Time perception evaluation system and time perception evaluation method

Abstract

To provide a system that can accurately measure an individual's sense of time. [Solution] A time perception evaluation system is provided, comprising: a time interval presentation unit that presents a reference time interval to the user by continuously providing the user with stimuli containing attention-grabbing elements that are given to the user at predetermined intervals while changing their form, in association with a reference time interval; a judgment result acquisition unit that, after presenting the time interval, allows the user to subjectively judge the same time interval as the reference time without presenting stimuli and acquires the result of the judgment; and a time perception evaluation unit that evaluates the user's sense of time based on a comparison of the acquired judgment result with the reference time interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a time sense evaluation system and a time sense evaluation method.

Background Art

[0002] Research has been conducted on measuring an individual's sense of time. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a method for avoiding counting when measuring the sense of time. Non-Patent Document 2 discloses a method of adding a memory task to a time judgment task in order to avoid counting. Non-Patent Document 3 discloses a method that avoids counting and is less likely to cause a decline in time judgment ability.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

[0004] However, the method in Non-Patent Document 1 instructs the user not to count, but it relies on trusting the user. The method in Non-Patent Document 2 avoids counting, but it distributes working memory resources, thus impairing the user's ability to judge time. The method in Non-Patent Document 3 limits the measured values ​​to two values, making it impossible to judge using continuous numerical values.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a system that can appropriately measure an individual's sense of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The time perception evaluation system disclosed herein is A time interval presentation unit presents the user to the reference time interval by continuously providing the user with stimuli that include attention-grabbing elements, which are given to the user at predetermined intervals while changing their form, in correspondence with a reference time interval. After presenting the aforementioned time interval, the unit obtains the result of the judgment by having the user subjectively judge a time interval equal to the reference time, without presenting the aforementioned stimulus, The time perception evaluation system comprises a time perception evaluation unit that evaluates the user's sense of time based on a comparison between the result of the acquired judgment and the aforementioned standard time interval.

[0007] The above configuration provides a system that can appropriately measure an individual's sense of time. The sense of time evaluation unit may be evaluated using a machine learning model.

[0008] The time perception evaluation method disclosed herein is: The system presents the user with the reference time interval by continuously providing the user with stimuli that include attention-grabbing elements, which are given to the user at predetermined intervals while changing their form, and by associating these stimuli with a reference time interval. After presenting the aforementioned time interval, the user is asked to subjectively judge the same time interval as the reference time without presenting the stimulus, and the result of the judgment is obtained. This is a time perception evaluation method that evaluates the user's sense of time based on a comparison between the result of the acquired judgment and the aforementioned standard time interval.

[0009] The above configuration provides a method for appropriately measuring an individual's sense of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure provides a system that can appropriately measure an individual's sense of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic diagram of the time perception evaluation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a warning element according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a memory process according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a memory process according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0013] (Explanation of the time sense measurement system according to the embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a time sense evaluation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an attention - arousing element according to the embodiment. The time sense evaluation system according to the embodiment will be described while referring to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the time sense evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment includes a time presentation device 101, a time measurement device 102, and a result output device 103.

[0015] The time presentation device 101 is a time interval presentation unit. The time presentation device 101 continuously gives a user a stimulus including an attention - arousing element that changes its aspect at a predetermined interval, in association with a reference time interval, thereby presenting the reference time interval to the user.

[0016] In the memory process of the time presentation device 101, the length of the sample time is presented through vision, hearing, or touch. The stimulus includes an attention - arousing element that directs the user's attention. The sample time and the attention - arousing element will be described later.

[0017] The time measurement device 102 is a judgment result acquisition unit. After presenting a time interval, the time measurement device 102 allows the user to subjectively judge the same time interval as the reference time in a state where no stimulus is presented, and acquires the judgment result. The time measurement device 102 acquires the user's time judgment result in the playback process.

[0018] The result output device 103 is a time sense evaluation unit. The result output device 103 evaluates the user's time sense based on the comparison between the acquired judgment result and the reference time interval. The result output device 103 outputs the sense of immersion in a product or service based on the time judgment result and the sample time in the output process.

