Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, that enable the execution of breathing guidance having a high relaxation effect. In the present invention, breathing information is generated, said information presenting the elapsed time from when exhalation begins as a breathing achievement ratio which is a ratio with respect to a prescribed comparative value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and particularly to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that are capable of performing breathing guidance with a high relaxation effect. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for inducing a user to breathe with a breathing cycle and an exhalation ratio that provide a high degree of relaxation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-336357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a breathing pattern that provides a high level of relaxation is presented to the user, and the user is guided to synchronize their breathing with the presented breathing pattern. However, the user is subjected to mental and physiological stress as they have to synchronize their breathing with the breathing pattern presented for breathing guidance. Therefore, there is a problem in that the breathing guidance intended to encourage breathing for relaxation inhibits the improvement of the relaxation effect.

[0005] This technology was developed in light of these circumstances, and enables breathing guidance that has a high relaxation effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device or program of the present technology is an information processing device having a processing unit that generates respiratory information that presents the elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation completion rate, which is a ratio to a predetermined comparison value, or a program for causing a computer to function as such an information processing device.

[0007] The information processing method of the present technology is an information processing method in which the processing unit of an information processing device having a processing unit generates respiratory information that presents the elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation completion rate, which is a ratio to a predetermined comparison value.

[0008] In the information processing device, information processing method, and program of the present technology, respiratory information is generated that presents the elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation completion rate, which is a ratio to a predetermined comparison value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of exhalation achievement rate information generated by an achievement rate information generating unit. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall flow of breath measurement processing in the information processing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an analysis unit in the processing device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the average exhalation duration and the average exhalation ratio. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between predicted expiration duration and expiration completion rate. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall procedure of breath measurement processing in a measurement unit of the processing device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for setting a target exhalation time in an analysis unit of the processing device. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a presentation process of respiratory information (expiration achievement rate K) in an analysis unit and a presentation information generation unit of the processing device. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other forms of expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating unit. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other forms of expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating unit. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other forms of expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a second embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis unit in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a third embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes a series of processes by a program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <First embodiment of information processing system> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied.

[0012] In FIG. 1, an information processing system 1, which is a first embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied, performs breathing guidance to encourage a user to take a relaxing breath.

[0013] The information processing system 1 has an input device 11, a processing device 12, and an output device 13. The input device 11 and the processing device 12, and the processing device 12 and the output device 13 are connected by wire or wirelessly so as to enable the exchange of various information (signals). Any two or all of the input device 11, processing device 12, and output device 13 may be integrated into one device. A mobile terminal such as a smartphone equipped with all of the input device 11, processing device 12, and output device 13 may be used as the information processing system 1, or both images and sounds may be presented on only the output device 13 of the information processing system 1, such as a smartphone or television device. but A device capable of doing this may also be used.

[0014] The input device 11 is a device for inputting various types of information to the processing device 12. The input device 11 includes a microphone 31 shown in the figure, and devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel (not shown) through which the user inputs text information, devices through which the user specifies a position on the operation screen, and switches, buttons, etc. operated by the user.

[0015] The microphone 31 is an example of a device that inputs breath input information that detects the user's breathing state (whether exhalation is occurring) to the processing device 12. The microphone 31 collects the user's breathing sounds, converts them into an electrical sound signal (breathing signal), and inputs (supplies) the breath input information to the processing device 12. The user's breathing state may be detected not only by the breathing sounds but also by a radio wave sensor, a band-type measuring device worn on the chest or abdomen, a depth sensor, a flow sensor, a thermal camera, a thermistor sensor, a pressure sensor, or a sensor that detects changes in air pressure within a space. That is, the user's breathing state can be detected by a change in any detection target (respiratory state detection target) that indicates the breathing state. Examples of respiratory state detection targets include the sound or air flow rate associated with breathing, the circumference of the torso (such as the abdomen or chest) associated with breathing, the position of a specific part of the torso (such as the abdomen or chest) associated with breathing, and the temperature, humidity, or air pressure of the space around the mouth or nose associated with breathing. To detect the user's respiratory condition, any sensor capable of detecting the respiratory condition detection targets (sound, flow rate, length, position, temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc.) may be used, and multiple types of sensors may also be used.

[0016] The processing device 12 generates respiratory information to be presented to the user based on the exhalation input information (respiratory signal) from the input device 11, and supplies the generated information to the output device 13. The respiratory information presented to the user includes information for performing respiratory guidance to enhance the user's relaxation effect. The respiratory information for performing respiratory guidance is information regarding at least the length (duration) of the inhalation (inhalation movement: breathing in) and exhalation (exhalation movement: breathing out) of the breathing periodically repeated by the user. The processing device 12 generates respiratory information that presents, for example, an exhalation completion rate, which is the ratio of the elapsed time from the start of exhalation to a predetermined comparison value. Note that the respiratory information may be information that can be sensed by any of the user's five senses, such as sight, hearing, or touch.

[0017] The output device 13 presents the respiratory information from the processing device 12 to the user. The output device 13 may be, for example, a display 81 or a speaker 82. The display 81 displays the visually sensed respiratory information from the processing device 12 and presents it to the user. The speaker 82 outputs the audibly sensed respiratory information from the processing device 12 as sound and presents it to the user.

[0018] The processing device 12 includes a measurement unit 21, an analysis unit 22, and a presentation information generation unit 23.

[0019] The measurement unit 21 detects whether the user is in an exhalation state based on the exhalation input information from the input device 11, and supplies the detection result to the analysis unit 22. The measurement unit 21 in Fig. 1 has an exhalation detection unit 41. The exhalation detection unit 41 detects whether the user is in an exhalation state (a state in which exhalation is being performed) based on a breathing signal from the microphone 31, which is the input device 11, and supplies the detection result together with the breathing signal to the analysis unit 22.

[0020] The analysis unit 22 performs various analyses based on the various information supplied from the measurement unit 21, and supplies the analysis results to the presentation information generation unit .

[0021] The analysis unit 22 includes an expiratory duration calculation unit 51, an expiratory target time setting unit 53, an unachieved correction unit 55, and an expiratory target time exceedance determination unit 56. Note that some of the components of the analysis unit 22 are omitted and will be described in detail later.

[0022] The exhalation duration calculation unit 51 calculates the elapsed time from the start of exhalation (from the start to the present time) as the exhalation duration t based on the detection result from the exhalation detection unit 41. The exhalation duration calculation unit 51 supplies the detection result from the exhalation detection unit 41, indicating whether or not the state is exhalation, to the presentation information generation unit 23.

[0023] The exhalation target time setting unit 53 sets an exhalation target time G. The exhalation target time G represents a target value of the exhalation duration T, which is the elapsed time (length of time) from the start to the end of exhalation. The exhalation target time G is an exhalation duration T suitable for the user to obtain a relaxation effect through breathing. The exhalation target time setting unit 53 supplies the set exhalation target time G to the presentation information generation unit 23.

[0024] The non-achievement correction unit 55 corrects the exhalation achievement rate K calculated by the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54 described below, and supplies the corrected exhalation achievement rate K to the presentation information generation unit 23. The exhalation achievement rate K calculated by the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54 is a value expressed as a ratio of the exhalation duration t from the start of exhalation calculated by the exhalation duration calculation unit 51 to a predetermined comparison value. In this embodiment, the exhalation target time G set by the exhalation target time setting unit 53 is used as the comparison value. The exhalation achievement rate K represents the ratio of the exhalation duration t to the exhalation target time G. When the exhalation achievement rate K is 1 (100%) or more, it means that the exhalation state has reached the exhalation target time G. When a predicted exhalation duration TA predicted at the start of exhalation by a predicted exhalation duration calculation unit 57 described below exceeds a threshold T1 that is smaller than the target exhalation time G, the non-achievement correction unit 55 corrects the exhalation achievement rate K so that the exhalation achievement rate K at the end of exhalation is 1 (100%) or more. That is, even when the exhalation duration T from the start to the end of exhalation is predicted not to reach the target exhalation time G, if the exhalation achievement rate K exceeds a predetermined threshold T1, the non-achievement correction unit 55 corrects the exhalation achievement rate K so that it exceeds 1 (100%). This reduces the number of times the user is guided to lengthen the exhalation time, and reduces the mental and physiological stress on the user caused by such breathing guidance.

