Information processing device, information processing system, and program

Abstract

It can appropriately assess the user's psychological state. [Solution] The information processing device includes: an answer acquisition unit that acquires R answers, which are the user's own answers to R questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when relaxed, and T answers, which are the user's own answers to T questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when stressed or tense; a score calculation unit that calculates a first score that shows the relationship between the R score determined based on the R answers and the T score determined based on the T answers; and an output unit that outputs information based on the calculation results by the score calculation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known that the degree of awareness of physical reactions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as interoceptive sensation perception) is related to the mental state. For example, in alexithymia, which is a psychosomatic disorder, the awareness of the mind and body is generally considered to be low. Also, in relaxation techniques used in the treatment of psychosomatic disorders, importance is attached to the awareness of the mind and body, and the awareness of the mind and body is considered to be related to a good mental state.

[0003] Measurement methods for interoceptive sensation include, for example, an experimental method and a questionnaire method. Since the experimental method takes a long time for measurement and places a large burden on the user, the questionnaire method, which evaluates based on the answers to the questionnaire, is often used for measuring interoceptive sensation (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, interoceptive sensations are generally perceived more frequently during stressful (tense) states, and questionnaires often include questions that assume stressful situations. Therefore, the degree of perception of bodily responses only reflects the degree of negative psychological states, failing to evaluate the positive aspects of mental and physical states. Furthermore, the relationship between physiological responses and psychological states is not always one-to-one and varies depending on the user's situation. For example, an increase in heart rate can be caused by psychological states such as tension or anger, as well as external factors such as smoking or drinking. Therefore, it was difficult to appropriately assess psychological states based on specific physiological responses.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a technology that can appropriately evaluate not only the deterioration of the user's psychological state, but also its improvement and enhancement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising: an answer acquisition unit that acquires R answers, which are the user's own answers to R questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when relaxed; and T answers, which are the user's own answers to T questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when stressed or tense; a score calculation unit that calculates a first score that shows the relationship between the R score determined based on the R answers and the T score determined based on the T answers; and a display unit that displays information based on the calculation results by the score calculation unit.

[0008] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first score is the difference between the R score and the T score, and the score calculation unit further calculates a second score that represents the sum of the R score and the T score.

[0009] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the response acquisition unit acquires adjustment responses, which are the user's own responses to adjustment questions, which are questions about refreshing experiences and stressful experiences that occurred within a predetermined period. The score calculation unit then adjusts at least one of the R score, the T score, and the first score based on the adjustment score determined by the adjustment responses.

[0010] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the score calculation unit calculates a standardized score that indicates the magnitude of the score calculated based on the user's response results, using a formula similar to the score based on past response results, based on the score calculated based on the user's past response results and at least one of the user's other users.

[0011] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the display unit is an information processing system that separately and independently displays to the user a group of R questions including a plurality of R questions and a group of T questions including a plurality of T questions.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the physical response elicited from the user by the R question and the physical response elicited from the user by the T question are physical responses of the same type and of the same degree.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, after presenting the information based on the calculation result, the display unit displays a video showing the time periods for inhaling and exhaling, which changes over time according to the depth of breathing.

[0014] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the display unit displays, at intervals, multiple times a message encouraging the user to watch the video between the time the user gives an answer and the time the user gives another answer.

[0015] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute an answer acquisition step of obtaining an R answer, which is the user's own answer to an R question, which is a question about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when relaxed, and a T answer, which is the user's own answer to a T question, which is a question about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when stressed or tense; a score calculation step of calculating a first score that shows the relationship between the R score determined based on the R answer and the T score determined based on the T answer; and an output step of outputting information based on the calculation results of the score calculation step.

[0016] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: an answer acquisition unit that acquires an R answer, which is the user's own answer to an R question, which is a question about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when relaxed; a T answer, which is the user's own answer to a T question, which is a question about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when stressed or tense; a score calculation unit that calculates a first score that shows the relationship between the R score determined based on the R answer and the T score determined based on the T answer; and an output unit that outputs information based on the calculation results by the score calculation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the user's psychological state can be appropriately evaluated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the score calculation unit 114. [Figure 3] This figure compares the evaluation using the first score according to this embodiment with the evaluation using a conventional questionnaire method. [Figure 4]A diagram showing the relationship between the R-T score calculated by the score calculation unit 114 according to the embodiment and negative psychological states (mental states) such as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, and apathy, as well as symptoms such as sleep disorders. [Figure 5] A diagram for explaining the flow from the evaluation of the mental state by the terminal device 20 to self-care. [Figure 6] A diagram for explaining an example of the presented video. [Figure 7] A diagram for explaining another example of the presented video. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration example of the information processing device 90 applied to the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] [Embodiment] Regarding the information processing device, information processing system, and program according to the present embodiment, preferred embodiments will be listed and described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to these embodiments, and also includes those with various modifications or improvements. That is, the components described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially the same ones, and the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, in the present embodiment, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the components may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0020] In all the figures used to illustrate the embodiments, components with the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. Furthermore, in this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on calculations or processing performed on XX. "XX" is any element (for example, any information). Furthermore, "information based on XX" means "XX" and so on. The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. The information processing system 1 evaluates the user's psychological state and presents the evaluation results, and is used by the user for condition management, mental focusing, etc. The information processing system 1 comprises the information processing device 10 and a terminal device 20. There may be only one terminal device 20 provided in the information processing system 1. The terminal device 20 is operated by the user.

