Program, device and method for limiting application use based on stress information

Abstract

To provide a use restriction program which can restrict use of an application in consideration of an influence of the use on a user and a content of the use.SOLUTION: A program for restricting use of an application in a terminal causes a computer to function: as means for determining restriction of use of an application relating to stress information when stress from a user is high by a predetermined level or more from acquired or determined stress information on the user; means for determining a use restriction content to the application determined to be restricted in use on the basis of the content of the use restriction preset for each application (type) and / or history information on the use content in the application determined to be restrict in use; and means for generating use restriction indication information to control means of an application operation in the terminal, including information on the application determined to be restricted in use and the determined use restriction content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for controlling the use of application programs on a terminal by a user.

Background Art

[0002] In terminals that can use various application programs (hereinafter abbreviated as applications), especially smartphones, excessive dependence on the use of applications by users has become a problem. In extreme cases, there are examples where the usage time per day reaches more than ten hours, and appropriate countermeasures are urgently needed.

[0003] As a technique for taking such countermeasures, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a notification device that notifies a user of notification information including the type of usage dependence based on the usage history and the application transition status in a mobile terminal.

[0004] Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for generating and notifying optimization promotion information regarding user usage based on the comparison result between the user's usage record and a reference value. This technique, for example, notifies the user of how much the usage time of a smartphone deviates from the general time, and evokes in the user the thought of "not wanting to deviate from the average of everyone" to achieve optimization of usage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, conventional technologies, as described above, only focus on usage time and usage history, providing information to encourage optimal application usage. Therefore, they do not take into account the actual extent of the negative impact that application usage has on users.

[0007] As a result, while some applications may have a positive effect on users with prolonged use, conventional technologies may encourage users to stop using them depending on the usage time and history.

[0008] Furthermore, when actually restricting application usage, it is desirable that the restrictions be tailored to the nature of the usage, rather than simply considering the usage time. For example, depending on the type of application, abrupt restrictions may actually increase user stress. However, until now, there has been no consideration given to implementing usage restrictions tailored to the nature of the usage.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a usage restriction program, apparatus, and method that can implement restrictions on the use of an application, taking into account the impact of its use on the user and the nature of its use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the present invention, a usage restriction program is provided that enables a computer to function in a way that restricts the use of applications on a terminal by a user, A usage restriction determination means that acquires or determines stress information determined from the results of measuring the physiological state of the user, and determines to restrict the use of the application related to the stress information if the user's stress is determined to be higher than a predetermined level based on the stress information, A restriction content determination means for determining the content of usage restrictions for an application for which usage restrictions have been determined, based on the content of usage restrictions predetermined for each application or for each type of application, and / or based on the history information of usage content in the application for which usage restrictions have been determined or in a group of applications including the same type of application as said application. Usage restriction instruction information includes information relating to an application whose use has been restricted, and information relating to the content of the determined usage restriction, and usage restriction instruction means that generates usage restriction instruction information for control means that control the operation of the application on the terminal. A usage restriction program is provided to enable the computer to function.

[0011] In the usage restriction program according to this invention, it is also preferable that the usage restriction determination means determines a restriction on the use of an application when the stress level is deemed to be higher than a predetermined level.

[0012] Furthermore, as one embodiment of the usage restriction program according to the present invention, The means for determining usage restrictions is: (a1) If a first predetermined condition is met, including the condition that the stress value related to the stress information exceeds a predetermined threshold, the application related to the stress information shall be designated as an over-stress application, and restrictions on the use of the over-stress application shall be decided. (b) If a second predetermined condition is met, including the condition that the usage time of an application on the terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold and the stress value has increased, the application related to the stress information shall be designated as an overused application, and a restriction on the use of the overused application shall be decided. The means for determining the content of the restrictions is, (a2) If the application for which usage restrictions have been determined is the overstress application, the content of the usage restrictions shall be determined to increase the time required to transition to the target usage restriction state, (b) If the application for which usage restrictions have been determined is the overused application, determine the content of the usage restrictions to shorten the time required to transition to the target usage restriction state. That is also desirable.

[0013] Furthermore, as another embodiment of the usage restriction program according to the present invention, the content of the pre-set usage restriction is: (a) For applications belonging to the first application type that primarily displays video, images, or audio acquired through communication, at least the communication speed of the terminal shall be limited, and / or (b) For applications belonging to the second application type, which primarily displays interactive text, images, or videos, at least the operational sensitivity of the terminal must be limited. It is also preferable to include it.

[0014] Furthermore, in yet another embodiment of the usage restriction program according to the present invention, the restriction content determination means is: (a) If the past data usage of an application for which usage restrictions have been determined, or a group of applications of the same type as this application (including this application), is large enough to meet a predetermined condition, the application for which usage restrictions have been determined will be considered an excessive data usage application, and the content of the usage restriction will be determined to limit the communication speed of the terminal. (b) If the number of past operations performed on an application for which usage restrictions have been determined, or on a group of applications of the same type as this application (including this application), is large enough to meet the predetermined conditions, the application for which usage restrictions have been determined will be deemed an over-operated application, and the content of the usage restriction will be determined to limit the operational sensitivity of the terminal. That is also desirable.

[0015] Also, in the usage restriction program according to the present invention, when the usage of the application for which the usage restriction has been determined stops, when it is determined that the stress of the user is low until the stress of the user satisfies a predetermined condition from the stress information during the usage of the application for which the usage restriction has been determined, or when no application is being used after a lapse of a predetermined time since the start of the usage restriction, it is also preferable that the restriction content determining means determines the content of the usage restriction to release the usage restriction.

