Presentation device, presentation method, and presentation program

Abstract

A presentation device (210) includes: brain wave acquisition units (11-1, 11-2, 11-3) that acquire brain wave data of a plurality of users, respectively; a synchronization rate calculation unit (12) that calculates a synchronization rate of a phase on the basis of the brain wave data of each of the users; an action determination unit (213) that determines an action encouraging synchronization with respect to each of the users on the basis of the synchronization rate calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit (12); and an output control unit (214) that causes output units (14-1, 14-2, 14-3) to output information indicating an action determined by the action determination unit (213).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a presentation device, a presentation method, and a presentation program.

Background Art

[0002] For the purpose of synchronizing the mental states of multiple users, a technique has been proposed in which the brain waves of users are measured, and stimuli are presented to each user to synchronize the brain waves so that the intensity of a specific frequency component is maximized simultaneously for each user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is known that the synchronization rate of the phase of brain waves improves due to the actions of users. However, the conventional technology has not been able to promote the improvement of the synchronization of brain wave data by actions.

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides a presentation device, a presentation method, and a presentation program capable of presenting specific actions to each user that promote the synchronization of the phase of brain waves according to the current synchronization state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a presentation device according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires brain wave data of a plurality of users, a calculation unit that calculates a synchronization degree based on the brain wave data of each user, a determination unit that determines an action that promotes synchronization for each user based on the synchronization degree calculated by the calculation unit, and an output control unit that causes an output unit to output information indicating the action determined by the determination unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, specific actions that promote the synchronization of brainwave phases can be presented to each user according to their current synchronization state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates an example of presenting the phase synchronization rate of electroencephalogram (EEG) data. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the presentation method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the presentation device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates an example of behavioral information output. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the presentation method according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps for the action decision process shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a computer in which a display device is realized when a program is executed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the presentation device, presentation method, and presentation program according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] In Embodiment 1, the electroencephalogram (EEG) data of multiple users is divided into acquisition sites and predetermined frequency components, and the synchronization rate of the phases for each of the multiple sites and predetermined frequency components is calculated and presented to the user. This allows the user to concretely recognize the degree of synchronization of the phases of their EEGs. Furthermore, since the calculated synchronization rate is related to coordination between users, by presenting the synchronization state, each user can intentionally control the state of their brain.

[0011] [Presentation device] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a presentation device according to Embodiment 1. The presentation device 10 is realized by loading a predetermined program into a computer, for example, which includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc., and having the CPU execute the predetermined program. The presentation device 10 also has a communication interface for sending and receiving various information with other devices connected via a network or the like.

[0012] The presentation device 10 includes electroencephalogram acquisition units 11-1, 11-2 (acquisition units), a synchronization rate calculation unit 12 (calculation unit), an output control unit 13 (presentation unit), and output units 14-1, 14-2.

[0013] The electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition units 11-1 and 11-2 acquire EEG data from users 1 and 2, who are the subjects of the synchronization rate calculation, and transmit the acquired EEG data to the synchronization rate calculation unit 12. For example, the EEG data is time-series data of brain waves.

[0014] The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 separates the electroencephalogram (EEG) data of each user 1 and 2 into acquisition sites and frequency components, and calculates the degree of synchronization of the phases for multiple sites and predetermined frequency components in the EEG data of each user 1 and 2. The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 transmits the calculated degree of synchronization to the output control unit 13.

[0015] The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 calculates, as the synchronization degree, the coincidence rate (synchronization rate) of the phases for each of a plurality of predetermined frequency components in the EEG data of Users 1 and 2. Note that the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 may calculate a level value that gradually indicates the degree of phase coincidence for each of a plurality of predetermined frequency components in the EEG data of Users 1 and 2, not limited to the synchronization rate.

[0016] The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 separates the EEG data transmitted from the EEG acquisition units 11-1 and 11-2, for example, into α waves, β waves, γ waves, and θ waves. Then, the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 calculates the instantaneous phase for each frequency and the acquisition site (left, right) of the EEG data by Hilbert transform.

[0017] Subsequently, the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 performs phase synchronization analysis on the instantaneous phases between Users 1 and 2 for each of the α waves, β waves, γ waves, and θ waves separated by the acquisition site, calculates the Phase Locking Value, and calculates the synchronization rate between Users 1 and 2.

[0018] Although the case where the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 separates into α waves, β waves, γ waves, and θ waves has been described as an example, it is not limited to separating into these frequency components. Also, the acquisition site of the EEG data may not be the left and right and the difference between the left and right, and may be positions such as the front, middle, rear, or the left sensorimotor area and the prefrontal cortex. Further, the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 may calculate the coincidence rate of the phases of Users 1 and 2 for each measurement channel of the EEG data, and use this coincidence rate as the synchronization rate. Also, as a method for calculating the instantaneous phase, the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 may use, for example, wavelet transform instead of Hilbert transform.

