ultrasonic generator

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic generator capable of easily obtaining desired effects by a hypersonic effect.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic generator 20 includes: an audible speaker 30 irradiating audible sound to a human being 8; a first speaker 51 and a second speaker 52 irradiating ultrasonic waves to a part increasing an activity of parasympathetic nerve of the human being 8 and a part increasing an activity of sympathetic nerve of the human being 8; and a control part 48 controlling ultrasonic acoustic pressure irradiated by the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 on the basis of a posture of the human being 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic generator. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, a sound generating device is known that reduces human stress by irradiating the whole human body with ultrasound along with audible sound, thereby generating a hypersonic effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3933565 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the position of the ultrasound beam is fixed and the person changes position, the area to which the ultrasound beam is irradiated will change. This will change the nerves that become more active, and the desired effect of the hypersonic effect may not be achieved.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic generator that makes it easier to obtain the desired effect of the hypersonic effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is An ultrasonic generator, comprising: an audible sound irradiator (30) that irradiates audible sound to a person; A first irradiation unit (51) that irradiates an area where the activity of the human parasympathetic nerve is to be increased with ultrasound, a second irradiation unit (52) that irradiates an area where the activity of the human sympathetic nerve is to be increased with ultrasound, and sound pressure of the ultrasound irradiated from the first irradiation unit and sound pressure of the ultrasound irradiated from the second irradiation unit. and a control unit (48) for controlling the The part where the parasympathetic activity is increased is a human face (81) or a human forehead (82), and the part where the sympathetic activity is increased is any one of a human back neck (83), a human hand that is a part distal to the human wrist, a human chest, and a human back, and the control unit increases the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiation unit when a value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part where the parasympathetic activity is increased to the size of the entire human body shown in the image of the camera (44) is equal to or greater than a parasympathetic threshold (R1_th) compared to when the value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part where the parasympathetic activity is increased to the size of the entire human body shown in the image is less than the parasympathetic threshold, and increases the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiation unit when a value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part where the parasympathetic activity is increased to the size of the entire human body shown in the image is less than the parasympathetic threshold. The sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiation unit is reduced compared to when the value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the area that increases parasympathetic nerve activity is equal to or greater than the parasympathetic threshold. When the value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area that increases sympathetic nerve activity in the image relative to the size of the entire human body shown in the image is equal to or greater than the sympathetic threshold (R2_th), the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second irradiation unit is increased compared to when the value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area that increases sympathetic nerve activity in the image relative to the size of the entire human body shown in the image is less than the sympathetic threshold. When the value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area that increases sympathetic nerve activity in the image relative to the size of the entire human body shown in the image is less than the sympathetic threshold, the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second irradiation unit is reduced compared to when the value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area that increases sympathetic nerve activity in the image relative to the size of the entire human body shown in the image is equal to or greater than the sympathetic threshold. It is an ultrasonic generator.

[0007] This means: When a person's posture changes, the values ​​for each ratio change.The sound pressure of the ultrasound waves irradiated to the person is changed. This makes it easier for the ultrasound waves to be irradiated to the part of the person that should be irradiated. In addition, the mis-irradiation of ultrasound waves to a part other than the part that should be irradiated, which occurs when the person's posture changes, is suppressed. This makes it easier to achieve the desired effect of the hypersonic effect.

[0008] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and the specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a person using an ultrasound generator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic generator. [Figure 3] Diagram showing human meditation. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the human body, face, forehead and back of the neck as seen in the image. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the frequency characteristics of human mechanoreceptors. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing the activity of the parasympathetic nerve when ultrasound is irradiated onto the back of the neck, face, and whole body of a human while irradiating it with audible sound. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the degree of sympathetic nerve activity when ultrasound is irradiated onto the back of the neck, face, and whole body of a human while irradiating it with audible sound. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] The ultrasound generator 20 of this embodiment irradiates audible sound and ultrasound waves to a person 8 shown in FIG. 1 to obtain a hypersonic effect and facilitate the achievement of the desired effect. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound generator 20 includes an audible recording medium 22, an audible signal generator 24, an audible playback circuit 26, an audible amplifier circuit 28, and an audible speaker 30. The ultrasound generator 20 also includes an ultrasound recording medium 32, an ultrasound signal generator 34, an ultrasound playback circuit 36, and an ultrasound amplifier circuit 38. The ultrasound generator 20 also includes a biometric information estimation unit 40, an analysis unit 42, a posture detection unit 44, a situation estimation unit 46, and a control unit 48. The ultrasound generator 20 also includes a first speaker 51 and a second speaker 52.