[0016] Furthermore, in the usage restriction program according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the restriction content determining means determines the content of the usage restriction including reducing the brightness and / or chroma of the screen of the terminal that displays the application for which the usage restriction has been determined.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is also a usage restriction device that restricts the user from using an application by himself / herself, acquires or determines stress information determined from the measurement result of the physiological state of the user, and when it is determined that the stress of the user is higher than a predetermined level from the stress information, usage restriction determining means for determining the restriction of the usage of the application related to the stress information; Based on the content of the usage restriction preset for each application or for each type of application, and / or based on the history information of the usage content in the application group including the application for which the usage restriction has been determined or the application of the same type as the application for which the usage restriction has been determined, restriction content determining means for determining the content of the usage restriction for the application for which the usage restriction has been determined; Usage restriction instruction means for generating usage restriction instruction information including information related to the application for which the usage restriction has been determined and information related to the determined content of the usage restriction; Control means for restricting the usage of the application for which the usage restriction has been determined in accordance with the determined content of the usage restriction upon receiving the usage restriction instruction information A usage restriction device having the above is provided.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is further provided a usage restriction method implemented by a computer for restricting the use of an application on a terminal by a user, comprising: acquiring or determining stress information determined from a measurement result of the physiological state of the user, and determining a restriction on the use of an application related to the stress information when the stress of the user is determined to be higher than a predetermined level from the stress information; determining the content of the usage restriction for the application for which the usage restriction has been determined based on the content of the usage restriction preset for each application or for each type of application, and / or based on the history information of the usage content in an application group including the application for which the usage restriction has been determined or an application of the same type as the application; generating usage restriction instruction information including information related to the application for which the usage restriction has been determined and information related to the content of the determined usage restriction, and generating usage restriction instruction information for a control means that controls the operation of the application on the terminal; A usage restriction method having the above steps is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the usage restriction program, device and method of the present invention, it is possible to implement a restriction on the use of an application while considering the impact on the user of the use and the content of the use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration in an embodiment of a usage restriction device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing an outline of a specific example in a usage restriction method according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an outline of another specific example in a usage restriction method according to the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [Usage restriction device] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of one embodiment of the usage restriction device according to the present invention.

[0023] The smartphone 1 shown in Figure 1 is an embodiment of the usage restriction device according to the present invention, which is a device capable of restricting the user's use (viewing, operating, etc.) of application programs (hereinafter abbreviated as "applications") based on "stress information" determined from the measurement results of the user's "physiological state". The applications used here include those that exchange data with an application (AP) server 3 (which distributes applications and performs data communication related to applications) during startup and use.

[0024] In this embodiment, the user wears a smartwatch 2, which is a physiological state measuring device capable of measuring the above-mentioned "physiological state," on their wrist. The smartphone 1 acquires the measurement results of the "physiological state" from the smartwatch 2 and determines "stress information" based on this. Alternatively, the smartwatch 2 may determine the "stress information," and the smartphone 1 may acquire (receive) it.

[0025] Specifically, Smartphone 1 (usage restriction device) has the following characteristics: (A) If the user's stress level is determined to be higher than a predetermined level based on the determined or acquired "stress information", the usage restriction determination unit 111 determines to restrict the use of the application related to this "stress information", (B)(b1) Based on the content of usage restrictions set in advance for each application or for each type of application, and / or (b2) based on the history information of usage content for the application for which usage restrictions have been determined or for a group of applications of the same type as this application (including this application), a restriction content determination unit 112 determines the content of usage restrictions (usage restriction content) for the application for which usage restrictions have been determined, (C) A usage restriction instruction unit 113 generates usage restriction instruction information that includes information relating to the application for which usage restrictions have been determined, and information relating to the determined usage restrictions. It has.

[0026] In this embodiment, the usage restriction instruction information described in (C) above is instruction information output to the control unit (communication speed control unit 121a, screen sensitivity control unit 122a, screen brightness / saturation control unit 122b) that controls the operation of the application in the smartphone 1. In other words, the smartphone 1 in this embodiment is (D) A control unit (121a, 122a, 122b) that receives usage restriction instruction information from the usage restriction instruction unit 113 and restricts the use of the application for which usage restrictions have been determined, according to the determined usage restriction content. Furthermore, it possesses the following:

[0027] As described above, Smartphone 1 can determine which applications to restrict based on the user's "stress information" as shown in (A), and also determine the content of the restrictions based on the type of application and its usage history as shown in (B), and implement usage restrictions that reflect these decisions. In other words, it is possible to implement restrictions on application use that take into account the impact of its use on the user and the nature of its use.

[0028] Therefore, for example, even if an application is used for a long period of time, if it is determined that there is no problem from a stress perspective, it becomes possible to take appropriate measures such as not restricting the use of that application.

[0029] Here, the "stress information" in (A) above is information determined from the measurement results of the "physiological state," as described above, and specifically, (a) Information related to the user's heart rate (measured by, for example, Smartwatch 2), such as stress values ​​calculated using RMSSD (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences) related to heart rate variability (HRV), (b) A stress value calculated from information related to the user's pupillary movement (for example, measured by the built-in camera of smartphone 1), (c) Stress values ​​calculated from information related to skin brightness (for example, measured by smartwatch 2 or measured on the user's finger, for example, when placed in front of the built-in camera of smartphone 1), (d) Stress values ​​calculated from information related to the user's brainwaves (for example, measured by an HMD (Head Mounted Display) worn by the user). This can be done. Alternatively, the stress value may be determined by combining several of these (for example, by adding or multiplying them).

[0030] Of these, the stress value in (a) above can be calculated, for example, using the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-137438. In this technology, a first index is calculated by dividing the low-frequency power spectrum (LF) included in the time-series data of the subject's heart rate intervals by the high-frequency power spectrum (HF) included in the same time-series data. A second index is calculated by dividing the standard deviation of the heart rate intervals included in the time-series data (SDNN) by the RMSSD, which is the square root of the average of the squares of the differences between two consecutive heart rate intervals included in the time-series data. A value indicating the user's stress level is calculated by multiplying the calculated first index and the second index.

