Respiratory induction device, method, and program

Abstract

In one aspect of this invention, when respiration of a lung-breathing living body is induced, a vibration signal generation unit generates a vibration signal, a signal control unit controls a vibration parameter of the generated vibration signal to be a preliminarily set value, and the vibration signal the vibration parameter of which is controlled is output. According to the vibration signal output from the signal control unit, a contact stimulus based on a physical pressure is applied, by a contact stimulus generation unit arranged so as to face the lung of the living body or face a site in which a respiration path is formed, to the lung or the site in which a respiration path is formed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a breathing induction device, method, and program used to induce breathing of a person, for example. [Background technology]

[0002] Appropriate control of breathing is important for reducing stress and for properly exercising or playing a wind instrument. Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which a person is given an auditory stimulus using sound, for example, and the person is guided to breathe at an appropriate rhythm in response to this stimulus (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Jason Harris, Sarah Vance, Odair Fernandes, and Ricardo Gutierrez-Osuna, “Sonic respiration: controlling respiration rate through auditory biofeedback”, in CHI '14 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2383-2388 (ACM, 2014). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 allows a person to regulate their breathing spontaneously, that is, voluntarily, in response to auditory stimuli. This requires the person to be constantly aware of the auditory stimuli, and for example, when playing sports or a wind instrument and the person needs to concentrate on the movement or operation, it becomes difficult for the person to be aware of the auditory stimuli, making breathing guidance difficult.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technique that makes it possible to accurately induce breathing without requiring voluntary breathing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the breathing induction device or breathing induction method according to the present invention includes, when inducing breathing of a living body that performs pulmonary breathing, generating a vibration signal by a vibration signal generating unit, controlling vibration parameters of the generated vibration signal to preset values ​​by a signal control unit, and outputting the vibration signal with the vibration parameters controlled. Place it on both cheeks, sandwiching it from both sides. a contact stimulus generating unit configured to generate the vibration signal in response to the vibration signal output from the signal control unit; Both cheeks Applying physical pressure to the This allows the air trapped in the mouth to be expelled as exhaled air. This is what we have done.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, Both cheeks A contact stimulus is applied by physical pressure to the breathing tube. As a result, for example, a person will involuntarily breathe when exposed to the contact stimulus, eliminating the need to consciously breathe voluntarily. Therefore, even when concentrating on the movement or operation of a sports or wind instrument, for example, it becomes possible to breathe accurately. Moreover, the state of application of the contact stimulus is appropriately set by controlling the vibration parameters of the vibration signal. This makes it possible to appropriately control breathing guidance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that makes it possible to accurately induce breathing without requiring voluntary breathing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a respiratory guidance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a breathing induction control device that constitutes the core part of the breathing induction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure and processing contents of the exhalation induction control executed by the breathing induction control device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a breathing induction control device that constitutes the core part of a breathing induction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure and processing contents of the exhalation induction control executed by the breathing induction control device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results of the amount of exhaled air released from the mouth when a contact stimulus is periodically applied to the cheek. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of measurement results of the expiratory volume and maximum air velocity value relative to the frequency of the vibration signal at the start of stimulation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of measurement results of the expiratory volume and maximum air velocity value relative to the amplitude of the vibration signal at the start of stimulation. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results of the exhalation time relative to the stimulation time by the vibration signal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results of the exhaled air volume and the maximum air velocity value relative to the air volume in the oral cavity. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a breathing induction control device that constitutes the core part of a breathing induction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure and content of the exhalation induction control and aroma emission control executed by the breathing induction control device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a first modified example of the respiratory induction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a second modified example of the respiratory induction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a third modified example of the respiratory induction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] (Configuration example) (1) System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a respiratory guidance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The respiratory induction device according to the first embodiment includes a respiratory induction control device TM1 and a stimulus generator SP. The stimulus generator SP has a pair of vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, each of which is, for example, a headphone type. The vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 are worn by sandwiching them on both cheeks of a person who is a target of exhalation induction, for example, a user US. The vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 are connected to the respiratory induction control device TM1 via a signal cable SL and are driven by a vibration signal output from the respiratory induction control device TM1 to apply vibration stimuli to both cheeks of the user US.

[0013] The vibration speakers SP1, SP2 and the respiratory guidance control device TM1 may be connected via a wireless interface that employs a low-power wireless data transmission standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) in addition to the signal cable SL. This reduces the burden on the user US caused by the respiratory guidance operation.

