Intellectual work support system and intellectual work support method

Abstract

This intellectual work assistance system comprises: a first determination unit (32) that determines the start time for imparting a refreshing stimulus which is for alleviating the cognitive stress of a user who is performing intellectual work; a second determination unit (33) that determines a period of time for imparting the refreshing stimulus; and a control unit (34) that, by controlling an actuator, imparts the refreshing stimulus to the user for the determined period of time starting from the determined start time which is a start point.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an intellectual task support system and an intellectual task support method. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that the work efficiency of a user performing intellectual work such as office work or study is affected by the degree of concentration (hereinafter referred to as "concentration level"). In addition, a user's concentration level changes depending on various environmental factors. For this reason, technologies have been proposed to control the environmental factors that affect the user's concentration level.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that adds single-wavelength light to white light illumination in order to increase the level of alertness and improve work efficiency. The technology described in Patent Document 1 can improve work efficiency without excessively increasing lighting energy.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a technology that sets the illuminance higher than normal during the post-lunch time slot and lower during other time slots. The technology described in Patent Document 2 can improve work efficiency during the post-lunch time slot and can also reduce total energy consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-59677 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-245356 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention provides an intellectual task support system and the like that can support a user's intellectual task. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An intellectual task support system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first determination unit that determines the start timing of providing a refreshing stimulus to relieve cognitive tension in a user performing intellectual task, a second determination unit that determines the length of time for providing the refreshing stimulus, and a control unit that controls an actuator to provide the refreshing stimulus to the user for the determined length of time starting from the determined start timing.

[0008] An intellectual task support method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a computer-implemented method of intellectual task support, and includes a first determination step of determining the start timing of providing a refreshing stimulus to relieve cognitive tension in a user performing intellectual task, a second determination step of determining the length of time for providing the refreshing stimulus, and a control step of controlling an actuator to provide the refreshing stimulus to the user for the determined length of time, starting from the determined start timing.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the intellectual task support method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The intellectual task support system etc. of the present invention can support the intellectual task of a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing functions of an intellectual task support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a first operational example of the intellectual task support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the refreshment stimulus database in the first operational example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the change over time in the user's concentration level when a refreshing stimulus is applied. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a second operation example of the intellectual task assistance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the refreshment stimulus database in the second operational example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0013] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of an intellectual task support system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intellectual task support system according to an embodiment. An intellectual task support system 10 according to an embodiment is a system that can provide a refreshing stimulus to a user performing intellectual tasks such as office work and learning in order to alleviate cognitive tension in the user. The refreshing stimulus is sometimes called micro-refreshment.

[0015] The place where work and study are carried out (the space where the user is given a refreshing stimulus) is not particularly limited. The place where work and study are carried out may be an office, a school, a house, or the like, but it may also be a private booth (an enclosed space where work or study can be carried out) installed in a station or the like.

[0016] Cognitive tension can be rephrased as cognitive fatigue, etc. Relief of cognitive tension can be rephrased as recovery from cognitive fatigue or a change of mood, etc. Relief of cognitive tension allows the user to maintain and improve their concentration.

[0017] The intellectual task support system 10 relieves cognitive tension by providing a very short refreshment stimulus to a user performing intellectual task. The length of time for which the refreshment stimulus is provided ranges from several seconds to several hundred seconds (1 second to 300 seconds), typically 1 second to 30 seconds. The refreshment stimulus is provided while the user is continuing intellectual task, and is significantly different from the user's behavior of taking a 20-minute break after completing intellectual task.

[0018] Furthermore, there is known a technique for waking up a user by providing stimuli, which considers a decrease in concentration as a decrease in alertness, but the intellectual task support system 10 is not a system for waking up a user, and the refreshing stimuli are different from stimuli for waking up a user.

[0019] For example, when stimulating a user with light emitted by a lighting device, light with strong brightness and a high color temperature is considered appropriate for the purpose of waking the user up. In contrast, a refreshing stimulus is a stimulus that relieves cognitive tension by briefly diverting cognitive resources (attention) from the task at hand. This is achieved, for example, by temporarily changing the brightness and color (color temperature) of the light emitted by the lighting device. Specifically, while a user is performing intellectual work, cognitive tension can be relieved by briefly lowering the color temperature emitted by the lighting device. Another possible refreshing stimulus is to change the light distribution or light source position of the lighting device to change the light illumination pattern in the user's field of view.