[0019] Also, the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 may calculate the synchronization rate by a method other than the Phase Locking Value. For example, when there are three or more users, the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 regards the synchronization rate as the smallness of the variation, calculates, as an index thereof, the variance of the instantaneous phase or the average of the Phase Locking Values between each pair of users, and outputs the calculated value as the synchronization rate.

[0020] The output control unit 13 presents the tuning levels to users 1 and 2 by outputting each tuning level calculated by the tuning level calculation unit 12 from output units 14-1 and 14-2, corresponding to the acquisition site and frequency components of the electroencephalogram data. The output control unit 13 may further present the average of all tuning levels calculated by the tuning level calculation unit 12, and / or a graph showing the trend of the average of all tuning levels. The output control unit 13 may further present the degree of deviation of the average of all tuning levels calculated by the tuning level calculation unit 12 from a predetermined target tuning level. The target tuning level is, for example, the maximum tuning level.

[0021] Output units 14-1 and 14-2 are, for example, displays that output images or terminal devices having displays. Output units 14-1 and 14-2 are speakers or terminal devices having speakers. Output units 14-1 and 14-2 may also be output devices that output information that is conveyed to the tactile senses of users 1 and 2 through force, vibration, movement, temperature, etc.

[0022] [Example presentation] Figure 2 illustrates an example of presenting the phase synchronization rate of electroencephalogram (EEG) data.

[0023] As shown in menu screen M1 in Figure 2, the output control unit 13 outputs the following from output units 14-1 and 14-2: the average of the total synchronization rates of users 1 and 2 calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 (see frame W1), a table T1 showing the synchronization rate for each acquisition site and frequency component of the electroencephalogram data, and a graph G1 showing the transition of the average of the total synchronization rates, which shows the transition of the synchronization state between users 1 and 2.

[0024] The average of the overall synchronization rates is, for example, the average of the overall synchronization rates of alpha waves, beta waves, gamma waves, and theta waves of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Table T1 shows the synchronization rates of alpha waves, beta waves, gamma waves, and theta waves of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The output control unit 13 may also change the color of the frame W2 of the transition graph G1 according to the degree of deviation of the average of the overall synchronization rates from a predetermined target synchronization rate (for example, the maximum synchronization rate (100%)). For example, the output control unit 13 displays the frame W2 of the transition graph G1 in blue as the average of the overall synchronization rates calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 approaches 100%, and changes to red as it deviates from 100%.

[0025] The output control unit 13 may present one or more of the following: the average of all tuning rates (frame W1), table T1, and trend graph G1. Furthermore, the display format of each data is not limited to that shown in Figure 3. The output control unit 13 may also present only the highest tuning rate, rather than the average of all tuning rates or the tuning rates of alpha, beta, gamma, and theta waves of the left and right hemispheres. In addition to presenting the trend graph G1 of the average of all tuning rates, the output control unit 13 may also present only changes such as improvements or decreases in the tuning rate. Furthermore, the output control unit 13 may present the deviation from the ideal maximum tuning rate (e.g., 100%), as well as the degree of deviation from an arbitrarily set predetermined target tuning rate.

[0026] Furthermore, while Figure 1 illustrates an example where output units 14-1 and 14-2 are provided for each user 1 and 2, it is also possible to configure the system so that all users 1 and 2 can view the presented information using a single output device.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, if there are three or more users, the output control unit 13 may present the tuning rate for each user pair. Alternatively, the output control unit 13 may present the tuning rate of the pair with the highest tuning rate, and / or the tuning rate of the pair with the lowest tuning rate.

[0028] Furthermore, the output control unit 13 may provide auditory or tactile feedback in addition to visual feedback via a display or the like. For example, the output control unit 13 may indicate the tuning state by increasing the volume as the tuning state increases. Alternatively, the output control unit 13 may indicate the tuning state by increasing the temperature as the tuning state increases.

[0029] [Presentation process] Next, the processing procedure of the presentation method executed by the presentation device 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the presentation method according to Embodiment 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the presentation device 10, with its electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition units 11-1 and 11-2, acquires EEG data of users 1 and 2, who are the subjects of the synchronization rate calculation (step S11), and transmits the acquired EEG data to the synchronization rate calculation unit 12.

[0031] The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 divides the received brainwave data of users 1 and 2 into acquisition sites and frequency components, and calculates the degree of synchronization (e.g., synchronization rate) of the phases of multiple sites and predetermined frequency components in the brainwave data of each user (step S12).