[0012] The audible recording medium 22 is, for example, a ROM or flash memory, and stores digital information related to audible sound. The audible signal generating device 24 is, for example, an optical drive or a card reader, and reads out the digital information related to audible sound stored in the audible recording medium 22. The audible playback circuit 26 is a DAC that converts the digital information of audible sound read out by the audible signal generating device 24 into analog information. The audible amplification circuit 28 is an amplifier that amplifies a signal corresponding to the analog information related to audible sound converted by the audible playback circuit 26. DAC stands for Digital-to-Analog Converter. Audible sound is sound with a frequency of 20 Hz or higher and lower than 20 kHz.

[0013] The audible speaker 30 corresponds to an audible sound emitting unit, and generates audible sound amplified by the audible amplifier circuit 28. As a result, the audible speaker 30 irradiates the audible sound to the auditory system of the human 8 shown in FIG.

[0014] The ultrasonic recording medium 32 is, for example, a ROM or flash memory, and stores digital information related to ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic signal generator 34 is, for example, an optical drive or a card reader, and reads out the digital information related to ultrasonic waves stored in the ultrasonic recording medium 32. The ultrasonic reproduction circuit 36 ​​is a DAC that converts the digital information related to ultrasonic waves read out by the ultrasonic signal generator 34 into analog information. The ultrasonic amplification circuit 38 is an amplifier that amplifies a signal corresponding to the analog information related to ultrasonic waves converted by the ultrasonic reproduction circuit 36. Note that ultrasonic waves are sounds with a frequency of 20 kHz or higher.

[0015] The biometric information estimation unit 40 estimates biometric information of the human 8, such as blood flow and heart rate, and outputs a signal corresponding to biometric information of the human 8 other than the blood flow and heart rate, such as blood glucose level. Specifically, the biometric information estimation unit 40 has a wearable sensor, a video camera, or the like, and estimates blood flow using a photoplethysmogram or a videoplethysmogram. The biometric information estimation unit 40 also estimates the heart rate of the human 8 from the estimated blood flow and a map. The biometric information estimation unit 40 then outputs a signal corresponding to the estimated heart rate to an analysis unit 42, which will be described later. Note that the blood flow here refers to the flow velocity or volume of blood flowing through the blood vessels of the human 8. The map for estimating the heart rate is set, for example, by experiments, simulations, machine learning, or the like. The biometric information estimation unit 40 estimates the heart rate from the blood flow, but is not limited to this. For example, the heart rate may be estimated based on vibrations of the human 8's skin.

[0016] The biological information estimation unit 40 also has a glucose sensor and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the blood glucose level of the person 8 to an analysis unit 42 described below.

[0017] The analysis unit 42 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, and bus lines connecting these components. The analysis unit 42 executes a program stored in the ROM of the analysis unit 42 to calculate the heartbeat interval based on the heart rate output from the biological information estimation unit 40. The analysis unit 42 then performs frequency analysis of the calculated heartbeat interval to calculate the LF / HF and HF of the person 8. The analysis unit 42 then outputs signals corresponding to the calculated LF / HF and HF to the control unit 48, which will be described later. The LF is, for example, a value relating to the intensity of 0.05 to 0.15 Hz in the data obtained by frequency analysis of the heartbeat interval. The HF is, for example, a value relating to the intensity of 0.15 to 0.40 Hz in the data obtained by frequency analysis of the heartbeat interval. The HF is an index of the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. Furthermore, LF / HF is a value obtained by dividing LF by HF, and is an index of the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the human 8. Furthermore, LF / HF and HF calculated by the analysis unit 42 are calculated so that they can be compared with each other.

[0018] Here, there is a correlation between the heart rate and the sleep state of the human 8. Therefore, in addition to calculating LF / HF and HF, the analysis unit 42 estimates the sleep state of the human 8 from the heart rate and map output from the biological information estimation unit 40. Furthermore, the analysis unit 42 outputs a signal corresponding to this estimated sleep state to the control unit 48 described below. Note that the sleep state is, for example, wakefulness, REM sleep, or non-REM sleep. Furthermore, the map for estimating the sleep state of the human 8 is set, for example, by experiment, simulation, machine learning, or the like. Furthermore, the analysis unit 42 estimates the sleep state of the human 8 based on the heart rate of the human 8, but is not limited to this. For example, the biological information estimation unit 40 may measure electroencephalogram (EEG), eye movement, and electromyogram data of the human 8 in addition to estimating the heart rate and blood glucose level of the human 8, and the analysis unit 42 may estimate the sleep state of the human 8 using this measured electroencephalogram, eye movement, and electromyogram data of the human 8.

[0019] The analysis unit 42 also calculates the blood glucose level of the person 8 from the signal corresponding to the blood glucose level of the person 8 output from the biological information estimation unit 40. Furthermore, the analysis unit 42 outputs the signal corresponding to the calculated blood glucose level to the control unit 48, which will be described later.