[0025] In this embodiment, the expiratory achievement rate K is defined as the ratio of the expiratory duration t to the expiratory target time G, which is used as a comparison value. If the expiratory achievement rate K when the expiratory duration t reaches the expiratory target time G is defined as the target value of the expiratory achievement rate K, the target value of the expiratory achievement rate K is 1 (100%). The comparison value compared with the expiratory duration t when calculating the expiratory achievement rate K may be a value different from the expiratory target time G. In this case, the target value of the expiratory achievement rate K is a value different from 1 (100%), and in this embodiment, when the expiratory duration t (or T) matches the expiratory target time G, i.e., when the expiratory achievement rate K is 1 (100%), this corresponds to when the expiratory achievement rate K is the target value of the expiratory achievement rate K. If the ratio of the predicted exhalation duration TA to the comparison value is referred to as the predicted value of the exhalation achievement rate K, then the comparison of the predicted exhalation duration TA with the threshold value T1 corresponds to the comparison of the predicted value of the exhalation achievement rate K with the ratio of the threshold value T1 to the comparison value (first threshold).

[0026] The target exhalation time exceedance determination unit 56 determines whether the exhalation duration t has reached the target exhalation time G based on the corrected exhalation achievement rate K from the non-achievement correction unit 55, and supplies the determination result to the presentation information generation unit 23.

[0027] The presentation information generation unit 23 generates various presentation information to be presented to the user based on the information supplied from the analysis unit 22, and supplies the generated presentation information to the output device 13. The presentation information generation unit 23 has an exhalation input information generation unit 71, an exhalation target time information generation unit 72, an achievement rate information generation unit 73, and an exhalation target time exceedance information generation unit 74.

[0028] The exhalation input information generating unit 71 generates breathing information (exhalation input information) that indicates the real-time exhalation (breathing) state of the user based on the exhalation duration t and the breathing signal (exhalation input information) supplied from the exhalation duration calculating unit 51 of the analyzing unit 22, and supplies the generated information to the output device 13. The exhalation input information may be, for example, information that indicates by image or sound whether the user is exhaling or not.

[0029] The expiratory target time information generating unit 72 generates respiration information (expiratory target time information) indicating the expiratory target time G supplied from the expiratory target time setting unit 53 of the analyzing unit 22, and supplies the information to the output device 13. The expiratory target time information may be text information indicating the expiratory target time G.

[0030] The achievement rate information generating unit 73 generates respiration information (expiration achievement rate information) presenting the corrected expiratory achievement rate K supplied from the non-achievement correction unit 55 of the analyzing unit 22, and supplies the information to the output device 13. The expiratory achievement rate information may be, for example, an image or sound whose state changes depending on the expiratory achievement rate K.

[0031] The expiratory target time exceedance information generating unit 74 generates breathing information (expiratory target achievement information) indicating that the expiratory duration t from the start of exhalation has exceeded the expiratory target time G, based on the determination result from the expiratory target time exceedance determining unit 56 of the analyzing unit 22, and supplies the information to the output device 13. The expiratory target achievement information may be an image or sound whose state changes when the expiratory duration t exceeds the expiratory target time G.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73. As shown in FIG.

[0033] In FIG. 2, the expiration achievement rate information shown in states A to C is generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73 and displayed on the display 81 of the output device 13 as a bar graph image.

[0034] State A represents a case where the expiration achievement rate K is 0%. In state A, only frame 101, which is the maximum variable range of the bar representing the expiration achievement rate K, is generated (displayed) as expiration achievement rate information.

[0035] State B represents a case where the expiratory completion rate K is greater than 0% and less than 100%. In state B, a bar 102 having a length corresponding to the expiratory completion rate K is generated (displayed) in the frame 101 as expiratory completion rate information. As the expiratory duration t increases and the expiratory completion rate K gradually rises from 0%, the bar 102 starts from the left end of the frame 101 and gradually extends toward the right end. When the expiratory duration t reaches the expiratory target time G and the expiratory completion rate K becomes 100%, the bar 102 extends to a position where it reaches the right end of the frame 101. Note that in a case where a comparison value with which the expiratory duration t is compared when calculating the expiratory completion rate K differs from the expiratory target time G, the bar 102 may reach the right end of the frame 101 when the expiratory completion rate K reaches the target value. That is, in the explanation regarding the presentation of the expiratory achievement rate K, when the expiratory achievement rate K is 1 (100%), it may be assumed that the expiratory achievement rate K is the target value of the expiratory achievement rate K.

[0036] State C represents the case where the expiratory achievement rate K exceeds 100%. In state C, a bar 103 of a different color from the bar 102 is generated (displayed) as expiratory achievement rate information, superimposed on the bar 102 that reaches from the left end to the right end of the frame 101. Similar to the bar 102, when the expiratory achievement rate K increases beyond 100%, the bar 103 starts from the left end of the frame 101 and gradually extends toward the right end. This bar 103 is an image of expiratory target achievement information that indicates that the expiratory duration t has exceeded the expiratory target time G, and may be generated by the expiratory target time exceeding information generating unit 74 of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall flow of breath measurement processing in the information processing system 1 of FIG.

[0038] In step S11, the analysis unit 22 of the processing device 12 determines whether or not to change the inhalation time N from a specified value. The inhalation time N represents the time from the start to the end of inhalation, and is set to, for example, 2 seconds by default. When a change in the inhalation time N is instructed by a user input from the input device 11, the analysis unit 22 changes the inhalation time N from the specified value to the value specified by the user.

[0039] If it is determined in step S11 that the inhalation time N should not be changed from the specified value, the process proceeds to step S12, where the analysis unit 22 sets the inhalation time N to the specified value of 2 seconds. The process proceeds from step S12 to step S14.

[0040] If it is determined in step S11 that the inhalation time N is to be changed from the default, the analysis unit 22 sets the inhalation time N to a value specified by the user. At this time, the value that can be set as the inhalation time N is limited to any value within a range of, for example, greater than 0 and less than or equal to 4 (seconds). However, the range of values ​​that can be set for the inhalation time N is not limited to this. The process proceeds from step S13 to step S14.

[0041] In step S14, the presentation information generation unit 23 generates presentation information saying "Please take a breath for N seconds," and supplies it to the output device 13 to be presented to the user. This presentation information may be presented to the user by displaying it as an image (text information) on the display 81, or may be presented to the user by outputting it as sound from the speaker 82. The user takes a breath for N seconds in accordance with this presentation information. The process proceeds from step S14 to step S15.

[0042] In step S15, the presentation information generation unit 23 generates presentation information "Please exhale long" after N seconds have elapsed since the presentation information was presented in step S14, and supplies it to the output device 13 to be presented to the user. This presentation information may be presented to the user by displaying it as an image (text information) on the display 81, or may be presented to the user by outputting it as sound from the speaker 82. The user starts to exhale long in accordance with this presentation information. The process proceeds from step S15 to step S16.

[0043] In step S16, the measurement unit 21, analysis unit 22, and presentation information generation unit 23 of the processing device 12 perform processes (described later) of measuring, analyzing, and presenting (generating presentation information) related to exhalation while the user is exhaling. The process proceeds from step S16 to step S17.

[0044] In step S17, the processing device 12 determines whether or not to end the breath measurement. The end of the breath measurement is determined based on an input from the input device 11 by the user.

[0045] If it is determined in step S17 that the breath measurement should not be ended, the process returns to step S14 and is repeated from step S14.

[0046] If it is determined in step S17 that the breath measurement is to be ended, the breath measurement process ends.

[0047] When a sensor other than the microphone 31 is used as a sensor for detecting a respiratory condition detection target (sound, flow rate, length, position, temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc.) that indicates the state of breathing of the user, the exhalation detection unit 41 acquires a signal that indicates the respiratory condition detection target from the sensor as exhalation input information (breathing signal). As in the case where the sensor is the microphone 31, the exhalation detection unit 41 can determine the start and end of exhalation by comparing the respiratory signal (signal value, etc.) with a predetermined threshold value, etc. However, the method for determining the start and end of exhalation is not limited to this.

[0048] <Details of analysis unit 22> FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the analysis unit 22 in the processing device 12 of FIG.

