Evaluation method and evaluation system

Abstract

To provide an evaluation method capable of evaluating whether a composite stimulation of a first stimulation and a second stimulation has a synergistic effect.SOLUTION: The evaluation method includes: an evaluation step S17 of evaluating whether a composite stimulation has a synergistic effect based on a comparison between at least one of a first vector indicating the result of a first subjective evaluation of a subject to which a first stimulation is applied, a second vector indicating the result of a second subjective evaluation of the subject to which a second stimulation is applied, and a synthetic vector of the first vector and the second vector, and a third vector indicating the result of a third subjective evaluation of the subject to which a composite stimulation of the first stimulation and the second stimulation are applied; and an output step S18 of outputting evaluation results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaluation method and an evaluation system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mental state evaluation device that can accurately evaluate the mental state of a target person. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioner that can further improve the effect of improving the sense of heating and cooling.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an evaluation method and the like capable of evaluating whether a combined stimulus of a first stimulus and a second stimulus has a synergistic effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The evaluation method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first stimulus step of applying a first stimulus to a subject, a first acquisition step of acquiring the result of a first subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the first stimulus has been applied, a second stimulus step of applying a second stimulus to the subject, a second acquisition step of acquiring the result of a second subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the second stimulus has been applied, a third stimulus step of applying a composite stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus to the subject, a third acquisition step of acquiring the result of a third subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the composite stimulus has been applied, an evaluation step of evaluating whether the composite stimulus has a synergistic effect based on a comparison between at least one of a first vector indicating the result of the first subjective evaluation, a second vector indicating the result of the second subjective evaluation, and a composite vector of the first vector and the second vector, and a third vector indicating the result of the third subjective evaluation, and an output step of outputting the result of the evaluation.

[0006] The evaluation system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a stimulus control unit that applies a first stimulus, a second stimulus, and a composite stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus to a subject, an acquisition unit that acquires the result of a first subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the first stimulus has been applied, the result of a second subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the second stimulus has been applied, and the result of a third subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the composite stimulus has been applied, an evaluation unit that evaluates whether the composite stimulus has a synergistic effect based on a comparison between at least one of a first vector indicating the result of the first subjective evaluation, a second vector indicating the result of the second subjective evaluation, and a composite vector of the first vector and the second vector, and a third vector indicating the result of the third subjective evaluation, and an output unit that outputs the result of the evaluation.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The evaluation method and the like of the present invention can evaluate whether a composite stimulus of a first stimulus and a second stimulus has a synergistic effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 5

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Knowledge underlying the present invention) Due to the decrease in the working population and the reform of work styles, improving the productivity of employees has become an issue. To improve productivity, increasing employee motivation and improving the office space are also important factors. A comfortable office space helps to suppress stress, maintain health, and maintain motivation, and it is considered that these lead to an improvement in productivity.

[0010] On the other hand, in order to create a comfortable space, it is not enough to simply control the temperature with an air conditioner and ensure the brightness required for work with a lighting device. There are also many factors related to the air conditioner that affect the environment. To create a good space, it is necessary to comprehensively control the five-sense stimuli to employees, including hearing, touch, smell, etc.

[0011] In the General Affairs Ministry's Health Management Office Report (2015), factors contributing to comfort include tactile sensation, air quality, light, sound, and scent. The WELL certification also includes items such as adopting biophilia to accelerate fatigue recovery. Regarding such a comfortable environment, there is research indicating that in semi-outdoor settings, even if the theoretical comfort range is exceeded, comfort does not decline (the allowable range becomes wider) in terms of the comfort of warmth and light.

[0012] There are also known technologies that provide rich experiences by leveraging composite stimuli. For example, seats that vibrate in sync with a movie, using scents or lighting colors to liven up a meeting, and technologies that, through combinations of taste, smell, and vision, make the same food feel different variations or strongly feel a specific taste. Such technologies are particularly well - utilized in the VR (Virtual Reality) field.

[0013] Using these technologies and findings, comfortable (high - productivity) office spaces are being created. However, no evaluation method has been proposed to easily evaluate composite stimuli for evaluating the created office spaces. The mainstream methods are to measure physical values or conduct subjective evaluations for individual stimuli, and to measure employees' mood evaluations, task performance, and fatigue levels, etc. in an environment of composite stimuli. In these evaluation methods, the goodness of the environment, the effects of each stimulus, and the interaction of stimuli are not measured, and it is difficult to grasp how to perform environmental control to create a comfortable office space.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments based on such findings will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all illustrative of comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and not intended to limit the present invention. Also, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0015] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0016] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the evaluation system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the evaluation system according to the embodiment. The evaluation system 10 according to the embodiment is a system that evaluates the user's impression of the object to be evaluated. The evaluation result by the evaluation system 10 can be utilized for the design of the object to be evaluated. The object to be evaluated is, for example, an indoor space such as an office, but it may be other than a space. Hereinafter, the person who performs the evaluation using the evaluation system 10 is described as an evaluator, and the person who receives the presentation of the stimulus and performs the subjective evaluation is described as a subject.

[0017] The evaluation system 10 acquires the result of the subjective evaluation of the subject on the space when giving a five-sense stimulus to the subject located in the space. That is, the evaluation system 10 acquires the effect obtained by the five-sense stimulus as the goodness of the space. Thereby, the evaluation system 10 can perform the evaluation with a common scale of evaluating the space even when different five-sense stimuli are presented to the subject, and a simple evaluation that does not require physiological measurement of the subject is realized.

[0018] Specifically, the evaluation system 10 can evaluate whether a synergistic effect is obtained when a plurality of types of stimuli are given simultaneously, based on the result of the subjective evaluation of the subject on the space when each of the plurality of types of stimuli is given individually, and the result of the subjective evaluation of the subject on the space when the plurality of types of stimuli are given simultaneously. The synergistic effect here is, for example, a cross-modal effect (interaction effect).