[0020] The posture state detection unit 44 is a camera that detects the posture state of the person 8 by capturing an image of the person 8. The posture state detection unit 44 also outputs the captured image to the situation estimation unit 46, which will be described later.

[0021] The situation estimation unit 46 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, and bus lines connecting these components. The situation estimation unit 46 also executes a program stored in the ROM of the situation estimation unit 46. As a result, the situation estimation unit 46 estimates the posture of the person 8 from the image captured by the posture state detection unit 44 by using image recognition, teacher data, machine learning, and the like. Furthermore, the situation estimation unit 46 outputs a signal corresponding to the estimated posture to a control unit 48, which will be described later.

[0022] Here, the posture of the human 8 refers to, for example, the posture of the human 8 when exercising, the posture of the human 8 after exercising, the posture of the human 8 when performing aerobic exercise, and the posture of the human 8 when performing anaerobic exercise. Furthermore, the posture of the human 8 refers to, for example, the posture of the human 8 when eating, the posture of the human 8 when finishing a meal, the posture of the human 8 when meditating, the posture of the human 8 when sleeping, the posture of the human 8 when waking up, and the posture of the human 8 when studying. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking and yoga. Examples of anaerobic exercise include strength training. Furthermore, the posture of the human 8 when meditating refers to, for example, the posture of the human 8 sitting with their eyes closed, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0023] In addition to estimating the posture of the human 8, the situation estimation unit 46 also uses image recognition or the like to calculate a first ratio R1 and a second ratio R2 from the image captured by the posture state detection unit 44, as described below. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first ratio R1 is the ratio of the size of the part of the human 8 that increases parasympathetic nerve activity to the size of the entire body of the human 8 captured in the image captured by the posture state detection unit 44. The second ratio R2 is the ratio of the size of the part of the human 8 that increases sympathetic nerve activity to the size of the entire body of the human 8 captured in the image captured by the posture state detection unit 44. The part of the human 8 that increases parasympathetic nerve activity is, for example, a face 81 and a forehead 82 of the human 8. The part of the human 8 that increases sympathetic nerve activity is, for example, a posterior neck 83. Furthermore, in FIG. 4 , the image captured by the posture state detection unit 44 is indicated by Im. In addition, the size of the entire body of human 8 shown in the image, the size of the area that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system of human 8, and the size of the area that increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system of human 8 are expressed, for example, in terms of the number of pixels or area.

[0024] For example, the situation estimation unit 46 uses image recognition or the like to calculate the size of the entire body of the human 8 appearing in an image captured by the posture state detection unit 44. The situation estimation unit 46 also calculates the sizes of the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the human 8 appearing in the image. The situation estimation unit 46 then divides the calculated sizes of the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the human 8 by the calculated size of the entire body of the human 8, thereby calculating a first ratio R1. The situation estimation unit 46 also calculates the size of the posterior neck 83 of the human 8 appearing in the image. Therefore, the situation estimation unit 46 calculates a second ratio R2 by dividing the calculated size of the posterior neck 83 of the human 8 by the calculated size of the entire body of the human 8. The situation estimation unit 46 then outputs signals corresponding to the calculated first ratio R1 and second ratio R2 to the control unit 48, which will be described later.

[0025] The control unit 48 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, and bus lines connecting these components. The control unit 48 also executes a program stored in the ROM of the control unit 48. This allows the control unit 48 to acquire signals from the analysis unit 42 and the situation estimation unit 46, and based on these acquired signals, controls the sound pressure of the ultrasound waves emitted from a first speaker 51 and a second speaker 52 (described below). The control by the control unit 48 will be described later.

[0026] The first speaker 51 corresponds to the ultrasound irradiation unit and the first irradiation unit, and is disposed, for example, in front of the person 8 as shown in FIG. 1 , and is attached to a desk, a support rod, or the like (not shown). The first speaker 51 irradiates a region of the person 8 where parasympathetic nerve activity is to be increased in response to a signal from the control unit 48. The first speaker 51 is not limited to irradiating ultrasound to a region of the person 8 where parasympathetic nerve activity is to be increased, but may irradiate ultrasound to a region of the person 8 where sympathetic nerve activity is to be increased. As described above, the region of the person 8 where parasympathetic nerve activity is to be increased is, for example, the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8. As described above, the region of the person 8 where sympathetic nerve activity is to be increased is, for example, the back of the neck 83.

[0027] The second speaker 52 corresponds to the ultrasound irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit, and is arranged, for example, behind the person 8, and is attached to a desk, a support rod, or the like (not shown). Furthermore, the second speaker 52 irradiates a part of the person 8 where the activity of the sympathetic nerve is to be increased in response to a signal from the control unit 48. Note that the second speaker 52 is not limited to irradiating ultrasound to a part of the person 8 where the activity of the sympathetic nerve is to be increased, and may irradiate ultrasound to a part of the person 8 where the activity of the parasympathetic nerve is to be increased.