[0022] The information processing device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet, and various types of information are exchanged between the connected devices via wired or wireless communication. The description of the network NW will be omitted in the following explanation.

[0023] [Configuration of the information processing device] The information processing device 10 comprises an arithmetic unit 11 and a storage unit 12.

[0024] The arithmetic unit 11 is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and operates based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 12, providing various functions.

[0025] The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various types of information, such as programs and data read by the arithmetic unit 11. The storage unit 12 may also be implemented by a virtual storage device, such as a cloud server, located outside the information processing device 10.

[0026] [Terminal device configuration] The terminal device 20 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc. The terminal device 20 comprises a terminal display unit 21, a terminal operation unit 22, a terminal calculation unit 23, and a terminal storage unit 24.

[0027] The terminal display unit 21, for example, is equipped with a liquid crystal display and displays various images. In the following description, the display of an image by the terminal display unit 21 is also referred to as presenting an image to the user U. The terminal display unit 21 may also be simply called the display unit.

[0028] The terminal operation unit 22, for example, is equipped with a touch panel and detects user U's actions.

[0029] The terminal processing unit 23 (not shown) is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and operates based on programs and data stored in the terminal storage unit 24 (not shown), providing various functions.

[0030] The terminal storage unit 24 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various types of information, such as programs and data read by the terminal processing unit 23. The terminal storage unit 24 may also be implemented by a virtual storage device, such as a cloud server, located outside the terminal device 20. The terminal storage unit 24 may store, for example, programs required for evaluating psychological states.

[0031] [Functions of the information processing device] The calculation unit 11 includes a communication unit 110, an operation reception unit 111, a display control unit 112, an answer acquisition unit 113, a score calculation unit 114, and an output unit 115 as its functional units. Each of these functional units does not necessarily have to be included in a single device, and the information processing device 10 may be composed of multiple devices.

[0032] The communication unit 110 communicates information with the terminal device 20.

[0033] The operation reception unit 111 receives various operations performed on the terminal device 20 and activates the various functions of the calculation unit 11.

[0034] The display control unit 112 controls the display on the terminal device 20. Specifically, the display control unit 112 generates the screen to be displayed on the terminal display unit 21 and transmits it to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 110. The terminal device 20 displays the screen generated by the display control unit 112.

[0035] The response acquisition unit 113 acquires the user's response (also referred to as the response result) to a question presented to the user based on the user's operation. The question may be presented to the user using the terminal device 20, for example, by being displayed on the terminal display unit 21, or it may be presented to the user using a printed medium (e.g., paper) such as a mark sheet or test paper.

[0036] When presented using terminal device 20, the user may respond by operating terminal operation unit 22. In this case, terminal device 20 detects the user's response operation via terminal operation unit 22, obtains the response result, and transmits it to information processing device 10. Response acquisition unit 113 may also acquire the response result from terminal device 20.

[0037] When presented using paper media, users may respond by writing on the paper media. The responses written on the paper media may be read by a dedicated reader (e.g., Optical Mark Recognition; OMR) or by a terminal device 20 that captures images of the paper media and reads the responses. In this case, the response acquisition unit 113 may acquire the responses from the dedicated reader or the terminal device 20. Alternatively, the responses written on the paper media may be read visually by the user or another person. In this case, the person who reads the responses may input the read content by operating the terminal operation unit 22. The response acquisition unit 113 acquires information from the terminal device 20 indicating the content of the read responses.

[0038] [R questions and T questions] The questions presented to the user primarily consist of R (Relax) questions and T (Tension) questions. For each assessment of psychological state, one R question and one T question may be presented, or multiple questions may be presented. In the following explanation, multiple R questions or multiple T questions may be collectively referred to as an R question group or a T question group.

[0039] R questions are questions that assess the user's perception of their bodily responses during relaxation (interoceptive sensory perception). In other words, R questions ask how aware the user is of the common bodily responses that occur in a relaxed state. These bodily responses may include muscle relaxation, vasodilation, and heart rate, among others.

[0040] A set of R questions groups together common questions, such as, "To what extent do you notice the following physical reactions when you are relaxed? Please select the option that best describes the degree." A set of R questions may include, for example, the following items.

[0041] [R1] The heart is beating slowly. [R2] My stomach feels warm. [R3] Muscles are relaxed [R4] The pulse is slow. [R5] Breathing slowly [R6] Breathing deeply [R7] My toes are getting warm. [R8] Your palms are getting warm [R9] Not clenching your teeth [R10] The muscles in the face are relaxed.

[0042] In other words, [R1] is a question asking how often you notice your heart beating slowly when you are relaxed. Please select the option that best describes this. Note that the set of questions does not need to be a single question that is common to multiple questions such as [R1] through [R10]; each question may be asked separately.