[0031] Similarly, the stress value in (a) above may also be calculated using, for example, the technique disclosed in International Publication No. 2018 / 100719. This technique calculates the ratio (SDn / RMn) of the standard deviation (SDn) of heart rate intervals (RRIn) to the root mean square (RMn) of the difference between time-adjacent heart rate intervals (RDn), and then calculates the product-moment correlation coefficient (rn), which is the correlation between the root mean square (RMn) and this ratio (SDn / RMn) and is a correlation that corresponds to time. Here, this product-moment correlation coefficient (rn) is a value that indicates the degree of mental stress, and specifically, mental stress is judged to be high when the product-moment correlation coefficient (rn) is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold (-0.2).

[0032] Furthermore, the stress value in (a) above can also be calculated using, for example, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-167091. In this technique, the integral value of the high-frequency band above a specific frequency (HFpower) and the integral value of the low-frequency band below a specific frequency (LFpower) are calculated from the power spectrum obtained by Fourier transforming the fluctuations in heart rate intervals. HFpower and LFpower / HFpower are then converted into stress indices using a predetermined table. The stress index converted from HFpower and the stress index converted from LFpower / HFpower are then added together to determine the stress level. The conversion table is set such that a smaller HFpower results in a larger stress index, and a larger LFpower / HFpowerF results in a larger stress index.

[0033] Furthermore, the stress values ​​in (a) above are also referenced in Non-Patent Literature: "Garmin's Stress Monitoring Function", [online], [Retrieved March 7, 2022], Internet<URL: https: / / www.garmin.co.jp / minisite / health / guide / stress / > Also, Non-Patent Literature: "Evaluating Autonomic Nervous System Function with Smartphones (Mobile Phones)", [online], [Retrieved March 7, 2022], Internet<URL: https: / / www.fmcc.co.jp / const.html> It is also possible to make a decision using the technology disclosed.

[0034] Furthermore, the stress value in (b) above can be calculated using, for example, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-049367. In this technology, the video recording function of a mobile device is turned on, the light provided on the side of the mobile device is turned on, the pupils of animals, including humans, are recognized from the image being recorded, the light intensity is lowered until the pupils are recognized, and once the recognition of the pupils is complete, the light intensity is increased to a higher level than before recognition, and when the pupil constriction speed falls below a certain speed, the light intensity is lowered, thereby calculating the pupil change, which is the change in the degree of pupil dilation over time. It is claimed that this pupil change has a correlation with stress.

[0035] Furthermore, the stress value in (c) above can be calculated using, for example, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-140587. In this technology, skin brightness data that changes in accordance with blood flow is acquired by a camera, RR interval time series data is detected from this brightness data, the high-frequency and low-frequency components of the RR interval time series data processed with a Fourier transform are separated, and the parasympathetic nerve activity corresponding to the high-frequency component and the sympathetic nerve activity corresponding to the low-frequency component are displayed. Here, the ratio of sympathetic nerve activity to parasympathetic nerve activity is considered to be a value that indicates the degree of stress.

[0036] Furthermore, the stress value in (d) above can be calculated using, for example, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-118908. In this technology, the subject's electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are acquired using sensors attached to three different positions on the surface of the subject's frontal or temporal lobe. Time-series data of a specific frequency band resulting from activity in the deep brain is extracted from each of the acquired EEG signals. A correlation value indicating the correlation between the acquired EEG signals is calculated based on the phase relationship of these extracted time-series data, and the subject's stress state is determined based on this correlation value. Here, this correlation value is a value that indicates the subject's stress state.

[0037] Furthermore, it is also possible to calculate stress levels using technologies other than those described in (a) to (d) above. For example, stress levels can be calculated using a predetermined conversion formula based on information related to skin temperature (measured by the smartwatch 2 or by placing that part of the skin in front of the built-in camera of the smartphone 1), such as the temperature difference between the wrist or palm and fingers. It is also known that there is a correlation between the amount of sweat on the palm, heart rate waveform, blood pressure, body temperature, and blood oxygen saturation and the degree of stress, and it is possible to calculate stress levels by substituting these measured quantities into a predetermined conversion formula.

[0038] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the stress value used is standardized to a value ranging from 0 (minimum stress or relaxed state) to 1 (maximum stress). As an alternative, the measurement results of the "physiological state" necessary to calculate the stress value described above may be sequentially stored and managed as personal information on an external management server, and the smartphone 1 may acquire the measurement results of the "physiological state" from this management server as appropriate.

[0039] Furthermore, the usage restriction device according to the present invention can also be a device separate from the terminal (e.g., a smartphone) on which the user is actually using the application. That is, the usage restriction device may be a device equipped with the functional components (A) to (C) described above, which appropriately transmits usage restriction instruction information to the terminal (smartphone, etc.) on which the user is using the application, thereby restricting the use of the application on that terminal, for example, a usage restriction instruction server. In this case, the device will acquire and collect measurement results of "physiological state" or "stress information" from an external device (e.g., a physiological state measurement device 2 or the management server described above), and will acquire and collect application usage content and usage history from the terminal (smartphone, etc.) or a separately provided usage history management server.

[0040] [Device function configuration, usage restriction program] The following describes in more detail the functional configuration of a smartphone 1 as one embodiment of the usage restriction device according to the present invention. In the functional block diagram of Figure 1, the smartphone 1 includes a communication interface unit 101, a physiological information storage unit 102, an application (AP) usage history storage unit 103, a touch panel display 104, and a processor memory (a processing system with memory functionality).

[0041] Here, this processor memory stores one embodiment of the usage restriction program according to the present invention and also has computer functionality, and by executing this usage restriction program, it performs application usage restriction processing. Therefore, the usage restriction device according to the present invention may be a smartphone (mobile terminal) as in this embodiment, but it may also be a tablet computer, notebook computer, personal computer (PC), or even a wearable device such as an HMD (Head Mounted Display), smart glasses, or smartwatch, which is equipped with the usage restriction program according to the present invention. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it can also be a non-cloud server or a cloud server.