[0019] The space has a number of components. For example, components that can be recognized through vision include the ceiling, walls, floor, furniture, lighting fixtures, etc., and their color (in the case of lighting fixtures, the emitted color), shape, material, size, etc. Even if the color of the floor is the same, changing the furniture placed on the floor can change the atmosphere. There are cases like this, indicating that the components recognizable through vision have a significant impact on comfort.

[0020] The cross-modal effect has already been applied to VR technology and the like. For example, the effect of enhancing the sense of presence can be cited as an example. It is considered that the cross-modal effect can also be obtained in the real space, but it is necessary to study how to combine the components in the space to obtain the cross-modal effect. As mentioned above, since the components of the space are diverse, it is actually difficult to repeat detailed evaluations until good effects are obtained.

[0021] The evaluation system 10 can assist the evaluator's analysis and comparison in order for the evaluator to efficiently explore the cross-modal effect. The following will explain the specific configuration of such an evaluation system 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the evaluation system 10 includes a stimulus presentation unit 20, a reception unit 30, a display unit 40, an information processing unit 50, and a storage unit 60.

[0022] First, the stimulus presentation unit 20 will be explained. The stimulus presentation unit 20 presents five-sense stimuli to the subject located in the space (hereinafter, also simply described as "giving stimuli"). The stimulus presentation unit 20 includes a visual stimulus presentation unit 21, an auditory stimulus presentation unit 22, a tactile stimulus presentation unit 23, a thermosensory stimulus presentation unit 24, and an olfactory stimulus presentation unit 25. That is, the five-sense stimuli here include visual stimuli, auditory stimuli, tactile stimuli, thermosensory stimuli, and olfactory stimuli. Note that it is not essential for the stimulus presentation unit 20 to include all five types of such stimulus presentation units, and some of the five types of stimulus presentation units may be omitted.

[0023] The visual stimulus presentation unit 21 is a device that presents visual stimuli to the subject. Specifically, the visual stimulus presentation unit 21 is a device that emits light such as a lighting fixture.

[0024] The auditory stimulus presenting unit 22 is a device that presents an auditory stimulus to the subject. Specifically, the auditory stimulus presenting unit 22 is a device that emits sound such as a speaker device.

[0025] The tactile stimulus presenting unit 23 is a device that presents a tactile stimulus to the subject. Specifically, the tactile stimulus presenting unit 23 is a device that generates an air current such as a circulator or a fan.

[0026] The thermo - cold sensation stimulus presenting unit 24 is a device that presents a thermo - cold sensation stimulus to the subject. Specifically, the thermo - cold sensation stimulus presenting unit 24 is a device that adjusts the temperature such as an air conditioner.

[0027] The olfactory stimulus presenting unit 25 is a device that presents an olfactory stimulus to the subject. Specifically, the olfactory stimulus presenting unit 25 is a device that generates a fragrance such as an aroma diffuser.

[0028] Note that, for convenience, the stimulus presenting unit 20 is classified into five types: the visual stimulus presenting unit 21, the auditory stimulus presenting unit 22, the tactile stimulus presenting unit 23, the thermo - cold sensation stimulus presenting unit 24, and the olfactory stimulus presenting unit 25. However, such a classification method is not strict. For example, a device such as a circulator or a fan was described as an example of the tactile stimulus presenting unit 23, but it may also be used as the thermo - cold sensation stimulus presenting unit 24.

[0029] The reception unit 30 receives the input from the evaluator or the subject to be evaluated (hereinafter also referred to as the subject, etc.). The reception unit 30 receives, for example, an input from the evaluator for operating the stimulus presenting unit 20 (an input instructing the type of stimulus (stimulus presenting unit) and the presenting method, etc.), and an input instructing the display of past evaluation results from the evaluator. In addition, the reception unit 30 receives an input indicating the result of the subjective evaluation of the space when the subject has received the presentation of the five - sense stimulus from the subject who has received the presentation of the five - sense stimulus. Further, the reception unit 30 may receive the input of the subject's attribute information from the subject or the evaluator as necessary. The reception unit 30 is realized, for example, by a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0030] The display unit 40 displays information necessary for the subject etc., information necessary to notify the user of the result of the operation of the subject etc., and evaluation results etc. The display unit 40 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0031] The information processing unit 50 performs information processing related to the control of the stimulus presentation unit 20, information processing related to the evaluation of whether a synergistic effect can be obtained by a plurality of types of stimuli, etc. The information processing unit 50 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. The information processing unit 50 has, as functional components, a stimulus control unit 51, an acquisition unit 52, an evaluation unit 53, and an output unit 54. The functions of these components are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 50 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 60. The detailed functions of the stimulus control unit 51, the acquisition unit 52, the evaluation unit 53, and the output unit 54 will be described later.

[0032] The storage unit 60 is a storage device that stores a computer program executed by the information processing unit 50 and information necessary for the evaluation of whether a synergistic effect can be obtained by a plurality of types of stimuli. This information is, for example, a sensibility map, parameters for evaluation calculation, necessary lists, data of evaluation results, and data of a screen to be displayed on the display unit 40. Note that the sensibility map is information that associates the value of space (expressed in sensibility words) with the evaluation result of the stimulus. The storage unit 60 is realized by a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

[0033] Although not shown in FIG. 1, a seat for the subject to sit on is provided in the space. The seat is provided to align the position conditions for evaluation, and the subject receives stimuli from the stimulus presentation unit 20 while sitting on this seat. In order to suppress frequent movement of the subject during evaluation, the reception unit 30 and the display unit 40 are installed, for example, on a desk very close to the above-mentioned seat, but the reception unit 30 and the display unit 40 may be realized as a movable device (such as a tablet terminal). Further, the above-mentioned seat may be configured to be able to change and fix the distance between the stimulus presentation unit 20 and the subject. The evaluation system 10 may include such a seat as a component.