[0028] The ultrasonic wave generator 20 of this embodiment is configured as described above. In this ultrasonic wave generator 20, for example, when the power of the ultrasonic wave generator 20 is turned on, an audible sound from the audible speaker 30 is irradiated to the auditory system of the person 8, and ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 are irradiated to the body of the person 8. This provides a hypersonic effect to the person 8. Next, control of the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 by the control unit 48 will be described.

[0029] Here, as shown in Fig. 5, no mechanoreceptors of a human 8 that sense vibration stimuli exceeding 1000 Hz have been reported to date. However, through studies by the inventors, it has been found that the effects on the human body differ when ultrasound is irradiated onto the face 81 and forehead 82, etc., of the human 8, and when ultrasound is irradiated onto a region other than the face 81 and forehead 82, for example, the back of the neck 83, of the human 8. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, when ultrasound is irradiated onto the face 81 and forehead 82, etc., of the human 8, parasympathetic nerve activity of the human 8 increases. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7, when ultrasound is irradiated onto the back of the neck 83 of the human 8, sympathetic nerve activity of the human 8 increases.

[0030] However, when the position of the person 8 where the ultrasound is irradiated is fixed, the area where the ultrasound is irradiated changes as the person 8 changes position. As a result, the nerves that become more active change, and the desired effect of the hypersonic effect may not be achieved. For example, to achieve a hypersonic effect such as a relaxing effect, the first speaker 51 irradiates the face 81 and forehead 82 of the person 8. In this case, when the person 8 turns around, the ultrasound irradiated from the first speaker 51 is irradiated onto the back of the neck 83 of the person 8. At this time, the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8 is not increased, and the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8 increases, and therefore the hypersonic effect such as a relaxing effect cannot be achieved.

[0031] Therefore, the control unit 48 controls the sound pressure of the ultrasound waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 based on the posture of the person 8. Specifically, the control unit 48 acquires the LF / HF, HF, sleep state, and blood glucose level of the person 8 from the analysis unit 42. The control unit 48 also acquires the posture, first ratio R1, and second ratio R2 of the person 8 from the situation estimation unit 46. Furthermore, the control unit 48 controls the sound pressure of the ultrasound waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 based on these acquired signals.

[0032] (Increasing parasympathetic activity) Here, for example, it is assumed that LF / HF calculated by the analysis unit 42 is greater than HF, i.e., LF / HF>HF. At this time, the activity level of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8 is greater than the activity level of the parasympathetic nerves, and therefore the person 8 is in a state of concentration or tension. In this case, it is assumed that the control unit 48 is causing the face 81 and forehead 82 of the person 8 to be irradiated with ultrasound from the first speaker 51 in order to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8 and relax the person 8.

[0033] In this case, when the first ratio R1 calculated by the situation estimation unit 46 is equal to or greater than the parasympathetic threshold R1_th, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 compared to when the first ratio R1 is less than the parasympathetic threshold R1_th. Note that the parasympathetic threshold R1_th is set by experiment, simulation, or the like so as to determine that the state is such that the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 are likely to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8.

[0034] As a result, when the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 are likely to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 increases. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 are likely to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which tends to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. Therefore, the person 8 tends to relax.

[0035] Furthermore, when the first ratio R1 calculated by the situation estimation unit 46 is less than the parasympathetic threshold R1_th, the control unit 48 reduces the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first speaker 51 compared to when the first ratio R1 is greater than or equal to the parasympathetic threshold R1_th.

[0036] As a result, when the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 are unlikely to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 is reduced. This prevents the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 from being irradiated erroneously onto a part of the person 8 that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves, rather than onto a part that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8.

[0037] Furthermore, when the person 8 is sleeping, increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8 improves the quality of sleep of the person 8. For this reason, when the posture of the person 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is a sleeping posture, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first speaker 51 compared to when the person 8 is awake.

[0038] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. Therefore, the quality of sleep of the person 8 improves.

[0039] Furthermore, when the human 8 is in non-REM sleep, increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the human 8 improves the quality of sleep of the human 8. Therefore, when the sleep state of the human 8 estimated by the analysis unit 42 is non-REM sleep, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first speaker 51 compared to when the human 8 is awake.

[0040] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. Therefore, the quality of sleep of the person 8 improves.

[0041] Furthermore, when the blood glucose level of the person 8 is high, the increase in blood glucose level is suppressed by increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. This improves the quality of sleep of the person 8. For this reason, when the value related to the blood glucose level calculated by the analysis unit 42 is equal to or higher than the blood glucose threshold, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first speaker 51 compared to when the value related to the blood glucose level is lower than the blood glucose threshold. Note that the blood glucose threshold is set by experiment, simulation, or the like so that the blood glucose level of the person 8 is determined to be relatively high.

