Heat stress effect estimation device, heat stress effect estimation method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a heat stress influence estimation device and a heat stress influence estimation method which widely and easily estimate the influence of heat stress on an object person due to an ambient temperature of the object person.SOLUTION: A heat stress influence estimation device 10 includes: a heat stress reaction model storage section 11 for storing correlations between at least an ambient temperature of a person and an outside air temperature, and at least one index indicating the influence of heat stress on the person; and an arithmetic section 12 for estimating a state of an object person relative to the index on the basis of the correlations stored in the heat stress reaction model storage section 11, the ambient temperature of the object person at a predetermined time, and a history of the outside air temperature until the predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat stress effect estimation device, a heat stress effect estimation method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] When people are exposed to heat stress for long periods of time or frequently, and the accumulated amount of heat stress increases, they are more likely to develop heat stroke, hypothermia, insomnia caused by tropical nights, summer fatigue, and temperature difference fatigue.

[0003] Conventionally, a system has been proposed for managing heat stress by using a heat index (WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature)) as an index representing heat stress to estimate the amount of accumulated heat stress caused by hot environments, work intensity, work patterns, etc. (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-518106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 only looks at some of the reactions that occur in humans due to heat stress, such as susceptibility to heat stroke, and does not take into account other human reactions that occur due to heat stress, such as arousal (being awake, feeling sleepy) and fatigue.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a broad and easy estimation of the effects of heat stress caused by the ambient temperature on a subject, for example, to make it easier to understand the effects of accumulated heat stress on health and to prevent the onset of disease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a device for estimating the effect of heat stress on a subject caused by the ambient temperature of the subject, characterized in that the device comprises a memory unit (11) that stores a correlation between at least the ambient temperature of the subject and the outside air temperature, and at least one indicator that indicates the effect of heat stress on the subject, and a calculation unit (12) that estimates the state of the subject with respect to the at least one indicator based on the correlation stored in the memory unit (11), the ambient temperature of the subject at a predetermined time point, and the history of outside air temperature up to the predetermined time point.

[0008] In the first aspect, the correlation between the temperature around a person and the outside air temperature and an index showing the effect of heat stress on a person is obtained in advance, and the subject's state with respect to the index is estimated based on the correlation and the subject's ambient temperature and outside air temperature history. Therefore, by selecting the index, the effect of heat stress on various reactions caused by heat stress in humans, such as awakening and fatigue, can be easily estimated.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that in the first aspect, a converted temperature is used as the ambient temperature of the subject, taking into account at least one of the subject's ambient humidity, ambient radiant heat, ambient airflow, metabolic rate, and amount of clothing.

[0010] In the second aspect, a converted temperature is used as the subject's ambient temperature, taking into account at least one of the subject's ambient humidity, ambient radiant heat, ambient airflow, metabolic rate, and amount of clothing, thereby enabling a more accurate estimation of the effects of heat stress.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that in the first or second aspect, the at least one indicator is at least one of alertness, fatigue, motivation, irritability, and relaxation.

[0012] In the third aspect, alertness, fatigue, motivation, irritability, or relaxation is used as an index showing the effect of heat stress on a human being, so that the effect of heat stress on alertness, fatigue, motivation, irritability, or relaxation can be estimated.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that in any one of the first to third aspects, the calculation unit (12) estimates the state over a predetermined period of time and calculates a cumulative frequency of the estimated state.

[0014] In the fourth aspect, the amount of accumulated heat stress over a given period of time can be evaluated.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the calculation unit (12) classifies the estimated condition based on at least one of the degree of the condition, the duration of the condition, and the time of occurrence of the condition, and calculates a cumulative frequency for each classification.

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the effect of heat stress can be evaluated from multiple angles.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, it further comprises a correction unit (23) that corrects the correlation stored in the memory unit (11) based on settings input by the subject or attribute information of the subject.

[0018] In a sixth aspect, the effects of heat stress can be estimated taking into account individual differences.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the ambient temperature of the subject is measured by a temperature sensor carried by the subject.

[0020] In the seventh aspect, the ambient temperature of the subject can be easily measured even when the subject moves.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the ambient temperature of the subject is calculated based on temperature information measured by temperature sensors installed at multiple locations and the movement history of the subject.

[0022] In the eighth aspect, the ambient temperature of the subject can be measured even when the subject moves around without carrying a temperature sensor.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a display unit (17) that displays the estimated state and / or secondary information obtained based on the state.