[0043] The T-question is a set of questions that assess the user's perception of their physical responses in at least one of the stressful and tense situations. These situations are sometimes simply referred to as "stressful / tense situations." In other words, the T-question asks how aware the user is of the general physical responses that occur in stressful and tense situations. These physical responses may include, for example, stress responses, tension (freezing) responses, fight-or-flight responses, vasoconstriction responses, and cardiac heart rate.

[0044] A set of T-questions might ask a question that is common to all T-questions, such as, "To what extent do you notice the following physical reactions when you are stressed? Please select the option that best describes the degree." A set of T-questions may include, for example, the following T-questions.

[0045] [T1] The heart rate is increasing. [T2] ​​My stomach is cold. [T3] Muscles are tense [T4] The pulse is beating fast. [T5] Breathing rapidly [T6] Shallow breathing [T7] My toes are cold. [T8] My palms are cold. [T9] Clenching teeth [T10] The facial muscles are tense.

[0046] For each R question and each T question, the user selects the answer that best applies from several options, such as "1. Completely wrong," "2. Somewhat right," "3. Mostly right," and "4. Right." If the user selects "1. Completely wrong," the user does not perceive the bodily response that the question asks about in the given situation. If the user selects "4. Right," the user perceives the bodily response that the question asks about in the given situation.

[0047] Examples of each R question and T question were explained above. The R question group and T question group only need to consist of questions that ask about the degree of physical response in each situation, and may also include various other questions such as "My mouth is not dry" as an R question and "My mouth is dry" as a T question.

[0048] The R-questions, which inquire about physical responses in a relaxed state, and the T-questions, which inquire about physical responses in a stressed or tense state, are questions that require recalling and answering in different situations, and therefore, it is desirable that they be presented (displayed) separately and independently. Presentation separately and independently means that, for a single assessment of psychological state, the questions in one group (R-questions or T-questions) should be answered before the questions in the other group can be answered. In other words, these questions should not be presented in the order of R-questions, T-questions, R-questions. Specifically, presentation separately may mean that the R-questions and T-questions are presented on separate sheets of paper or pages, or in separate areas on a screen. Furthermore, presentation separately may mean that the distance between the R-questions and T-questions is greater than the distance between multiple R-questions within the R-questions or T-questions. Also, presentation separately may mean that the answer fields for the R-questions and the answer fields for the T-questions are presented without contact, or not located near each other. Note that the R questions and T questions do not necessarily have to be presented separately and independently. For example, T questions and R questions may be presented together in a questionnaire or terminal device 20. When presented together, it is desirable to specify in each question whether the subject is relaxed or stressed / tense.

[0049] The response format in this embodiment employs a Likert scale with four levels (a 4-point scale), but this embodiment is not an example of this. For example, the response format in this embodiment may employ a Likert scale with five, seven, or nine levels, or other response formats. Note that odd-numbered Likert scales have a neutral response. If opinions are concentrated in the neutral response category, it may become difficult to analyze and interpret the response results. In contrast, a four-level Likert scale does not have a neutral response, so it is possible to clearly grasp the trends in the users' responses.

[0050] The bodily responses that each R question asks the user for, and the bodily responses that each T question asks the user for, are of the same type and the degree of the bodily response is paired. For example, let's explain this in detail by referring to the question [R10], "Are your facial muscles relaxed?" and the question [T10], "Are your facial muscles tense?" Both [R10] and [T10] are the type of questions that ask about the degree of tension in the facial muscles. Furthermore, [R10] and [T10] express a paired degree of bodily response through the use of antonyms such as "relaxed" and "tense." In addition, in order to pair the degrees of bodily responses, it is desirable not to include degree-indicating words such as "strong" or "weak" in only one of the questions, but if such words are included, they should be included in both the R question and the T question.

[0051] It should be noted that for the degree of a physical response to be paired, it does not necessarily have to be an antonym. For example, [R1] "The heart is beating slowly" and [T1] "The heart is beating faster." If the sentence [R1] asking about "having a calm heart rate" is changed to "having a weak heart rate" using the antonym of [T1] which also asks about "having a calm heart rate," the user may not understand that they are being asked about "having a calm heart rate" and may not be able to answer appropriately. Therefore, for the degree of physical response in an R question and a T question to be paired, the sentences themselves do not need to be paired; it is sufficient that the physical response being expressed is paired.

[0052] [Adjustment question] The questions presented to the user may also include adjustment questions. The user's answers to the adjustment questions are used to adjust the score calculated by the score calculation unit 114, which will be described later.

[0053] Adjustment questions are questions that inquire about the quantity or ratio of refreshing and stressful experiences within a specified period. The specified period may be, for example, the past month, two months, or one year, or it may be the period of the subject to be evaluated, or it may be the period in which a specific event occurred. Refreshing experiences are, for example, experiences that uplift one's mood, such as enjoyable or exciting experiences. Stressful experiences are, for example, experiences that cause stress. Adjustment questions may include, for example, the following items. When asking whether there was a stressful experience and whether there was a refreshing experience, it is desirable that the expression be a pair of sentences, similar to R and T questions.

[0054] [A1] Did you have any experiences during this period that made you feel stressed? [A2] Did you have any experiences during this period that made you feel refreshed?

[0055] For each adjustment question, the user selects the answer that best applies from several options, such as "1. Almost none," "2. A little," "3. Yes," and "4. Quite a lot."