[0014] (2) Respiratory induction control device TM1 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the respiratory guidance control device TM1. The respiratory induction control device TM1 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 1A, a program storage unit 2, a data storage unit 3A, a signal source (OSC) 4, and an amplifier (AMP) 5. The amplifier 5 may be prepared separately from the respiratory induction control device TM1. For example, an amplifier built into the stimulus generator SP may be used.

[0015] The control unit 1A uses a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), and includes, as functional units necessary for implementing the first embodiment, a vibration signal generating unit 11 and a signal control unit 12. These control functional units 11 and 12 are both realized by causing the CPU to execute application programs stored in the program storage unit 2.

[0016] One or both of the vibration signal generating unit 11 and the signal control unit 12 may be realized using hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0017] The vibration signal generating unit 11 generates a vibration signal having a predetermined waveform based on the reference signal generated by the signal source 4 .

[0018] The signal control unit 12 controls the vibration parameters of the vibration signal based on control information for the vibration parameters stored in advance in the vibration parameter storage unit 31 of the data storage unit 3 A. The vibration parameters to be controlled include, for example, the frequency, amplitude, and output time length (stimulation application time) of the vibration signal, but may also include information specifying the output timing of the vibration signal.

[0019] The signal control unit 12 outputs the vibration signal, in which the vibration parameters have been controlled, to the amplifier 5 at a predetermined output timing. An example of the control process of the vibration parameters will be described in the operation example.

[0020] The amplifier 5 amplifies the vibration signal output from the signal control unit 12 to a predetermined signal level and supplies the amplified vibration signal to each of the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 of the stimulus generating device SP. The amplifier 5 can also be configured as a variable gain amplifier, and configured to variably control the amplitude of the vibration signal according to the amplitude control value included in the vibration parameter.

[0021] (Example of operation) Next, an operation of inducing exhalation of the user US using the breathing induction device configured as above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure and content of the exhalation induction control executed by the control unit 1A of the respiration induction control device TM1.

[0022] (1) Advance preparation First, the user US, who is the subject of expiratory guidance, wears a pair of vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 on both cheeks, sandwiching them from the left and right as shown in Fig. 1. In this state, the user US or a system administrator operates an input device (not shown) to input a request to start the expiratory guidance operation to the breathing guidance control device TM1.

[0023] (2) Generation of vibration signals In response to this, when the control unit 1A of the respiratory induction control device TM1 detects a request to start the expiratory induction operation in step S10, under the control of the vibration signal generation unit 11, in step S11 it generates a vibration signal based on the reference signal generated by the signal source 4. As the vibration signal, for example, a chirp signal with a rectangular wave is used, but signals with other waveforms such as a sine wave or a triangular wave may also be used.

[0024] (3) Control of vibration parameters of vibration signals The control unit 1A of the respiratory guidance control device TM1 then controls the vibration parameters of the vibration signal, for example, as follows, under the control of the signal control unit 12. That is, in step S12, the signal control unit 12 first reads control information for the vibration parameters from the vibration parameter storage unit 31. At this time, the control information for the vibration parameters includes, for example, data representing control values ​​for the frequency, amplitude, and output time length of the vibration wave, and data specifying the output timing of the vibration signal.

[0025] Next, in step S13, based on the control information for the vibration parameters, the signal control unit 12 controls the vibration parameters of the vibration signal output from the vibration signal generation unit 11. For example, the signal control unit 12 controls the frequency, amplitude, and output time length of the vibration signal in accordance with the control values ​​represented by the data included in the control information.

[0026] (4) Example of vibration parameter control value settings Here, an example of a method for setting the control values ​​of the vibration parameters and the results of the setting will be described. For example, an electronic musical instrument equipped with a breath sensor is used to measure the exhaled breath. This electronic musical instrument is then connected to a breathing induction control device TM1, for example, so that the exhaled breath measurement data output from the breath sensor can be imported into and recorded by the breathing induction control device TM1. Note that a separately prepared personal computer for presettings may be used instead of the breathing induction control device TM1.

[0027] In this state, vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 are attached to both cheeks of the user US, and the user US holds the mouthpiece of the electronic musical instrument in their mouth. Then, with their cheeks puffed out to their fullest extent, vibration signals consisting of square-wave chirp signals are supplied to the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, applying vibration stimuli to the cheeks of the user US. However, during this time, the user US is required to hold their breath and not breathe. The amount of breath involuntarily exhaled from the mouth of the user US in response to the application of the contact stimuli is measured by the breath sensor of the electronic musical instrument, and the measurement data is input and recorded in the respiratory induction control device TM1. The measurement data output from the breath sensor is represented by a digital value ranging from 0 to 127.