[0049] The analysis unit 22 has an expiratory duration calculation unit 51, an inhalation time setting unit 52, an expiratory target time setting unit 53, an expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54, a correction unit for non-achievement 55, an expiratory target time exceedance determination unit 56, an expiratory predicted duration calculation unit 57, an achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58, and an expiratory attenuation rate estimation unit 59.

[0050] The exhalation duration calculation unit 51 acquires the detection result indicating whether or not the user is in an exhalation state and exhalation input information (breathing signal) supplied from the exhalation detection unit 41 of the measurement unit 11B in FIG. 1. Here, the exhalation detection unit 41 detects the volume level of the sound emitted by the user based on the breathing signal (sound signal) from the microphone 31 in FIG. 1. The volume level increases when the user starts exhaling and gradually decreases as the user continues exhaling. Therefore, the exhalation detection unit 41 determines that exhalation has started when the detected volume level becomes higher than a predetermined threshold (start threshold), and determines that exhalation has ended when the volume level thereafter becomes lower than the predetermined threshold. The exhalation detection unit 41 supplies the exhalation duration calculation unit 51 with the detection result indicating that the user is in an exhalation state during the period from the start of exhalation, when it is determined that exhalation has started, to the end of exhalation, when it is determined that exhalation has ended. After the end of exhalation, until the start of exhalation in the next breath is detected, the exhalation detection unit 41 supplies the exhalation duration calculation unit 51 with a detection result indicating that the state is not exhalation.

[0051] The expiratory duration calculation unit 51 calculates an expiratory duration t, which is the elapsed time from the start of exhalation to the present time, based on the detection result from the exhalation detection unit 41. The expiratory duration calculation unit 51 supplies the calculated expiratory duration t to the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 and the expiratory input information generation unit 71 of the presentation information generation unit 23 in FIG. 1. The expiratory duration calculation unit 51 supplies an expiratory duration T, which is the expiratory duration t at the end of exhalation, to the expiratory target time setting unit 53. The expiratory duration calculation unit 51 supplies expiratory input information (breathing signal) from the expiratory detection unit 41 to the expiratory predicted duration calculation unit 57 and the expiratory decay rate estimation unit 59.

[0052] The inhalation time setting unit 52 sets the inhalation time N as described in steps S11 to S13 of the flowchart in FIG. 3 . The inhalation time N is set to, for example, 2 seconds by default. When the user inputs an instruction to change the inhalation time N from the default, the inhalation time setting unit 52 sets the inhalation time N to the value specified by the user. However, the inhalation time N that can be set is limited to a value within a range of, for example, greater than 0 and less than or equal to 4 seconds. The inhalation time setting unit 52 supplies the set inhalation time N to the target expiratory time setting unit 53. Note that the inhalation time setting unit 52 may obtain the expiratory input signal (breathing signal) or the expiratory duration T from the expiratory duration calculation unit 51 to detect the user's actual inhalation time, and set the inhalation time N based on the detection result.

[0053] The target expiratory time setting unit 53 sets a target expiratory time G based on the expiratory duration T from the expiratory duration calculation unit 51 and the inhalation time N from the inhalation time setting unit 52. The target expiratory time G represents a target value for the expiratory duration T (the time elapsed from the start to the end of exhalation) that is appropriate for obtaining a relaxing effect relative to the inhalation time N.

[0054] figure At the start of the measurement process shown in the flowchart of 3, when the user exhales in response to the prompt in step S15, the user exhales for an appropriate length relative to the inhalation time N. At the start of the measurement process, the exhalation target time setting unit 53 acquires the exhalation duration T for multiple times from the exhalation duration calculation unit 51, calculates the average value, and sets the calculated average value as the average exhalation duration TM. Note that the average exhalation duration TM can be changed as appropriate. In this case, for example, the exhalation target time setting unit 53 may accumulate the exhalation duration T for a predetermined number of recent times to calculate the average value, and change the average exhalation duration TM if the calculated average value changes by a predetermined value or more. Even if the inhalation time N is changed, the exhalation target time setting unit 53 changes the average exhalation duration TM.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the average expiratory duration TM and the average expiratory ratio H, which is the ratio of the average expiratory duration TM to the inhalation time N.

[0056] The average expiratory ratio H is expressed by the following equation (1) using the average expiratory duration TM and the inhalation time N.

[0057] H=TM / N (1)

[0058] Generally, a relaxing effect can be achieved when breathing is performed so that the expiratory duration T is approximately the same length as the inhalation time N, regardless of the inhalation time N. Therefore, the expiratory target time setting unit 53 predetermines a constant threshold H1 (third threshold) that is close to 1 for the average expiratory ratio H, regardless of the inhalation time N. The threshold H1 is, for example, 1. Assume that the average expiratory ratio H calculated using the above formula (1) is greater than the threshold H1, i.e., the average expiratory duration TM is greater than the threshold N·H1. In this case, since it is considered that the user is breathing with an appropriate expiratory duration T, the expiratory target time setting unit 53 sets the average expiratory duration TM to the expiratory target time G. Assume that the average expiratory ratio H calculated using the above formula (1) is equal to or less than the threshold H1, i.e., the average expiratory duration TM is equal to or less than the threshold N·H1. In this case, since it is considered that the exhalation performed by the user may be short, the exhalation target time setting unit 53 sets the exhalation target time G to a value obtained by adding a predetermined adjustment value α to the threshold value N·H1. The adjustment value α is, for example, a value of approximately 0.5 seconds. The adjustment value α may be a value that varies depending on the inhalation time N. For example, regardless of the inhalation time N, the exhalation duration T (=N·H1+N·α′) at which the exhalation ratio H becomes H1+α′, which is obtained by adding a certain adjustment value α′ to the threshold value H1 of the exhalation ratio H, may be set as the exhalation target time G. In this case, the adjustment value α is N·α′ and is changed depending on the inhalation time N. Note that the adjustment value α may be set to 0, for example, and if the average exhalation ratio H is smaller than the threshold value H1, the exhalation duration T (=N·H1) at which the threshold value H1 is reached may be set as the exhalation target time G. The threshold value H1 may be 1. When the average expiratory duration TM is equal to or less than the threshold value N·H1, the expiratory target time setting unit 53 sets the expiratory target time G to a value equal to or greater than the inhalation time N, for example.

[0059] The expiratory target time setting unit 53 supplies the set expiratory target time G to the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54, the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58, and the expiratory target time information generation unit 72 of the presentation information generation unit 23 in FIG.

[0060] The expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 calculates an expiratory achievement rate K based on the expiratory duration t (the time elapsed from the start of exhalation to the present time) from the expiratory duration calculation unit 51 and the expiratory target time G from the expiratory target time setting unit 53.

[0061] The expiratory achievement rate K represents the ratio of the expiratory duration time t to the expiratory target time G, and is calculated by the following formula (2).

[0062] K=t / G (2)

[0063] The expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 supplies the calculated expiratory achievement rate K to the non-achievement correction unit 55. Note that the expiratory achievement rate K may be any comparison value, for example, the ratio of the expiratory duration time t to the inhalation time N, instead of the ratio of the expiratory duration time t to the expiratory target time G as described above. In this case, the expiratory achievement rate K when the expiratory duration time T reaches the expiratory target time G is changed from 100%.

[0064] The non-achievement correction unit 55 determines whether or not to correct the expiratory achievement rate K from the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54, based on the determination result from the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58. When the expiratory achievement rate K is not to be corrected, the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 supplies the expiratory achievement rate K from the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 as is to the expiratory target time exceedance determination unit 56 and the achievement rate information generation unit 73 of the presentation information generation unit 23 in Fig. 1. When the expiratory achievement rate K is to be corrected, the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 supplies the expiratory achievement rate K obtained by correcting the expiratory achievement rate K from the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 to the expiratory target time exceedance determination unit 56 and the achievement rate information generation unit 73. The determination of whether or not to correct the expiratory achievement rate K will be described later.

[0065] The expiratory target time exceedance determination unit 56 determines whether the expiratory achievement rate K from the non-achievement correction unit 55 exceeds 1 (100%). The expiratory target time exceedance determination unit 56 supplies the determination result to the expiratory target time exceedance information generation unit 74 of the presentation information generation unit 23 in FIG. 1.