[0056] Adjustment questions may be included in both the R-questions and T-questions, or they may be presented separately from the R-questions and T-questions. For example, question [A1], which asks whether there was a stressful experience, may be included in the T-questions. Similarly, question [A2], which asks whether there was a refreshing experience, may be included in the R-questions. Adjustment questions may also be presented together before or after the R-questions and T-questions.

[0057] Adjustment questions may be multiple, such as [A1] and [A2], or they may be combined into a single question. If [A1] and [A2] are combined into a single adjustment question [A'], [A'] may be a question asking about the ratio or relative magnitude of stressful experiences to refreshing experiences. However, generally, unpleasant experiences (stressful experiences) are more easily remembered. Therefore, to prevent the answer to whether there was a refreshing experience ([A2]) from being influenced by stressful experiences, it is desirable to present [A1] and [A2] to the user as separate adjustment questions.

[0058] [Calculating the score] The score calculation unit 114 obtains the answer results to the R questions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as R answers), the answer results to the T questions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as T answers), and the answer results to the adjustment questions (hereinafter referred to as adjustment answers) from the answer acquisition unit 113. The R answers, T answers, and adjustment answers may be stored in the storage unit 12 as needed, in which case the score calculation unit 114 obtains the R answers, T answers, and adjustment answers from the storage unit 12.

[0059] The score calculation unit 114 calculates a base score, a standardized score, an evaluation score, etc., which are scores required to evaluate the user's psychological state, based on the acquired response results. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the score calculation unit 114. The calculation examples of the score calculation unit 114 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0060] [Base Score] (Step S101) The score calculation unit 114 calculates a base score based on the user's response. The information processing device 10 obtains the user's base score from the score calculation unit 114.

[0061] The base score is a score determined for each response result, such as R responses ([R1] to [R10]), T responses ([T1] to [T10]), and adjustment responses ([A1], [A2]). Hereinafter, the base score based on the response result of [A1], which asks about stress experiences, may be referred to as the stress score, and the base score based on the response result of [A2], which asks about refreshing experiences, may be referred to as the refresh score.

[0062] The base score may be set for each answer choice, for example. Specifically, if the user selects "1. Almost none," they may be given 1 point; if they select "2. A little," they may be given 2 points; if they select "3. Yes," they may be given 3 points; if they select "4. Quite a lot," they may be given 4 points, and so on. The points set for each choice may differ from question to question, and the points set for the choices in other questions may change when one choice is selected.

[0063] Furthermore, if the user inputs a base score as the answer result, the answer acquisition unit 113 of the information processing device 10 may acquire the base score as the answer result from the terminal device 20.

[0064] [Standardized score] (Step S102) The score calculation unit 114 calculates a standardized score based on the base score. The information processing device 10 obtains the user's standardized score from the score calculation unit 114.

[0065] A standardized score is a score that can be used as an indicator when evaluating a user's psychological state. It is calculated using base scores for multiple R responses, base scores for multiple T responses, or both. A standardized score is a value that shows the relationship between a score calculated based on a user's response results and a score calculated based on the user's and other users' responses to T and R questions, and it shows the magnitude of the user's score relative to past scores. Using a standardized score, it is possible to understand the degree of deviation from a general score (average score) and the direction of the deviation, and to appropriately evaluate the user's psychological state. In the following explanation, we will describe standardized scores based on four types of individual scores: R score, T score, first score, and second score.

[0066] The R score is the sum of the base scores for all R questions ([R1] to [R10]) included in the R question set. The R score can be used to assess how aware a user is of their own bodily responses while relaxed.

[0067] The T-score is the sum of the base scores for all T-questions ([T1] to [T10]) included in a set of T-questions. The T-score can be used to assess how aware a user is of their own physical responses in stressful and tense situations.

[0068] The first score is a value that indicates the relative magnitudes of the R score and the T score. The first score is a value based on at least one of the following: the difference between the R score and the T score, the ratio of the T score to the R score, and the ratio of the R score to the T score. The value on which it is based may be the value itself, or it may be a value calculated using various formulas. Below, we will explain the RT score, which is obtained by subtracting the T score from the R score, as the first score. According to the first score, it is possible to evaluate whether a user is more aware of their own bodily reactions in a stressed / tense state or a relaxed state.

[0069] The second score is a value that indicates the overall magnitude of the R score and T score. The second score is a value based on, for example, at least one of the sum of the R score and the T score, or the product of the R score and the T score. Below, the sum of the R score and the T score will be explained as the second score. The second score allows us to evaluate how easily a user is aware of their own bodily reactions, regardless of whether they are in a stressed / tense state or a relaxed state.

[0070] In the above, an example of a method for calculating individual scores such as the R score, T score, RT score, and R+T score was explained. These individual scores can be standardized using the following formula (1), etc., to calculate a standardized score that is more suitable for evaluation. In formula (1), "z" is the standardized score, "X" is the individual score, "μ" is the mean, and "σ" is the standard deviation. The mean and standard deviation are calculated based on the past response results of oneself and others, and may be stored in the memory unit 12, the terminal memory unit 24, or an external server, etc.

[0071]

number

[0072] Furthermore, the standard score can also be calculated using the following formula (2), etc.