[0028] Figure 6 shows an example of the breath sensor measurement values ​​when a vibration signal is supplied to vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 at a 5-second cycle, intermittently applying vibration stimuli to both cheeks of the user US. From this measurement result, it can be confirmed that the user US exhales at the timing when the vibration stimuli are applied.

[0029] Then, with the user US again puffing out his / her cheeks to the maximum extent, vibration stimuli are applied to the cheeks of the user US while the vibration parameters of the vibration signal are individually varied in frequency, amplitude, and output time length.The measurement data of the breath sensor in each case is then imported and recorded into the respiratory induction control device TM1.

[0030] The respiratory induction control device TM1 calculates the expiratory volume, maximum gas velocity, and duration of exhalation based on the recorded measurement data. For example, the respiratory induction control device TM1 calculates the integral value of the waveform measured by the breath sensor as the expiratory volume, the maximum value as the maximum gas velocity, and the duration during which the waveform is observed as the duration of exhalation.

[0031] Fig. 7 shows an example of measurement results of the exhalation volume E1 and the maximum wind speed W1 during exhalation when the frequency of the vibration signal at the start of application of contact stimulation is changed in 20 Hz intervals in the range of 20 Hz to 100 Hz. Fig. 8 shows an example of measurement results of the exhalation volume E2 and the maximum wind speed W2 during exhalation when the amplitude of the vibration signal at the start of application of contact stimulation is changed in 0.2 mV intervals in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mV. Fig. 9 shows an example of measurement results of the exhalation time when the output duration of the vibration signal, i.e., the continuous application time of contact stimulation, is changed in 0.25 sec intervals in the range of 1.00 sec to 3.00 sec.

[0032] From the above measurement results, it can be seen that increasing the frequency and amplitude of the vibration signal at the start of stimulation tends to increase the expiratory volume and the maximum air velocity during expiratory exhalation. Furthermore, it can be seen that increasing the duration of stimulation also lengthens the expiratory exhalation time. Therefore, based on the above measurement results, it is possible to set the optimal vibration parameter control values ​​when actually performing expiratory induction.

[0033] In this example, the amplitude or frequency of the vibration signal at the start of stimulation application is set to a relatively large value, for example, 0.6 to 1.0 mV and 80 to 100 Hz, respectively, and then the values ​​are set to decrease. The output duration of the vibration signal (stimulation application time) is set to a relatively long value, for example, 2.50 to 2.75 seconds. The set values ​​of the amplitude or frequency of the vibration signal and the output duration of the vibration signal are then stored in the vibration parameter storage unit 31 as control information for the vibration parameters.

[0034] (5) Vibration signal output Under the control of the signal control unit 12, the control unit 1A of the respiratory induction control device TM1 outputs a vibration signal whose amplitude and / or frequency have been controlled in step S13 and whose output time length has been controlled to the amplifier 5 in step S14 at a timing specified by the output timing specification data included in the control information of the vibration parameters.

[0035] As a result, the vibration signal is amplified by a constant gain by the amplifier 5 and then supplied to the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, which generate vibration waves that are applied to both cheeks of the user US as vibration stimuli. As a result, the air accumulated in the oral cavity of the user US is exhaled from the mouth. In other words, the user US is involuntarily induced to exhale.

[0036] (6) Determining the end of expiratory guidance control The control unit 1A of the respiratory induction control device TM1 determines whether or not the exhalation induction control has ended in step S15. If the exhalation induction control is still in progress, the control unit 1A returns to step S11 and continues to execute the exhalation induction control in steps S11 to S15. If a request to end exhalation induction is input, the control unit 1A ends the series of control processes.

[0037] (Actions and Effects) As described above, in the first embodiment, in the respiratory guidance control device TM1, the vibration parameters of the vibration signal generated by the vibration signal generating unit 11 are controlled in accordance with preset control information of the vibration parameters, and then the vibration signals are amplified by the amplifier 5 and supplied to the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2. As a result, vibration stimuli are applied from the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 to both cheeks of the user US.