[0024] In the ninth aspect, the effect of heat stress can be easily evaluated.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat stress effect estimation device, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, characterized in that the calculation unit (12) estimates the health condition of the subject by comparing the estimated condition with a human condition for at least one of the indicators prepared in advance for each health condition.

[0026] In the tenth aspect, it becomes easier to accurately understand the effects of heat stress on health, which can be useful in preventing the onset of disease.

[0027] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a method for estimating the effect of heat stress caused by the ambient temperature of a subject on the subject, comprising: a step A of using a computer to determine a correlation between at least the ambient temperature of the subject and the outside air temperature, and at least one indicator showing the effect of heat stress on the subject, and storing the correlation in a memory unit (11); and a step B of using the computer to estimate the state of the subject with respect to the at least one indicator based on the correlation stored in the memory unit (11), the ambient temperature of the subject at a predetermined time, and the history of outside air temperatures up to the predetermined time.

[0028] In an eleventh aspect, a correlation between the temperature around a person and the outside air temperature and an index showing the effect of heat stress on a person is obtained in advance, and the subject's state with respect to the index is estimated based on the correlation and the subject's ambient temperature and outside air temperature history. Therefore, by selecting the index, the effect of heat stress on various reactions caused by heat stress in humans, such as awakening and fatigue, can be easily estimated.

[0029] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program for causing a computer to execute the heat stress effect estimation method of the eleventh aspect.

[0030] In the twelfth aspect, the same effects as in the eleventh aspect can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between room temperature, outside temperature, and drowsiness (level of alertness), which the present inventors have found. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between room temperature, outdoor temperature, and fatigue level, which the present inventors have found. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a heat stress effect estimating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A]FIG. 4A is a histogram showing an example of the frequency of a subject's condition for various indices, obtained by the heat stress effect estimation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a histogram showing another example of the frequency of the subject's condition for various indices, obtained by the heat stress effect estimation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the results of classifying a subject's condition for various indicators obtained by the heat stress effect estimation device of the embodiment according to the degree of the condition and calculating the cumulative frequency for each classification. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the results of classifying the subject's condition for various indicators obtained by the heat stress effect estimation device of the embodiment based on the duration of the condition and calculating the cumulative frequency for each classification. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of the results of classifying the subject's condition for various indicators obtained by the heat stress effect estimation device of the embodiment according to the time of occurrence of the condition, and calculating the cumulative frequency for each classification. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the state of a healthy person relative to an index used in a heat stress effect estimation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the condition of a pre-illness person relative to an index used in the heat stress effect estimation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a heat stress effect estimating device according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the room temperature, the outside temperature, and the motivation level, which the inventors of the present application have found. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between room temperature, outside temperature, and irritation level, which the inventors of the present application have found. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the room temperature, the outside temperature, and the relaxation degree, which the inventors of the present application have found. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0033] <Heat stress response model> The inventors of the present application conducted subject tests under various temperature and humidity environmental conditions in winter and summer, and as a result discovered the temperature at which people begin to feel drowsy (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the drowsiness boundary temperature), and also found that the drowsiness boundary temperature differs depending on the season.

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "heat stress response model") discovered by the inventors of the present application between the temperature surrounding a human body (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "room temperature") and the outside air temperature (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "air temperature"), and drowsiness (level of alertness), which is one of the effects on humans of heat stress caused by ambient temperature.

[0035] According to the heat stress response model shown in Fig. 1, for example, when the air temperature is 15°C, it is found that the room temperature that induces drowsiness is around 26°C. In other words, if the air temperature is known, it is possible to calculate the room temperature that induces drowsiness or wakes up using the heat stress response model shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, if the room temperature and the air temperature are known, it is also possible to estimate the degree of drowsiness in an indoor environment using the heat stress response model shown in Fig. 1.

[0036] In applying the heat stress response model shown in FIG. 1, the temperature is taken into consideration of the adaptation of the human body to temperature, and the temperature history up to the target time point, for example the average temperature for the past week, is used as the temperature.

[0037] In addition, since the boundary temperature of drowsiness varies from person to person, the subject of the heat stress response model shown in Figure 1 may correct the model according to his / her own preference, or the model may be corrected based on the subject's characteristics, such as gender, age, metabolic rate, body fat, blood pressure, etc. The heat stress response model is corrected, for example, by correcting the boundary temperature of drowsiness.