[0042] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. This in turn suppresses an increase in blood sugar levels. This in turn improves the quality of sleep of the person 8.

[0043] Furthermore, after the human 8 exercises, increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the human 8 calms the excited state of the human 8 and relieves fatigue of the human 8. For this reason, when the posture of the human 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is the posture of the human 8 after exercise, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 compared to when the human 8 is exercising.

[0044] As a result, ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 are more likely to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. This makes it easier for the excited state of the person 8 to calm down, and makes it easier for the fatigue of the person 8 to recover. Furthermore, for this reason, when the increased sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 is used in combination with the post-exercise cool-down of the person 8, the effect of the cool-down of the person 8 is improved.

[0045] Furthermore, when the person 8 is performing aerobic exercise, increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8 makes it easier for the person 8 to relax, and reduces the stress of the person 8. This increases the effectiveness of the aerobic exercise. For this reason, when the posture of the person 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is the posture of the person 8 performing aerobic exercise, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 compared to before the person 8 performed aerobic exercise.

[0046] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. This makes it easier for the person 8 to relax, and the stress of the person 8 is alleviated. This increases the effectiveness of aerobic exercise.

[0047] Furthermore, when human 8 eats, increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of human 8 increases the digestive and absorptive capacity of human 8 and suppresses an increase in blood glucose level of human 8. For this reason, when the posture of human 8 estimated by situation estimation unit 46 is the posture of human 8 while eating, control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from first speaker 51 compared to before human 8 eats.

[0048] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. As a result, the digestive and absorptive ability of the person 8 is improved and an increase in the blood sugar level of the person 8 is suppressed.

[0049] Furthermore, by increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the human 8 even after the human 8 has eaten, the digestive and absorptive capacity of the human 8 is enhanced and an increase in the blood glucose level of the human 8 is suppressed. For this reason, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 compared to before the human 8 ate until a predetermined time has elapsed since the posture of the human 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 becomes the posture at which the human 8 finishes eating. Note that this predetermined time is set by experiment, simulation, or the like so as to be, for example, the time from after the human 8 has eaten until the blood glucose level reaches its maximum. For example, this predetermined time is several hours.

[0050] As a result, even after a meal, ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 are more likely to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. Therefore, even after a meal, the digestive and absorptive ability of the person 8 is increased and an increase in the blood sugar level of the person 8 is suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, when the person 8 meditates, increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8 makes it easier for the person 8 to relax, and reduces the stress of the person 8. This enhances the effect of meditation. For this reason, when the posture of the person 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is the posture of the person 8 during meditation, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 compared to before the person 8 meditated.

[0052] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 to be irradiated onto the face 81 and the forehead 82 of the person 8, which increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8. This makes it easier for the person 8 to relax, and the stress of the person 8 is alleviated. This increases the effect of meditation.

[0053] (Increasing sympathetic nervous activity) Furthermore, here, for example, let LF / HF calculated by the analysis unit 42 be smaller than HF, that is, LF / HF < HF. At this time, since the activity of the parasympathetic nerve of the human 8 is greater than the activity of the sympathetic nerve, the human 8 is in a relaxed state. In this case, in order to increase the activity of the sympathetic nerve of the human 8 and make the human 8 in a concentrated or tense state, it is assumed that the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 is irradiated to the back of the neck 83 of the human 8 by the control unit 48.

[0054] In this case, when the second ratio R2 calculated by the situation estimation unit 46 is greater than or equal to the sympathetic threshold R2_th, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 as compared with the case when the second ratio R2 is less than the sympathetic threshold R2_th. The sympathetic threshold R2_th is set by experiments, simulations, etc. so that it is determined that the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 is likely to be irradiated to the back of the neck 83 of the human 8.

[0055] Thereby, when the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 is likely to be irradiated to the back of the neck 83 of the human 8, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 increases. Therefore, the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 is likely to be irradiated to the back of the neck 83 of the human 8. Therefore, the activity of the sympathetic nerve of the human 8 is likely to increase. Thus, the human 8 is likely to be in a concentrated or tense state.

[0056] Furthermore, when the second ratio R2 calculated by the situation estimation unit 46 is less than the sympathetic threshold R2_th, the control unit 48 decreases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 as compared with the case when the second ratio R2 is greater than or equal to the sympathetic threshold R2_th.

[0057] Thereby, when the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 is unlikely to be irradiated to the back of the neck 83 of the human 8, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 decreases. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mis-irradiation that the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 is irradiated to the part that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerve of the human 8 instead of the part that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerve of the human 8.

[0058] Furthermore, when the human 8 is in REM sleep, increasing the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the human 8 improves the quality of sleep of the human 8. For this reason, when the sleep state of the human 8 estimated by the analysis unit 42 is REM sleep, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second speaker 52 compared to when the sleep state of the human 8 is non-REM sleep.