[0038] As a result, a vibration stimulus is applied to the oral cavity, which forms part of the respiratory path, causing the user US to involuntarily exhale. In other words, the user US does not need to consciously exhale voluntarily. Therefore, even when concentrating on the movement or operation of a sport or wind instrument, for example, the user can exhale accurately. Furthermore, the strength and duration of the application of the contact stimulus are controlled by vibration parameters. This allows for appropriate control of exhalation induction.

[0039] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the amount of air remaining in the oral cavity of the user US is estimated, and the vibration parameters of the vibration signal are variably controlled in accordance with the result of the estimation of the amount of air.

[0040] (Configuration example) 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a respiratory guidance control device TM2 constituting the core part of a respiratory guidance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0041] A camera CM is placed opposite the face of the user US, who is the target of exhalation guidance. The camera CM captures an image of the area including both cheeks of the face of the user US and outputs the image signal to the breathing guidance control device TM2.

[0042] The respiratory guidance control device TM2 includes a camera interface (hereinafter, interface will be abbreviated as I / F) unit 6. This camera I / F unit 6 receives the image signal output from the camera CM, converts it into digital image data, and outputs the converted image data to the control unit 1B.

[0043] The control unit 1B includes an air volume estimation unit 13 and a signal control unit 14 in addition to the vibration signal generation unit 11. The functions of the air volume estimation unit 13 and the signal control unit 14 are realized by causing a CPU included in the control unit 1B to execute an application program stored in the program storage unit 2.

[0044] Note that, as in the first embodiment, the vibration signal generating unit 11, the air amount estimating unit 13, and the signal control unit 14 may be partly or entirely realized using hardware such as an LSI or an ASIC.

[0045] The air volume estimation unit 13 acquires the image signal output from the camera CM as image data from the camera I / F unit 6, performs image processing on the acquired image data, and recognizes the shape of the cheeks of the user US, for example, the degree of swelling, and then estimates the air volume in the oral cavity of the user US based on the cheek shape.

[0046] The signal control unit 14 adjusts the default values ​​of the amplitude, frequency, and output time length included in the control information of the vibration parameters stored in the vibration parameter storage unit 31 based on the amount of air in the oral cavity.

[0047] Based on the control values ​​of the adjusted vibration parameters, the signal control unit 14 controls the vibration parameters, such as amplitude, frequency, and output time length, of the vibration signal generated by the vibration signal generating unit 11, and outputs the controlled vibration signal to the amplifier 5.

[0048] (Example of operation) Next, the exhalation induction control operation by the respiration induction control device TM2 configured as above will be described.

[0049] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure and content of the expiratory induction control executed by the control unit 1B of the respiratory induction control device TM2. Note that the vibration parameter storage unit 31 is assumed to store default values ​​for the vibration parameters, namely, amplitude, frequency, and output time length.

[0050] (1) Advance preparation The user US, who is the target of the guidance, wears the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 on their cheeks as shown in Fig. 1. Then, the user US takes a deep breath, retaining as much air as possible in their mouth.

[0051] (2) Estimation of air volume in the oral cavity In this state, when the control unit 1B of the respiratory induction control device TM2 detects input of a request to start the expiratory induction operation in step S20, first, under the control of the air volume estimation unit 13, in step S21, it starts the camera CM and obtains image data of the face of the user US captured by the camera CM from the camera I / F unit 6.

[0052] Next, in step S22, the air volume estimation unit 13 performs predetermined image processing on the acquired face image data to recognize the shape of the cheeks. Then, the air volume estimation unit 13 determines the size of the bulge from the cheek shape, and estimates the amount of air remaining in the oral cavity of the user US based on the result.

[0053] (3) Generation of vibration signals Next, in step S23, the control unit 1B of the respiratory induction control device TM2 generates a vibration signal based on the reference signal generated by the signal source 4 under the control of the vibration signal generating unit 11. As in the first embodiment, a chirp signal consisting of, for example, a rectangular wave is used as the vibration signal.

[0054] (4) Adjustment of vibration parameters Next, under the control of the signal control unit 14, the control unit 1B of the respiratory guidance control device TM2 first reads in step S24 the control information for the vibration parameters, i.e., the default values ​​for the frequency, amplitude, and output duration of the vibration signal, from the vibration parameter storage unit 31. Then, in step S25, the signal control unit 14 adjusts the default values ​​for the amplitude, frequency, and output duration included in the control information for the vibration parameters stored in the vibration parameter storage unit 31, based on the intraoral air volume estimated by the air volume estimation unit 13.