[0038] In addition, the heat stress response model shown in FIG. 1 shows the correlation between room temperature and air temperature and drowsiness, but in addition to room temperature (ambient temperature), ambient humidity, ambient airflow, etc. may be added as environmental factors surrounding a human. For example, a converted temperature that takes into account at least one of the subject's ambient humidity, ambient radiant heat, ambient airflow, metabolic rate, and amount of clothing, such as SET, may be used. * A perceived temperature such as (standard effective temperature) may be used as room temperature.

[0039] Furthermore, a model similar to the heat stress response model shown in Fig. 1 may be constructed using fatigue (fatigue level) as the effect of heat stress caused by ambient temperature on a human. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the ambient temperature and outside air temperature of a human and the fatigue level, which is one of the effects of heat stress caused by ambient temperature on a human, discovered by the present inventors.

[0040] (Configuration of Heat Stress Effect Estimation Device) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a heat stress effect estimating device according to an embodiment.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment mainly includes a heat stress response model storage unit (11) and a calculation unit (12). The heat stress response model storage unit (11) stores a correlation between at least the ambient temperature and outside air temperature of a human and at least one index indicating the effect of heat stress on a human, for example, the heat stress response model shown in FIG. 1. The calculation unit (12) estimates the subject's condition with respect to the index based on the correlation (heat stress response model) stored in the heat stress response model storage unit (11), the subject's ambient temperature at a predetermined time, and the history of the outside air temperature up to the predetermined time. The index used in the heat stress response model may be, for example, a degree of alertness or a degree of fatigue. The history of the outside air temperature used in the calculation unit (12) may be, for example, the average temperature in the past week up to the target time, taking into account the adaptation of the human body to the temperature.

[0042] The heat stress effect estimation device (10) may include a room temperature measurement unit (13) that measures the ambient temperature of the subject, for example, the room temperature of the room in which the subject is present. In addition to the room temperature measurement unit (13), the heat stress effect estimation device (10) may further include a function of measuring or inputting the humidity, heat radiation amount, air flow, etc., around the subject, or the metabolic rate or amount of clothing of the subject. The heat stress effect estimation device (10) may also include an outside air temperature measurement unit (14) that measures the outside air temperature. The heat stress effect estimation device (10) may also include an environmental information storage unit (15) that stores the room temperature measured by the room temperature measurement unit (13) and the outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature measurement unit (14). The heat stress effect estimation device (10) may also include a state estimation target period determination unit (16) that determines a target period (e.g., one month, one season, etc.) for estimating the effect of heat stress. When the state estimation target period determining unit (16) determines the target period, the target period may be set to only a specific time period (for example, business hours) out of 24 hours in a day.

[0043] With the above configuration, the calculation unit (12) can use the room temperature and the outdoor air temperature stored in the environmental information storage unit (15) to estimate the state of the subject with respect to the index for the predetermined period determined by the state estimation target period determination unit (16). In this case, the calculation unit (12) may calculate the daily average room temperature and the average outdoor air temperature using the room temperature and the outdoor air temperature stored in the environmental information storage unit (15) and store the calculation result in the environmental information storage unit (15). The calculation unit (12) may use the operation history of the air conditioner (the history of the set temperature) instead of the room temperature stored in the environmental information storage unit (15). The calculation unit (12) may use the outdoor air temperature information obtained from the Internet such as AMeDAS instead of the outdoor air temperature stored in the environmental information storage unit (15).

[0044] The calculation unit (12) may estimate the subject's condition with respect to the index over a predetermined period of time, and calculate a cumulative frequency of the estimated condition.

[0045] The calculation unit (12) may classify the estimated state based on at least one of the degree of the state, the duration of the state, and the occurrence time of the state, and calculate a cumulative frequency for each classification or create a histogram.

[0046] The calculation unit (12) may compare the estimated condition with a human condition for an index prepared in advance for each health condition to estimate the health condition of the subject.

[0047] The heat stress effect estimation device (10) may include a display unit (17) that displays the subject's condition relative to the index estimated by the calculation unit (12) and / or secondary information obtained based on the condition (e.g., various conditions of the subject (frequency of wakefulness, sleepiness, etc.)).