[0042] Furthermore, the above-mentioned processor memory includes a usage restriction determination unit 111 equipped with a stress value determination unit 111a, a restriction content determination unit 112, a usage restriction instruction unit 113, a communication control unit 121 equipped with a communication speed control unit 121a, an input / output control unit 122 equipped with a screen sensitivity control unit 122a and a screen brightness / saturation control unit 122b, and an application (AP) unit 123. These functional components can be considered as functions realized by the execution of the usage restriction program according to the present invention stored in the processor memory. The processing flow shown by connecting the functional components of the smartphone 1 with arrows in the functional block diagram of Figure 1 can also be understood as one embodiment of the usage restriction method according to the present invention.

[0043] Similarly, in the functional block diagram of Figure 1, the AP unit 123 stores numerous applications installed on the smartphone 1. For example, it accepts start / stop instructions and various operation inputs from the user via the touch panel display 104 and input / output control unit 122 to start / stop and operate predetermined applications. It also displays video, images, etc., as output of the started applications on the touch panel display 104 via the input / output control unit 122. Furthermore, it controls and executes the exchange of communication data (via the communication control unit 121 and communication interface unit 101) between the started applications and the AP server 3.

[0044] Similarly, in the functional block diagram of Figure 1, the usage restriction determination unit 111 in this embodiment includes a stress value determination unit 111a. This stress value determination unit 111a receives measurement results of the user's physiological state from the smartwatch 2 via the communication interface unit 101 and the communication control unit 121, and stores and manages them in the physiological information storage unit 102. It then periodically or as instructed determines the stress value (stress information) as described above.

[0045] The usage restriction determination unit 111 determines whether the user's stress level is higher than a predetermined level based on the stress value determined in this way. If it determines that the stress level is high, it determines that the application related to the stress value in question—in this embodiment, the application used during the determination—will be subject to usage restrictions. As a variation, it is also possible to perform the determination based on the stress value history information of the application, and when the application related to this determination is launched, this application will be subject to usage restrictions. The usage restriction determination unit 111 may also obtain information on the application used during the determination from the AP unit 123 or the input / output control unit 122.

[0046] Furthermore, regarding the determination of whether the user's stress level is higher than a predetermined level, this embodiment sets two usage restriction conditions: a first usage restriction condition and a second usage restriction condition. The first usage restriction condition includes a condition where the stress value exceeds a predetermined threshold, specifically, <First Usage Restriction Condition> The stress level (while using the application) exceeds the "stress threshold" (e.g., 0.9). This can be done. If this first usage restriction condition is met, it is determined that the user's stress level is higher than specified, and the application being used at that time is designated as subject to usage restriction. Hereafter, such application may also be referred to as an "excessive stress application."

[0047] Here, the "stress threshold" of the first usage restriction condition may also be changed depending on the degree of impact on subsequent stress in the application (or a group of applications of the same type (e.g., the first / second type described later)) that has been determined to be subject to usage restriction. For example, if the application (or a group of applications of the same type) that has been determined to be subject to usage restriction is also determined to be subject to usage restriction on the day after and the day after that, the "stress threshold" on the following day (the third day) may be changed to, for example, 0.9 times the original value, to more strictly manage the use of the application.

[0048] On the other hand, the second usage restriction condition includes the condition that the application usage time exceeds a predetermined threshold and the stress level increases, specifically, <Second Usage Restriction Condition> The usage time of the application on smartphone 1 exceeds a predetermined time threshold (e.g., 3.5 hours), and the stress level (during use of the application) exceeds the value at the most recent time the screen (of smartphone 1) was turned on, or exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 0.1) (it has increased by (a predetermined amount or more) since the time the screen was turned on). This can be done. If this second usage restriction condition is met, it will be determined that the user's stress level is higher than specified, and the application being used at that time will be subject to usage restrictions. Hereafter, such application may also be referred to as an "overused application."

[0049] Incidentally, the usage restriction determination unit 111 appropriately acquires necessary information from the AP usage history storage unit 103 and makes the determination as described above. Here, the AP usage history storage unit 103 appropriately collects usage history information and determined stress value information for each application from the communication control unit 121, input / output control unit 122, and stress value determination unit 111a, and for each application... (a) Start date and time and end date and time of use (usage time), (b) amount of data communication (with AP server 3), (c) operation history including the type of operation performed, date and time and number of operations (e.g., number of taps, number of scrolls, etc.), (d) type of application, (e) stress value history including time-series data of stress values ​​while smartphone 1 is running (or screen is lit). It stores and manages information about [this].

[0050] Similarly, in the functional block diagram of Figure 1, the restriction content determination unit 112 is: (α) The usage restrictions for applications whose usage has been restricted may be determined based on the usage restrictions set in advance for each application or for each "type" of application. (β) Based on the usage history information (obtained from the AP usage history storage unit 103) for the application for which usage restrictions have been determined, or for the group of applications of the same "type" as this application (including this application), the usage restrictions for the application for which usage restrictions have been determined may be determined.

[0051] In this embodiment, the "type" in (α) (and (β)) above may be a pre-classified type, for example, (a) Applications related to SNS (Social Networking Service), applications related to video provision, applications related to camera images (photos) and videos, game applications, applications related to music provision, web browsing applications (browsers), ... (i) Applications related to e-books, calendar and schedule management applications, email applications, ... Individual applications in this context may be pre-classified as a single type. However, in this embodiment, the types of applications are broadly categorized from the viewpoint of the degree to which they increase stress, and specifically, • The types of (a) above (hereinafter referred to as the first application type), and • The type described in (i) above (hereinafter referred to as the second application type) These two are referred to as the "types" in (α) (and (β)) above.

[0052] Furthermore, the first application type (the type described in (a) above) includes applications that primarily display video, images, or audio acquired through communication. On the other hand, the second application type (the type described in (b) above) includes applications that primarily display interactive text, images, or video.