[0073]

number

[0074] [Evaluation score (using adjusted score)] (Step S103) The score calculation unit 114 creates an evaluation score by adjusting the individual score or standardized score using an adjustment score. In the following description, if the individual score, standardized score, and evaluation score are not distinguished, the score may be an individual score, a standardized score, or an adjusted evaluation score. The output unit 115 outputs the calculation result of the score calculation unit 114, or information indicating the evaluation result of the psychological state based on the calculation result, to the terminal device 20, etc.

[0075] The adjustment score is a value that shows, for example, the relationship between the stress score and the refresh score. Like the first score, the adjustment score may be a value based on the difference or quotient, and below it will be assumed to be refresh score - stress score. The physical response asked in the T-question (for example, increased heart rate) is applicable even when the person is in a positive mental state such as when they are excited or euphoric, so if there are many refreshing experiences, the T-score, which evaluates awareness of stress, will be higher. According to the adjustment score, the user's mental state can be appropriately evaluated even in the situations described above.

[0076] The score calculation unit 114 calculates an adjustment score that indicates how much more refreshing experiences there are compared to stressful experiences by performing calculations such as subtracting the stress score from the refresh score. For example, if the value of the adjustment score is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2), the score calculation unit 114 determines that the size of the T score has increased due to the refreshing experience and adjusts the R score, T score, RT score, and R+T score. Specifically, the score calculation unit 114 may subtract the adjustment score from the T score, add the adjustment score to the R score or RT score, or subtract the adjustment score from the R+T score. Also, if the value of the adjustment score is less than a predetermined threshold, the score calculation unit 114 determines that the impact of the refreshing experience on the T score is small and does not need to adjust the score.

[0077] [Assessment of psychological state: Score 1] Based on the score calculated by the score calculation unit 114, the information processing device 10 can appropriately evaluate the user's psychological state. Figure 3 is a diagram comparing the evaluation using the first score (RT score) according to the embodiment, the evaluation using the second score (R+T), and the evaluation using the conventional questionnaire method (Body Perception Questionnaire; BPQ). The numerical values ​​here represent the correlation coefficient. The relationship between nonspecific complaints, difficulty in identifying bodily sensations, over-adaptation, positive emotions, and negative emotions is shown. Difficulty in identifying bodily sensations and over-adaptation are items related to psychosomatic disorders. Nonspecific complaints are symptoms caused by stress or hormonal imbalances, and are complaints of headaches, etc., even though the cause cannot be identified through examination. In other words, nonspecific complaints are a state in which one is highly aware of bodily reactions in a stressful state. Positive emotions and negative emotions were measured using the Affect Grid method. The states to be evaluated are three: positive mental state (posi), negative psychological state (nega), and nonspecific complaints (syuuso). Nonspecific complaints are symptoms caused by stress or hormonal imbalances, and although the cause cannot be identified through examination, individuals complain of symptoms such as headaches. In other words, nonspecific complaints are a state in which individuals are highly aware of their physical reactions in stressful situations.

[0078] Since the BPQ was developed to measure the degree of deterioration in psychological state, it shows a positive correlation with the state of nonspecific complaints and psychosomatic disorders. Regarding emotions, since there is a positive correlation with both positive and negative emotions, these are not discriminated against. The T score shows a change in the same direction as the BPQ, and it is possible to evaluate the deterioration of psychological state. In contrast, the RT score includes the measurement of a good psychological state. The RT score shows a negative correlation with the state of nonspecific complaints and psychosomatic disorders. It also showed a negative correlation with negative emotions. Therefore, it can be seen that the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can appropriately evaluate the user's psychological state from both poor and good directions.

[0079] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the value decreases during negative mental states and increases during positive mental states, it is desirable that the first score be based on at least one of either the R score - T score or the R score / T score.

[0080] Figure 4 shows the relationship between the RT score and R+T score calculated by the score calculation unit 114 according to the embodiment, and negative psychological states (mental states) such as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, and apathy, as well as symptoms such as sleep disorders. The emotions and symptoms described above are just examples of negative mental states. According to the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, it is possible to reduce the scores of negative psychological states and symptoms that lead to negative psychological states, not just nonspecific complaints, thus enabling the distinction and evaluation of positive psychological states.

[0081] [Assessment of psychological state: Score 1 and Score 2] The assessment of psychological state can be made more detailed by using a second score (RT score). Interoception is the mechanism for perceiving bodily responses and is related to one's psychological state. The R+T score allows us to assess whether a user is generally aware of or not aware of interoception.

[0082] When using the RT score and the R+T score, the information processing device 10 may evaluate an increase in the T score and a change in the RT score to 0 or negative as indicating a worsening trend in psychological state, and an increase in the RT score in the positive direction as indicating a good psychological state.

[0083] [Self-care] Next, we will explain an example of self-care after the psychological state has been assessed. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow from the assessment of the psychological state by the terminal device 20 to self-care. The display control unit 112 of the information processing device 10 controls the display of the terminal device 20 as needed.

[0084] (Step S201) The terminal device 20 acquires a base score based on the user's operation. For example, the user may answer a question displayed on the terminal display unit 21 by operating the terminal operation unit 22, or they may input the answer result or base score by operating the terminal operation unit 22, or they may take an image of a paper document on which the question is printed.