[0048] In the method for estimating the effect of heat stress using the heat stress effect estimation device (10), a heat stress response model ("the effect of the surrounding environment on a person" = F (ambient temperature, outside temperature)) is created in advance, which associates the effect of the surrounding (indoor) environment on a person with ambient temperature information representing the state of the surrounding environment and outside temperature information for correcting errors due to the temperature acclimation characteristics of the person. In addition, ambient temperature (room temperature) data and outside temperature data corresponding to the ambient temperature data are collected, and the ambient temperature information (room temperature information) is converted into the effect of heat stress on the subject using these data and a heat stress response model (e.g., a drowsiness model). Furthermore, the effect, that is, the various states of the subject (frequency of awake state, drowsy state, etc.) are visualized. In other words, the temperature history experienced by the subject is converted into the effect of heat stress on the subject, and the effect is visualized.

[0049] In the heat stress effect estimation device (10), the room temperature measurement unit (13) may be a temperature sensor carried by the subject, or may be temperature sensors installed in multiple locations (rooms, public institutions, outdoors, etc.). In the latter case, the ambient temperature of the subject is calculated based on temperature history data measured by temperature sensors installed in multiple locations and movement history data of the subject. The movement history data of the subject may be stored in advance, or may be set and input by the subject as appropriate or based on the schedule of the day. Alternatively, the movement history data of the subject may be obtained by, for example, sensing the presence status of the subject using an occupancy sensor installed in each room and accumulating the presence information of the subject. Methods for sensing the presence status include a method of recognizing and distinguishing the subject by image recognition, and a method of automatically detecting using a position detection technology such as a mobile phone. The movement history data of the subject is linked to the accumulated temperature history data of multiple locations, making it possible to know the ambient temperature of the subject at a given time.

[0050] The heat stress effect estimation device (10) includes a computer such as a microcomputer, and the computer executes a program to implement the functions of the calculation unit (12) and the like, i.e., the heat stress effect estimation method of this embodiment. The computer includes a processor that operates according to the program as a main hardware configuration. The processor may be of any type as long as it can realize the function by executing the program, and may be configured with one or more electronic circuits including, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (large scale integration). The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be stored in the recording medium in advance, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0051] The heat stress response model storage unit (11) and the environmental information storage unit (15) may be a recording medium that can be read and written by a computer, such as a RAM. The heat stress response model storage unit (11) and the environmental information storage unit (15) may be configured as the same recording medium. The state estimation target period determination unit (16) may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, or the like. The display unit (17) may be, for example, a monitor capable of displaying images, such as a CRT or liquid crystal display.

[0052] The implementation format of the heat stress effect estimation device (10) is not particularly limited, and it may be implemented in, for example, an air conditioner remote control. In this case, the heat stress response model storage unit (11), calculation unit (12), display unit (17), etc. may be configured using a microcomputer, memory, touch panel, etc. mounted on the remote control.

[0053] <Use of estimated results of the effects of heat stress> 4A and 4B are histograms showing an example of the frequency (cumulative time) of the state of a subject with respect to various indices, obtained by the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of the present embodiment, for subjects with different temperature histories. As shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, when the temperature histories experienced by the subjects are different, the histogram patterns are also different.

[0054] The state of the subject for the indicators used in the histograms as shown in Figures 4A and 4B is not particularly limited, and examples that may be used include "wake up," "feel sleepy," "feel relaxed," "feel tired," "increase in reaction time," "decrease in reaction time," "reduce number of incorrect answers," "increase in incorrect answers," "sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant," "parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant," "skin becomes moist," "skin becomes dry," etc.

[0055] 4A and 4B, the subject's condition (the effect of heat stress) with respect to the index is represented by a histogram, but the way of representing the effect of heat stress is not particularly limited. For example, an integrated value or a statistical value (average value, variance, maximum value, minimum value, median value, etc.) may be calculated for each index as information showing the effect (accumulated amount) of heat stress suffered by the subject during a predetermined period based on the subject's condition with respect to the index estimated by the calculation unit (12), or the frequency (accumulated time) during which a state value equal to or greater than a predetermined value continues for each index may be calculated, and the calculation results may be displayed on the display unit (17) as numerical values ​​or graphs.

[0056] 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing an example of the results of classifying the subject's condition for various indices obtained by the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment into the degree of the condition (strength relative to a standard), the duration of the condition, and the occurrence time of the condition, and calculating the cumulative frequency for each classification. As shown in Fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the subject's condition for the indices is visualized by dividing it into "degree," "duration," and "occurrence time," allowing the effect of heat stress to be evaluated from multiple angles.