[0053] In this embodiment, the restriction content determination unit 112 determines, in the case of (α) above, that for the first application type (the type in (a) above), it will at least limit the communication speed of the smartphone 1 while using that type of application (reduce the communication speed). This setting is based on the judgment that limiting the communication speed for the first application type, which mainly presents video, images, or audio acquired through communication, is effective in reducing user stress.

[0054] On the other hand, for the second application type (the type described in (a) above), usage restrictions are determined to limit the operation sensitivity of the smartphone 1, i.e., the screen sensitivity of the touch panel display 104, while using the application of that type (reduce screen sensitivity). This setting is based on the judgment that limiting the operation sensitivity (screen sensitivity) for the second application type, which mainly displays operable text, images, or videos, is effective in reducing user stress.

[0055] Furthermore, in the case of (β) described above, if the amount of data communication for the application whose use has been restricted, or for a group of applications of the same type as this application (including this application), over a predetermined period in the past is large enough to meet a predetermined condition, the application whose use has been restricted is deemed an "excessive data usage application," and the restriction content is determined to limit the communication speed of the smartphone 1 while using that application (reduce the communication speed). This setting is based on the judgment that limiting the amount of data communication for the use of "excessive data usage applications" is effective in reducing user stress.

[0056] On the other hand, if the number of predetermined operations (e.g., taps or scrolls) performed on an application whose use has been restricted, or on a group of applications of the same type (including this application), over a predetermined period in the past is large enough to meet predetermined conditions, the application whose use has been restricted will be deemed an "excessive operation application," and a usage restriction will be determined to limit the operation sensitivity of the smartphone 1, i.e., the screen sensitivity of the touch panel display 104, while using that application (reduce screen sensitivity). This setting is based on the judgment that limiting the operation sensitivity for "excessive operation applications" is effective in reducing user stress.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restriction content determination unit 112 is, (I) If the application for which usage restrictions have been determined is an "overstress application" determined when the above <First Usage Restriction Condition> is met, then the usage restriction will be determined to increase the time required to transition to the target usage restriction state (for example, to 1 hour), (II) If the application for which usage restrictions have been determined is an "overused application" that is determined when the above <Second Usage Restriction Conditions> are met, the usage restrictions will be determined to shorten the time required to transition to the target usage restriction state (for example, to 1 second).

[0058] Of these, (I) above is a setting based on the consideration that abruptly restricting the use of an application that causes excessive stress can often further increase the user's stress. For example, a user who is enjoying an online game may feel extremely frustrated and stressed if the communication speed suddenly drops drastically, making it practically impossible to continue playing. On the other hand, (II) above is a setting that prioritizes eliminating the negative effects of prolonged use for users who are using an application excessively. For example, a user who has been using an email client for a long time may take a break if the sensitivity of operations such as tapping and scrolling (screen sensitivity) suddenly decreases.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restriction content determination unit 112, when a usage restriction has been determined for an application for which a usage restriction has been set, (a) If the use of the application is discontinued, (b) During use of the application, if the user's stress is determined to be low enough to meet a predetermined condition based on stress information (for example, if the stress value falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 0.7)), (c) If no application is used after a specified period of time (e.g., 3 hours) has elapsed since the restriction on use began, It is also preferable to determine the content of the usage restriction, which includes the lifting of the usage restriction. Incidentally, in the specific example of the usage restriction method of the present invention, which will be explained later using Figures 2 and 3, the above (c) is adopted.

[0060] Furthermore, the restriction content determination unit 112 may also adopt the brightness and / or saturation of the screen of the smartphone 1 (touch panel display 104) as an item to be restricted. In other words, it is also preferable to determine usage restrictions that include reducing the brightness and / or saturation of the screen displaying the application whose use has been restricted.

[0061] The above describes the process for determining application usage restrictions in the restriction content determination unit 112. A specific example of case (α) above (determining usage restrictions based on usage restrictions pre-set for each application type) will be explained later using Figure 2. A specific example of case (β) above (determining usage restrictions based on usage history information obtained from the AP usage history storage unit 103) will be explained later using Figure 3. Incidentally, as will also be mentioned in the explanation of these specific examples (Figures 2 and 3), it is also possible to perform usage restriction content determination processing that employs both (α) and (β) above.

[0062] Similarly, in the functional block diagram of Figure 1, the usage restriction instruction unit 113 generates usage restriction instruction information that includes information about the application for which usage restrictions have been determined, and information about the determined usage restriction content. Furthermore, the generated usage restriction instruction information is controlled by a control means that controls the operation of the application on the smartphone 1. In this embodiment, (a) Communication speed control unit 121a of the communication control unit 121 (which exchanges information with AP unit 123), (b) The screen sensitivity control unit 122a of the input / output control unit 122 (which exchanges information with the AP unit 123), and (c) Screen brightness / saturation control unit 122b of the input / output control unit 122 (which exchanges information with AP unit 123) The output is sent to the control means corresponding to the usage restrictions.

[0063] Here, the communication speed control unit 121a is a functional component that controls and manages the communication speed (amount of data received and / or transmitted per unit time) of data communication via the communication interface unit 101 (with the AP server 3). In this embodiment, when it receives usage restriction instruction information from the usage restriction instruction unit 113 that includes content to restrict the communication speed, it implements a communication speed restriction according to that content. Note that the setting of the communication speed by the communication speed control unit 121 is a known technology, for example, Non-Patent Literature: "Switching between "High-Speed ​​Mode (Turbo ON)" and "Energy Saving Mode (Turbo OFF)", [online], [Retrieved March 7, 2022].<https: / / www.uqwimax.jp / mobile / support / faq / pages / 000001359 / > It is disclosed to [the relevant authority].