[0085] (Step S202) The terminal device 20 generates an evaluation score based on the information acquired based on the user's operation and presents it to the user via the terminal display unit 21. The score presented may be an individual score or a standardized score.

[0086] The information presented is not limited to scores. For example, the terminal device 20 may present results evaluated based on the score. Specifically, if the RT score increases, the terminal device 20 may inform the user that the symptoms the user was complaining of (such as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, lethargy, etc.) have been alleviated, or that the quality of sleep has improved, indicating an improvement in the user's psychological state. The process of evaluating the psychological state may be performed by an evaluation unit (not shown) provided in the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20.

[0087] (Step S203) The terminal device 20 stores a score indicating the user's psychological state and information of the evaluation results in the terminal storage unit 24 and storage unit 12, etc. This allows the user to refer to the score and evaluation results to manage their own condition and understand the changes in their psychological state.

[0088] (Step S204) If the score indicating the user's psychological state is below a predetermined threshold (indicating a poor psychological state), the terminal device 20 activates the self-care module. The terminal device 20 may also activate the self-care module based on user input. The self-care module is a function that activates the parasympathetic nervous system and enhances awareness of the body associated with relaxation, such as a function that presents breathing techniques and breathing timing.

[0089] [Respiratory motion curve] The user operates the terminal device 20 to measure their own breathing rate during normal relaxation periods and set the presented respiratory motion curve (breath rate per minute). Alternatively, the user may measure their breathing rate during normal, relaxed, and deep relaxation periods and create their own respiratory motion curves. The user can also use the average respiratory motion curves for normal, relaxed, and deep relaxation periods without measuring their own breathing rate.

[0090] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video that may be presented. The video presented to the terminal device 20 may be, for example, a respiratory movement curve. The display screen D on the terminal device 20 may display a video showing the respiratory movement curve shown in Figure 6 moving from left to right. By displaying the respiratory movement curve on the terminal device 20, the user can understand the timing of inhalation and exhalation and breathe using the appropriate breathing method. Furthermore, by displaying it as a video, such as a respiratory movement curve, the user can naturally imitate the movement of the video displayed on the terminal display unit 21 and breathe using the appropriate breathing method.

[0091] When performing breathing exercises, the following information may be presented to the user as appropriate breathing techniques based on findings from psychophysiological research. This information may be presented during video viewing, after video viewing, or via audio.

[0092] [1] Keep your eyes slightly open and breathe in accordance with the respiratory movement curve displayed on the monitor. Don't worry if the timing is off; you can breathe at a pace that is comfortable for you. [2] Open your mouth slightly, relax your jaw and shoulders, and breathe in through your nose for about 4 seconds, then exhale through your mouth for about 6 seconds. [3] When you exhale, make sure to take longer than when you inhale. You may want to count in your head. [4] When you exhale, try to feel a sense of relaxation. [5] Pay attention to your posture; avoid looking down and keep your chin slightly tucked in. [6] It is even more effective to place your hand lightly on your abdomen and check your breathing while performing the exercise. [7] By practicing breathing exercises carefully at your own pace without forcing yourself, and by being aware of the sensations, you can enhance the relaxation effect.

[0093] The terminal device 20 may display, at intervals, multiple times a day, a message encouraging the user to watch a video between the time the user evaluates their psychological state (answers questions) and the time the user evaluates their psychological state again. The message encouraging the user to watch a video may, for example, simply urge the user to watch the video, or it may present the effects of watching the video multiple times. The time between displaying the message once and displaying it again may be predetermined by the provider of the information processing device 10, or it may be set by the user.

[0094] It should be noted that presenting a video of the respiratory movement curve is merely one example, and this embodiment is not limited to this example. The video presented to the user may be any display such as a diagram, line, or illustration that changes over time according to the depth of breathing. By changing over time according to the depth of breathing, the user can understand the timing of exhalation and inhalation and adjust their own breathing depth accordingly.

[0095] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the video presented. Figure 7(A) shows an example of a display where the respiratory movement curve does not change. Figure 6 shows how the respiratory movement curve can move to show the user the change in breathing depth over time. Figure 7(A) shows an example where the user's position SP, which indicates the depth of the user's breathing, moves from left to right on a stationary respiratory movement curve, reaches the right end, and then reappears from the left end. According to Figure 7(A), the user can understand the depth of breathing from the vertical position of the self-position SP and determine whether it is an exhalation or an inhalation from the position of the self-position SP on the respiratory movement curve.

[0096] The indicator that indicates the transition from exhalation to inhalation is called the inspiratory transition position IP, and the indicator that indicates the transition from inhalation to exhalation is called the exhalation transition position EP. In Figure 7(A), the inspiratory transition position IP is the position where the vertical position of the respiratory movement curve is lower, and the exhalation transition position EP is the position where the upper limit position of the respiratory movement curve is higher.

[0097] Figure 7(B) is the first example of a display that does not use a respiratory motion curve. Figure 7(B) is similar to Figure 7(A) in that the self-position SP moves between the display showing the inspiratory switching position IP and the expiratory switching position EP. In Figure 7(B), the vertical position of the self-position SP indicates the depth of respiration, and when the self-position SP moves upward, it indicates inspiration, and when the self-position SP moves downward, it indicates inspiration.