[0020] Furthermore, when stimulating a user with an airflow generated by an airflow generating device, a strong wind is generally blown onto the user in order to wake the user up, whereas a refreshing stimulus is achieved by generating a soft (weak) or fluctuating airflow over a wide area.

[0021] When stimulating the user with the scent emitted by the scent generator, scents with an awakening effect such as lemon or peppermint are used to awaken the user, whereas a refreshing stimulus is achieved by a relatively mild scent such as cypress or lavender.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the intellectual task assistance system 10 includes a camera 20, an information processing device 30, and an actuator 40.

[0023] The camera 20 is installed in a space where a user performing an intellectual task is located, and captures video of the user performing the intellectual task. The camera 20 transmits image data of the captured video to the information processing device 30. The camera 20 may be a high-performance camera known as an AI (Artificial Intelligence) camera, and may perform the process of calculating the concentration level described below instead of the information processing device 30. In this case, the process of calculating the concentration level in the information processing device 30 can be omitted.

[0024] The information processing device 30 performs information processing to provide a user performing intellectual work with a refreshing stimulus to relieve cognitive tension of the user. The information processing device 30 is, for example, a personal computer, but may also be a server device or a dedicated controller corresponding to the actuator 40. In FIG. 1, the information processing device 30 is provided in a space where the user is located, but may also be provided outside the space.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 30. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 30 includes an acquisition unit 31 that acquires a state of a user, a first determination unit 32 that determines the start timing of applying a refresh stimulus, a second determination unit 33 that determines the length of time for applying the refresh stimulus, a control unit 34 that controls an actuator 40 to apply the refresh stimulus to the user, a storage unit 35, and an input receiving unit 36.

[0026] The acquisition unit 31, the first determination unit 32, the second determination unit 33, and the control unit 34 are functional components, and the functions of the acquisition unit 31, the first determination unit 32, the second determination unit 33, and the control unit 34 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or processor (hardware) provided in the information processing device 30 executing a computer program (software) stored in the memory unit 35.

[0027] The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores the computer program and various information required to provide a refresh stimulus. The information required to provide a refresh stimulus includes a refresh stimulus database, which will be described later. The storage unit 35 is realized by a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like.

[0028] The input receiving unit 36 ​​receives information input from the user. When the user starts using the intellectual task support system 10, the user inputs information as initial settings, and the input receiving unit 36 ​​receives this information. The input receiving unit 36 ​​is realized by, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.

[0029] The information input by the user includes at least one of the following: the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual work the user is about to perform, the environment of the space in which the user is located (in other words, the space in which the user is performing the intellectual work), and the type of actuator 40 (actuator 40 to be controlled) installed in the space in which the user is located.

[0030] The user's attributes are specifically the user's age, gender, job title, etc. The content of the intellectual work is defined, for example, by the level of concentration required for the work. The content of the intellectual work is selected from pre-prepared options, such as work that requires a high level of concentration for a short period of time and work that requires a general level of concentration for a long period of time.

[0031] The environment of the space where the user is located refers to, for example, whether it is an open space or a closed space, a private room or a shared space, or in other words, the type of space. The environment of the space where the user is located is selected, for example, from options prepared in advance. Note that the environment of the space may also include information such as the temperature in the space (whether the area to which the space belongs is a warm area).

[0032] The type of the actuator 40 means the type of device, which will be described later, that the actuator 40 is. The type of the actuator is selected, for example, from options prepared in advance.

[0033] The actuator 40 is a stimulus applying device (stimulus presenting device) that applies a refreshing stimulus to the user under the control of the control unit 34. In the example of Fig. 1, the actuator 40 is an indirect lighting device that applies a refreshing stimulus to the user by irradiating light onto a partial area R of a wall located in front of the user (in other words, a partial area R of a wall that is within the field of view of the user performing intellectual work).