[0066] The predicted breath duration calculation unit 57 calculates the predicted breath duration TA based on the breath input information (respiratory signal) from the breath duration calculation unit 51 and the decay rate from the breath decay rate estimation unit 59. The predicted breath duration TA represents a predicted value of the breath duration T based on the rate of change and signal level of the respiratory signal at the start of exhalation. For example, during the period when exhalation is occurring in the respiratory signal, the signal level (volume level) exhibits an exponential decay. The predicted breath duration calculation unit 57 assumes that the respiratory signal (volume level) decays according to such an exponential function (or a predetermined function) during the exhalation period. The predicted breath duration calculation unit 57 identifies the function that the respiratory signal (volume level) follows during the exhalation period based on the magnitude and temporal rate of change of the volume level detected from the start threshold for determining the start of exhalation when the respiratory signal (volume level) is exhaled, and the decay rate from the breath decay rate estimation unit 59. The predicted exhalation duration calculation unit 57 predicts the end of exhalation when the respiratory signal (volume level) becomes smaller than a predetermined end threshold based on the specified function. The predicted exhalation duration calculation unit 57 calculates the elapsed time from the start of exhalation when the respiratory signal (volume level) becomes larger than a predetermined start threshold to the predicted end of exhalation as the predicted exhalation duration TA. The predicted exhalation duration calculation unit 57 supplies the calculated predicted exhalation duration TA to the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58. Note that the calculation method of the predicted exhalation duration TA is not limited to the above. For example, the predicted exhalation duration calculation unit 57 may predict the exhalation duration T for the respiratory signal at the start of the current exhalation as the predicted exhalation duration TA based on the relationship between the past respiratory signal and the exhalation duration T. Calculation of the predicted exhalation duration TA corresponds to calculation of a predicted value of the exhalation achievement rate K.

[0067] The achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58 determines whether or not to correct the expiration achievement rate K supplied from the expiration achievement rate calculation unit 54 based on the predicted expiration duration TA from the predicted expiration duration calculation unit 57.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the predicted expiratory duration TA and the expiratory achievement rate K. The expiratory achievement rate K in FIG. 6 represents the ratio of the predicted expiratory duration TA to the expiratory target time G set by the expiratory target time setting unit 53. On the horizontal axis representing the predicted expiratory duration TA, the value N·H1 represents the predicted expiratory duration TA when the ratio (expiratory ratio H) of the predicted expiratory duration TA to the inhalation time N is the threshold value H1 in FIG. 5. The expiratory achievement rate K in this case is N·H1 / G (×100%). When the predicted expiratory duration TA matches the expiratory target time G, the expiratory achievement rate K is 1 (100%). The achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58 compares the predicted expiratory duration TA from the predicted expiratory duration calculation unit 57 with predetermined thresholds T1 and T2. For example, the threshold value T1 is set to a value equal to or less than N·H1, and the threshold value T2 is set to a value equal to or greater than G.

[0069] Here, if the predicted exhalation duration TA is shorter than the target exhalation time G, there is a possibility that the exhalation duration T of the user's actual exhalation will not reach the target exhalation time G. However, if the exhalation duration T is longer than the threshold T1, it is considered less stressful for the user to be presented with an exhalation achievement rate (100% or more) that indicates that the exhalation duration T has reached the target exhalation time G, rather than informing the user that the exhalation duration T is short and guiding the user to lengthen the exhalation duration. Therefore, the threshold T1 is set as the minimum value at which the exhalation duration T is considered to have reached the target exhalation time G. That is, the value T1 / G (first threshold) is set as the minimum exhalation achievement rate K at which the exhalation achievement rate K is considered to have reached the target value of the exhalation achievement rate K. If the predicted exhalation duration TA is longer than the threshold T1, the non-achievement correction unit 55 corrects the exhalation achievement rate K calculated by the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54 so that the exhalation achievement rate K exceeds 1 (100%).

[0070] When the predicted exhalation duration TA is longer than the exhalation target time G, there is a high possibility that the exhalation duration T of the exhalation actually performed by the user will reach the exhalation target time G. However, even when the predicted exhalation duration TA is longer than the exhalation target time G, there is a possibility that the actual exhalation duration T will be shorter than the exhalation target time G. Therefore, a threshold T2 greater than the exhalation target time G is set, and when the predicted exhalation duration TA is shorter than the threshold T2, that is, when the exhalation achievement rate K is smaller than the threshold T2 / G (second threshold) (when equal to or less than the threshold T2 / G), the non-achievement correction unit 55 corrects the exhalation achievement rate K so that the exhalation achievement rate K calculated by the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54 reliably exceeds 1 (100%).

[0071] The threshold value T1 may be, for example, a value obtained by adding an adjustment value β' to the value N·H1 as a reference. The value N·H1 is determined as the minimum value of the expiratory duration T for achieving a relaxation effect when setting the target expiratory time G, and it is desirable to determine the threshold value T1 based on this value. The adjustment value β' may be either a positive or negative value, or may even be 0. The adjustment value β' may be a value that varies depending on the target expiratory time G. For example, when the predicted expiratory duration TA is N·H1, the expiratory completion rate K is N·H1 / G. Alternatively, the predicted expiratory duration TA when the expiratory completion rate K is N·H1 / G-β, which is obtained by adding (subtracting) a constant adjustment value β to (from) the value N·H1 / G regardless of the target expiratory time G, may be set as the threshold value T1. In this case, the adjustment value β' of the threshold value T1 is -G·β, which changes depending on the target expiratory time G. The threshold value T1 may also be the inhalation time N. The case where the expiratory duration T is greater than the threshold T1 corresponds to the case where the expiratory achievement rate K is greater than a threshold N·H1 / G−β (first threshold).

[0072] The threshold value T2 is, for example, a value obtained by adding an adjustment value γ' based on the target expiratory time G. The adjustment value γ' may be either a positive or negative value, or may be 0. The adjustment value γ' may be a value that varies depending on the target expiratory time G. For example, when the predicted expiratory duration TA matches the target expiratory time G, the expiratory completion rate K is 1 (100%). On the other hand, the predicted expiratory duration TA when the expiratory completion rate K becomes 1+γ, which is the value 1 plus a constant adjustment value γ regardless of the target expiratory time G, may be set as the threshold value T2. In this case, the adjustment value γ' of the threshold value T2 is G·γ and is changed depending on the target expiratory time G. The threshold value T2 may be the target expiratory time G.

[0073] In the following description, it is assumed that the adjustment value γ′ of the threshold T2 is 0, and the threshold T2 is the target expiratory time G. The case where the predicted expiratory duration TA is smaller than the threshold T2 corresponds to the case where the expiratory achievement rate K is smaller than the threshold 1+γ (second threshold).

[0074] If the predicted breath duration TA from the predicted breath duration calculation unit 57 is greater than the breath target time G (threshold T2) or is equal to or less than the threshold T1, the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58 determines not to correct the breath achievement rate K and supplies the determination result to the non-achievement correction unit 55. If the predicted breath duration TA from the predicted breath duration calculation unit 57 is equal to or less than the breath target time G (threshold T2) and greater than the threshold T1, the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58 determines to correct the breath achievement rate K and supplies the determination result to the non-achievement correction unit 55. If the breath achievement rate K is to be corrected, the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58 supplies the non-achievement correction unit 55 with a magnification X of the rate of change of the breath achievement rate K. For example, when the expiratory target time G is X' times the predicted expiratory duration TA, the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58 supplies a value of X' or more to the non-achievement correction unit 55 as the magnification X of the rate of change of the expiratory achievement rate K.

[0075] When the achievement / non-achievement determination unit 58 supplies the non-achievement correction unit 55 with the determination result that the expiratory achievement rate K should be corrected and the magnification X of the rate of change of the expiratory achievement rate K, the non-achievement correction unit 55 corrects the expiratory achievement rate K from the expiratory achievement rate calculation unit 54 to a value multiplied by X. As a result, the rate of change of the expiratory achievement rate K is multiplied by X. The non-achievement correction unit 55 supplies the corrected expiratory achievement rate K to the achievement rate information generation unit 73. Note that instead of changing the magnification X of the rate of change of the expiratory achievement rate K, the expiratory achievement rate K may be corrected by multiplying the expiratory target time G (target value of the expiratory achievement rate K) by 1 / X.