[0055] Here, there is a relationship between the amount of air in the oral cavity and the exhaled air volume and maximum air velocity value. Figure 10 shows an example of the measurement results. As shown in the figure, the greater the amount of air in the oral cavity, the greater the exhaled air volume. In other words, when exhaling air from the mouth of the user US, if a large amount of air remains in the oral cavity, a strong contact stimulus is required, but if the amount of air in the oral cavity is small, a strong contact stimulus is not required.

[0056] Therefore, the signal control unit 14 adjusts the control values ​​of the vibration parameters, namely, amplitude, frequency, and output time length, so that the control values ​​become larger as the amount of air in the oral cavity increases. For example, the amount of air in the oral cavity is determined based on one or more threshold values, and the control values ​​of the vibration parameters are adjusted in stages based on the determination result.

[0057] (5) Control and output of vibration parameters of vibration signals In step S26, based on the control values ​​of the adjusted vibration parameters, signal control unit 14 controls the vibration parameters of the vibration signal generated by vibration signal generation unit 11, i.e., the amplitude, frequency, and output time length, and outputs the controlled vibration signal to amplifier 5 at the timing specified by the output timing specification data included in the control information for the vibration parameters.

[0058] As a result, the vibration signal is amplified by the amplifier 5 and then supplied to the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, which generate vibration waves that are applied to both cheeks of the user US as vibration stimuli. As a result, the air accumulated in the oral cavity of the user US is exhaled from the mouth. In other words, the user US is involuntarily induced to exhale.

[0059] (6) Determining the end of expiratory guidance control The control unit 1B of the respiratory induction control device TM2 determines whether or not the exhalation induction control has ended in step S28. If the exhalation induction control is still in progress, the process returns to step S21, and steps S21 to S28 repeatedly execute a series of exhalation induction controls, including estimating the amount of air in the oral cavity of the user US and adjusting the control values ​​of the vibration parameters based on the estimation results. On the other hand, if a request to end exhalation induction is input, for example, the series of processes related to the exhalation induction control ends.

[0060] In addition, in the case of the same user US, if it can be assumed that the amount of air in the oral cavity will hardly change even if the user breathes again, the control unit 1B of the respiratory induction control device TM2, when determining in step S28 that the induction control period is in progress, may omit the process of estimating the amount of air in the oral cavity of the user US, return to step S23, and continue to perform the exhalation induction control in steps S23 to S28.

[0061] (Actions and Effects) As described above, in the second embodiment, the respiratory guidance control device TM2 estimates the air volume in the oral cavity of the user US based on image data from the camera CM under the control of the air volume estimation unit 13, and adjusts the control values ​​of the vibration parameters of the vibration signal according to the estimated air volume. Then, the amplitude, frequency, and output time length of the vibration signal generated by the vibration signal generation unit 11 are controlled according to the adjusted control values ​​of the vibration parameters, and the controlled vibration signal is amplified by the amplifier 5 and then supplied to the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, thereby applying vibration stimulation to both cheeks of the user US.

[0062] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the following effect is further achieved. That is, a vibration stimulus adjusted according to the amount of air in the oral cavity of each user US is applied to the cheek of the user US. Therefore, even if the amount of air in the oral cavity varies between users US, it is possible to induce exhalation with an optimal vibration stimulus for each user US.

[0063] Furthermore, even for the same user PS, if the amount of air in the oral cavity changes with each exhalation, a vibration stimulus adjusted according to the air volume at that time is applied to the cheek of the user PS. Therefore, even if the amount of air in the oral cavity of the user US changes with each exhalation, it is possible to induce exhalation with the optimal vibration stimulus each time.

[0064] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the duration of the inhalation action that necessarily follows the exhalation action is estimated based on the vibration parameters that induce exhalation, and fragrance is emitted during this estimated inhalation action period.

[0065] (Configuration example) Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a respiratory guidance control device TM3 constituting the core part of a respiratory guidance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 11, the same parts as those in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0066] The storage area of ​​the data storage unit 3C includes an aroma emission parameter storage unit 32 in addition to a vibration parameter storage unit 31. The aroma emission parameter storage unit 32 stores aroma emission parameter information that specifies, for example, the amount of air emitted per exhalation, and the duration or number of times the air is emitted.