[0019] Using FIG. 2, the attention - attracting element and the sample time will be explained. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the presented stimulus is sound, the attention - attracting elements are frequencies such as 0.1 kHz, 4 kHz, 1 kHz, etc. Also, for example, when the presented stimulus is video, the attention - attracting elements are characters such as E, D, C in the video. That is, what gives meaning to the stimulus is called the attention - attracting element.

[0020] The sample time can also be said to be the duration of the presented stimulus. During the sample time, the stimulus continues to be given. The attention - attracting element changes within the sample time. By making the user direct their attention to the attention - attracting element, it interferes with the user's counting. For example, while presenting the task of memorizing the sample time, a task of memorizing the attention - attracting element is given, making it difficult for the user to count.

[0021] On the other hand, the attention - attracting element becomes a clue for time judgment. By presenting the attention - attracting elements in a time - series manner and associating the appearance timing of each attention - attracting element with the presented stimulus so that it can be memorized, it makes it easier for the user to memorize the length of the sample time. Although the memory of the attention - attracting element consumes working memory resources, since this memory becomes a clue for time judgment, it does not interfere with time judgment.

[0022] Therefore, the time measuring device 102 acquires the time judgment result as a continuous physical quantity. The result output device 103 outputs the immersion level as a continuous numerical value based on the time judgment result and the sample time. The result output device 103 may be a machine learning model that takes the time judgment result and the sample time as input and outputs the immersion level.

[0023] The above configuration provides a system that can appropriately measure an individual's sense of time. This system has the effect of preventing counting and not interfering with time judgment. This effect enhances the validity of the method for evaluating immersion based on time perception and expands the possibilities for engineering applications.

[0024] Furthermore, the time perception evaluation system 100 disclosed herein provides a method for evaluating the sense of time. The time presentation device 101, the time measurement device 102, and the result output device 103 can be implemented by an information processing device. The information processing device comprises a processor that executes and processes a program, and a memory that stores the program. The information processing device may be a single device or may consist of multiple devices. The information processing device may also be a cloud server that processes some or all of its functions in a distributed manner.

[0025] Some or all of the processing in the information processing device, the time perception evaluation system 100, the time presentation device 101, the time measurement device 102, and the result output device 103 can be implemented as a computer program. Such a program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-temporary computer-readable media. Non-temporary computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). Alternatively, the program may be supplied to the computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can be supplied to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels.

[0026] The system disclosed herein can be applied to objects or services used by users that have a need for evaluating immersion. For example, it can be used for driving cars, operating robots, exercise equipment, rehabilitation programs, video games, VR applications, etc.

[0027] (Description of the time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 1) Figure 3 shows an example of a time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 shows an example of a memory process according to Embodiment 1. The time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 1 is a system for evaluating the immersion of a driving simulator. The evaluation process consists of three stages: a memory process, a playback process, and an output process.

[0029] The memorization process begins before using the driving simulator. The system emits a first beep, a sample time sound, for 9 seconds, and the user memorizes this sound. After hearing the sample time, the user is asked questions about the sound. If they make a mistake, they can try again, but a different sound will be emitted for the retry.

[0030] The playback process begins when the system emits a second beep for one second, signaling the user to start time calculation while the driving simulator is in use. The moment the signal beep ends is designated as the reference point, and when the user feels that the same amount of time has elapsed as the sample time from the reference point, the user presses a special button to signal the end of time calculation to the system.

[0031] The output process is A state of immersion occurs when subjective time ÷ objective time > 1. When subjective time ÷ objective time < 1, it outputs a state of boredom. Here, subjective time is the user's time judgment result transmitted to the system via a dedicated button, while objective time is the sample time of 9 seconds. For example, if subjective time is 11 seconds, the user will perceive those 11 seconds as 9 seconds. In other words, they feel that time has passed very quickly, indicating a state of immersion. When subjective time is 7 seconds, the user perceives 7 seconds as 9 seconds. In other words, they feel that time is not passing quickly, resulting in a state of boredom. The perception of time influences the judgment of immersion and boredom.

[0032] When outputting states of immersion / boredom for a single user, individual differences in time judgment ability strongly influence the evaluation. In other words, there is a risk that the level of immersion of the object being evaluated, such as a product or service, may not be accurately assessed. For this reason, it may be advisable to conduct measurements on multiple users (around 30 people) and perform a statistical test to see if the population mean of subjective time divided by objective time is greater than 1.