[0076] The expiratory attenuation rate estimation unit 59 detects the magnitude and rate of change of the respiratory signal (volume level) based on the respiratory signal from the expiratory duration calculation unit 51, and estimates and stores the attenuation rate of the respiratory signal (volume level) during the expiratory period. The expiratory attenuation rate estimation unit 59 supplies the stored attenuation rate to the expiratory predicted duration calculation unit 57 for calculation of the expiratory predicted duration TA. The expiratory attenuation rate estimation unit 59 may detect and store the attenuation rate only once, or may re-detect and store the attenuation rate at predetermined intervals.

[0077] <Breath measurement processing> FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the breath measurement process in the measurement unit 21 of the processing device 12.

[0078] In step S31, the breath detection unit 41 of the measurement unit 21 detects the volume level based on the breathing signal (voice) input from the microphone 31 of the input device 11. The process proceeds from step S31 to step S32.

[0079] In step S32, the breath detection unit 41 determines whether or not the volume level from the microphone 31 exceeds a predetermined start threshold (whether or not it is greater than the start threshold).

[0080] If it is determined in step S32 that the volume level does not exceed the start threshold, the process returns to step S31.

[0081] If it is determined in step S32 that the volume level exceeds the start threshold, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0082] In step S33, the exhalation detection unit 41 detects the start of exhalation and supplies the detection result to the exhalation duration calculation unit 51 of the analysis unit 22. The process proceeds from step S33 to step S34.

[0083] In step S34, the breath detection unit 41 determines whether or not the volume level from the microphone 31 is below a predetermined end threshold (whether or not it is smaller than the end threshold).

[0084] If it is determined in step S34 that the volume level does not fall below the termination threshold, the process repeats step S34.

[0085] If it is determined in step S34 that the volume level is below the termination threshold, the process proceeds from step S34 to step S35.

[0086] In step S35, the exhalation detection unit 41 stores the exhalation duration T, which is the elapsed time from the start to the end of exhalation, together with a time stamp. Note that in FIG. 4, step S35 is described as a process performed by the exhalation duration calculation unit 51 of the analysis unit 22, not by the exhalation detection unit 41, and either the exhalation detection unit 41 or the exhalation duration calculation unit 51 but This completes the measurement process of the measurement unit 21.

[0087] <Expiration target time (target value) setting process> FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the process of setting the target exhalation time G in the analysis unit 22 of the processing device 12.

[0088] In step S51, the target expiratory time setting unit 53 sets the number of pieces of data to be used. The number of pieces of data to be used may be set in advance, or may be designated by the user via the input device 11. The process proceeds from step S51 to step S52.

[0089] In step S52, the target expiratory time setting unit 53 determines whether or not it has acquired the required number of expiratory duration times T supplied from the expiratory duration calculation unit 51 set in step S51.

[0090] If it is determined in step S52 that the required number of exhalation durations T have not been acquired, the process repeats step S52.

[0091] If it is determined in step S52 that the required number of exhalation durations T have been acquired, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0092] In step S53, the target expiratory time setting unit 53 calculates (estimates) an average expiratory duration TM based on the acquired multiple expiratory durations T. The process proceeds from step S53 to step S54.

[0093] In step S54, the expiratory target time setting unit 53 calculates an average expiratory ratio H, which is the ratio of the expiratory duration TM to the inhalation time N, based on the average expiratory duration TM calculated in step S53 (see FIG. 5). The process proceeds from step S54 to step S55.

[0094] In step S55, the target expiratory time setting unit 53 determines whether the expiratory ratio H calculated in step S54 exceeds a predetermined threshold value H1. The threshold value H1 may be 1, for example.

[0095] If it is determined in step S55 that the exhalation ratio H exceeds the predetermined threshold value H1, the process proceeds to step S56, where the exhalation target time setting unit 53 sets the exhalation target time G to the average exhalation duration TM.

[0096] If it is determined in step S55 that the exhalation ratio H does not exceed the predetermined threshold H1, the process proceeds to step S57, and the exhalation target time setting unit 53 sets (inhalation time N) × (threshold H1) + α as the exhalation target time G. The adjustment value α is, for example, 0.5 seconds. If the threshold H1 is 1, the exhalation target time G is set to be (inhalation time N + 0.5 (seconds)).

[0097] With the above, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0098] <Prompting process> Figure 9 is a flowchart exemplifying the procedure of the prompting process of the respiration information (expiration achievement rate K) in the analysis unit 22 and the prompting information generation unit 23 of the processing device 12.

[0099] In step S71, the expiration duration calculation unit 51 acquires that the start of expiration has been detected based on the determination result from the expiration detection unit 41 of the measurement unit 21. The process proceeds from step S71 to step S72.

[0100] In step S72, the predicted expiration duration calculation unit 57 calculates the predicted expiration duration TA by referring to the value and the change rate of the respiration signal (volume level) at the start of expiration. The process proceeds from step S72 to step S73.

[0101] In step S7, the achievement / non - achievement determination unit 58 determines whether the predicted expiration duration TA calculated in step S72 exceeds the expiration target time G (threshold value T2) (see Figure 6).

[0102] In step S73, if it is determined that the predicted expiration duration TA exceeds the expiration target time G, the process skips steps S74 and S75 and proceeds to step S76.

[0103] In step S73, if it is determined that the predicted expiration duration TA does not exceed the expiration target time G, the process proceeds to step S74.

[0104] In step S74, the achievement / non - achievement determination unit 58 determines whether the predicted expiration duration TA exceeds a predetermined threshold value T1 (<G) (see Figure 6).

[0105] In step S74, if it is determined that the predicted expiration duration TA does not exceed the predetermined threshold value T1 (<G), the process skips step S75 and proceeds to step S76.

[0106] In step S74, when it is determined that the exhalation prediction duration TA exceeds a predetermined threshold value T1 (<G), the process proceeds to step S75.

[0107] In step S75, the underachievement correction unit 55 changes the rate of change of the exhalation achievement rate K supplied from the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54 to a predetermined magnification X, and corrects the exhalation achievement rate K. The process proceeds from step S75 to step S76.

[0108] In step S76, the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54 calculates the exhalation achievement rate K based on the exhalation duration t, which is the elapsed time from the start of exhalation supplied from the exhalation duration calculation unit 51 to the current time, and supplies it to the underachievement correction unit 55. At this time, when the magnification of the rate of change is changed to the magnification X in step S75, the underachievement correction unit 55 increases the exhalation achievement rate K, which increases in real time and is supplied from the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54, at a rate of change of X times to correct the exhalation achievement rate K, and supplies the corrected exhalation achievement rate K to the achievement rate information generation unit 73 of the presentation information generation unit 23. When step S75 is skipped, the underachievement correction unit 55 supplies the exhalation achievement rate K from the exhalation achievement rate calculation unit 54 to the achievement rate information generation unit 73 of the presentation information generation unit 23 without correction. The achievement rate information generation unit 73 generates an image of the exhalation achievement rate information as shown in FIG. 2 and displays it on the display 81 of the output device 13. The process proceeds from step S76 to step S77.

[0109] In step S77, the exhalation target time excess determination unit 56 determines whether or not the exhalation achievement rate K supplied from the underachievement correction unit 55 is 100% or more.

[0110] In step S77, when it is determined that the exhalation achievement rate K is less than 100%, the process skips step S78 and proceeds to step S79.

[0111] If it is determined in step S77 that the expiratory achievement rate K is 100% or more, the process proceeds to step S78, where the expiratory target time exceedance determination unit 56 supplies the determination result that the expiratory achievement rate K is 100% or more to the expiratory target time exceedance information generation unit 74 of the presentation information generation unit 23. The expiratory target time exceedance information generation unit 74 generates information for presenting to the user that the expiratory achievement rate K has reached 100%, and supplies the information to the output device 13. As a result, an effect that the expiratory achievement rate K has reached 100% is presented to the user. The process proceeds from step S78 to step S79.

[0112] In step S79, the expiration duration calculation unit 51 determines whether or not the end of expiration has been detected based on the detection result from the expiration detection unit 41.