[0034] The evaluation system 10 described above may be realized as a single device or by a plurality of devices. For example, the evaluation system 10 may be realized as a single evaluation device including a stimulus presentation unit 20, a reception unit 30, a display unit 40, an information processing unit 50, and a storage unit 60. Further, the evaluation system 10 may be realized as an information terminal including a reception unit 30, a display unit 40, an information processing unit 50, and a storage unit 60. Specifically, such an information terminal is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0035] Also, when the evaluation system 10 is realized by a plurality of devices, each component may be arranged on the WEB in any manner. For example, the evaluation system 10 may be realized as a client-server system in which the stimulus presentation unit 20, the reception unit 30, and the display unit 40 are installed near the space, and the information processing unit 50 and the storage unit 60 are installed as a cloud server.

[0036] Note that when the evaluation system 10 is realized by a plurality of devices, the plurality of components (especially functional components) may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. For example, when the evaluation system 10 is realized as a client-server system as described above, a device other than the cloud server may have some or all of the functions of the information processing unit 50.

[0037] [Operation Example] Next, an operation example of the evaluation system 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the operation example of the evaluation system 10.

[0038] First, the reception unit 30 receives an input of setting information from the evaluator (S10). The setting information is information indicating in what manner each of the first stimulus and the second stimulus described later is presented to the subject, and is stored in the storage unit 60. The content of the setting information stored in the storage unit 60 is updated each time the setting is changed.

[0039] The parameters set in the setting information differ according to the type of stimulus. For example, in the case of an olfactory stimulus (scent), parameters such as the type of scent, concentration, spraying pattern (spraying time, time when spraying is stopped, and spraying amount when spraying, etc.) are set.

[0040] In the case of a tactile stimulus (airflow), the wind speed, wind direction, pattern of wind speed and wind direction, range where the airflow is generated, etc. are set. Specifically, the range where the airflow is generated is, for example, whether the airflow is generated in a relatively wide range or in a pinpoint narrow range. In the case of a visual stimulus (light), the brightness, light color, pattern of brightness and light color, light distribution, and light distribution characteristics, etc. are set. Specifically, the pattern of brightness and light color includes various patterns such as gradually changing brightness, gradually changing light color, and being shaded like sunlight. The light distribution specifically refers to the position and height where the light is irradiated.

[0041] Regarding the pattern of stimulus change, steady (no change), periodic variation, and irregular variation, etc. are conceivable. When the stimulus varies periodically, the on and off of the stimulus may be switched over time, or the stimulus may be always on but the intensity etc. may change periodically, or both of these may be combined. Similarly, when the stimulus varies irregularly, the stimulus may turn on aperiodically, or the stimulus may be always on but the intensity etc. may change aperiodically.

[0042] Since it is cumbersome for the evaluator to set all the details, several patterns may be prepared in advance as options for each type of stimulus. Also, regarding the range of setting values, for example, options such as strong, medium, and weak (e.g., for the concentration of fragrance, strong, medium, and light) may be prepared in advance. Regarding the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus, options (such as lighting and fragrance, airflow and lighting, airflow and temperature, etc.) may also be prepared in advance. These pattern options, setting value options, and combination options are stored in the storage unit 60 in advance and read out as needed.

[0043] Next, the stimulus control unit 51 gives the first stimulus to the subject located in the space (sitting on the above-mentioned seat) based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 60 (S11). Specifically, the stimulus control unit 51 gives the first stimulus to the subject by transmitting a control signal based on the setting information to the stimulus presentation unit 20. When receiving the control signal, the stimulus presentation unit 20 may immediately start presenting the first stimulus, or may start presenting the first stimulus after receiving the control signal, triggered by the reception of an input instructing the start of control by the reception unit 30.

[0044] Note that the presentation time of the stimulus varies depending on the type of stimulus, purpose, and application. Therefore, during the presentation of the stimulus, a display screen for notifying the subject that the stimulus is being presented (indicating the time when the subject should experience the stimulus) may be displayed on the display unit 40.

[0045] Next, the subject makes a first subjective evaluation of the space when the first stimulus is given. The reception unit 30 receives an input indicating the first subjective evaluation from the subject, and the acquisition unit 52 acquires the result of the subject's first subjective evaluation via the reception unit 30 (S12). Note that the first subjective evaluation may be made during the presentation of the first stimulus. At this time, a display screen for subjective evaluation as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 40. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen for subjective evaluation.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the subject selects how well a plurality of perceptual words are applicable, including perceptual words indicating an impression of space or perceptual words indicating the subject's mood in the space (e.g., refreshing, relaxing, etc.).

[0047] Normally, when evaluating a stimulus, perceptual words corresponding to the stimulus are used. However, when comprehensively evaluating multiple types of stimuli, if perceptual words corresponding to the stimuli are used, the perceptual words may not be common, making it impossible to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. For example, in a comprehensive evaluation of taste and smell, common perceptual words such as sweet and fragrant can be used. However, it is difficult to find common perceptual words in a comprehensive evaluation of smell and hearing. Therefore, in the evaluation system 10, the subject conducts a subjective evaluation of the space regardless of what the stimulus is, and words targeting the space are adopted as perceptual words.

[0048] Note that perceptual words indicating a person's mood or state (relaxed, tense, sleepy, etc.) can be used as a common index independent of the stimulus. Therefore, it is also possible to conduct an evaluation using only such perceptual words. In this case, it is necessary to evaluate a plurality of perceptual words related to a person's mood or state. It is desirable to include perceptual words indicating the impression or nature of the space itself in the perceptual words used for evaluation.