[0098] Figure 7(C) is a second example of a display that does not use a respiratory motion curve. Figure 7(C) does not include an inspiratory switching position IP and an expiratory switching position EP. In Figure 7(C), the depth of breathing is represented by the size of the displayed shape (self position SP). The timing of switching between exhalation and inhalation occurs at regular intervals during breathing. Therefore, even without knowing the expiratory switching position EP and the inspiratory switching position IP, the user can understand the timing of exhalation and inhalation and adjust their breathing depth accordingly.

[0099] [Hardware configuration] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an example hardware configuration of an information processing device 90 applied to this embodiment. The information processing device 90 comprises a processor 91, main memory 92, communication interface 93, auxiliary storage device 94, input / output interface 95, and internal bus 96. The processor 91, main memory 92, communication interface 93, auxiliary storage device 94, and input / output interface 95 are connected to each other via the internal bus 96 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The information processing device 90 may also be applied to an information processing device 10 and a terminal device 20. In this case, for example, the communication unit 110 may be configured using the communication interface 93. For example, the storage unit 12 and the terminal storage unit 24 may be configured using the auxiliary storage device 94. Also, the arithmetic unit 11 and the terminal arithmetic unit 23 may be configured using the processor 91 and the main memory 92.

[0100] In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 and the terminal device 20 are configured as separate devices, but they may be configured as a single integrated device. That is, the user may operate the information processing device 10.

[0101] The information processing device 10 may be implemented using multiple information processing devices. For example, the information processing device 10 may be implemented using a device such as a cloud. For example, in the information processing device 10, the arithmetic unit 11 and 12 may be implemented in different information processing devices. For example, the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may be distributed and implemented in multiple information processing devices.

[0102] [Summary of Embodiments] According to the embodiment described above, the information processing system 1 includes an answer acquisition unit 113 that acquires R answers, which are the user's own answers to R questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of bodily responses when relaxed, and T answers, which are the user's own answers to T questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of bodily responses in at least one of the situations of stress and tension; a score calculation unit 114 that calculates a first score (RT score) that shows the R score determined based on the R answers and the T score determined based on the T answers; and a terminal display unit 21 that displays information based on the calculation results by the score calculation unit 114. In other words, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment clearly distinguishes between the degree of interoceptive sensory perception when relaxed and the degree of interoceptive sensory perception when stressed or tense. Conventional questionnaire methods do not adequately distinguish between scores indicating a positive psychological state and scores indicating a negative psychological state. This is because many conventional questionnaire methods for measuring interoceptive sensory perception measure it using bodily responses associated with negative psychological states, and noticing a bodily response leads to it being evaluated as a negative psychological state. Furthermore, while some conventional methods for measuring interoceptive sensory perception include asking about physical responses during relaxation, the influence of these responses on the evaluation has been small. According to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, by distinguishing between interoceptive sensory perception during relaxation and interoceptive sensory perception during stress, it is possible to distinguish and evaluate deterioration, improvement, or enhancement of the psychological state from the perspective of the balance of interoceptive sensory perception in each state. In other words, since users can appropriately visualize their own psychological state, it is possible to increase their motivation for self-care. This device, which allows users to easily evaluate (visualize) their own psychological state from interoceptive sensory perception, can serve as a trigger for self-care, including breathing exercises to prevent deterioration of the psychological state. It can also serve as an entry point to realizing the need for professional care such as counseling, psychiatry, or psychosomatic medicine by recognizing one's own state. Moreover, according to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, since the questions only concern awareness of physical responses, users can become aware of their own mental and physical state from the results without feeling the psychological burden of being evaluated.It should be noted that in psychological tests, it is not common to perform calculations (especially subtractions) between scores of different factors (question items). The inventor discovered that rather than a high overall interoceptive sensory perception being associated with a good mental and physical state, it is the higher interoceptive sensory perception during relaxation compared to that during stress that is associated with a good mental and physical state. This led to the idea of ​​calculating the scores separately for questions regarding relaxation and stress.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the first score (RT score) is the difference between the R score and the T score, and the score calculation unit 114 further calculates a second score (R+T score) which is the sum of the R score and the T score. By using the second score in addition to the first score, it is possible to evaluate whether the user is generally aware of their physical reactions. Therefore, the information processing device 10 that uses the first and second scores can evaluate the user's psychological state and symptoms from multiple perspectives.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the response acquisition unit 113 acquires adjustment responses, which are the user's own answers to adjustment questions, which are questions about refreshing experiences and stressful experiences that occurred within a predetermined period. The score calculation unit 114 then adjusts at least one of the R score, T score, or first score based on the adjustment score determined by the adjustment responses. The physical reactions asked in the T questions (for example, increased heart rate) also apply to positive mental states such as excitement or elation. Therefore, if there are many refreshing experiences, the T score, which evaluates awareness of stressful states, will be higher. By adjusting the T score, etc., using the adjustment score, it is possible to evaluate the user's psychological state while suppressing the influence of exciting experiences on the T score.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the score calculation unit 114 calculates a standardized score that indicates the magnitude of the score calculated based on the user's response results, using a formula similar to that used for the score based on past response results, with the score calculated based on the user's and at least one of the user's past responses to the T-question and R-question as a baseline. By using the standardized score, the user can understand not only their own status based on their raw score, but also their position within the population to which they belong.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the terminal display unit 21 displays to the user separately and independently a group of R questions, which includes multiple R questions, and a group of T questions, which includes multiple T questions. R questions are answered while recalling a relaxed state, and T questions are answered while recalling a stressed state. If these questions are mixed together, the user may become confused when answering. With the information processing device 10, the user can answer without confusion, and thus their psychological state can be appropriately evaluated.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the bodily responses elicited from the user by the R question and the bodily responses elicited from the user by the T question are of the same type and correspond in degree. In other words, the R question and the T question have corresponding content. If the R question and the T question do not correspond, that is, if the question content is different, the degree of meaning of the choice selected by the user (the weight of the answer result) will also be different. In order to perform calculations based on the answer results, it is necessary to correct the weight for each answer result in some way, but according to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, since the content of the questions corresponds, there is no difference in the weight of the answer results, and there is no need to normalize the weight. Therefore, the R score and the T score can be easily calculated.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, after presenting information based on the calculation results, the terminal display unit 21 displays a video showing the inhalation period and the exhalation period, which changes over time according to the depth of breathing. This allows users to learn a simple and effective relaxation method for stress reduction. Moreover, this configuration can be realized with just the terminal device 20, and since it does not require the measurement of actual physical responses, psychological state evaluation and condition management can be performed anytime, anywhere.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the terminal display unit 21 displays, at intervals, multiple times a message encouraging the user to watch a relaxation technique video between the time the user answers a question and the time the user answers again. The relaxation technique displayed on the terminal device 20 is generally said to be masterable by performing it multiple times a day. However, having to answer a question each time before watching the video is cumbersome and could lead to the user not watching the video. By encouraging the user to watch a video of about one minute several times after answering a question, it is possible to help the user master the relaxation technique and improve their psychological state.