[0057] The method of classifying the "degree," "duration," and "occurrence time" is not particularly limited. The "degree" may be classified, for example, into levels 1 to 10 indicating strength. The "duration" may be classified, for example, into 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 5 hours, etc. The "occurrence time" may be classified, for example, into morning, afternoon, and evening, or into time periods such as 7:00 to 9:00.

[0058] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of the states of a "healthy person" and a "person not suffering from an environmentally-induced illness" relative to an index used in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment. Here, "not suffering from an environmentally-induced illness" refers to poor physical condition due to the environment, such as poor circulation or reduced autonomic nerve function due to temperature differences. If the state of a person relative to an index for each health condition as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B is prepared in advance, it is possible to estimate the health state of a subject by comparing the state of a person relative to the index for each health condition with the state of the subject relative to the estimated index.

[0059] In other words, by converting the association between the "frequency patterns of human conditions estimated for various indicators" and the "human health condition" into data in advance, such as a histogram of a healthy person (see Figure 6A) and a histogram of a pre-illness person (see Figure 6B), and comparing this with the subject's histogram (see Figures 4A and 4B, for example), it is possible to estimate whether the subject is healthy or pre-illness (for example, whether there is any autonomic nervous system disorder due to being too cold).

[0060] It is not necessary to use a histogram in the comparison of the estimated state for the index described above. That is, the health state of a subject can be determined by comparing the state history of the subject with the state history of healthy people and people without illness for appropriately selected indexes.

[0061] As described above, if health information derived from the thermal environment can be obtained, the accuracy of diagnosing environmental pre-diseases, such as poor circulation, can be improved by adding the health information to a conventional health checkup report.

[0062] Furthermore, if health information derived from the thermal environment can be obtained, it can be used as evidence data for consulting services that provide advice on how to use air conditioners effectively.

[0063] -Effects of the embodiment- The heat stress effect estimation device (10) of the present embodiment includes a memory unit (11) that stores a correlation between at least the ambient temperature of the human and the outdoor air temperature and at least one index indicating the effect of heat stress on the human, and a calculation unit (12) that estimates the state of the subject with respect to at least one index based on the correlation stored in the memory unit (11), the ambient temperature of the subject at a predetermined time, and the history of the outdoor air temperature up to the predetermined time. Therefore, the correlation between the ambient temperature of the human and the outdoor air temperature and the index indicating the effect of heat stress on the human is obtained in advance, and the state of the subject with respect to the index can be estimated based on the correlation and the ambient temperature and the history of the outdoor air temperature of the subject. This makes it possible to easily estimate the effect of heat stress not only on the reaction caused by heat stress, such as the susceptibility to heat stroke, but also on various reactions caused by heat stress, such as awakening and fatigue, by selecting the index. Therefore, for example, it becomes easier to grasp the effect of accumulated heat stress on health, which can be useful for preventing the onset of diseases.

[0064] However, simply determining or visualizing the subject's ambient temperature, for example the frequency of room temperature, cannot be used to evaluate the impact on health, because the subject's condition and suitable situations (scenes) change depending on the outside temperature, even if the room temperature is the same.

[0065] In contrast, the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of the present embodiment uses, for example, indoor temperature information representing the state of the indoor environment and average temperature information for correcting errors due to human temperature acclimation characteristics to estimate various states of a subject (for example, an awake state, a sleepy state, etc.) from room temperature data measured by a room temperature sensor and outdoor air temperature data at that time using a relational model equation (for example, a relational model equation of a boundary temperature of drowsiness) that represents the influence of the indoor environment on a person, and visualizes the accumulated time for each state in a predetermined period. Here, for example, the relational model equation of the boundary temperature of drowsiness is obtained by mathematically formulating the relationship between the room temperature and the outdoor air temperature that are the boundary of drowsiness, based on a database acquired by conducting subject tests under various temperature and humidity environmental conditions.

[0066] By using the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment to create a graph that visualizes the cumulative time for each condition of a subject, for example, the subject's health condition can be estimated by comparing the graph with a graph for each health condition of a person (such as a graph for healthy people or a graph for people who are not yet ill) that has been created in advance based on a database. In other words, it is easy to check whether the subject was exposed to an unbalanced thermal environment, for example, whether the subject was in an environment where the sympathetic nervous system was always dominant and there was little time spent feeling sleepy, or whether the subject was in an environment with a good balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic dominant times.