[0049] Generally, a graded evaluation such as a 5 - step or 7 - step evaluation is conducted for perceptual words. The number of steps is not particularly limited. The subject may score within the range of 0 to 100 points. The more perceptual words used in the evaluation, the more various spatial values can be evaluated. However, if the number of perceptual words is too large, the evaluation will become complicated. Conversely, if the number of perceptual words is too small, an accurate evaluation cannot be made.

[0050] For example, when only the perceptual word "comfortable" is used, for spaces that can make people feel the same level of comfort when given completely different stimuli, only the information that they are equally comfortable can be obtained. In contrast, if an evaluation is made using multiple perceptual words such as refreshing, relaxing, and having a sense of openness, differences such as one space being refreshing and comfortable while the other room has a sense of openness and is comfortable can be found.

[0051] Also, regarding the cross-modal effect, the same effect as the original stimulus is not always obtained (for example, the taste of white wine + the color red → changes to the taste of red wine, etc.). Therefore, in order to understand the mechanism of the cross-modal effect and its application to space, comprehensive perceptual evaluation is necessary to understand what kind of effects can be obtained.

[0052] Therefore, the number of perceptual words needs to be the minimum number that can cover the spatial value without duplication. There are various research results known regarding how to specifically select perceptual words. The perceptual words can be appropriately selected based on such research results, etc. For example, when evaluating using six perceptual words as shown in Figure 3, an evaluation value is given for each perceptual word, and a six-dimensional evaluation value vector is input for one stimulus. Note that the number of perceptual words is not limited to six, and for example, three or more would be fine.

[0053] Next, based on the setting information stored in the memory unit 60, the stimulus control unit 51 gives a second stimulus to the subject located in the space (sitting on the above-mentioned seat) (S13). The process of step S13 is the same as step S11 except that the first stimulus is changed to the second stimulus. Note that the second stimulus is, for example, a different five-sense stimulus from the first stimulus. That is, when the first stimulus corresponds to one of the five-sense stimuli, the second stimulus corresponds to another one of the five-sense stimuli. However, the second stimulus may be the same type of five-sense stimulus as the first stimulus.

[0054] Next, the subject performs a second subjective evaluation of the space when the second stimulus is applied. The reception unit 30 receives an input indicating the second subjective evaluation from the subject, and the acquisition unit 52 acquires the result of the second subjective evaluation of the subject via the reception unit 30 (S14). The process of step S14 is the same as that of step S12 except that the first subjective evaluation is changed to the second subjective evaluation.

[0055] Next, the stimulus control unit 51 applies a combined stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus to the subject (S15). That is, the stimulus control unit 51 applies the first stimulus and the second stimulus to the subject simultaneously and in parallel. The process of step S15 is the same as that of step S11 except that the first stimulus is applied together with the second stimulus.

[0056] Next, the subject performs a third subjective evaluation of the space when the combined stimulus is applied. The reception unit 30 receives an input indicating the third subjective evaluation from the subject, and the acquisition unit 52 acquires the result of the third subjective evaluation of the subject via the reception unit 30 (S16). The process of step S16 is the same as that of step S12 except that the first subjective evaluation is changed to the third subjective evaluation.

[0057] Next, the evaluation unit 53 evaluates whether the combined stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus has a synergistic effect based on the results of the first subjective evaluation, the second subjective evaluation, and the third subjective evaluation (S17), and the output unit 54 outputs the result of the evaluation (S18). Details of steps S17 and S18 will be described later.

[0058] In the above operation example, the first stimulus, the second stimulus, and the composite stimulus were presented in this order. However, the presentation order of the stimuli may be arbitrarily changed or randomly changed. However, since adaptation occurs depending on the stimulus, a stop time is required to reset the adaptation between the end of the presentation of one stimulus and the start of the presentation of the next stimulus. The stimulus control unit 51 may perform control to automatically provide such a stop time, or the evaluator may set the stop time (the parameter set in the above setting information may include the stop time). When the selection options for the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus are provided as described above, a stop time may be determined in advance for the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus.

[0059] Note that the adaptation time varies depending on the stimulus. When a visual stimulus (light) is presented, light adaptation takes several tens of seconds, and dark adaptation takes several tens of minutes for complete adaptation. When a thermosensory stimulus (temperature) is presented, adaptation occurs in a short period of time, from several minutes to several tens of minutes, but some require 1 to 2 weeks like seasonal adaptation. Olfactory stimuli (scents) are adapted in a few minutes.

[0060] In addition, the stimulus control unit 51 may present another stimulus that resets the adaptation to the stimulus. For example, in order to reset the olfactory stimulus (scent), it is done to smell the scent of coffee beans (a scent that is not similar to other scents, so it resets the influence of the previous stimulus and does not affect the next stimulus). The stimulus control unit 51 may present such a reset stimulus. The stimulus control unit 51 may automatically present such a reset stimulus, or the evaluator may set the reset stimulus (the parameter set in the above setting information may include the parameter related to the reset stimulus). When the selection options for the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus are provided as described above, a reset stimulus may be determined in advance for the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus.

[0061] Note that while visual stimuli (light) can be made to disappear instantaneously, for olfactory stimuli (scents) and thermo-tactile stimuli (temperature changes), etc., there are some cases where processes for removing the presented stimuli (spraying of deodorants, heating to return the temperature in the case of cooling, ventilation, etc.) are necessary. The stimulus control unit 51 may perform a process for removing the stimuli. The stimulus control unit 51 may automatically perform such a process for removing the stimuli, or the evaluator may set a process for removing the stimuli (parameters related to the process for removing the stimuli may be included in the parameters set in the above setting information). When options for combinations of the first stimulus and the second stimulus are provided as described above, a process for removing the stimuli may be predefined for the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus.

[0062] [Evaluation Process] Next, the evaluation process in step S17 will be specifically described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the evaluation process.