[0064] Furthermore, the screen sensitivity control unit 122a is a functional component that controls and manages the sensitivity when converting the user's input operation results to the touch panel display 104 into input instruction data. For example, it controls and manages screen sensitivity by adjusting thresholds used to determine whether or not to convert the contact (such as contact area, changes in capacitance / resistance or pressure due to contact) into input instruction data, or by setting the scrolling speed. In this embodiment, when the screen sensitivity control unit 122a receives usage restriction instruction information from the usage restriction instruction unit 113 that includes content to restrict screen sensitivity, it implements a restriction on screen sensitivity according to that content.

[0065] Note that the setting of screen sensitivity by the screen sensitivity control unit 122a is a known technique, for example, in non-patent literature: "How to set and operate scroll auto?", [online], [Retrieved March 7, 2022]. <https: / / sharpmobile.zendesk.com / hc / ja / articles / 115000519972--AQUOS-R-%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%81%AE%E8%A8%AD%E5%AE%9A%E3%81%A8%E6%93%8D%E4%BD%9C%E6%96%B9%E6%B3%95%E3%81%AF-> It is disclosed to [the relevant authority].

[0066] Furthermore, the screen brightness / saturation control unit 122b is a functional component that controls and manages the brightness and saturation of all pixels that make up the screen of the touch panel display 104. In this embodiment, when it receives usage restriction instruction information from the usage restriction instruction unit 113 that includes content to restrict the brightness and saturation of the screen, it implements brightness and saturation restrictions according to that content. For example, the brightness and saturation of the entire screen (each pixel) may be reduced to a predetermined percentage (e.g., 30%) or uniformly reduced to a predetermined value.

[0067] [Usage Restriction Methods] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of a specific example of the usage restriction method according to the present invention. Here, the usage restriction method shown in the flowchart corresponds to case (α) above.

[0068] (S101) (In a situation where a user is using an application) Confirm and determine which application is currently being used. (S102) The current stress level is determined from the heart rate variability measurement results from the smartwatch 2. (S103) Check and determine the current usage time of smartphone 1.

[0069] (S104) Based on the determined stress value (and the determined usage time and stress value history information), it is determined whether or not to restrict the use of the application determined in step S101. In this step S104, • Determine whether the above-mentioned <First Usage Restriction Condition> is met, that is, whether the application determined in step S101 is an "over-stress application" (subject to usage restrictions), • It is also determined whether the above-mentioned <Second Usage Restriction Condition> is met, that is, whether the application determined in step S101 is an "overuse application" (subject to usage restrictions). If it is determined that the application is neither an "over-stress application" nor an "over-used application," no usage restrictions will be implemented.

[0070] (S105) If it is determined in step S104 that the application is an "excessive stress application" (subject to usage restrictions), then it is determined whether the application subject to usage restrictions is a "first application type" (type (a) above) or a "second application type" (type (b) above).

[0071] (S106) If it is determined in step S105 that it is a "first application type", then usage restrictions are implemented for the currently used application subject to usage restrictions, which "gradually reduce" the communication speed and screen brightness and / or screen saturation. Here, "gradually lowering" means continuously (for example linearly) or stepwise reducing the communication speed from the determination point in step S104, for example, reducing it to 125 kbps (bits / second) over 1 hour. Also, from the determination point in step S104, the screen brightness and / or screen saturation are continuously (for example linearly) or stepwise reducing them to the minimum set value over 1 hour.

[0072] (S107) On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that it is a second application type, a usage restriction is implemented for the currently used application subject to usage restrictions, which "gradually reduces" the screen sensitivity and screen brightness and / or screen saturation. Here, "gradually lowering" the screen sensitivity means continuously (for example linearly) or stepwise from the judgment point in step S104, reducing it to, for example, 1 / 10 (0.1 times) the initial setting value over 1 hour.

[0073] (S108) If it is determined in step S104 that the application is an "overused application" (subject to usage restrictions), then it is determined whether the application type subject to usage restrictions is a "first application type" (type (a) above) or a "second application type" (type (b) above).

[0074] (S109) If it is determined in step S108 that it is a "first application type", then a usage restriction is implemented for the currently used application subject to usage restrictions, which "rapidly reduces" the communication speed and screen brightness and / or screen saturation. Here, "rapidly reducing" means reducing the communication speed from the time of determination in step S104 to, for example, 125kbps after 1 second. Also, from the time of determination in step S104, the screen brightness and / or screen saturation are reduced to, for example, the minimum set value after 1 second.

[0075] (S110) On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that it is a "second application type", then a usage restriction is implemented for the currently used application subject to usage restrictions, which "rapidly reduces" the screen sensitivity and / or screen brightness and / or screen saturation. Here, "rapidly reducing" the screen sensitivity means reducing the screen sensitivity from the time of the determination in step S104 to, for example, 1 / 10 (0.1 times) of the initial setting value after 1 second.

[0076] Next, if it is determined in step S104 that the application is neither an "overstressed application" nor an "overused application," or if processing in steps S106, S107, S109, or S110 is initiated, the process proceeds to the next step S111 after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 hours) has elapsed. However, if the application being used changes during that time (e.g., another application is launched and its data communication or operation begins), the process returns to step S101 and the above-described process is repeated.

[0077] (S111) Determine whether the user is using any application. If it is determined that the user is using an application, return to step S101 and repeat the process described above. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is not using an application, terminate this application usage restriction process (one time).

[0078] Figure 3 is a flowchart outlining another specific example of the usage restriction method according to the present invention. Here, the usage restriction method shown in this flowchart corresponds to case (β) above. Furthermore, steps S201 to S203 in this flowchart perform the same processing as steps S101 to S103 in Figure 1, and their explanation is omitted below.

[0079] (S204) Based on the determined stress value (and the determined usage time and stress value history information), it is determined whether or not to restrict the use of the application determined in step S201. In step S204, a determination is made as to whether the above-mentioned <first usage restriction condition> is met (whether or not it is an over-stress application (subject to usage restriction)). However, it is also possible to determine whether or not the above-mentioned <second usage restriction condition> is met (whether or not it is an over-use application (subject to usage restriction)).