[0059] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 to be irradiated onto the back of the neck 83 of the person 8. This makes it easier to increase the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8. Therefore, the quality of sleep of the person 8 improves.

[0060] Furthermore, when the person 8 wakes up, increasing the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8 makes it easier for the person 8 to wake up. For this reason, when the posture of the person 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is the posture when waking up, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 compared to when the person 8 is sleeping.

[0061] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 to be irradiated onto the back of the neck 83 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8. This makes it easier for the person 8 to wake up. Furthermore, when the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 increases and an alarm sound or the like is used in combination when the person 8 wakes up, the person 8 is more likely to wake up.

[0062] Furthermore, when the person 8 is performing anaerobic exercise, the effect of the anaerobic exercise is enhanced by increasing the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8. Therefore, when the posture of the person 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is the posture of the person 8 performing anaerobic exercise, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 compared to before the person 8 performed the anaerobic exercise.

[0063] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 to be irradiated onto the back of the neck 83 of the person 8. This makes it easier to increase the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8. This increases the effect of anaerobic exercise.

[0064] Furthermore, when the person 8 drinks a beverage containing caffeine such as coffee, increasing the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8 makes the person 8 more awake. Therefore, when the posture of the person 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is the posture when drinking a beverage containing caffeine such as coffee, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 compared to before drinking the beverage.

[0065] This makes it easier for the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 to be irradiated onto the back of the neck 83 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8. Therefore, the person 8 is more likely to wake up.

[0066] (Other examples) Here, for example, it is assumed that LF / HF calculated by the analysis unit 42 is greater than HF, i.e., LF / HF>HF. At this time, the activity level of the sympathetic nerves of the person 8 is greater than the activity level of the parasympathetic nerves, and therefore it is highly likely that the person 8 is in an excessively tense state. Furthermore, it is assumed that the posture of the person 8 estimated by the situation estimation unit 46 is a posture for studying. At this time, by increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the person 8, the person 8 can study in a relaxed state, thereby improving the efficiency of studying. For this reason, the control unit 48 makes the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first speaker 51 greater than the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second speaker 52.

[0067] As a result, when human 8 is likely to be in an excessively tense state and wants to improve his / her study efficiency, ultrasonic waves from first speaker 51 are more likely to be irradiated onto face 81 and forehead 82 of human 8. This makes it easier for parasympathetic nerve activity in human 8 to increase. This makes it easier for human 8 to relax and study. This improves the study efficiency of human 8.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 48 makes the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second speaker 52 greater than the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first speaker 51, for example, within a first predetermined time after the person 8 starts studying. Also, the control unit 48 makes the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first speaker 51 greater than the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second speaker 52, for a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time has elapsed. The first predetermined time is, for example, 90 minutes. The second predetermined time is, for example, 20 minutes.

[0069] As a result, within the first predetermined time, ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 are more likely to be irradiated onto the back of the neck 83 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase sympathetic nerve activity in the person 8. Therefore, within the first predetermined time, the person 8 is in a relatively high state of alertness, for example, a state of concentration. Furthermore, within the second predetermined time after the first predetermined time has elapsed, ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 are more likely to be irradiated onto the face 81 and forehead 82 of the person 8, which makes it easier to increase parasympathetic nerve activity in the person 8. Therefore, within the second predetermined time after the first predetermined time has elapsed, the person 8 is in a relatively low state of alertness, for example, a relaxed state. This series of states makes it easier for an ultradian rhythm to be generated in the person 8. When the person 8 studies in conjunction with this ultradian rhythm, the efficiency of the person 8's studies is improved.

[0070] As described above, the control unit 48 controls the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52. Next, it will be explained how the ultrasonic wave generating device 20 of this embodiment can easily achieve the desired effect by the hypersonic effect.

[0071] The control unit 48 of the ultrasonic generator 20 controls the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 based on the posture of the person 8.

[0072] This changes the sound pressure of the ultrasound waves irradiated to the person 8 based on the posture of the person 8. This makes it easier for the ultrasound waves to be irradiated to the part of the person 8 that should be irradiated with the ultrasound waves. Also, this prevents the ultrasound waves from being irradiated to a part other than the part that should be irradiated with the ultrasound waves, which occurs when the posture of the person 8 changes. This makes it easier to obtain the desired effect of the hypersonic effect.