[0067] The control unit 1C of the respiratory guidance control device TM3 includes an aroma emission control unit 15 in addition to a vibration signal generation unit 11 and a signal control unit 12. The functions of this aroma emission control unit 15, together with the functions of the vibration signal generation unit 11 and the signal control unit 12, are realized by causing the CPU of the control unit 1C to execute an application program stored in the program storage unit 2.

[0068] Note that, as in the first embodiment, the vibration signal generating unit 11, the signal control unit 12, and the aroma emission control unit 15 may be partly or entirely realized using hardware such as an LSI or an ASIC.

[0069] As described in the first embodiment, the vibration signal generating unit 11 and the signal control unit 12 generate vibration signals whose amplitude, frequency, and output time length are each controlled according to control information of the vibration parameters in order to induce exhalation of the user US.

[0070] Meanwhile, the aroma generation control unit 15 reads control information of the vibration parameters from the vibration parameter storage unit 31, and estimates the period of the inhalation action that the user US necessarily performs following the exhalation action (inhalation action period) based on the data specifying the output timing and output duration of the vibration signal included in the read control information.The aroma generation control unit 15 then outputs an aroma generation control signal to the aroma generator AD at a timing corresponding to the estimated inhalation action period.

[0071] The aroma emission control unit 15 also includes in the aroma emission control signal data specifying the amount of aroma to be emitted per time, and the duration of the aroma emission or the number of times the aroma is emitted, as specified by the aroma emission parameter information stored in the aroma emission parameter storage unit 32.

[0072] The aroma generator AD, generally called an aroma diffuser, is composed of, for example, a sprayer operated by a motor. The aroma generator AD sprays an aroma extract in response to an aroma generation control signal generated by the aroma generation control unit 15. Note that a heated or ultrasonic sprayer may also be used as the aroma generator AD.

[0073] (Example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the respiratory induction device configured as above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure and content of the exhalation induction control and aroma emission control executed by the control unit 1C of the respiration induction control device TM3.

[0074] (1) Exhalation induction control As a preliminary preparation, a pair of vibration speakers SP1 and SP2 are attached to both cheeks of the user US as shown in FIG. 1, as in the first embodiment.

[0075] When the control unit 1C of the respiratory induction control device TM3 detects the input of a request to start the expiratory induction operation in step S30, under the control of the vibration signal generating unit 11, in step S31 it generates a vibration signal based on the reference signal generated by the signal source (OSC) 4. As the vibration signal, for example, a square wave chirp signal is used.

[0076] The control unit 1C of the respiratory guidance control device TM3 then controls the vibration parameters of the vibration signal as follows under the control of the signal control unit 12. That is, in step S32, the signal control unit 12 first reads control information for the vibration parameters from the vibration parameter storage unit 31. Next, in step S33, the signal control unit 12 controls the vibration parameters of the vibration signal output from the vibration signal generation unit 11, such as at least one of the frequency and amplitude of the vibration signal and the output time length, based on the control information for the vibration parameters.

[0077] Then, in step S34, the signal control unit 12 outputs the vibration signal in which the vibration parameters have been controlled to the amplifier 5 at the timing designated by the output timing designation data included in the control information for the vibration parameters.

[0078] As a result, the vibration signal is amplified by a constant gain by the amplifier 5 and then supplied to the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, which generate vibration waves that are applied to both cheeks of the user US as vibration stimuli. As a result, the air accumulated in the oral cavity of the user US is exhaled from the mouth. In other words, the user US is involuntarily induced to exhale.

[0079] (2) Aroma emission control The control unit 1C of the respiratory guidance control device TM3 then controls the aroma emission under the control of the aroma emission control unit 15 as follows.

[0080] That is, in step S35, the aroma generation control unit 15 reads control information for the vibration parameters used to control the generation of exhaled air. Then, in step S36, the aroma generation control unit 15 estimates the duration of the inhalation action that the user US will necessarily perform following the exhalation action, based on the output timing and output duration defined by the read control information for the vibration parameters. For example, the aroma generation control unit 15 estimates the inhalation action duration as the inhalation start timing and duration.

[0081] Next, in step S37, the fragrance generation control unit 15 sets the fragrance generation start timing based on the estimated inhalation start timing and inhalation duration. Then, at the set fragrance generation start timing, it outputs an fragrance generation control signal to the fragrance generator AD. At this time, the fragrance generation control unit 15 also includes in the fragrance generation control signal data specifying the amount of fragrance generated per time and the duration or number of fragrance generations, which are specified by the fragrance generation parameter information stored in the fragrance generation parameter storage unit 32.