[0033] For evaluation, the conditions of the driving simulator may be changed, and the conditions that provide the highest level of immersion may be evaluated. For example, if a seat has been developed, the conditions could be varied between the conventional product and the newly developed product. In that case, a memory process, a playback process, and an output process would be performed for each condition. In addition, to understand the user's time perception ability, the playback process may be performed in a resting state as a baseline control condition.

[0034] The user requirements are as follows: • They are healthy. • I have experience using driving simulators. • I agree to cooperate in evaluating the user experience of the driving simulator. • Participants were not informed during the recruitment phase that their evaluation would be based on their sense of time. (They were informed that it was an evaluation of their sense of time during the evaluation explanation after the evaluation began.)

[0035] The requirements for a driving simulator include the following: As shown in Figure 3, the handle is equipped with a dedicated button. This dedicated button transmits the user's time judgment result, which indicates the end of the sample time, to the system. • Do not generate any sounds that interfere with the first and second beeps.

[0036] The instructions given to the user, common to both the memory and retrieval processes, are to refrain from counting. For example, counting aloud, counting in one's head, counting on one's fingers, tapping, etc., are prohibited.

[0037] The user's instructions for the memory process are to listen to a first beep, which is a sample time tone, and memorize the duration of that tone. The sample time tone consists of three intervals, and after listening to the tone, the user is asked to describe how the pitch (frequency) of the sound changed in each interval.

[0038] The user's instructions for the playback process are as follows: A second beep, which serves as a signal, will sound while using the driving simulator. The moment the beep ends will be used as the reference point. When the user believes that the same amount of time has elapsed as the sample time from that reference point, they should press the designated button. After pressing the designated button, they may then exit the driving simulator.

[0039] The conditions for practicing evaluation are as follows: • Users receive an explanation of the evaluation procedure, practice it 10 times before the evaluation, and become proficient in the procedure. • The sample duration for each of the 10 practice sessions is set to 6 seconds for odd-numbered sessions and 12 seconds for even-numbered sessions. By experiencing shorter and longer durations alternately, the psychological bias that users perceive as always having the same sample duration is eliminated.

[0040] The following are examples of information that will not be disclosed to the user: • Length of beeps 1 and 2 generated by the system • The order of the frequencies of the sample time tones. A random order is preferred. • Time judgment results and output results. When conducting multiple trials, looking at the results can create bias in subsequent trials.

[0041] As shown in the upper part of Figure 4, the time presentation device 101 performs the following memory process. • Notify the user to remain in a seated, resting position. • Play a 9-second sample sound to the user. Over a 9-second period, the first 3 seconds will generate a 0.1kHz sound, the next 3 seconds a 4kHz sound, and the last 3 seconds a 1kHz sound, all in succession. • The user is asked to describe how the frequency of the sample sound changed over time. In this example, the correct answer is low → high → mid. If the answer is incorrect, a different beep sound is generated, for example, 4kHz → 0.1kHz → 1kHz, and the same question is asked. When conducting multiple trials, it is preferable to randomize the order of the frequencies. Here, the stimulus that presents the sample time (sample time sound) includes attention-grabbing elements (three sounds with different frequencies). By notifying the user that they will be asked about the attention-grabbing elements later, the user's attention is drawn to them, making it more difficult to count. In addition, the attention-grabbing elements appearing in chronological order make it easier for the user to remember the length of time.

[0042] The time measuring device 102 performs the following regeneration process. • After the driving simulator starts, there is a short waiting period to allow the user time to concentrate on driving. As shown in the middle diagram of Figure 4, at some point after the start, a second beep, which serves as a signal sound, is emitted for 1 second. The time from when the signal sound finishes until the dedicated button is pressed is recorded. As shown in the lower part of Figure 4, the user may be allowed to decide when to start the time judgment. In this case, a method of pressing a button twice may be used.

[0043] The result output device 103 performs the following regeneration process. • Save the time judgment result and sample time. • Calculate the time judgment result divided by the sample time and present the output result to the evaluator. • When multiple users are involved in the evaluation, statistical processing may be performed and the output results may be presented to the evaluator.

[0044] The above is an example of an immersion evaluation system for a driving simulator.