[0034] The actuator 40 is not limited to an indirect lighting device, but may also be an ambient lighting device, a task lighting device, an airflow generating device, an air conditioning device, a fragrance generating device, a sound source reproducing device, an electric blind, or an image projection device.

[0035] Ambient lighting devices are lighting devices that illuminate the entire space in which a user is located, creating a basic level of brightness for that space. Task lighting devices are lighting devices that provide spot lighting only around the user. Both ambient lighting devices and task lighting devices provide users with a refreshing stimulus by emitting light.

[0036] The airflow generating device is a blower or the like that does not have a temperature adjustment function. The airflow generating device may provide a refreshing stimulus to the user by directing an airflow at a spot on the user, or may provide a refreshing stimulus to the user by generating an airflow throughout the entire space in which the user is located. The air conditioning device has a temperature adjustment function and provides a refreshing stimulus to the user by adjusting the temperature of the entire space in which the user is located by blowing temperature-adjusted air.

[0037] A sound source playback device provides a user with a refreshing stimulus by playing back a sound source (i.e., emitting sound). An electric blind provides a user with a refreshing stimulus by transitioning from a closed state to an open state. In this case, the refreshing stimulus may mean letting in outside light into the space where the user is located, or showing the user an outside view. An image projection device provides a user with a refreshing stimulus by projecting an image.

[0038] The control unit 34 applies a refreshing stimulus by changing the environment around the user through control of the actuator 40. In other words, the actuator 40 is a device that changes the environment around the user (such as the light environment or the air quality environment), but may also be a device that directly acts on the user (such as by applying vibrations).

[0039] In the following embodiments, the operation of the actuator 40 to provide the refreshment stimulus (for example, the indirect lighting device emitting monochromatic blue light) will also be described as the aspect of the refreshment stimulus.

[0040] [Example 1] Next, a description will be given of a first operational example of the intellectual task assistance system 10. FIG.

[0041] First, the input receiving unit 36 ​​receives input of information from the user, such as the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual work the user is about to perform, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of actuator 40 provided in the space where the user is located (S11). The input information is stored in the storage unit 35 as setting information. After inputting the information, the user starts the intellectual work. The intellectual work may be office work or study, etc.

[0042] Next, the acquisition unit 31 acquires (calculates) the user's concentration level during the intellectual task (S12). The concentration level is a parameter that indicates the degree of concentration of the user on the intellectual task. The concentration level is acquired repeatedly in real time. Here, real time does not have a strict meaning and may include an error. The error here includes the time required for information processing to acquire the concentration level.

[0043] Specifically, the acquisition unit 31 acquires a moving image (image data) of the user from the camera 20 and performs image processing on the moving image to calculate feature amounts for acquiring the concentration level. The feature amounts here include gaze movement, posture, hand movement, head movement, eye movement, facial expression, and the number of blinks. The acquisition unit 31 inputs these feature amounts into a machine learning model to acquire the concentration level from the machine learning model. The machine learning model is stored in advance in the storage unit 35.

[0044] The machine learning model is, for example, a model to which logistic regression is applied, and is a trained model constructed using training data (teacher data) in which the feature quantities of many subjects are associated with subjective or third-party evaluation results on whether the subjects were concentrating (concentrated: 1, not concentrating: 0). The machine learning model outputs, for example, the level of concentration as a numerical value ranging from 0% (not concentrating) to 100% (concentrated).

[0045] Note that it is not essential that logistic regression be applied. In recent years, various indices indicating the degree of concentration have been proposed, and the machine learning model may be a trained model constructed using training data (teacher data) in which feature quantities of a large number of subjects are associated with indices indicating the degree of concentration of the user. Furthermore, the machine learning model may be a model to which deep learning is applied, and may be a model capable of estimating the degree of concentration using an image (video image) as input.

[0046] Furthermore, in step S12, the concentration level may be acquired without using a machine learning model. An index indicating the concentration level based on an algorithm that does not use a machine learning model has been proposed, and the acquisition unit 31 may acquire (calculate) the index as the concentration level using the algorithm.