[0063] First, the evaluation unit 53 dimensionally compresses the 6-dimensional evaluation value vector obtained in step S12, step S14, and step S16 into a 2-dimensional vector (S17a). The evaluation unit 53 may compress the evaluation value vector into a 3-dimensional vector, or depending on the number of dimensions of the evaluation value vector, it may also be compressed into 4 or more dimensions (such as compressing a 10-dimensional evaluation value vector into 4 dimensions).

[0064] Specifically, the evaluation unit 53 reduces the dimensions of the evaluation value vector using, for example, factor analysis (compressing along the essential evaluation axes underlying the sensory words) or principal component analysis (compressing along the evaluation axes integrating the sensory words).

[0065] For example, in factor analysis, factor scores (coordinate values in the factor space = vectors in the factor space) can be obtained using the weights (weight parameters) of the factors assigned to each affective word. Note that in order to obtain this weight parameter from factor analysis or principal component analysis, a certain amount of data is required. For this, it is necessary to accumulate a large number of evaluation value data in advance and perform factor analysis or principal component analysis. The evaluation value data used for the calculation of the weight parameter does not necessarily have to be evaluation value data based on the presentation of a composite stimulus. However, it is desirable that evaluation value data be obtained under various conditions such as when a single stimulus is presented, when no stimulus is presented, and when a composite stimulus is presented.

[0066] What is necessary for dimensionality reduction is the weight parameter and the parameter for normalization or standardization of the evaluation value. Once the evaluation unit 53 performs the calculation of factor analysis, it only needs to store these parameters and the calculation formula in the storage unit 60. When the evaluation unit 53 periodically reviews the low-dimensional space, it is also possible to leave the original evaluation value data used for the calculation of the weight parameter, integrate the newly obtained evaluation value data, and perform the calculation again. In this case, the weight parameter and the like change according to the calculation result, and as a result, the affective map described later may also change.

[0067] Note that it is not essential that factor analysis or principal component analysis be used for dimensionality reduction. Other methods may be used as long as they can reduce from multiple dimensions to several dimensions and the coordinates can be calculated using the newly added data.

[0068] Hereinafter, a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having six evaluation values included in the result of the first subjective evaluation is referred to as a first vector. A vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having six evaluation values included in the result of the second subjective evaluation is referred to as a second vector, and a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having six evaluation values included in the result of the third subjective evaluation is referred to as a third vector. Each of the first vector, the second vector, and the third vector is a two-dimensional vector and can be plotted on a two-dimensional sensibility map. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a sensibility map.

[0069] A sensibility map is a two-dimensional coordinate plane that defines what kind of sensory effects can be obtained. In the example of FIG. 5, points indicating sensory effects such as "being calm" (points indicating sensory words) are plotted on the two-dimensional coordinate plane. As an example similar to such a sensibility map, Russell's affect circumplex model is known. In Russell's affect circumplex model, human emotions are represented two-dimensionally, and the types of emotions differ depending on the angle of the vector.

[0070] Next, the evaluation unit 53 calculates a composite vector of the first vector and the second vector (S17b). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the first vector, the second vector, the third vector, and the composite vector displayed on the sensibility map.

[0071] Next, the evaluation unit 53 calculates the similarity between the third vector and each of the first vector, the second vector, and the composite vector (S17c). Specifically, the evaluation unit 53 calculates the cosine similarity between the vectors. The closer the angle between the vectors is to 0, the closer the cosine similarity is to 1, and the closer it is to 90°, the closer it is to 0. Note that a method other than the method of calculating the cosine similarity may be used to calculate the similarity.

[0072] Next, the evaluation unit 53 determines whether the similarity between the third vector and any one of the first vector, the second vector, and the composite vector is equal to or greater than a first threshold value (S17d). The first threshold value is a positive value such as 0.8, which is determined empirically or experimentally and stored in advance in the storage unit 60.

[0073] When the evaluation unit 53 determines that the similarities between the third vector and the first vector, between the third vector and the second vector, and between the third vector and the composite vector are all less than the first threshold value (No in S17d), that is, when it is determined that the third vector is not similar to any of the first vector, the second vector, and the composite vector, it is determined that a synergistic effect (cross-modal effect) is obtained when the first stimulus and the second stimulus are combined, and the quality of the effect of improving the value of the space has changed (S17f).

[0074] On the other hand, when the evaluation unit 53 determines that the similarity between the third vector and any one of the first vector, the second vector, and the composite vector is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (Yes in S17d), it determines whether the length of the third vector is equal to or greater than a second threshold value than the length of the vector similar thereto (S17e). The second threshold value is a threshold value of a positive value, which is determined empirically or experimentally and stored in advance in the storage unit 60.

[0075] When the evaluation unit 53 determines that the length of the third vector is equal to or greater than the second threshold value than the length of the vector similar thereto (Yes in S17e), it is determined that a synergistic effect (cross-modal effect) is obtained when the first stimulus and the second stimulus are combined, and the effect of improving the value of the space is enhanced (S17g). FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing each vector displayed on the sensory map when the effect of improving the value of the space is obtained. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing that a higher effect than expected (composite vector) is obtained when the first stimulus and the second stimulus are combined. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing that the effect obtained by the first stimulus is enhanced when the first stimulus and the second stimulus are combined. Although not shown, there may be a case where the effect obtained by the second stimulus is enhanced when the first stimulus and the second stimulus are combined.

[0076] On the other hand, when the evaluation unit 53 determines that the length of the third vector is not longer than the second threshold value compared to the lengths of vectors similar thereto (No in S17e), it determines that there is no synergistic effect (S17h).

[0077] When the cosine similarity is close to -1, an opposite effect will be obtained. For example, an arousal effect is obtained with a single stimulus, but a sedative effect is obtained when combined. Thus, when the cosine similarity becomes a negative value, in the determination of step S17d, it can be considered that the quality of the value of the space has changed when the cosine similarity is equal to or less than the first threshold value of the negative value.