[0067] Furthermore, by using the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, for example, the room temperature information of the subject's indoor environment or the history of the air conditioner's temperature settings can be used to determine the environmentally-derived health condition of the subject, making it possible to improve the indoor environment and contribute to the health of the subject. Also, it is easy to check whether the indoor environment was suitable for the purpose, for example, whether the thermal environment during the day was one that woke the subject up and improved workability, and whether the thermal environment at night was one that dominated the parasympathetic nervous system and made the subject somewhat sleepy.

[0068] In the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, if a converted temperature that takes into account at least one of the subject's ambient humidity, ambient radiant heat, ambient airflow, metabolic rate, and amount of clothing is used as the subject's ambient temperature, the effect of heat stress can be estimated more accurately.

[0069] Furthermore, in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, by using alertness or fatigue level as an index showing the effect of heat stress on a human being, the effect of heat stress on alertness or fatigue level can be estimated.

[0070] Furthermore, in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, the calculation unit (12) is used to estimate the subject's condition with respect to the index over a specified period of time, and the cumulative frequency of the estimated condition is calculated, making it possible to evaluate the accumulated amount of heat stress over the specified period of time.

[0071] Furthermore, in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, the calculation unit (12) is used to classify the estimated condition based on at least one of the degree of the condition, the duration of the condition, and the time of occurrence of the condition, and calculate the cumulative frequency for each classification, thereby making it possible to evaluate the effect of heat stress from multiple angles.

[0072] Furthermore, in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, when the ambient temperature of the subject is measured by a temperature sensor carried by the subject, the ambient temperature of the subject can be easily measured even when the subject is moving.

[0073] Furthermore, in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, when the ambient temperature of the subject is calculated based on temperature information measured by temperature sensors installed at multiple locations and the subject's movement history, the ambient temperature of the subject can be measured even when the subject moves around without carrying a temperature sensor.

[0074] Furthermore, in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, if a display unit (17) is further provided for displaying the estimated state and / or secondary information obtained based on the estimated state, the effect of heat stress can be evaluated in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0075] Furthermore, in the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this embodiment, the calculation unit (12) is used to estimate the subject's health condition by comparing the estimated condition with the human condition based on indices prepared in advance for each health condition, making it easier to accurately grasp the effect of heat stress on health, which can be useful in preventing the onset of disease.

[0076] <Modification> FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a heat stress effect estimating device according to a modified example.

[0077] The heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this modified example differs from the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 in that, as shown in Figure 7, the heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this modified example further includes a correction input unit (21), a subject attribute information input unit (22), and a heat stress response model correction unit (23) so that the correlation (heat stress response model) stored in the memory unit (11) can be corrected according to individual differences of the subject.

[0078] The correction input unit 21 is used by a subject to whom the heat stress response model is to be applied to input settings for correcting the model according to his or her preferences. The subject can correct, for example, the boundary temperature through the correction input unit 21.

[0079] The subject attribute information input unit 22 is used by the subject to whom the heat stress response model is to be applied to input his / her own attribute information. The subject can input, for example, his / her gender, age, metabolic rate, body fat, blood pressure, etc., through the subject attribute information input unit 22.

[0080] The correction input unit (21) and the subject attribute information input unit (22) may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, etc.

[0081] The heat stress response model correction unit (23) corrects the heat stress response model stored in the storage unit (11) based on the contents input to the correction input unit (21) or the subject attribute information input unit (22). When the subject attribute information input unit (22) is used, a plurality of heat stress response models may be prepared in advance for each attribute information and stored in the storage unit (11), and the heat stress response model correction unit (23) may select one model from the plurality of heat stress response models according to the contents input to the subject attribute information input unit (22). The heat stress response model correction unit (23) may be configured integrally with the calculation unit (12).

[0082] -Effects of transformation- The heat stress effect estimation device (10) of this modified example can correct the heat stress response model (correlation) stored in the storage unit (11) based on settings input by the subject or attribute information of the subject using the correction input unit (21), subject attribute information input unit (22), and heat stress response model correction unit (23). This makes it possible to estimate the effect of heat stress taking individual differences into account.