[0045] (Description of the time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 2) Figure 5 shows an example of a time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 shows an example of a memory process according to Embodiment 2. The time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 2 is a system for evaluating the immersion of pedaling motion. The evaluation process consists of three stages: a memory process, a retrieval process, and an output process.

[0047] The memory process begins before pedaling begins. The system presents the user with a first video, a 13-second sample video. The user memorizes the video. After watching the video, the user is asked questions about it. If they answer incorrectly, they can try again. If they try again, a different video is shown.

[0048] The playback process begins with the system presenting the user with a second image, which is a still image. Upon seeing the still image, the user simultaneously begins pedaling and makes a time judgment. The user stops pedaling when they determine that a sample time has elapsed since the start of pedaling. The pedal rotation speed is recorded as time-series data, and the time judgment result is calculated based on the difference between the start and end times of the exercise.

[0049] The output process is the same as that of the time perception evaluation system in Embodiment 1.

[0050] The concept for evaluating the subject is the same as that of the time perception evaluation system in Embodiment 1. As for the conditions for pedal movement, there are resting conditions (control conditions) as shown in the upper part of Figure 5, fixed conditions where the chair seat does not move as shown in the middle part of Figure 5, and free conditions where the chair seat moves freely as shown in the lower part of Figure 5.

[0051] The user conditions are the same as those for the time interval evaluation system in Embodiment 1.

[0052] The requirements for a pedal-powered exercise machine are as follows: A sensor is installed to read the rotational speed, and the sensor information is transmitted to the system.

[0053] Instructions given to the user should not be counted, as they are common to both the memory and retrieval processes.

[0054] The user's instructions for the memory process are to watch the first video, which is a sample video, and memorize its duration. The video consists of five sections: character 1, blank, character 2, blank, and character 3, with one letter of the alphabet displayed in each section from character 1 to 3. After the video ends, the user must answer with the three letters.

[0055] The user's instructions for the playback process are as follows: when the second video, which is a still image, is displayed, start pedaling and time calculation as a signal. When the sample time has elapsed, stop pedaling.

[0056] The conditions for practicing the evaluation are the same as those for the time interval evaluation system in Embodiment 1.

[0057] The following are examples of information that will not be disclosed to the user: • The duration of the first video generated by the system. • The order of the letters in the video. • Time judgment results and output results.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, the time presentation device 101 performs the following memory process. • Notify the user to remain in a seated, resting position. • Show the user a 13-second sample video. The 13-second period is composed of 5 segments of 2.6 seconds each, and in each segment, E → (blank) → D → (blank) → C is displayed. • After the video ends, the user is asked to provide three letters. In this example, the correct answer would be E→D→C. If the answer is incorrect, a different video, for example A→D→B, is presented, and the same question is asked. When conducting multiple trials, it is preferable to randomize the types and order of the letters.

[0059] The time measuring device 102 performs the following regeneration process. • A second image (still image "+") is displayed to notify the user of the start of pedaling and time judgment. • Obtain time-series data of pedal rotation speed. The time judgment result is calculated based on the difference between the disclosure time and the end time of the pedaling motion. • In the resting state (control condition), time is judged without pedaling movement. Since there is no pedaling movement, pedal rotation speed cannot be used as a means of notifying the system of the time judgment. A dedicated button may be provided, and the time judgment result in the resting state may be obtained by pressing this button. Alternatively, the time may be measured with a stopwatch, and the evaluation person may input the measurement result into the system. In this case, it is not desirable to disclose the stopwatch measurement result to the user.

[0060] The result output device 103 is the same as the time perception evaluation system according to Embodiment 1.

[0061] The above is an example of a system for evaluating the immersion of pedaling motion.

[0062] (Description of time perception evaluation systems according to other embodiments) This section explains the variations of each configuration. While the examples given are a driving simulator and pedal motion, the product / service can be anything used by people and that has a need for evaluating immersion. Examples include exercise training programs, video games, and roller coasters at amusement parks.