[0078] Further, the evaluation unit 53 determines that a synergistic effect is obtained when the length of the third vector is long, that is, when the effect is increased by the combined stimulus. Here, when the obtained effect is a good effect, there is no value in the effect decreasing, but when the obtained effect is a bad effect (unpleasant effect), there is value in the bad effect decreasing. That is, there is value in the length of the third vector becoming shorter. In such a case, the evaluation unit 53 may determine that there is a synergistic effect when the length of the third vector is shorter than the second threshold value compared to the lengths of vectors similar thereto.

[0079] Note that the synthesis process of the first and second vectors in step S17b and the similarity calculation process in step S17c can also be performed before the dimensionality reduction process in step S17a, and the order of these steps is not particularly limited. Although it is not essential to perform the dimensionality reduction process, when outputting (displaying) the result of the evaluation in step S18, the evaluation result is displayed on the perceptual map after dimensionality reduction, thereby realizing easy-to-understand information presentation for the evaluator. In other words, the evaluation system 10 can support the analysis and consideration of the synergistic effect of the evaluator by displaying the evaluation result on the perceptual map after dimensionality reduction. The evaluation system 10 can evaluate without missing the value of the space based on the evaluation value data of multiple dimensions (a large number of perceptual words), and can provide the result in an easy-to-understand manner by compressing and displaying the evaluation value data.

[0080] [Output process of evaluation result] Next, the output process of the evaluation result in step S18 will be specifically described. In step S18, the output unit 54 outputs the evaluation result by displaying the first vector, the second vector, the composite vector, and the third vector on the perceptual map. That is, the output unit 54 outputs the evaluation result by displaying an image as shown in FIGS. 6-8 on the display unit 40. Further, the image may include the determination results (information indicating the presence or absence of the synergistic effect) in steps S17d and S17e. The evaluation result is accumulated in the storage unit 60 each time the evaluation is performed.

[0081] In step S18, the output unit 54 may call the result of the past evaluation according to the input of the evaluator to the reception unit 30 and add it to the perceptual map. For example, assume that the evaluation of the first and second stimuli was performed last time, and the evaluation of the first and third stimuli is performed this time. When it is desired to compare the evaluation results, the result of the previous evaluation can be called and added to the result of the current evaluation, so that the evaluator can easily compare and consider the evaluation results.

[0082] Alternatively, such additional notes are also effective when comparing combinations of the same first and second stimuli but with different patterns of stimulus changes. Further, additional notes are also effective when comparing a combination of a first stimulus, a second stimulus, and a third stimulus with a combination of a first stimulus, a fourth stimulus, and a fifth stimulus.

[0083] On the other hand, if the number of elements to be displayed on a single perceptual map becomes too large, it is conceivable that comparison and consideration will become complicated. In this case, the output unit 54 may display a plurality of perceptual maps on the display unit 40 on the same screen or on separate screens.

[0084] The evaluator can store the results of subjective evaluation (evaluation value vectors), the results of the final evaluation, perceptual maps, etc. in the storage unit 60 by comparing the evaluation results and conducting considerations, and if necessary, performing a predetermined input to the reception unit 30. At a minimum, as long as there is data showing the correspondence between the results of subjective evaluation and the settings of what stimuli were presented, the results of the final evaluation and the data obtained in the process (such as vector similarity) can be recalculated, but the convenience is improved by storing the results of the final evaluation and perceptual maps, etc. in the storage unit 60.

[0085] Also, if the data stored in the storage unit 60 includes the ID and attribute information of the subject, etc., the evaluator can specify and call up the evaluation results of the same subject or the evaluation results of subjects with the same attributes. For example, an ID is assigned to the perceptual map, and the image file name, image ID, ID of the data used, etc. are listed.

[0086] [Supplementary Explanation] In the above embodiment, a combination of two stimuli, i.e., the first stimulus and the second stimulus, was evaluated. However, a combination of three or more stimuli may also be evaluated. When a combination of three or more stimuli is evaluated, not only individual stimuli (the first stimulus, the second stimulus, the third stimulus, etc.) and compound stimuli (presented all at once) but also combinations of two stimuli and combinations of three stimuli... are conceivable. For example, since there are a total of 15 patterns for a combination of four stimuli, it is a heavy burden on the evaluator to evaluate all of them. Therefore, the evaluation system 10 targets individual stimuli and compound stimuli for evaluation. However, the evaluation system 10 may evaluate combinations of stimuli of all patterns according to the designation of the evaluator.

[0087] Also, the evaluator may conduct evaluations in multiple sessions, for example, evaluating only the first stimulus in the first session, evaluating the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus in the next session, and so on. At the time of the first evaluation, the evaluator may evaluate the first stimulus, the second stimulus, and the combination of the first stimulus and the second stimulus. In the second session, the evaluator may evaluate the third stimulus, and in the third session, the evaluator may evaluate the combination of the first stimulus, the second stimulus, and the third stimulus. In this way, when evaluations are conducted in multiple sessions, convenience is improved by storing the evaluation results in the storage unit 60 with a user ID attached. Specifically, if a user ID is designated by the evaluator, the output unit 54 can collectively display the results of multiple evaluations of the same person on the display unit 40. When it is not necessary to distinguish the evaluation results for each individual, such as when only the average data of multiple people is required, the attachment of the user ID may be omitted as appropriate.

[0088] Also, in the above embodiment, the first stimulus and the second stimulus were different types of stimuli (stimuli belonging to different five senses). However, the first stimulus and the second stimulus may be the same type of stimulus. For example, both the first stimulus and the second stimulus may be stimuli belonging to visual stimuli, such as the color of illumination light and the color of a wall. Scenarios are envisioned where the value of a space is examined when the illumination light and the wall color are very different or when they are similar.