[0047] Next, the first determination unit 32 determines whether the acquired level of concentration of the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S13). The predetermined value is, for example, 80%, but is not particularly limited to this. If the first determination unit 32 determines that the level of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes in S13), it is considered that the user is concentrating sufficiently on the intellectual task, and therefore a refreshing stimulus is not necessary. Therefore, in such a case, no refreshing stimulus is applied, and the concentration level continues to be acquired (S12). In this way, the intellectual task support system 10 can maintain and improve the user's level of concentration by not applying a refreshing stimulus when the user's level of concentration is high.

[0048] On the other hand, when the first determination unit 32 determines that the concentration level is less than the predetermined value (No in S13), it determines whether or not there is a downward trend in the concentration level (S14). Since the acquisition of the concentration level in step S12 is repeatedly performed in real time, the first determination unit 32 can obtain time-series data of the most recent concentration level. The first determination unit 32 can determine whether or not there is a downward trend in the concentration level from the slope of the time-series data of the most recent concentration level (or the slope of the moving average of the concentration level). Note that this method of determining whether or not there is a downward trend in the concentration level is just one example, and the method of determining whether or not there is a downward trend in the concentration level is not particularly limited.

[0049] Furthermore, in step S14, instead of determining whether or not there is a tendency for the concentration level to decrease, it may be determined whether or not there is a sign of a decrease in the concentration level. For example, if a fluctuation pattern in the time-series data of the user's concentration level immediately before a significant decrease in the concentration level, or a movement (habit) of the user immediately before a significant decrease in the concentration level, is identified (learned) in advance, the first determination unit 32 can determine whether or not there is a sign of a decrease in the concentration level based on the fluctuation pattern or the movement (habit). Note that this method of determining whether or not there is a sign of a decrease in the concentration level is just one example, and the method of determining whether or not there is a sign of a decrease in the concentration level is not particularly limited.

[0050] If the first determination unit 32 determines that there is no tendency for the concentration level to decrease (or there is no sign of a decrease in the concentration level) (No in S14), it is considered that a refresh stimulus is not necessary. Therefore, in such a case, the refresh stimulus is not applied, and the concentration level continues to be obtained (S12).

[0051] On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a tendency for the concentration level to decrease (or a sign of a decrease in the concentration level) (Yes in S14), the first determination unit 32 determines whether a predetermined interval time has elapsed since the previous refresh stimulus was applied (S15). The predetermined interval time is, for example, a time period of 5 minutes or more and 10 minutes or less. Note that the interval time is a fixed time period regardless of the type of actuator 40, but may be changed depending on the type of actuator 40. Furthermore, the interval time may be changed depending on the most recent concentration level of the user, in which case the interval time is made shorter as the most recent concentration level of the user is lower.

[0052] If the first determination unit 32 determines that the interval time has not elapsed (No in S15), it is considered that a refreshment stimulus is not necessary. Therefore, in such a case, no refreshment stimulus is applied, and the concentration level continues to be acquired (S12). In other words, the control unit 34 does not apply a refreshment stimulus until the predetermined interval time has elapsed. In this way, the intellectual task support system 10 can effectively apply a refreshment stimulus by not applying a refreshment stimulus before the interval time has elapsed (in other words, by applying a refreshment stimulus at least after the interval time has elapsed).

[0053] On the other hand, when it is determined that the interval time has elapsed (Yes in S15), the first determination unit 32 determines the current timing as the start timing for providing a refreshing stimulus (S16). That is, the first determination unit 32 determines the timing at which a tendency for the user's concentration level to decrease is detected (or the timing at which a sign of the user's concentration level decrease is detected) as the start timing based on the acquired concentration level of the user. Note that, in general, the timing at which a tendency for the user's concentration level to decrease is detected (or the timing at which a sign of the user's concentration level decrease is detected) is considered to be earlier than the timing at which the user feels drowsy (the timing at which it becomes necessary to wake the user up).