[0063] Regarding the time presentation device, auditory and visual stimuli were given as examples to present sample time, but tactile stimuli can also be used. Specific examples of stimuli were given as auditory beeps and visual text images, but anything is acceptable as long as it presents sample time through the duration of sensory stimuli such as auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli, and incorporates attention-grabbing elements through changes in sensory stimuli. For example, auditory stimuli can include sounds such as music, speech, and game sound effects. Visual stimuli can include images such as symbols, numbers, and animated characters. Tactile stimuli can include vibrations, electrical stimulation, heat, and pain.

[0064] An example was given of asking a question about the attention-grabbing element after the presentation of the stimulus. Questions have the effect of reinforcing attention. However, questions are not mandatory. If the user's attention can be directed to the attention-grabbing element, questions may not be included. For example, pre-driving information such as an introductory video of the driving course or past driving skill rankings, or pre-exercise information such as predicted calorie consumption, exercise time, and past exercise results could be presented. Alternatively, for example, a password to obtain an in-game item or past game score rankings could be presented. Pre-roller coaster information such as a map of the entire course or a display of the location where time judgments are made could also be presented.

[0065] When a single user undergoes multiple evaluations, the validity of the assessment may be compromised if the subject assumes that the sample time is the same in each trial. For example, the subject might adopt an undesirable method of judging time, such as thinking, "I judged it in about this much time in the first trial, so it should be about this much in the second trial." This method evaluates the subject's judgment of time in past trials rather than their judgment of time in relation to the sample time. To address this, it is advisable to either change the sample time each time or provide an intervention to eliminate the assumption that it is the same every time. Examples of interventions include "conducting multiple practice sessions, changing the sample time each time," "spreading the evaluation across multiple days and times," and "giving memorization tasks between trials to weaken the memory of the previous trial."

[0066] In the context of time measurement devices, auditory and visual stimuli were given as examples to signal the start of time determination, but tactile stimuli could also be used. Furthermore, instead of introducing the above-mentioned start notification stimuli, elements included in the product / service may be used as the start notification means. In that case, the elements included in the product / service should preferably be characteristic events. For example, the moment the second lap of the running course begins could be used as the start of time determination. The moment the calories burned during exercise exceed 10 kcal could be used as the start of time determination. The moment a rare character is displayed in a game could be used as the start of time determination. The moment a roller coaster pauses at its highest point could be used as the start of time determination.

[0067] In the example given, the result output device outputs the sense of immersion by comparing subjective time ÷ objective time ÷ 1, but the sense of immersion may be output by a different comparison. For example, if the subject's condition in the resting condition (control condition) is poor due to fatigue or high room temperature, their ability to judge time in the resting condition may be impaired. In this case, the output may be as follows. (Subjective time under Condition 1 ÷ Objective time under Condition 1) ÷ (Subjective time under resting condition ÷ Objective time under resting condition) If >1, then condition 1 is immersion. If <1, then condition 1 is boredom.

[0068] Ideally, the sample time should be the same under all conditions, but it may be varied depending on the conditions.

[0069] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100. Time-based sensory evaluation system, 101. Time-based presentation device, 102. Time-based measurement device, 103. Result output device

Claims

1. A time interval presentation unit presents the user to the reference time interval by continuously providing the user with stimuli that include attention-grabbing elements, which are given to the user at predetermined intervals while changing their form, in correspondence with a reference time interval. After presenting the aforementioned time interval, the unit obtains the result of the judgment by having the user subjectively judge a time interval equal to the reference time, without presenting the aforementioned stimulus, A time perception evaluation system comprising: a time perception evaluation unit that evaluates the user's sense of time based on a comparison of the acquired judgment result with the aforementioned standard time interval.

2. The time perception evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the stimulus is an auditory stimulus, a visual stimulus, or a tactile stimulus.

3. The time perception evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the attention-grabbing element is a letter or a sound frequency.

4. The time perception evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein if the result of the judgment obtained is longer than the standard time interval, it is determined that the user was immersed.

5. The system presents the user with the reference time interval by continuously providing the user with stimuli that include attention-grabbing elements, which are given to the user at predetermined intervals while changing their form, and by associating these stimuli with a reference time interval. After presenting the aforementioned time interval, the user is asked to subjectively judge the same time interval as the reference time without presenting the stimulus, and the result of the judgment is obtained. A method for evaluating a user's sense of time, which evaluates the user's sense of time based on a comparison between the result of the acquired judgment and the aforementioned standard time interval.

Images