[0089] However, in many cases, evaluators know to some extent which combinations of the same type of stimuli are harmonious or repulsive. Therefore, in the above-described embodiments, the combinations of different types of stimuli have been described as the subject. When the types of stimuli are different, due to the influence of the cross-modal effect, the effects obtained by the stimuli may be enhanced, or effects that cannot be obtained by a single stimulus may be obtained. As an example of the enhancement of the effect obtained by a stimulus, there is a known example that when the size of a cookie is drawn larger than the actual size, the feeling of fullness is greater. As an example of an effect that cannot be obtained by a single stimulus, there is a known example that by combining the tactile sensation of a corner and the visual operation, the flat walking is felt like going up a staircase.

[0090] In the VR field, the cross-modal effect is incorporated to enhance the sense of reality in the virtual world. Even outside the VR field, various merits can be expected by effectively utilizing the cross-modal effect. The cross-modal effect is considered to be an element necessary for improving the comfort of space, but there are many unknown parts regarding which combinations of stimuli will obtain which effects. In contrast, the evaluation system 10 can assist evaluators in easily and accurately exploring the cross-modal effect.

[0091] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the evaluation method executed by a computer such as the evaluation system 10 includes a first stimulation step S11 of applying a first stimulation to a subject, a first acquisition step S12 of acquiring the result of the first subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the first stimulation has been applied, a second stimulation step S13 of applying a second stimulation to the subject, a second acquisition step S14 of acquiring the result of the second subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the second stimulation has been applied, a third stimulation step S15 of applying a combined stimulation of the first stimulation and the second stimulation to the subject, a third acquisition step S16 of acquiring the result of the third subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the combined stimulation has been applied, an evaluation step S17 of evaluating whether the combined stimulation has a synergistic effect based on a comparison between at least one of a first vector indicating the result of the first subjective evaluation, a second vector indicating the result of the second subjective evaluation, and a composite vector of the first vector and the second vector, and a third vector indicating the result of the third subjective evaluation, and an output step S18 of outputting the result of the evaluation.

[0092] Such an evaluation method can evaluate whether a combined stimulation of a first stimulation and a second stimulation has a synergistic effect.

[0093] Also, for example, the first stimulation is a stimulation corresponding to one of the five - sense stimulations, and the second stimulation is a stimulation corresponding to another one of the five - sense stimulations.

[0094] Such an evaluation method can evaluate whether a combined stimulation of a stimulation corresponding to one of the five - sense stimulations and a stimulation corresponding to another one of the five - sense stimulations has a synergistic effect.

[0095] Also, for example, the five - sense stimulations include visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, tactile stimulation, thermo - cold sensation stimulation, and olfactory stimulation.

[0096] Such an evaluation method can evaluate whether a combined stimulation of a stimulation corresponding to one of visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, tactile stimulation, thermo - cold sensation stimulation, and olfactory stimulation and a stimulation corresponding to another one of them has a synergistic effect.

[0097] Also, for example, in the first stimulus step S11, a first stimulus is applied to a subject located in space, and the first subjective evaluation is the subjective evaluation of the subject with respect to the space when the first stimulus is applied. In the second stimulus step S13, a second stimulus is applied to the subject located in space, and the second subjective evaluation is the subjective evaluation of the subject with respect to the space when the second stimulus is applied. In the third stimulus step S15, a composite stimulus is applied to the subject located in space, and the third subjective evaluation is the subjective evaluation of the subject with respect to the space when the composite stimulus is applied.

[0098] By using such a common scale of evaluating space, subjective evaluations for different five-sense stimuli can be realized.

[0099] Also, for example, each of the first subjective evaluation, the second subjective evaluation, and the third subjective evaluation is performed using affective words.

[0100] Based on the results of the subjective evaluations using affective words, such an evaluation method can evaluate whether the composite stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus has a synergistic effect.

[0101] Also, for example, each of the results of the first subjective evaluation, the results of the second subjective evaluation, and the results of the third subjective evaluation includes an evaluation value indicating how close the affective words are to the impressions or moods indicated by the respective three or more affective words. The first vector is a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having as elements the three or more evaluation values included in the result of the first subjective evaluation. The second vector is a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having as elements the three or more evaluation values included in the result of the second subjective evaluation. The third vector is a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having as elements the three or more evaluation values included in the result of the third subjective evaluation.

[0102] By dimensionally compressing the results of the subjective evaluations using three or more affective words, such an evaluation method can evaluate whether the composite stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus has a synergistic effect.

[0103] Also, for example, in output step S18, the first vector, the second vector, the composite vector, and the third vector are displayed on a sensibility map that defines what kind of sensibility effect can be obtained, thereby outputting the evaluation result.

[0104] Such an evaluation method can provide the evaluation result to the evaluator in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0105] Further, the evaluation system 10 includes a stimulus control unit 51 that gives a first stimulus, a second stimulus, and a combined stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus to the subject, and a first subjective evaluation result of the subject to whom the first stimulus is given, a second subjective evaluation result of the subject to whom the second stimulus is given, and an acquisition unit 52 that acquires a third subjective evaluation result of the subject to whom the combined stimulus is given, and at least one of a first vector indicating the first subjective evaluation result, a second vector indicating the second subjective evaluation result, and a composite vector of the first vector and the second vector, and a third vector indicating the third subjective evaluation result. An evaluation unit 53 that evaluates whether the combined stimulus has a synergistic effect based on a comparison with the third vector, and an output unit 54 that outputs the evaluation result.

[0106] Such an evaluation system 10 can evaluate whether the combined stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus has a synergistic effect.

[0107] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the embodiments have been explained, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0108] For example, in the above embodiment, the stimulus is presented to the subject by controlling the environment of the space where the subject is located. However, a space with a controlled environment may be constructed in advance, and the stimulus may be presented to the subject when the subject enters this space.