[0054] Next, the second determination unit 33 determines the length of time for which the refreshing stimulus is to be applied (S17). The second determination unit 33 can determine the length of time appropriate for the user based on the information input in step S11 by referring to a refreshing stimulus database pre-stored in the storage unit 35. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the refreshing stimulus database in operation example 1. That is, the second determination unit 33 can determine the length of time for which the refreshing stimulus is to be applied from one or more (basically multiple) predetermined length of time included in the refreshing stimulus database based on at least one of the user attributes, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space in which the user is located, and the type of actuator 40 input in step S11.

[0055] The one or more predetermined time lengths included in the refreshment stimulus database are empirically, experimentally, or logically determined by the designer or the like of the intellectual task support system 10. As described above, the length of time for which a refreshment stimulus is given is approximately several seconds to several hundred seconds (1 second or more and 300 seconds or less), and typically is 1 second or more and 30 seconds or less.

[0056] Next, the control unit 34 controls the actuator 40 to provide a refreshing stimulus to the user (S18). The refreshing stimulus is provided for the period determined in step S17, starting from the start timing determined in step S16. The control unit 34 can provide the refreshing stimulus by transmitting a control signal to the actuator 40.

[0057] For example, if the actuator 40 is an indirect lighting device, the indirect lighting device irradiates blue monochromatic light onto an area R (shown in FIG. 1) in front of the user. The indirect lighting device is normally turned off, but irradiates blue monochromatic light only during the above-mentioned period. This allows the intellectual task support system 10 to alleviate cognitive strain on the user performing intellectual task.

[0058] As described above, the intellectual task support system 10 acquires the concentration level in real time, and when it detects a tendency for the user's concentration level to decrease (or when it detects a sign of a decrease in the user's concentration level), it provides a refreshing stimulus to the user. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the change in the user's concentration level over time when a refreshing stimulus is provided. As shown in Figure 5, the intellectual task support system 10 provides a refreshing stimulus before the concentration level drops significantly, thereby preventing cognitive tension from saturating and enabling the user's concentration level to be maintained and improved.

[0059] Furthermore, the intellectual task support system 10 can use the refreshment stimulus database to provide the user with a refreshment stimulus for a time period optimized by a designer, etc. The refreshment stimulus database makes it possible to easily provide versatile refreshment stimuli.

[0060] [Example 2] In Operation Example 1, the intellectual task support system 10 determined the timing to start providing a refreshing stimulus based on the user's concentration level. Here, if the intellectual task support system 10 cannot obtain the user's concentration level (for example, if the system is not equipped with a camera 20), it can also determine the timing to start providing a refreshing stimulus without using the user's concentration level. Operation Example 2 will be described below. Figure 6 is a flowchart of Operation Example 2 of the intellectual task support system 10.

[0061] First, the input receiving unit 36 ​​receives input of information from the user, such as the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual work the user is about to perform, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of actuator 40 provided in the space where the user is located (S11). The processing of step S11 is the same as in operation example 1.

[0062] Next, the first determination unit 32 determines the start timing of providing a refreshing stimulus (S16a). The first determination unit 32 can determine a start timing (a time interval at which a refreshing stimulus should be provided) suitable for the user based on the information input in step S11 by referring to a refreshing stimulus database stored in advance in the storage unit 35. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the refreshing stimulus database in operation example 2. Note that one or more predetermined timings (time intervals) included in the refreshing stimulus database are empirically, experimentally, or logically determined by the designer of the intellectual task support system 10, etc.

[0063] Next, the second determination unit 33 determines the length of time for which the refreshing stimulus is to be applied (S17). The second determination unit 33 can determine the length of time appropriate for the user based on the information input in step S11 by referring to the refreshing stimulus database (FIG. 7) stored in advance in the storage unit 35. The processing in step S17 is the same as in operation example 1.

[0064] Next, the control unit 34 controls the actuator 40 to provide a refreshing stimulus to the user (S18). The refreshing stimulus is provided for the period determined in step S17, starting from the start timing determined in step S16a. The control unit 34 can provide the refreshing stimulus by transmitting a control signal to the actuator 40. The processing of step S18 is the same as in operation example 1.

[0065] As described above, the intellectual task support system 10 can use the refreshment stimulus database to provide a refreshment stimulus to the user at a timing optimized by a designer, etc. The refreshment stimulus database makes it possible to easily provide a highly versatile refreshment stimulus.