[0032] The output control unit 13 outputs each synchronization degree (e.g., synchronization rate) calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 from the output units 14-1 and 14-2, corresponding to the location and frequency of the electroencephalogram data acquisition (step S13).

[0033] [Effects of Embodiment 1] The presentation device 10 according to Embodiment 1 acquires electroencephalogram (EEG) data from multiple users, separates each user's EEG data into acquisition sites and frequency components, and calculates the degree of phase synchronization for each of the multiple sites and predetermined frequency components in each user's EEG data. The presentation device 10 then associates each calculated degree of synchronization with the acquisition sites and frequency components of the EEG data and presents them to the user.

[0034] In this way, the presentation device 10 divides each user's electroencephalogram (EEG) data into acquisition sites and frequency components, calculates the degree of phase synchronization for multiple sites and predetermined frequency components in each user's EEG data, and can specifically present the degree of phase synchronization of the EEG to the user. This allows the user to specifically recognize the degree to which the phases of the EEG are synchronized.

[0035] Furthermore, the brain regions that become active vary depending on the activity the user is performing. The display device 10 calculates and displays the degree of phase synchronization of the electroencephalogram data for each brain region, rather than for the entire head, allowing the user to specifically recognize the brain regions that are currently active.

[0036] Furthermore, the frequencies of brainwave data that become active differ depending on the activity level. Specifically, alpha waves indicate a relaxed state, beta waves indicate a focused state, and theta waves indicate a light sleep state. It has also been found that theta wave synchronization during coordinated movements enhances the sense of agency in those movements (Reference 1). Therefore, the presentation device 10 calculates and presents the degree of phase synchronization of brainwave data for each predetermined frequency component, allowing the user to specifically recognize which state they are in when synchronized.

[0037] There is a technique called neurofeedback that allows users to intentionally control their brain state by providing real-time feedback on their own brain activity.

[0038] The presentation device 10 divides each user's electroencephalogram (EEG) data into acquisition sites and frequency components, calculates the degree of phase synchronization for multiple sites and frequency components in each user's EEG data, and presents it. This allows for increased synchronization between users using neurofeedback. In other words, the degree of synchronization calculated and presented by the presentation device 10 is related to cooperation between users, and by presenting the state of synchronization between users, each user can intentionally control the state of their brain.

[0039] [Embodiment 2] The degree of synchronization among users can be improved through user behavior. Therefore, in Embodiment 2, the degree of synchronization among multiple users is improved by presenting actions that promote synchronization according to the degree of synchronization calculated based on the brainwave data of multiple users.

[0040] [Presentation device] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a presentation device according to Embodiment 2. The presentation device 210 is realized, for example, by loading a predetermined program into a computer including ROM, RAM, CPU, etc., and having the CPU execute the predetermined program. The presentation device 210 also has a communication interface for sending and receiving various information with other devices connected via a network, etc.

[0041] The presentation device 210 includes electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition units 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 (acquisition units), a synchronization rate calculation unit 12 (calculation unit), an action decision unit 213, an output control unit 214 (presentation unit), and output units 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 that output action information to each of the users 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Note that the number of users is not limited to three, as long as there are multiple users.

[0042] The electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 acquire EEG data from users 1, 2, and 3, who are the targets of the behavioral guidance, and transmit it to the synchronization rate calculation unit 12.

[0043] The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 calculates the degree of phase synchronization of the electroencephalogram (EEG) data for each pair of users and transmits it to the action decision unit 213. The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 performs the same processing as in Embodiment 1, and for each pair of users, it divides the EEG data of users 1, 2, and 3 into acquisition sites and frequency components, and calculates the phase synchronization rate for multiple sites and predetermined frequency components in the EEG data of each user. The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 also calculates the phase synchronization rate of the EEG data at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second).

[0044] The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 may calculate a value that represents the overall degree of synchronization of all users, such as the average or median of the synchronization rates of all user pairs, rather than calculating a value for each user pair. Furthermore, if information indicating the user's degree of synchronization is input to the behavior decision unit 213, the presentation device 210 may be configured without the electroencephalogram acquisition units 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 and the synchronization rate calculation unit 12.

[0045] The action decision unit 213 determines actions to encourage the user to synchronize, based on the synchronization rate calculation unit 12.

[0046] For example, the action decision unit 213 determines an action to promote synchronization based on the synchronization rate calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12, according to a pre-set action decision algorithm.

[0047] Here, actions that encourage conformity are set according to the degree of conformity. For example, if the conformity rate is greater than 50%, a hug is set as an action to encourage conformity; if the conformity rate is greater than 30% but 50% or less, eye contact and a handshake are set; and if it is less than 30%, only eye contact is set.