[0113] If it is determined in step S79 that the end of exhalation has not been detected, the process returns to step S76 and repeats from step S76.

[0114] If it is determined in step S79 that the end of exhalation has been detected, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0115] <Other forms of expiratory completion rate information> Next, the format of the expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating section 73 (and the expiration target time excess information generating section 74) will be described.

[0116] The breath achievement rate information is in the form of presenting an increase in the breath achievement rate K to the user by changing the state of the presentation information, and when the breath achievement rate K exceeds 100%, a sensation is presented as a reward in the form of an image (light), sound, etc., and is not limited to a specific case. The breath achievement rate information includes forms when the following conditions are met.

[0117] 1. The user is not given a specific value for the target exhalation time G, but can grasp the total amount. Or, the user is presented with a display that continues to increase / decrease indefinitely.

[0118] 2. Progress towards exhalation goals can be confirmed as changes in the status of the presented information.

[0119] The following form can be adopted as the breath achievement information that satisfies the above two points. Figure 2 shows an example of presenting the expiratory achievement rate K as a bar graph, but it can also be presented as a pie chart in which the angle of the circle changes depending on the expiratory achievement rate K. A balloon inflates in response to an increase in the expiratory completion rate K, and the expiratory completion rate K is expressed as the size of the balloon. The amount of leaves is expressed as the expiratory achievement rate K, and the leaves fall off as the expiratory achievement rate K increases. This method assumes the maximum capacity of a glass filled with water and expresses the expiratory achievement rate K as a change in the sound of pouring water into the glass. The fog displayed on the entire screen of the display 81 is expressed as the exhalation achievement rate K, and the fog clears as the exhalation achievement rate K increases. A form in which the color of a specific character is expressed as the expiration completion rate K, and the color changes to approach that color as the expiration completion rate K increases. The growth rate of a plant is expressed as the expiratory achievement rate K, and the plant grows as the expiratory achievement rate K increases. The breath achievement rate K is expressed by the avatar's height relative to a sign indicating the height that can appear on the roller coaster, and the avatar's height changes according to the breath achievement rate K.

[0120] By presenting such an expiratory achievement rate K, the user does not need to always be aware of the expiratory target time G and synchronize his / her breathing with the expiratory achievement rate information, thereby improving the relaxation effect.

[0121] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another form of the expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73. In FIG.

[0122] In FIG. 10, the expiration achievement rate information shown in states A to C is generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73 and displayed as an image of a balloon 111 on the display 81 of the output device 13 .

[0123] State A represents a case where the expiration completion rate K is 0%. In state A, no air is injected into the balloon 111, and an image of the balloon 111 in a deflated state is generated (displayed).

[0124] State B is when the expiratory achievement rate K is greater than 0% and is 100% twist is also small. In state B, air is injected into the balloon 111 in an amount corresponding to the magnitude of the expiratory achievement rate K. As the expiratory duration t increases and the expiratory achievement rate K gradually rises from 0%, the amount of air injected into the balloon 111 also increases, causing the balloon 111 to gradually inflate. When the expiratory duration t reaches the expiratory target time G and the expiratory achievement rate K reaches 100%, the balloon 111 is fully inflated.

[0125] State C represents the case where the expiration achievement rate K exceeds 100%. In state C, an image is generated (displayed) in which the balloon 111 sways left and right, etc. This indicates to the user that the expiration duration t has exceeded the expiration target time G. Note that the image in state C indicates that the expiration duration t has exceeded the expiration target time G. of This is an image of the effect to be presented to the user, and may be generated by the expiration target time exceedance information generating unit 74 in FIG.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another form of the expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73. In FIG.

[0127] In FIG. 11, the expiration achievement rate information shown in states A to C is generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73 and displayed as an image of a tree 121 on the display 81 of the output device 13 .

[0128] State A represents the case where the expiration completion rate K is 0%. In state A, an image of a tree 121 completely covered with leaves is generated (displayed).

[0129] In state B, the expiratory achievement rate K is greater than 0% and is 100%. twistIn state B, the amount of leaves 122 remaining on tree 121 decreases by an amount corresponding to the magnitude of expiratory completion rate K. As expiratory duration t increases and expiratory completion rate K gradually increases from 0%, the amount of leaves 121 falling from tree 121 also increases, and the amount of leaves 122 remaining on the branches of tree 121 gradually decreases.

[0130] State C represents the case where the expiration achievement rate K exceeds 100%. In state C, an image of only the leaves 122 fluttering is generated (displayed). This indicates to the user that the expiration duration t has exceeded the expiration target time G. Note that the image of state C indicates that the expiration duration t has exceeded the expiration target time G. of This is an image of the effect to be presented to the user, and may be generated by the expiration target time exceedance information generating unit 74 in FIG.

[0131] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another form of the expiration achievement rate information generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73. In FIG.

[0132] In FIG. 12, the expiration achievement rate information shown in states A to C is generated by the achievement rate information generating unit 73 and displayed on the display 81 of the output device 13 as an image of water 133 being poured from a pot 132 into a glass 131.

[0133] State A represents a case where the expiration completion rate K is 0%. In state A, an image of an empty glass 131 is generated (displayed).

[0134] In state B, the expiratory achievement rate K is greater than 0% and is 100%. twist In state B, the amount of water 133 stored in the glass 131 corresponds to the magnitude of the expiratory achievement rate K. As the expiratory duration t increases and the expiratory achievement rate K gradually increases from 0%, the amount of water 133 stored in the glass 131 also gradually increases.

[0135] State C represents the case where the expiration achievement rate K exceeds 100%. In state C, an image of water 133 overflowing from the cup 131 is generated (displayed). This indicates to the user that the expiration duration t has exceeded the expiration target time G. Note that the image of state C indicates that the expiration duration t has exceeded the expiration target time G. of This is an image of the effect to be presented to the user, and may be generated by the expiration target time exceedance information generating unit 74 in FIG.

[0136] According to the above information processing system 1, whether or not the user is performing breathing with a high relaxation effect is presented to the user as an expiratory achievement rate K, which is the ratio of the expiratory duration t to a predetermined comparison value such as the expiratory target time G corresponding to the inhalation time N. This reduces the burden on the user of having to constantly monitor the breathing pattern presented for breathing guidance. It also reduces the mental and physiological stress on the user, such as having to synchronize their breathing with the presented breathing pattern. This provides breathing guidance with a high relaxation effect.

[0137] Even if the user's exhalation duration T does not exceed the exhalation target time G, if the exhalation duration T exceeds a certain length, it is presented to the user as if it has exceeded the exhalation target time G. Therefore, when the actual exhalation duration T does not reach the exhalation target time G, the user is made aware that they must extend the exhalation time, which prevents the relaxation effect from being hindered and also prevents the user's motivation from decreasing.

[0138] When the user's exhalation duration T exceeds (or is deemed to exceed) the exhalation target time G, this fact is clearly displayed to the user, giving the user a sense of accomplishment with each breath and preventing the user's motivation from decreasing.

[0139] At the start of breathing induction, the target exhalation time G is set taking into consideration the actual exhalation duration T of the user, so breathing induction with a high relaxation effect is performed without forcing the user to breathe unduly from the start of breathing induction.

[0140] <Second embodiment of information processing system to which the present technology is applied> 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a second embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied. Note that parts corresponding to those in the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0141] The information processing system 151 of FIG. 13 includes an input device 161, a processing device 162, and an output device 13. The input device 161 includes a microphone 31, a camera 32, and a smartwatch 33. The processing device 162 includes a measurement unit 171, an analysis unit 172, and a presentation information generation unit 23. The measurement unit 171 includes an exhalation detection unit 41, a user detection unit 42, and a sensor data acquisition unit 43. The analysis unit 172 includes an exhalation duration calculation unit 51, an exhalation target time setting unit 53, a non-achievement correction unit 55, an exhalation target time exceedance determination unit 56, and a user information detection unit 60. The presentation information generation unit 23 includes an exhalation input information generation unit 71, an exhalation target time information generation unit 72, an achievement rate information generation unit 73, and an exhalation target time exceedance information generation unit 74. The output device 13 includes a display 81 and a speaker 82.