[0080] (S205) In step S204, if it is determined that the application determined in step S201 should be subject to usage restrictions, then it is determined whether the type of application subject to usage restrictions is an "excessive data usage application" and whether it is an "excessive operation application".

[0081] Here, if the amount of data transmitted per hour on the day of processing for the application of the same type as the application subject to usage restrictions (including this application) is, for example, 50 MB (Mega Bytes) or more, it will be determined to be an "excessive data usage application". Also, if the number of taps and scrolls per hour on the day of processing for the application of the same type as the application subject to usage restrictions (including this application) is, for example, 500 or more, it will be determined to be an "excessive operation application".

[0082] (S206) If it is determined in step S205 that an application is using excessive data, a usage restriction is implemented for the currently used application, which reduces the communication speed "according to the amount of data used". In addition, the screen brightness and / or screen saturation are reduced linearly, for example, over an hour, to the minimum set value.

[0083] Here, "reducing the communication speed according to the amount of data transmitted" means that if the amount of data transmitted per hour for the application type subject to usage restrictions on the day of processing is, for example, 100 MB or more, the communication speed will be reduced continuously (for example linearly) or gradually, for example, to 125 kbps over 1 hour. On the other hand, if the amount of data transmitted is Cd MB (<100 MB), the time taken to reduce the communication speed to 125 kbps will be extended. In the latter case, for example, it may be reduced to 125 kbps over 100 / Cd hours (>1 hour).

[0084] (S207) If it is determined in step S205 that an application is being used excessively, a usage restriction is implemented for the currently used application that is subject to usage restrictions, by "reducing the screen sensitivity according to the number of operations". In addition, the screen brightness and / or screen saturation are reduced linearly, for example, over an hour, to the minimum set value.

[0085] Here, "reducing screen sensitivity according to the number of operations" means that if the number of taps and scrolls per hour on the day of processing for the application type subject to usage restrictions is, for example, 1000 or more, the screen sensitivity will be reduced continuously (for example linearly) or in stages, for example, over 1 hour to 1 / 10 (0.1 times) of the initial setting value. On the other hand, if the number of taps and scrolls is Cd (<1000), the time taken to reduce the screen sensitivity to 1 / 10 (0.1 times) of the initial setting value will be extended. In the latter case, for example, it may be reduced to 1 / 10 (0.1 times) of the initial setting value over 1000 / Cd hours (>1 hour).

[0086] (S208) Furthermore, if it is determined in step S205 that an application is an "excessive data usage application" and an "excessive operation application," both the above-mentioned restriction of reducing the communication speed "according to the amount of data used" and the above-mentioned restriction of reducing the screen sensitivity "according to the number of operations" are implemented for the currently used application subject to usage restrictions. In addition, the screen brightness and / or screen saturation are reduced linearly, for example, over an hour, to the minimum set value. (S209) Furthermore, if it is determined in step S205 that the application is neither an "excessive data usage application" nor an "excessive operation application," then a usage restriction is implemented for the currently used application subject to usage restrictions, which reduces the screen brightness and / or screen saturation linearly, for example, over an hour, to the minimum set value.

[0087] Next, in step S204, if it is determined that the application determined in step S201 is not subject to usage restrictions (i.e., usage restrictions are not implemented), or if processing in steps S206, S207, S208, or S209 begins, the process proceeds to the next step S210 after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 hours) has elapsed. However, if the application being used changes during that time (e.g., another application is launched and its data communication or operation begins), the process returns to step S201 and the process described above is repeated.

[0088] (S210) Determine whether the user is using any application. If it is determined that the user is using an application, return to step S201 and repeat the process described above. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is not using an application, terminate this application usage restriction process (one cycle).

[0089] The above examples of the usage restriction method according to the present invention have been explained using Figure 2 (case (α) above) and Figure 3 (case (β) above). As a modification, in step S106 of Figure 2, it may be further determined whether or not the application subject to usage restriction is an excessive data usage application. If it is determined to be an excessive data usage application, usage restriction may be performed by "gradually reducing" the communication speed over, for example, one hour. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be an excessive data usage application, usage restriction may be performed by "gradually reducing" the communication speed over, for example, two hours.

[0090] As an alternative modification, in step S107 of Figure 2, it may be further determined whether the application subject to usage restrictions is an overuse application. If it is determined to be an overuse application, a usage restriction may be imposed that "gradually reduces" the screen sensitivity over, for example, one hour. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be an overuse application, a usage restriction may be imposed that "gradually reduces" the screen sensitivity over, for example, two hours.

[0091] Furthermore, as a modification, in steps S206 and S208 of Figure 3, it is possible to further determine whether (the application subject to usage restrictions) is a second application type, and if it is determined to be a second application type, the time for reducing the communication speed in these steps (e.g., 1 hour) can be set to a shorter duration (e.g., set to 0.5 hours). Furthermore, in steps S207 and S208 of Figure 3, it is possible to further determine whether (the application subject to usage restrictions) is a first application type, and if it is determined to be a first application type, the time for reducing the screen sensitivity in these steps (e.g., 1 hour) can be set to a longer duration (e.g., set to 2 hours).

[0092] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine which applications to restrict use of based on user stress information, and to determine the content of the usage restrictions according to the application (type) and its usage history, and to implement usage restrictions that reflect these decisions. In other words, it becomes possible to implement restrictions on application use that also take into account the impact of its use on the user and the content of its use.

[0093] Furthermore, online education using PCs or other devices equipped with educational applications is a highly effective method for providing high-quality education tailored to the individual personalities and abilities of children worldwide. However, when conducting such online education, care must be taken to avoid causing excessive stress to children. In this regard, by installing the usage restriction program according to the present invention on PCs or other devices used for online education, it becomes possible for children to enjoy online education without experiencing excessive stress. In other words, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to contribute to Goal 4 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all."