[0083] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment (including the modified example), the subject's condition relative to the index is estimated based on the subject's ambient temperature and outside air temperature history using a heat stress response model. Here, in order to eliminate factors not derived from the thermal environment, such as psychological factors, from the history information of the estimated condition, the subject may be provided with a sensor that measures sweating, pulse waves, electrocardiogram, etc. to obtain physiological information.

[0084] In the above embodiment (including the modified example), the heat stress reaction model is constructed using drowsiness (arousal level) or fatigue (fatigue level) as the effect of heat stress caused by the ambient temperature on a human. However, the effect of heat stress caused by the ambient temperature on a human is not particularly limited, and the heat stress reaction model may be constructed using, for example, motivation level, irritation level, relaxation level, etc. in addition to the arousal level and fatigue level. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the human's ambient temperature and outside air temperature and the motivation level, which the present inventors have found. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the human's ambient temperature and outside air temperature and the irritation level, which the present inventors have found. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the human's ambient temperature and outside air temperature and the relaxation level, which the present inventors have found.

[0085] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted as long as the functions of the subject of the present disclosure are not impaired. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The present disclosure is useful for a heat stress effect estimation device and a heat stress effect estimation method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10, 10A Heat stress effect estimation device 11 Heat stress response model memory section 12 Arithmetic section 13 Room temperature measurement section 14 Outside temperature measurement section 15 Environmental information storage section 16 State estimation target period determination unit 17 Display section 21 Correction input section 22. Subject attribute information input section 23 Heat stress response model correction section

Claims

1. An apparatus for estimating an effect of heat stress on a subject caused by an ambient temperature of the subject, comprising: a memory unit (11) that stores a correlation between at least the temperature around the human body and the outside air temperature and at least one index that indicates the effect of heat stress on the human body; a calculation unit (12) that estimates a state of the subject with respect to the at least one index based on the correlation stored in the memory unit (11), the ambient temperature of the subject at a predetermined time point, and a history of the outside air temperature up to the predetermined time point; Equipped with A heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that the correlation is a heat stress response model that relates the effect of heat stress on humans to information on the ambient temperature of the human and information on the outside air temperature to correct errors caused by the temperature acclimation characteristics of humans.

2. In claim 1, A heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that a converted temperature is used as the ambient temperature of the subject, taking into account at least one of the subject's ambient humidity, ambient radiant heat, ambient airflow, metabolic rate, and amount of clothing.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The at least one indicator is at least one of arousal level, fatigue level, motivation level, irritability level, and relaxation level.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The heat stress effect estimating device, wherein the calculation unit (12) estimates the state over a predetermined period of time and calculates a cumulative frequency of the estimated state.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The calculation unit (12) classifies the estimated condition based on at least one of the degree of the condition, the duration of the condition, and the time of occurrence of the condition, and calculates a cumulative frequency for each classification.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The heat stress effect estimation device further comprises a correction unit (23) that corrects the correlation stored in the memory unit (11) based on settings input by the subject or attribute information of the subject.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, A heat stress effect estimation device, characterized in that the ambient temperature of the subject is measured by a temperature sensor carried by the subject.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 6, A heat stress effect estimating device characterized in that the ambient temperature of the subject is calculated based on temperature information measured by temperature sensors installed at multiple locations and the subject's movement history.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, A heat stress effect estimation device further comprising a display unit (17) for displaying the estimated state and / or secondary information obtained based on the state.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The calculation unit (12) compares the estimated condition with a human condition for at least one indicator prepared in advance for each health condition to estimate the health condition of the subject.

11. 1. A method for estimating an effect of heat stress on a subject caused by an ambient temperature of the subject, comprising: A step A of determining a correlation between at least the ambient temperature and the outside air temperature of the human body and at least one index showing the effect of heat stress on the human body and storing the correlation in a memory unit (11); A step B in which the computer estimates a state of the subject with respect to the at least one index based on the correlation stored in the memory unit (11), the ambient temperature of the subject at a predetermined time point, and a history of the outside air temperature up to the predetermined time point. Equipped with A method for estimating the effects of heat stress, characterized in that the correlation is a heat stress response model that relates the effect of heat stress on humans to information on the ambient temperature of the human and information on the outside air temperature to correct errors caused by the temperature acclimation characteristics of humans.

12. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the method for estimating an effect of heat stress according to claim 11.

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