[0142] Therefore, the information processing system 151 of FIG. 13 is similar in that it has an input device 161, a processing device 162, and an output device 13 corresponding to the input device 11, the processing device 12, and the output device 13 of the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1, and in that it has a measurement unit 171, an analysis unit 172, and a presentation information generation unit 23 corresponding to the measurement unit 21, the analysis unit 22, and the presentation information generation unit 23 of the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1.

[0143] However, the information processing system 151 of FIG. 13 differs from the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 in that a camera 32 and a smart watch 33 are newly provided in the input device 161, a user detection unit 42 and a sensor data acquisition unit 43 are newly provided in the measurement unit 171, and a user information detection unit 60 is newly provided in the analysis unit 172.

[0144] In FIG. 13, the camera 32 of the input device 161 captures an image (for example, a moving image) of the user's face and torso, and supplies the captured image to the user detection unit 42 of the measurement unit 171.

[0145] The smart watch 33 of the input device 161 detects the user's biological condition such as the oxygen saturation level, and supplies the detected data to the sensor data acquisition unit 43 of the measurement unit 171.

[0146] The input device 161 may include one or more of the microphone 31, the camera 32, and the smart watch 33.

[0147] The user detection unit 42 detects the image area of ​​the user based on the image from the camera 32, and supplies the image of the detected image area (user image) to the user information detection unit 60 of the analysis unit 172. The user information detection unit 60 estimates user information related to the user's physical characteristics, such as the user's gender, age, and body type, based on the user's image, and estimates the user's vital capacity. For example, the user information detection unit 60 estimates a standard vital capacity corresponding to the user information, and supplies the estimated vital capacity to the exhalation target time setting unit 53.

[0148] Here, Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis unit 172. Note that parts common to the analysis unit 22 in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The analysis unit 172 in Fig. 14 differs from the analysis unit 22 in Fig. 4 in that a user information detection unit 60 is newly provided, but the other parts are common to the analysis unit 22 in Fig. 4.

[0149] 14, the target exhalation time setting unit 53 corrects the target exhalation time G by multiplying the target exhalation time G calculated in the same manner as in the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 by a weight, using the vital capacity supplied from the user information detection unit 60 as a weight. The user information may be information explicitly input by the user, rather than being detected from an image of the user from the camera 32. The user may be automatically identified based on the user information detected by the user information detection unit 60 from an image of the user. In this case, even when multiple users share one information processing system 151, it is possible to identify the user and set a target exhalation time G suited to the user, store data for each user, etc.

[0150] The sensor data acquisition unit 43 acquires data measured by the smart watch 33 and supplies it to the user information detection unit 60. The user information detection unit 60 detects user information related to the user's physical condition, such as the user's oxygen saturation level and stress, based on the data from the sensor data acquisition unit 43. The user information detection unit 60 determines a weight for correcting the target exhalation time G based on the user information and supplies it to the target exhalation time setting unit 53.

[0151] The target exhalation time setting unit 53 corrects the target exhalation time G by multiplying the target exhalation time G calculated in the same manner as in the information processing system 1 of FIG.

[0152] According to the above information processing system 151, whether the user is performing breathing with a high relaxation effect is presented to the user as an expiratory achievement rate K, which is the ratio of the expiratory duration t to a predetermined comparison value such as the expiratory target time G corresponding to the inhalation time N. This reduces the burden on the user of having to constantly monitor the breathing pattern presented for breathing guidance. It also reduces the mental and physiological stress on the user, such as having to synchronize their breathing with the presented breathing pattern. This provides breathing guidance with a high relaxation effect.

[0153] Even if the user's exhalation duration T does not exceed the exhalation target time G, if the exhalation duration T exceeds a certain length, it is presented to the user as if it has exceeded the exhalation target time G. Therefore, when the actual exhalation duration T does not reach the exhalation target time G, the user is made aware that they must extend the exhalation time, which prevents the relaxation effect from being hindered and also prevents the user's motivation from decreasing.

[0154] When the user's exhalation duration T exceeds (or is deemed to exceed) the exhalation target time G, this fact is clearly displayed to the user, giving the user a sense of accomplishment with each breath and preventing the user's motivation from decreasing.

[0155] At the start of breathing induction, the target exhalation time G is set taking into consideration the actual exhalation duration T of the user, so breathing induction with a high relaxation effect is performed without forcing the user to breathe unduly from the start of breathing induction.

[0156] Since the target expiration time G is set taking into consideration the physical characteristics and physical condition of the user, breathing guidance is performed in a manner that is comfortable for the user.

[0157] <Third embodiment of information processing system to which the present technology is applied> Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a third embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied. Note that parts corresponding to those in the information processing system 151 in Fig. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0158] The information processing system 201 of FIG. 15 includes an input device 211, a processing device 212, and an output device 13. The input device 211 includes a camera 32 and a smartwatch 33. The processing device 212 includes a measurement unit 221, an analysis unit 172, and a presentation information generation unit 23. The measurement unit 221 includes an exhalation detection unit 41, a user detection unit 42, a sensor data acquisition unit 43, and a respiratory data generation unit 44. The analysis unit 172 includes an exhalation duration calculation unit 51, an exhalation target time setting unit 53, a non-achievement correction unit 55, an exhalation target time exceedance determination unit 56, and a user information detection unit 60. The presentation information generation unit 23 includes an exhalation input information generation unit 71, an exhalation target time information generation unit 72, an achievement rate information generation unit 73, and an exhalation target time exceedance information generation unit 74. The output device 13 includes a display 81 and a speaker 82.

[0159] Therefore, the information processing system 201 of FIG. 15 is similar in that it has an input device 211, a processing device 212, and an output device 13 corresponding to the input device 161, the processing device 162, and the output device 13 of the information processing system 151 of FIG. 13, and in that it has a measurement unit 221, an analysis unit 172, and a presentation information generation unit 23 corresponding to the measurement unit 171, the analysis unit 172, and the presentation information generation unit 23 of the information processing system 151 of FIG. 13.

[0160] However, the information processing system 201 in FIG. 15 differs from the information processing system 151 in FIG. 13 in that the input device 211 does not have the microphone 31 and the measurement unit 221 newly has a respiratory data generation unit 44.

[0161] In FIG. 15, the exhalation detection unit 41 of the measurement unit 221 detects whether or not the state is exhalation based on the exhalation data (respiration signal) generated by the respiration data generation unit 44.

[0162] The respiratory data generation unit 44 may, for example, reproduce a previously stored respiratory signal and supply it to the exhalation detection unit 41, or may generate a virtual respiratory signal and supply it to the exhalation detection unit 41. At this time, the respiratory data generation unit 44 may refer to user information detected by the user information detection unit 60 (user information related to physical characteristics or user information related to physical condition) and generate a respiratory signal that matches the user information. The respiratory signal may also be generated based on a user specification. In this way, respiratory information is presented to the user in the same way as in the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1, where respiratory information is presented to the user based on a respiratory signal acquired by the microphone 31.

[0163] According to the above-described information processing system 201, the user's breathing state is predicted based on the user's physical characteristics and physical condition, and appropriate breathing guidance is performed for the predicted breathing state or for the breathing state specified by the user. The presented expiratory achievement rate K and the like allow the user to grasp the user's physical condition, and appropriate breathing simulations can be performed based on the expiratory target time G that takes the user's physical characteristics and physical condition into consideration.

[0164] <Program> The series of processes in the above-described information processing system 1, 151, or 201 can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed in a computer. Here, the computer includes a computer built into dedicated hardware, and a general-purpose personal computer, for example, that can execute various functions by installing various programs.

[0165] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer when the processes executed by the information processing system 1, 151, or 201 are executed by the computer using a program.

[0166] In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 are interconnected by a bus 304.

[0167] An input / output interface 305 is further connected to the bus 304. To the input / output interface 305, an input unit 306, an output unit 307, a storage unit 308, a communication unit 309, and a drive 310 are connected.

[0168] The input unit 306 includes a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc. The output unit 307 includes a display, speaker, etc. The storage unit 308 includes a hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 309 includes a network interface, etc. The drive 310 drives removable media 311 such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory.

[0169] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 301 performs the above-described series of processes by, for example, loading a program stored in the storage unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input / output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executing the program.