[0082] When the fragrance generation control signal is received, the fragrance generator AD sprays fragrance in synchronization with the reception timing. The fragrance generator AD sprays the amount of fragrance specified by the fragrance generation control signal for the duration or number of times specified by the fragrance generation control signal.

[0083] Therefore, during the period of inhalation that inevitably follows exhalation performed by the exhalation induction control, the fragrance is sprayed from the fragrance generator AD toward the user US. As a result, it is possible to reliably present the fragrance to the user US during the period of inhalation.

[0084] While executing the above-described exhalation induction control and fragrance emission control, the control unit 1C of the breathing induction control device TM3 monitors whether an exhalation induction end request has been input in step S38. If no exhalation induction end request has been input, the control unit 1C returns to step S31 and repeatedly executes the exhalation induction control and fragrance emission control in steps S31 to S38. Therefore, in this case, fragrance is presented to the user US intermittently at a regular interval.

[0085] In response to this, when the control unit 1C detects that a request to end the exhalation induction has been input, it terminates the series of control processes described above. Therefore, for example, if a request to end the exhalation induction is input immediately after a single presentation of an aroma, it becomes possible to control the presentation of an aroma at a desired timing.

[0086] (Action and effect) As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the duration of the inhalation action that necessarily follows the exhalation action is estimated based on the vibration parameters that induce exhalation, and the fragrance is controlled to be emitted during this estimated inhalation action period. This makes it possible to reliably present the fragrance to the user US during the period in which the user inhales. Furthermore, by specifying the amount, duration, or number of fragrances to be emitted per time using fragrance emission parameter information, it is possible to present the fragrance to the user US in an appropriate amount and for an appropriate duration.

[0087] In recent years, development of a system has been considered that can provide a user watching a movie or a virtual reality video with a more immersive experience by presenting scents according to the scene. The above system can be realized by applying a breathing induction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] [Other embodiments] (1) As the contact stimulus generating unit, in addition to the one that applies vibration stimulus to the cheek of the user US using the vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, for example, one that operates a servo motor to press a contact part against the user's cheek, or one that applies electrical stimulus to the user's skin may be used. Furthermore, the target part to which the contact stimulus is applied may be, in addition to the user's cheek, a part of the user's chest corresponding to the lungs, a part corresponding to the airway such as the user's throat, etc.

[0089] (2) When controlling the vibration parameters of a vibration signal, all of the frequency, amplitude, and output time length may be controlled, or one or two of the frequency, amplitude, and output time length may be controlled.

[0090] (3) The functions of the respiratory induction control device may be provided in a terminal such as a personal computer or tablet terminal, or may be provided in a server computer or the like located on the web or in the cloud. In this case, contact stimulus control information is transferred from the server computer to a user terminal such as a personal computer or smartphone owned by the user via a network, and the user terminal generates, for example, a vibration signal based on this contact stimulus control information and supplies it to a contact stimulus generating unit such as a vibration speaker.

[0091] (4) The amount of air in the oral cavity may be estimated by, for example, having the user actually expel air that has been retained in the oral cavity and measuring the amount of air expelled. In addition, various modifications can be made to the functional configuration of the contact stimulus control device, the processing procedure and processing content of its exhalation induction control, and the target of exhalation induction (which may be any animal other than humans that breathes through lungs), without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0092] (5) The third embodiment of the present invention may be modified in the following manner. (First Modification) Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a first modified example, in which the same parts as those in Fig. 11 are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0093] In the first modified example, an aroma generator AD is provided within a respiratory induction control device TM3, which includes a control unit 1C, a program memory unit 2, a data memory unit 3C, and a signal source 4, thereby allowing the respiratory induction control device TM3 to function as an aroma generator AG1.

[0094] The first variant also differs from the third embodiment in that the stimulus generating device SP incorporates a pair of headphone-type vibration speakers SP1 and SP2, as well as an amplifier 5 that operates these vibration speakers SP1 and SP2.

[0095] According to the first variant, by attaching a stimulus generating device SP to the user US and connecting an aroma generating device AG1 with a built-in aroma generator AD to this stimulus generating device SP, it is possible to present an aroma to the user US at an appropriate time.