[0066] [Variations for user state] In the above embodiment, the user's concentration level is acquired in real time to determine the start timing for starting the application of a refreshing stimulus. The user's concentration level is an example of the user's state. Here, the user's state other than the concentration level may be acquired in real time to determine the start timing.

[0067] An example of a user state other than the concentration level is the user's emotion. Techniques for estimating the user's emotion from a user's facial image (facial expression) are known, and such techniques are used to acquire the user's emotion. The first determination unit 32 can determine, based on the estimation of the user's emotion, the timing at which the user's cognitive fatigue is considered to have reached saturation as the start timing for starting the application of a refreshing stimulus.

[0068] Furthermore, an example of the user's state other than the concentration level is what kind of work the user is doing (user's work state). The first determination unit 32 can determine, for example, the timing when the user starts work unrelated to intellectual work as the start timing for starting the application of a refreshing stimulus.

[0069] Another example of the user's state is the user's fatigue level. There is known technology for estimating the user's fatigue level from the user's posture captured by a camera, and such technology is used to acquire the user's fatigue level. The first determination unit 32 can determine, for example, the timing when the user's fatigue level reaches a predetermined value as the start timing for starting the application of a refreshing stimulus.

[0070] [Modification of determination of refreshment stimulus mode] In the above embodiment, for example, one optimal control parameter for maintaining and improving the concentration level is defined for the mode of the refreshing stimulus for each type of actuator 40. In other words, the mode of the refreshing stimulus is automatically determined by the type of actuator 40 input in step S11.

[0071] Here, if the refreshment stimulus database defines a plurality of preset refreshment stimulus modes, the mode of the refreshment stimulus can also be determined from the plurality of preset modes included in the refreshment stimulus database. In other words, the control unit 34 may determine the mode of the refreshment stimulus from the plurality of preset modes based on the refreshment stimulus database.

[0072] In this case, one or more predetermined aspects included in the refreshment stimulus database are determined empirically, experimentally, or logically by the designer of the intellectual task support system 10 or the like.

[0073] Furthermore, if the user's state, such as the level of concentration, can be acquired in real time, the control unit 34 may determine the mode of the refreshing stimulus based on the acquired state of the user. For example, if the actuator 40 is an indirect lighting device, the color (or color temperature) of the light emitted by the indirect lighting device may be changed depending on the level of concentration immediately before the application of the refreshing stimulus is started. In this case, the appropriate color of light depending on the level of concentration is determined empirically, experimentally, or logically by the designer of the intellectual task support system 10, etc.

[0074] [Variations for determining the length of time for which the refresh stimulus is applied] In the above embodiment, the length of time for which the refreshment stimulus is applied is determined using a refreshment stimulus database. However, if the user's state, such as the concentration level, can be acquired in real time, the second determination unit 33 may determine the length of time for which the refreshment stimulus is applied based on the acquired state of the user. For example, the length of time for which the refreshment stimulus is applied may be changed depending on the concentration level immediately before the application of the refreshment stimulus is started. In this case, the appropriate length of time depending on the concentration level is determined empirically, experimentally, or logically by the designer of the intellectual task support system 10, etc.

[0075] [Effects, etc.] Inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification include, for example, the following inventions. Below, the inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification will be explained together with the effects and the like obtained by the inventions.

[0076] Invention 1 is an intellectual task support system 10 comprising a first decision unit 32 that decides the start timing of providing a refreshing stimulus to relieve cognitive tension of a user performing intellectual task, a second decision unit 33 that decides the length of time for providing the refreshing stimulus, and a control unit 34 that controls an actuator 40 to provide the refreshing stimulus to the user for the determined length of time starting from the determined start timing.

[0077] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can support the user in performing intellectual tasks.

[0078] Invention 2 is the intellectual task support system 10 of the invention, in which the time length is 1 second or more and 300 seconds or less.

[0079] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can support the user's intellectual task by providing a short-term refreshing stimulus.

[0080] Invention 3 is the intellectual task assistance system 10 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the first decision unit 32 decides the start timing from one or more predetermined timings.