[0170] The program executed by the computer (CPU 301) can be provided by being recorded on removable media 311 such as package media, for example. The program can also be provided via wired or wireless transmission media such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0171] In a computer, a program can be installed in the storage unit 308 via the input / output interface 305 by inserting the removable medium 311 into the drive 310. The program can also be received by the communication unit 309 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 308. Alternatively, the program can be installed in the ROM 302 or the storage unit 308 in advance.

[0172] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0173] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a processing unit that generates respiratory information that presents the elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation completion rate, which is a ratio of the elapsed time from the start of exhalation to a predetermined comparison value; An information processing device having the above. (2) The processing unit generates respiratory information indicating that the expiratory completion rate has reached a predetermined target value of the expiratory completion rate. The information processing device according to (1) above. (3) When a predicted value of the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation, which is predicted before the end of the exhalation, is larger than a first threshold value which is smaller than the target value of the expiration achievement rate, the processing unit corrects the expiration achievement rate or the target value of the expiration achievement rate so that the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation is equal to or larger than the target value of the expiration achievement rate. The information processing device according to (2) above. (4) The first threshold value is a minimum expiration rate at which the expiration rate is considered to have reached the target value of the expiration rate. The information processing device according to (3) above. (5) The first threshold is the expiration completion rate when the elapsed time matches the inspiration time from the start to the end of inspiration. The information processing device according to (4) above. (6) The processing unit corrects the expiration completion rate or the target value of the expiration completion rate when the predicted value of the expiration completion rate is equal to or less than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the target value of the expiration completion rate. The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (5). (7) The second threshold value is the expiration completion rate when the elapsed time reaches a target value of the expiration duration from the start to the end of the expiration. The information processing device according to (6) above. (8) The processing unit corrects the expiratory achievement rate or the target value of the expiratory achievement rate by multiplying the expiratory achievement rate or the target value of the expiratory achievement rate by a predetermined factor. The information processing device according to any one of (4) to (7). (9) The processing unit calculates the predicted value of the expiration completion rate based on a respiratory signal indicating that the expiration is being performed. The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (8). (10) Based on the magnitude and rate of change of the respiratory signal indicating that the exhalation is being performed, an exhalation duration from the start to the end of the exhalation is predicted, and the ratio of the predicted value of the exhalation duration to the comparison value is calculated as the predicted value of the exhalation completion rate. The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (9). (11) The respiration signal is a signal indicative of the sound of exhalation. The information processing device according to (9) or (10). (12) The processing unit sets an average value of the duration of exhalation from the start to the end of the exhalation as the comparison value. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11). (13) When a ratio of the average value of the expiration duration to the inhalation time from the start to the end of inhalation is smaller than a predetermined third threshold, the processing unit sets a predetermined value equal to or greater than the inhalation time as the comparison value. The information processing device according to (12) above. (14) The third threshold is 1. The information processing device according to (13) above. (15) The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, an image whose state changes according to the expiration completion rate. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14). (16) The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, an image indicating that the expiratory completion rate has reached a predetermined target value of the expiratory completion rate. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (15). (17) The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, a bar graph in which the length of a bar changes according to the expiration completion rate, or a pie chart in which the division angle of a circle changes according to the rate. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (16). (18) The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, an image showing a change in a predetermined object over time as the expiration completion rate increases. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (17). (19) Processing section An information processing device having The processing unit Generates respiratory information that presents the elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation completion rate, which is a ratio of the elapsed time from the start of exhalation to a predetermined comparison value. Information processing methods. (20) Computer a processing unit that generates respiratory information that presents the elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation completion rate, which is a ratio of the elapsed time from the start of exhalation to a predetermined comparison value; A program to function as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1, 151, 201 Information processing system, 11 Input device, 12 Processing device, 13 Output device, 21 Measurement unit, 22 Analysis unit, 23 Presentation information generation unit, 31 Microphone, 41 Exhalation detection unit, 51 Exhalation duration calculation unit, 53 Exhalation target time setting unit, 55 Non-achievement correction unit, 56 Exhalation target time exceedance determination unit, 71 Exhalation input information generation unit, 72 Exhalation target time information generation unit, 73 Achievement rate information generation unit, 74 Exhalation target time exceedance information generation unit, 81 Display, 82 Speaker

Claims

1. a processing unit that generates respiratory information that presents an elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation achievement rate that is a ratio to a predetermined comparison value, the respiratory information presenting that the exhalation achievement rate has reached a predetermined target value of the exhalation achievement rate, and that supplies the respiratory information to an output device that presents the respiratory information and guides breathing to a user; When a predicted value of the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation, predicted before the end of the exhalation, is larger than a first threshold value smaller than the target value of the expiration achievement rate and is equal to or smaller than a second threshold value equal to or larger than the target value of the expiration achievement rate, the processing unit corrects the expiration achievement rate or the target value of the expiration achievement rate so that the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation becomes equal to or larger than the target value of the expiration achievement rate. Information processing device.

2. The first threshold value is a minimum expiration completion rate at which the expiration completion rate is considered to have reached the target value of the expiration completion rate. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The first threshold is the expiration completion rate when the elapsed time matches the inspiration time from the start to the end of inspiration. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The second threshold value is the expiration completion rate when the elapsed time reaches a target value of the expiration duration from the start to the end of the expiration. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The processing unit corrects the expiratory achievement rate or the target value of the expiratory achievement rate by multiplying the expiratory achievement rate or the target value of the expiratory achievement rate by a predetermined factor.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1.

6. The processing unit calculates the predicted value of the expiration completion rate based on a respiratory signal indicating that the expiration is being performed.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1.

7. Based on the magnitude and rate of change of the respiratory signal indicating that the exhalation is being performed, an exhalation duration from the start to the end of the exhalation is predicted, and the ratio of the predicted value of the exhalation duration to the comparison value is calculated as the predicted value of the exhalation completion rate.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1.

8. The respiration signal is a signal indicative of the sound of exhalation.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The processing unit sets an average value of the duration of exhalation from the start to the end of the exhalation as the comparison value.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1.

10. When a ratio of the average value of the expiration duration to the inhalation time from the start to the end of inhalation is smaller than a predetermined third threshold, the processing unit sets a predetermined value equal to or greater than the inhalation time as the comparison value. The information processing device according to claim 9 .

11. The third threshold is 1. The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, an image whose state changes according to the expiration completion rate. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

13. The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, an image indicating that the expiratory completion rate has reached a predetermined target value of the expiratory completion rate. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

14. The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, a bar graph in which the length of a bar changes according to the expiration completion rate, or a pie chart in which the division angle of a circle changes according to the rate.

14. The information processing device according to claim 1.

15. The processing unit generates, as the respiration information, an image showing a change in a predetermined object over time as the expiration completion rate increases.

15. The information processing device according to claim 1.

16. Processing section An information processing device having The processing unit generating respiratory information that presents an elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation achievement rate, which is a ratio of the elapsed time from the start of exhalation to a predetermined comparison value, and that presents that the exhalation achievement rate has reached a predetermined target value of the exhalation achievement rate; supplying the respiratory information to an output device that presents the respiratory information and guides the user to breathe; when a predicted value of the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation, predicted before the end of the exhalation, is larger than a first threshold value smaller than the target value of the expiration achievement rate and is equal to or smaller than a second threshold value equal to or larger than the target value of the expiration achievement rate, correcting the expiration achievement rate or the target value of the expiration achievement rate so that the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation becomes equal to or larger than the target value of the expiration achievement rate; An information processing method including:

17. On the computer, generating respiratory information that presents an elapsed time from the start of exhalation as an exhalation achievement rate, which is a ratio of the elapsed time from the start of exhalation to a predetermined comparison value, and that presents that the exhalation achievement rate has reached a predetermined target value of the exhalation achievement rate; supplying the respiratory information to an output device that presents the respiratory information and guides the user to breathe; when a predicted value of the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation, predicted before the end of the exhalation, is larger than a first threshold value smaller than the target value of the expiration achievement rate and is equal to or smaller than a second threshold value equal to or larger than the target value of the expiration achievement rate, correcting the expiration achievement rate or the target value of the expiration achievement rate so that the expiration achievement rate at the end of the exhalation becomes equal to or larger than the target value of the expiration achievement rate; A program for executing a process including:

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