[0073] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments in the above-described embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0074] The controller and the method described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the controller and the method described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor configured with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the controller and the method described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions in combination with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the rear of the neck 83 is cited as a site for increasing the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the human 8. In contrast, the site for increasing the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the human 8 is not limited to the rear of the neck 83, and may include, for example, the hands, the chest, and the back.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the audible recording medium 22, the audible signal generator 24, the audible playback circuit 26, the audible amplifier circuit 28, the ultrasonic recording medium 32, the ultrasonic signal generator 34, the ultrasonic playback circuit 36, and the ultrasonic amplifier circuit 38 are all separate entities. However, these are not limited to being separate entities. For example, the audible recording medium 22, the audible signal generator 24, the audible playback circuit 26, the ultrasonic recording medium 32, the ultrasonic signal generator 34, and the ultrasonic playback circuit 36 ​​may be integrated into a circuit. Alternatively, the audible recording medium 22, the audible signal generator 24, the audible playback circuit 26, the audible amplifier circuit 28, the ultrasonic recording medium 32, the ultrasonic signal generator 34, the ultrasonic playback circuit 36, and the ultrasonic amplifier circuit 38 may be integrated into a circuit. In these cases, audible sound and ultrasonic waves are separated via a frequency filter or the like.

[0077] In the above embodiment, there may be two or more ultrasound irradiation units that irradiate ultrasound to the areas of human 8 that increase parasympathetic nerve activity and the areas of human 8 that increase sympathetic nerve activity. As the number of ultrasound irradiation units increases, ultrasound becomes more likely to be irradiated to the areas of human 8 that increase parasympathetic nerve activity and the areas of human 8 that increase sympathetic nerve activity.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the control unit 48 may control the time for which the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 emit ultrasound waves based on the posture of the person 8.

[0079] For example, when the first ratio R1 is less than the parasympathetic threshold R1_th, the control unit 48 shortens the time for which ultrasound is emitted from the first speaker 51 compared to when the first ratio R1 is equal to or greater than the parasympathetic threshold R1_th, for example, sets that time to zero. Also, when the second ratio R2 is less than the sympathetic threshold R2_th, the control unit 48 shortens the time for which ultrasound is emitted from the second speaker 52 compared to when the second ratio R2 is equal to or greater than the sympathetic threshold R2_th, for example, sets that time to zero.

[0080] Similarly, under each of the conditions described above, the control unit 48 shortens the time for which ultrasonic waves are emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52, instead of reducing the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52. For example, the control unit 48 sets the time for which ultrasonic waves are emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 to zero. In this way, even if the time for which ultrasonic waves are emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 is controlled, it becomes easier to achieve the desired effect of the hypersonic effect, as described above.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the control unit 48 may control the sound pressure of the ultrasound waves irradiated from the ultrasound irradiator based on the distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8.

[0082] For example, the control unit 48 uses an image captured by the posture state detection unit 44 and image recognition to calculate the distance from the posture state detection unit 44 to the person 8 appearing in the image. The control unit 48 also calculates the distance from the ultrasound irradiation unit to the person 8 based on the calculated distance from the posture state detection unit 44 to the person 8 appearing in the image and a preset distance from the posture state detection unit 44 to the ultrasound irradiation unit.

[0083] Then, when the calculated distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8 is less than the first distance threshold, the control unit 48 reduces the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the ultrasound irradiator compared to when the distance is equal to or greater than the first distance threshold and less than the second distance threshold. Furthermore, when the calculated distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8 is equal to or greater than the first distance threshold and less than the second distance threshold, the control unit 48 increases the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the ultrasound irradiator compared to when the distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8 is less than the first distance threshold. Note that the first distance threshold is set through experiments, simulations, etc., so that the distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8 is relatively long, the ultrasound irradiator and the person 8 are relatively far apart, and it is determined that ultrasound is difficult to irradiate the person 8. The second distance threshold is set through experiments, simulations, etc., so that it is greater than the first distance threshold and the distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8 is significantly far away, and it is determined that ultrasound does not want to be irradiated to the person 8.

[0084] As a result, when the ultrasound irradiation unit and the human 8 are relatively far apart, the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the ultrasound irradiation unit increases, making it easier for the ultrasound to be irradiated onto a part that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the human 8 or a part that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the human 8. This makes it easier to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the human 8 or the activity of the sympathetic nerves of the human 8. Therefore, it becomes easier to obtain the desired effect of the hypersonic effect.

[0085] Furthermore, when the calculated distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8 is equal to or greater than the second distance threshold, the control unit 48 reduces the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the ultrasound irradiator compared to when the distance from the ultrasound irradiator to the person 8 is equal to or greater than the first distance threshold and less than the second distance threshold. For example, at this time, the control unit 48 sets the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the ultrasound irradiator to zero.