[0096] (Second Modification) Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the second modified example, in which the same parts as those in Fig. 11 are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0097] In the second modification, the breathing induction device is further provided with an aroma generator AD in addition to the breathing induction control device TM3 and the stimulus generator SP, thereby allowing the breathing induction device to function as an aroma generator AG2.

[0098] With this configuration, it is possible to provide, for example, a headphone-type fragrance emitting device that can be worn on the user's head.

[0099] (Third Modification) Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a third modified example, in which the same parts as those in Fig. 11 are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0100] In the third modified example, the breathing induction control device functions as an aroma emission control device AC. The aroma emission control device AC is provided with a wireless I / F unit 7. The aroma emission control device AC wirelessly transmits a vibration signal and an aroma emission control signal to a stimulus generation device SP equipped with a wireless I / F unit 8 and an aroma generator AD similarly equipped with a wireless I / F function (not shown).

[0101] With this configuration, it is possible to realize a usage scenario in which the functions of the aroma generation control device AC are provided in a mobile device such as a smartphone or wearable device, the headphone-type stimulus generation device SP is worn on the head of the user US, and the aroma generator AD is placed so that it hangs from the neck of the user US. Furthermore, by using a wireless interface in this case, it is possible to reduce the burden of using the device.

[0102] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, when implementing the present invention, specific configurations according to the embodiments may be appropriately adopted.

[0103] In short, this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be created by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] US...User SP...Stimulus generator SP1, SP2...Vibration speakers TM1, TM2, TM3...Respiration induction control device CM...camera AD…Aroma generator AG1, AG2... Aroma generator AC: Aroma emission control device 1A, 1B, 1C...Control section 2...Program memory section 3A, 3C...Data storage section 4…Signal source 5...Amplifier 6...Camera I / F section 7,8…Wireless I / F section 11...Vibration signal generating unit 12, 14...Signal control section 13...Air volume estimation unit 15...Aroma emission control unit 31...Vibration parameter storage unit 32...Aroma generation parameter storage unit

Claims

1. A breathing induction device for inducing breathing of a living body that performs lung breathing, a vibration signal generating unit that generates a vibration signal; a signal control unit that controls a vibration parameter of the vibration signal to a preset value and outputs the vibration signal whose vibration parameter has been controlled; a contact stimulus generating unit that is attached to both cheeks of the living body so as to sandwich them from the left and right, and that applies contact stimulus by physical pressure to both cheeks in response to the vibration signal output from the signal control unit, thereby releasing air remaining in the oral cavity as exhalation; A respiratory induction device comprising:

2. The breathing induction device according to claim 1 , wherein the contact stimulus generator applies vibration stimulus to the cheeks as the contact stimulus.

3. The respiratory induction device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal control unit controls at least one of an oscillation frequency, an amplitude, and an output time length of the oscillation signal as the oscillation parameter.

4. The respiratory induction device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal control unit controls the vibration parameters so that at least one of the vibration frequency and amplitude of the vibration signal is set to a maximum value at the start of application of the contact stimulus and then decreases.

5. Further comprising a measuring unit for measuring the amount of air in the oral cavity, The respiratory induction device according to claim 1, wherein the signal control unit controls at least one of the vibration frequency, amplitude, and output time length of the vibration signal as the vibration parameter so that the larger the air volume measured by the measurement unit, the larger the value.

6. an fragrance generation control unit that estimates an inhalation period of the living body based on the vibration parameters and outputs an fragrance generation control signal for generating an fragrance during the estimated inhalation period; an aroma generating unit that generates an aroma in response to the aroma generation control signal; The respiratory induction device according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. 7. The respiratory induction device according to claim 6, wherein the aroma emission control unit outputs the aroma emission control signal including data specifying an amount of aroma to be emitted and a duration or number of times the aroma is emitted, based on preset aroma emission parameter information.

8. A breathing induction method for inducing breathing of a living body that performs pulmonary breathing, comprising: generating a vibration signal; controlling vibration parameters of the generated vibration signal to predetermined values ​​and outputting the vibration signal with the vibration parameters controlled; a step of releasing air remaining in the oral cavity as exhalation by applying a contact stimulus by physical pressure to both cheeks in response to the vibration signal whose vibration parameters have been controlled by a contact stimulus generating unit attached to both cheeks of the living body so as to sandwich the cheeks from the left and right; A respiratory induction method comprising:

9. A program that causes a processor included in the respiratory induction device to execute processing by the signal control unit included in the respiratory induction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images