[0109] Furthermore, the communication method between the components in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Also, in the communication between components, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed.

[0110] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. For example, the processing executed by the selection unit may be executed by the control unit. Also, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

[0111] Also, in the above-described embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0112] Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits respectively. Also, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits respectively.

[0113] Also, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0114] For example, the present invention may be realized as an evaluation method executed by a computer such as an evaluation system, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such an evaluation method. Also, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0115] In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0116] 10 Evaluation system 20 Stimulus presentation unit 21 Visual stimulus presentation unit 22 Auditory stimulus presentation unit 23 Tactile stimulus presentation unit 24 Thermo - cold stimulus presentation unit 25 Olfactory stimulus presentation unit 30 Reception unit 40 Display unit 50 Information processing unit 51 Stimulus control unit 52 Acquisition unit 53 Evaluation unit 54 Output unit 60 Memory unit

Claims

1. An evaluation method executed by a computer, wherein the computer can access a storage unit storing setting information indicating how to stimulate a subject, the evaluation method includes a first stimulation step of applying a first stimulus to the subject based on the setting information, a first acquisition step of acquiring a result of a first subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the first stimulus has been applied, a second stimulation step of applying a second stimulus to the subject based on the setting information, a second acquisition step of acquiring a result of a second subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the second stimulus has been applied, a third stimulation step of applying a combined stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus to the subject based on the setting information, a third acquisition step of acquiring a result of a third subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the combined stimulus has been applied, an evaluation step of evaluating whether the combined stimulus has a synergistic effect based on a comparison between a first vector indicating the result of the first subjective evaluation, a second vector indicating the result of the second subjective evaluation, and a combined vector of the first vector and the second vector, respectively, and a third vector indicating the result of the third subjective evaluation, an output step of outputting the result of the evaluation, each of the result of the first subjective evaluation, the result of the second subjective evaluation, and the result of the third subjective evaluation includes an evaluation value indicating how close the impression or mood indicated by each of three or more affective words is, the first vector is a vector having as elements three or more evaluation values included in the result of the first subjective evaluation, the second vector is a vector having as elements three or more evaluation values included in the result of the second subjective evaluation, the third vector is a vector having as elements three or more evaluation values included in the result of the third subjective evaluation, in the evaluation step, when it is determined that a similar vector having a similarity with the third vector of a first threshold value or more is included in the first vector, the second vector, and the combined vector, and the length of the third vector is longer than the length of the similar vector by a second threshold value or more, it is evaluated that the combined stimulus has a synergistic effect Evaluation method.

2. The first stimulus is a stimulus corresponding to one of the five senses stimuli, The second stimulus is a stimulus corresponding to another one of the five senses stimuli The evaluation method according to claim 1.

3. The five-sense stimuli include visual stimuli, auditory stimuli, tactile stimuli, thermoception stimuli, and olfactory stimuli. The evaluation method according to claim 2.

4. In the first stimulation step, the first stimulation is applied to the subject located in the space. The first subjective evaluation is the subjective evaluation of the subject with respect to the space when the first stimulation is applied. In the second stimulation step, the second stimulation is applied to the subject located in the space. The second subjective evaluation is the subjective evaluation of the subject with respect to the space when the second stimulation is applied. In the third stimulation step, the composite stimulation is applied to the subject located in the space. The third subjective evaluation is the subjective evaluation of the subject with respect to the space when the composite stimulation is applied. The evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In the output step, the first vector, the second vector, the composite vector, and the third vector are displayed on a sensibility map that defines what kind of sensibility effect can be obtained, thereby outputting the result of the evaluation. The evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first vector is a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having three or more evaluation values included in the result of the first subjective evaluation as elements. The second vector is a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having three or more evaluation values included in the result of the second subjective evaluation as elements. The third vector is a vector obtained by dimension compression of a vector having three or more evaluation values included in the result of the third subjective evaluation as elements. The evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. Each of the first vector, the second vector, and the third vector is a vector dimensionally compressed so as to be evaluable on an evaluation axis corresponding to a sensibility word by factor analysis or principal component analysis. In the output step, the first vector, the second vector, the composite vector, and the third vector are displayed on a sensibility map that defines what kind of sensibility effect can be obtained, thereby outputting the result of the evaluation. The evaluation method according to claim 6.

8. A storage unit storing setting information indicating how to stimulate the subject. A stimulus control unit that gives a first stimulus, a second stimulus, and a combined stimulus of the first stimulus and the second stimulus to the subject based on the setting information; An acquisition unit that acquires a result of a first subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the first stimulus is given, a result of a second subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the second stimulus is given, and a result of a third subjective evaluation of the subject to whom the combined stimulus is given; An evaluation unit that evaluates whether the combined stimulus has a synergistic effect based on a comparison between a first vector indicating the result of the first subjective evaluation, a second vector indicating the result of the second subjective evaluation, and a combined vector of the first vector and the second vector, respectively, and a third vector indicating the result of the third subjective evaluation; An output unit that outputs the result of the evaluation; Each of the result of the first subjective evaluation, the result of the second subjective evaluation, and the result of the third subjective evaluation includes an evaluation value indicating how close the emotional word is to the impression or mood indicated by each of three or more emotional words; The first vector is a vector having three or more evaluation values included in the result of the first subjective evaluation as elements; The second vector is a vector having three or more evaluation values included in the result of the second subjective evaluation as elements; The third vector is a vector having three or more evaluation values included in the result of the third subjective evaluation as elements; When the evaluation unit determines that a similar vector having a similarity to the third vector of a first threshold value or more is included in the first vector, the second vector, and the combined vector, and the length of the third vector is longer than the length of the similar vector by a second threshold value or more, the evaluation unit evaluates that the combined stimulus has a synergistic effect. Evaluation system.

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