment setting method according to Technology 4. This spatial environment setting method makes it easier to appropriately determine the degree of urgency of the tasks the user is facing. [Technology 6] determining the degree of urgency of the task based on the time remaining until the deadline of the task and the past control behavior of the device by the user; A spatial environment setting method according to Technology 4. This spatial environment setting method makes it easier to appropriately determine the degree of urgency of the tasks the user is facing. [Technology 7] changing a rule regarding switching of the control mode of the device based on the user's level of composure; The spatial environment setting method described in Technology 1. According to this spatial environment setting method, spatial environment control that is more suited to the user's level of mental composure can be realized. [Technology 8] determining a mental margin of the user based further on a state of engagement between the user and others; The spatial environment setting method described in Technology 1. According to this spatial environment setting method, the user's level of mental composure can be determined more appropriately by taking into account the state of engagement between the user and others. [Technology 9] When the user is in a state of being involved with another person, the device further controls an apparatus for adjusting an environment of a space where the other person is present. A spatial environment setting method according to technology 8. According to this spatial environment setting method, the spatial environment of other people involved with the user can also be appropriately controlled. [Technology 10] a user status acquisition unit that acquires information about the status of a user working in a predetermined space; a mental composure determination unit that determines a mental composure of the user based on information about the user's state; a device control unit that controls a device that adjusts the environment of the space based on the user's mental composure; An information processing device comprising: According to this information processing device, spatial environment control is performed in accordance with the user's level of mental composure, making it easier to improve the user's state of well-being. [Technology 11] In the information processing device, Obtaining information about the state of users working in a given space; determining a mental composure of the user based on information about the user's state; controlling a device that adjusts the environment of the space based on the user's level of mental composure; A computer program to make things happen. This computer program controls the spatial environment in accordance with the user's level of mental well-being, making it easier to improve the user's state of well-being. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 spatial environment setting system, 12 output device, 14 user state determination device, 15 task management device, 16 server, 18 setting history storage unit, 20 user state information receiving unit, 22 slack determination unit, 24 decision unit, 26 control information output unit, 34 task urgency determination unit.

Claims

1. The information processing device Obtaining information about the state of users working in a given space; determining a mental composure of the user based on information about the user's state; controlling a device that adjusts the environment of the space based on the user's level of mental composure; How to set up the spatial environment.

2. The information about the user's status includes at least one of the user's working time and the user's rest time. The spatial environment setting method according to claim 1 .

3. The information processing device, Further determining the urgency of the task being performed by the user; controlling the device based on the user's level of composure and the degree of urgency of the task; The spatial environment setting method according to claim 1 .

4. determining the urgency of the task based on the time until the deadline of the task; The spatial environment setting method according to claim 3 .

5. determining the urgency of the task based on the time until the deadline of the task and the number of times the deliverable of the task is checked; The spatial environment setting method according to claim 4.

6. determining the degree of urgency of the task based on the time remaining until the deadline of the task and the past control behavior of the device by the user; The spatial environment setting method according to claim 4.

7. changing a rule regarding switching of the control mode of the device based on the user's level of composure; The spatial environment setting method according to claim 1 .

8. determining a mental margin of the user based further on a state of engagement between the user and others; The spatial environment setting method according to claim 1 .

9. When the user is in a state of being involved with another person, the device further controls an apparatus for adjusting an environment of a space where the other person is present. The spatial environment setting method according to claim 8.

10. a user status acquisition unit that acquires information about the status of a user working in a predetermined space; a mental composure determination unit that determines a mental composure of the user based on information about the user's state; a device control unit that controls a device that adjusts the environment of the space based on the user's mental composure; An information processing device comprising:

11. In the information processing device, Obtaining information about the state of users working in a given space; determining a mental composure of the user based on information about the user's state; controlling a device that adjusts the environment of the space based on the user's level of mental composure; A computer program to make things happen.

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