[0081] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can easily provide a highly versatile refreshing stimulus.

[0082] Invention 4 is the intellectual task support system 10 according to Invention 3, in which the first determination unit 32 determines the start timing from one or more predetermined timings based on at least one of the attributes of the user, the content of the intellectual task, the spatial environment in which the user is located, and the type of actuator.

[0083] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide a refreshing stimulus based on at least one of the attributes of the user, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of actuator.

[0084] Invention 5 is the intellectual task support system 10 of Invention 1 or 2, further comprising an acquisition unit 31 that acquires the user's state in real time, and the first decision unit 32 determines the start timing based on the acquired user's state.

[0085] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide a refreshing stimulus based on the user's state.

[0086] Invention 6 is the intellectual task support system 10 of Invention 5, in which the user's state includes the user's concentration level.

[0087] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide a refreshing stimulus based on the user's concentration level.

[0088] Invention 7 is the intellectual task support system 10 according to Invention 6, wherein the first determination unit 32 determines, as the start timing, the timing at which a tendency for the user's concentration level to decrease is detected or the timing at which a sign of a decrease in the user's concentration level is detected, based on the user's concentration level included in the acquired user state.

[0089] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can maintain and improve the user's concentration level by providing a refreshing stimulus before the user's concentration level drops significantly.

[0090] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the intellectual task support system 10 of the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the control unit 34 does not provide a refreshing stimulus when the acquired concentration level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0091] The intellectual task support system 10 as described above can maintain and improve the user's level of concentration by preventing the refreshing stimulus from interfering with the user's concentration on the intellectual task.

[0092] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the intellectual task assistance system 10 of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects of the present invention, wherein the control unit 34 does not provide a refreshing stimulus until a predetermined interval time has elapsed since the provision of the refreshing stimulus.

[0093] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide a refreshing stimulus at an effective timing.

[0094] A tenth invention is the intellectual task support system 10 of any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the second decision section 33 decides the length of time for providing the refreshing stimulus from among one or more predetermined lengths of time.

[0095] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can easily provide a highly versatile refreshing stimulus.

[0096] Invention 11 is the intellectual task support system 10 of Invention 10, in which the second determination unit 33 determines the length of time for providing the refreshing stimulus from one or more predetermined time lengths based on at least one of the user's attributes, the content of the intellectual task, the spatial environment in which the user is located, and the type of actuator.

[0097] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide a refreshing stimulus based on at least one of the attributes of the user, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space where the user is located, and the type of actuator.

[0098] Invention 12 is the intellectual task support system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 9, further comprising an acquisition unit 31 that acquires the user's state in real time, and a second determination unit 33 that determines the length of time based on the acquired user's state.

[0099] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide a refreshing stimulus based on the user's concentration level.

[0100] Invention 13 is the intellectual task support system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 12, further comprising an acquisition unit 31 that acquires the user's state in real time, and the control unit 34 determines the form of the refreshing stimulus based on the acquired user's state.

[0101] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide a refreshing stimulus based on the user's concentration level.

[0102] A fourteenth invention is the intellectual task assistance system 10 of any one of the first to thirteenth inventions, wherein the control unit 34 controls the actuator 40 to change the environment around the user, thereby providing a refreshing stimulus.

[0103] Such an intellectual task support system 10 can provide refreshing stimulation by changing the environment around the user.

[0104] Invention 15 is an intellectual task support method executed by a computer such as the intellectual task support system 10. The intellectual task support method includes a first determination step of determining the start timing of providing a refreshing stimulus to relieve cognitive tension of a user performing an intellectual task, a second determination step of determining the length of time for providing the refreshing stimulus, and a control step of controlling the actuator 40 to provide the refreshing stimulus to the user for the determined length of time starting from the determined start timing.

[0105] Such an intellectual task assistance method can assist the user in performing an intellectual task.

[0106] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0107] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the intellectual task support system is realized by a plurality of devices. When the intellectual task support system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components (particularly functional components) of the intellectual task support system described in the above-described embodiment may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices of the intellectual task support system. For example, the acquisition unit, the first determination unit, the second determination unit, and the control unit may be distributed among the plurality of devices.