[0094] Furthermore, it is expected that the amount of work performed using terminals such as PCs equipped with specific business applications will increase significantly in countries around the world. However, when performing such work using terminals such as PCs, it is necessary to take care not to cause excessive stress to the workers. In this regard, if the usage restriction program according to the present invention is installed on terminals such as PCs used for such work, it will be possible for workers to perform their work efficiently without experiencing excessive stress. In other words, according to the present invention, it will be possible to contribute to Goal 8 of the United Nations-led SDGs, "Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all."

[0095] Various changes, modifications, and omissions to the scope of the technical concept and viewpoint of the present invention can be easily made by those skilled in the art with respect to the various embodiments of the present invention described above. The foregoing description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. The present invention is limited only to what is limited by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Smartphone (with usage restriction device) 101 Communication Interface Section 102 Physiological information storage 103 Application (AP) Usage History Storage Unit 104 Touch Panel Display 111 Usage Restriction Determination Unit 111a Stress value determination unit 112 Restriction Content Determination Section 113 Usage restriction indicator 121 Communication Control Unit 121a Communication speed control unit 122 Input / Output Control Unit 122a Screen sensitivity control unit 122b Screen brightness / saturation control section 2. Smartwatch (physiological state measurement device) 3. Application (AP) Server

Claims

1. A usage restriction program that causes a computer to function to restrict the use of applications on a terminal by a user, a usage restriction determination means for acquiring or determining stress information determined from the measurement results of the physiological state of the user, and determining a restriction on the use of an application related to the stress information when the stress of the user is determined to be higher than a predetermined level based on the stress information; a restriction content determination means for determining the content of usage restrictions for an application for which a restriction on usage has been determined based on the content of usage restrictions previously set for each application or each type of application, and / or based on history information of usage details for the application for which a restriction on usage has been determined or a group of applications including the application of the same type as the application; a use restriction instruction means for generating use restriction instruction information for a control means that controls the operation of the application in the terminal, the use restriction instruction information including information on the application for which use restriction has been decided and information on the content of the decided use restriction; A usage restriction program characterized by causing a computer to function as follows.

2. 2. The use restriction program according to claim 1, wherein the use restriction determining means determines a use restriction for an application that is being used when stress is determined to be higher than a predetermined level.

3. the usage restriction determination means, when a first predetermined condition is satisfied, including a condition that the stress value related to the stress information exceeds a predetermined threshold, determines that the application related to the stress information is an excessively stressful application and determines to restrict the use of the excessively stressful application; and when a second predetermined condition is satisfied, including a condition that the usage time of the application on the terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold and the stress value has increased, determines that the application related to the stress information is an excessively used application and determines to restrict the use of the excessively used application; The restriction content determination means determines the content of the restriction on use to lengthen the time it takes to transition to a target restricted use state when the application for which the restriction on use has been determined is the excessively stressful application, and determines the content of the restriction on use to shorten the time it takes to transition to a target restricted use state when the application for which the restriction on use has been determined is the excessively used application.

3. The use restriction program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A usage restriction program as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the content of the pre-set usage restriction includes restricting at least the communication speed of the terminal for applications belonging to a first application type that mainly presents video, images, or audio obtained through communication, and / or restricting at least the operating sensitivity of the terminal for applications belonging to a second application type that mainly displays operable text, images, or video.

5. The restriction content determination means If the past communication volume of the application for which the restriction on use has been determined, or a group of applications including the application of the same type as the application, is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, the application for which the restriction on use has been determined is an excessive communication volume application, and the content of the restriction on use is determined to limit the communication speed of the terminal; If the number of past predetermined operations for an application for which a usage restriction has been determined, or for a group of applications including the application of the same type as the application, is large enough to satisfy a predetermined condition, the application for which a usage restriction has been determined is an excessively operated application, and the content of the usage restriction is determined to limit the operation sensitivity of the terminal.

3. The use restriction program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The usage restriction program of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the restriction content determination means determines the content of the usage restriction to lift the usage restriction when the use of an application for which usage restriction has been determined has stopped, when the stress information indicates that the user's stress while using the application for which usage restriction has been determined has decreased to the point where it meets a predetermined condition, or when none of the applications are being used after a predetermined time has elapsed since the usage restriction began.

7. The usage restriction program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the restriction content determination means determines the content of the usage restriction, which includes reducing the brightness and / or saturation of the screen of the terminal that displays the application for which usage restriction has been determined.

8. A usage restriction device that restricts a user's use of an application, comprising: a usage restriction determination means for acquiring or determining stress information determined from the measurement results of the physiological state of the user, and determining a restriction on the use of an application related to the stress information when the stress of the user is determined to be higher than a predetermined level based on the stress information; a restriction content determination means for determining the content of usage restrictions for an application for which a restriction on usage has been determined based on the content of usage restrictions previously set for each application or each type of application, and / or based on history information of usage details for the application for which a restriction on usage has been determined or a group of applications including the application of the same type as the application; a use restriction instruction means for generating use restriction instruction information including information on the application for which use restriction has been decided and information on the content of the decided use restriction; a control means for receiving the use restriction instruction information and restricting the use of the application for which the use restriction has been determined in accordance with the determined content of the use restriction; A usage restriction device comprising:

9. 1. A computer-implemented usage restriction method for restricting a user's use of an application on a terminal, comprising: acquiring or determining stress information determined from the measurement results of the physiological state of the user, and when the stress information indicates that the stress of the user is higher than a predetermined level, determining to restrict the use of an application related to the stress information; determining the content of usage restrictions for the application for which usage restrictions have been determined based on the content of usage restrictions previously set for each application or each type of application, and / or based on history information of usage details for the application for which usage restrictions have been determined or a group of applications including the application of the same type as the application; generating use restriction instruction information for a control means that controls the operation of the application in the terminal, the use restriction instruction information including information on the application for which use restriction has been decided and information on the content of the decided use restriction; A use restriction method comprising:

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