[0086] As a result, when the distance from the ultrasound irradiation unit to the person 8 is far and the person 8 does not want to be irradiated with ultrasound, the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the ultrasound irradiation unit becomes smaller, making it difficult for the ultrasound to be irradiated to the person 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 20 Ultrasonic generator 30 Audible speaker 40 Biometric Information Estimation Unit 42 Analysis Department 44 Posture detection unit 46 Situation Estimation Unit 48 Control Unit 51 1st Speaker 52 Second Speaker

Claims

1. An ultrasonic generator, an audible sound irradiator (30) that irradiates audible sound to a person; a first irradiation unit (51) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave to a part of the human body where the activity of the parasympathetic nerve is to be increased; a second irradiation unit (52) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave onto a part of the human body where the activity of the sympathetic nerve is to be increased; a control unit (48) that controls the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the first irradiator and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the second irradiator; Equipped with The site where the parasympathetic activity is increased is the human face (81) or the human forehead (82), The site where the activity of the sympathetic nerve is increased is any one of the back of the neck (83) of the human, the hand of the human that is a site distal to the wrist of the human, the chest of the human, and the back of the human, The control unit When a value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part of the human body that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves in the image to the size of the entire human body in the image of a camera (44) is equal to or greater than a parasympathetic threshold (R1_th), the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiation unit is increased compared to when the value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part of the human body that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves in the image to the size of the entire human body in the image is less than the parasympathetic threshold, When a value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is less than the parasympathetic threshold, the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiation unit is reduced compared to when the value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is equal to or greater than the parasympathetic threshold; when a value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is equal to or greater than a sympathetic threshold (R2_th), the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second irradiation unit is increased compared to when the value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is less than the sympathetic threshold; An ultrasonic generating device that reduces the sound pressure of ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit when a value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the human being shown in the image is less than the sympathetic threshold, compared to when a value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the human being shown in the image is equal to or greater than the sympathetic threshold.

2. The number of the first irradiation units is two or more, The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the second irradiation units is two or more.

3. 3. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is 20 kHz or higher.

4. The ultrasonic generator further comprises an analysis unit (42) that estimates the sleep state of the person based on a value related to the heart rate of the person; 3. The ultrasonic generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the first irradiator and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the second irradiator based on the sleep state.

5. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit when the person is sleeping compared to when the person is awake.

6. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit when the person is in non-REM sleep compared to when the person is awake.

7. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit when the person is in REM sleep compared to when the person is in non-REM sleep.

8. The ultrasonic generating device of claim 4, further comprising an estimation unit (40) that estimates the heart rate based on the blood flow of the person.

9. The ultrasonic generating device of claim 4, further comprising an estimation unit (40) that estimates the heart rate based on vibrations of the human skin.

10. 3. The ultrasonic generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit increases the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit when a value related to the blood glucose level of the person is equal to or greater than a blood glucose threshold value compared to when the value related to the blood glucose level is less than the blood glucose threshold value.

11. The control unit Within a first predetermined time, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit is made larger than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit; 3. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1, wherein the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiating unit is made higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiating unit during a second predetermined time period after the first predetermined time period has elapsed.

12. The control unit when a value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is equal to or greater than the parasympathetic threshold (R1_th), the time for irradiating ultrasound from the first irradiator is lengthened compared to when the value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is less than the parasympathetic threshold, When a value (R1) relating to the ratio of the size of the part of the human body that increases the activity of the parasympathetic nerves shown in the image to the size of the entire body of the human shown in the image is less than the parasympathetic threshold, the time for irradiating ultrasound from the first irradiator is shortened compared to when the value relating to the ratio is equal to or greater than the parasympathetic threshold; when a value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is equal to or greater than the sympathetic threshold (R2_th), the time for irradiating ultrasound from the second irradiator is lengthened compared to when the value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the part in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the person in the image is less than the sympathetic threshold, 3. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1, wherein when a value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the human being shown in the image is less than the sympathetic threshold, the time for irradiating ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit is shorter than when a value (R2) relating to the ratio of the size of the area in the image that increases the activity of the sympathetic nerves to the size of the entire body of the human being shown in the image is equal to or greater than the sympathetic threshold.

13. The control unit when the distance from the first irradiator to the person is equal to or greater than a first distance threshold and less than a second distance threshold, increasing the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiator compared to when the distance from the first irradiator to the person is less than the first distance threshold; when the distance from the first irradiator to the person is equal to or greater than the second distance threshold, reducing the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiator compared to when the distance from the first irradiator to the person is equal to or greater than the first distance threshold and less than the second distance threshold; when the distance from the second irradiator to the person is equal to or greater than a third distance threshold and less than a fourth distance threshold, increasing the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second irradiator compared to when the distance from the second irradiator to the person is less than the third distance threshold; 3. The ultrasonic generating device according to claim 1, wherein when the distance from the second irradiation unit to the person is equal to or greater than the fourth distance threshold, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit is reduced compared to when the distance from the second irradiation unit to the person is equal to or greater than the third distance threshold and less than the fourth distance threshold.

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