[0110] Furthermore, the entirety or a part thereof of the functions of each part of the information processing device 10 and terminal device 20 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, having a computer system read the program recorded on this recording medium, and executing it. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as the operating system and peripheral devices.

[0111] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as recording units such as hard disks built into computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording media" may include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside computer systems that act as servers or clients in such cases. Moreover, the above-mentioned program may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, and may also be able to realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0112] Although one embodiment of this invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. Furthermore, the configurations described in each embodiment and example above may be combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1... Information processing system, 10... Information processing device, 20... Terminal device, 11... Calculation unit, 12... Storage unit, 110... Communication unit, 111... Operation reception unit, 112... Display control unit, 113... Response acquisition unit, 114... Score calculation unit, 115... Output unit, 21... Terminal display unit, 22... Terminal operation unit, 23... Terminal calculation unit, 24... Terminal storage unit

Claims

1. An answer acquisition unit that acquires R answers, which are the user's own answers to R questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when relaxed, and T answers, which are the user's own answers to T questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when stressed or tense. A score calculation unit calculates a first score that shows the relationship between the R score determined based on the R response and the T score determined based on the T response, A display unit that displays information based on the calculation results by the score calculation unit, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The first score is the difference between the R score and the T score, The score calculation unit further calculates a second score that represents the sum of the R score and the T score. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The response acquisition unit acquires adjustment responses, which are the user's own responses to adjustment questions, which are questions about refreshing experiences and stressful experiences that occurred within a predetermined period. The score calculation unit adjusts at least one of the R score, the T score, and the first score based on the adjustment score determined by the adjustment response. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The score calculation unit calculates a standardized score that indicates the magnitude of the score calculated based on the user's response results, using a formula similar to the one used for the score based on past response results, based on the score calculated based on the user's past response results and at least one of the user's other users. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The display unit separately and independently displays to the user a group of R questions including a plurality of R questions and a group of T questions including a plurality of T questions. The information processing system according to claim 1, comprising:

6. The physical responses elicited from the user by the R question and the physical responses elicited from the user by the T question are of the same type and of the same degree. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. After presenting information based on the calculation results, the display unit displays a video showing the time periods for inhaling and exhaling, which changes over time according to the depth of breathing. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The display unit displays, at intervals, multiple times a message encouraging the user to watch the video between the time the user answers and the time the user answers again. The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. On the computer, A response acquisition step that obtains an R response, which is the user's own answer to an R question, which is a question about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when relaxed, and a T response, which is the user's own answer to a T question, which is a question about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when stressed or tense. A score calculation step involves calculating a first score that shows the relationship between the R score determined based on the R response and the T score determined based on the T response. An output step that outputs information based on the calculation results from the score calculation step, A program that executes the command.

10. An answer acquisition unit that acquires R answers, which are the user's own answers to R questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when relaxed, and T answers, which are the user's own answers to T questions, which are questions about the degree of the user's perception of their physical responses when stressed or tense. A score calculation unit calculates a first score that shows the relationship between the R score determined based on the R response and the T score determined based on the T response, An output unit that outputs information based on the calculation results by the score calculation unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

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