[0108] The intellectual task assistance system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the intellectual task assistance system may be realized as a single device equivalent to an information processing device.

[0109] The intellectual task support system may also be realized as a client-server system. For example, the intellectual task support system may further include a cloud server (server device), and some or all of the processing performed by the information processing device may be executed by the cloud server. Specifically, the refreshment stimulus database of the above embodiment may be stored in the cloud server, and some or all of the information processing related to the refreshment stimulus database may be executed by the cloud server.

[0110] Furthermore, the intellectual task support system may execute the processing described in the above embodiment as being realized using the refreshment stimulus database using a machine learning model that has learned the contents of the refreshment stimulus database.

[0111] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited, and a relay device (not shown) may be used in the communication between the devices.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. For example, the processing performed by the selection unit may be performed by the control unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0113] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0114] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0115] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0116] For example, the present invention may be realized as an intellectual task support method executed by a computer such as an intellectual task support system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an intellectual task support method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0117] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10. Intelligent Work Support System 20 Camera 30 Information processing equipment 31 Acquisition Department 32 First Decision Section 33 Second Decision Section 34 Control Unit 35 Storage section 36 Input reception section 40 Actuator

Claims

1. a first determination unit that determines a start timing of providing a refreshment stimulus for alleviating cognitive tension of a user who is performing an intellectual task, the refreshment stimulus being for temporarily diverting the attention of the user from the intellectual task; a second determination unit that determines a length of time for providing the refresh stimulus; a control unit that controls an actuator to provide the user with the refreshing stimulus for the determined length of time starting from the determined start timing, The first determination unit determines the start timing from among a plurality of predetermined timings based on the attributes of the user, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space in which the user is located, and the type of the actuator. Intelligent work support system.

2. The length of time is between 1 second and 300 seconds. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1.

3. The first determination unit determines the start timing from among a plurality of predetermined timings based on the content of the intellectual task.

3. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the state of the user in real time; The first determination unit may determine the start timing based on an acquired state of the user instead of the plurality of specified timings.

3. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The state of the user includes the concentration level of the user. The intellectual task support system according to claim 4.

6. The first determination unit determines, as the start timing, a timing at which a tendency for the user's concentration level to decrease or a timing at which a sign of the user's concentration level decrease is detected, based on the user's concentration level included in the acquired state of the user. The intellectual task support system according to claim 5.

7. The control unit does not provide the refreshing stimulus when the acquired concentration level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The intellectual task support system according to claim 5.

8. The control unit does not apply the refresh stimulus until a predetermined interval time has elapsed since the application of the refresh stimulus. The intellectual task support system according to claim 4.

9. The second determination unit determines the length of time for providing the refresh stimulus from among a plurality of predetermined lengths of time.

3. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The second determination unit determines the length of time for which the refreshing stimulus is to be applied from among the plurality of predetermined time lengths based on at least one of an attribute of the user, a content of the intellectual task, an environment of a space where the user is located, and a type of the actuator. The intellectual task support system according to claim 9.

11. further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the state of the user in real time; The second determination unit determines the length of time based on the acquired state of the user.

3. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the state of the user in real time; The control unit determines a mode of the refresh stimulus based on the acquired state of the user.

3. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The control unit controls the actuator to change the environment around the user, thereby providing the refreshing stimulus.

3. The intellectual task support system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. A computer-implemented intellectual task support method, comprising: a first determination step of determining a start timing of providing a refreshment stimulus for alleviating cognitive tension of a user performing an intellectual task, the refreshment stimulus being for temporarily distracting the user from the intellectual task; a second determining step of determining a length of time for applying the refresh stimulus; a control step of controlling an actuator to provide the refresh stimulus to the user for the determined length of time starting from the determined start timing, In the first determination step, the start timing is determined from a plurality of predetermined timings based on the attributes of the user, the content of the intellectual task, the environment of the space in which the user is located, and the type of the actuator. Intellectual work support methods.

15. A program for causing the computer to execute the intellectual task support method according to claim 14.

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