[0048] The action decision unit 213 determines an action to promote synchronization according to the range to which the synchronization level calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 belongs. For example, the action decision unit 213 decides to give a hug to a pair of users with a synchronization rate of 60%. The action decision unit 213 decides to give eye contact and a handshake to a pair of users with a synchronization rate of 40%. The action decision unit 213 may also suggest actions to further enhance synchronization to a pair of users whose synchronization rate has reached a target synchronization rate.

[0049] Thus, if there is a pair of users whose synchronization level calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 is above a predetermined level, the action decision unit 213 determines the action to take toward this pair of users according to the range of their synchronization level. Pairs of users can improve their synchronization level by making eye contact, jointly looking at each other, or making physical contact.

[0050] Furthermore, if the synchronization rate calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 is below a predetermined level, the action decision unit 213 decides to take action to increase the overall synchronization rate for all users. For example, if the synchronization rate for any pair of users is less than 30%, the action decision unit 213 decides to take action to synchronize breathing with a signal for all users. In addition, the action decision unit 213 may decide to perform output processing such as periodic sound output, flashing lights, or playing music to create an environment that facilitates synchronized breathing.

[0051] Alternatively, the action decision unit 213 may arbitrarily determine a first user to be the target of the action decision, randomly determine a second user to be targeted by this first user, and then determine the first user's action toward the second user. Or, the action decision unit 213 may arbitrarily set a pair of users with the highest synchronization rate (the first pair) and a user not included in the first pair (the first user), determine the user in the first pair with the highest synchronization rate with the first user as the second user, and then determine only the first user's action toward this second user. The action decision unit 213 supports the first user's actions so that the first user can synchronize with the second user.

[0052] Furthermore, the action decision unit 213 may arbitrarily determine a pair of first and second users, and decide on actions to support the actions of the first and second users by having the users in this pair take actions that encourage each other to synchronize.

[0053] The action decision unit 213 may not be limited to an action decision algorithm that extracts user pairs and determines actions, but may also employ an algorithm that determines and presents actions for all users, calculates a degree of synchronization for each user pair, and then determines actions for each pair.

[0054] Alternatively, the action decision unit 213 may determine the action to present to each user pair using a model that has been pre-learned to show the relationship between the degree of synchronization and the action that increases the degree of synchronization.

[0055] The output control unit 214 presents users 1, 2, and 3 with behavioral information indicating the behavior determined by the behavioral decision unit 213, outputting it from output units 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3, thereby prompting them to adopt behavioral behaviors. The output control unit 214 determines the method for outputting the behavioral information to be presented to each user, and uses the determined output method to output the behavioral information from output units 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates an example of behavioral information output. As illustrated in Figure 5, the output control unit 214 displays a menu M21 on a display that is recognizable by the user of the behavioral information target, along with the average synchronization rate (see frame W21), indicating the behavior "Make eye contact with Person A and shake their hand" (see frame W22).

[0057] In Figure 4, an example is shown in which output units 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3 are provided for each user 1, 2, and 3. However, it is also possible for all users 1, 2, and 3 to view the presented information using, for example, a single output device. Output units 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3 may also output auditory information in addition to visual information to support the execution of behaviors that encourage synchronization.

[0058] [Presentation process] Next, the processing procedure of the presentation method executed by the presentation device 210 of the embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the presentation method according to Embodiment 2.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the presentation device 210, with its electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3, acquires EEG data of users 1, 2, and 3, who are the subjects of the synchronization rate calculation (step S211), and transmits the acquired EEG data to the synchronization rate calculation unit 12.

[0060] The synchronization rate calculation unit 12 divides the electroencephalogram (EEG) data of users 1, 2, and 3 into acquisition sites and frequency components for each user pair, and calculates the synchronization rate of the phases for each of the multiple sites and frequency components in the EEG data of each user (step S212).

[0061] The action decision unit 213 performs an action decision process to determine an action to promote synchronization based on the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 (step S213). The output control unit 214 outputs action information indicating the action determined in step S213 from output units 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3 (step S214).

[0062] [Action decision processing] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps for the action decision process shown in Figure 6. Figure 7 illustrates an action decision algorithm as an example, which extracts pairs of users (synchronization pairs) whose average synchronization rate in the minute immediately preceding the current time is 50% or higher, and then determines that users in other pairs should engage in one-on-one interactions with the users included in the synchronization pairs.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the action decision unit 213 calculates the average synchronization rate for all pairs by aggregating the synchronization rates for each second of the minute immediately preceding the current time, based on the synchronization rate calculated by the synchronization rate calculation unit 12 (step S221).

[0064] The action decision unit 213 determines, based on the calculation results of step S221, whether or not there are any synchronized pairs with an average synchronized rate of 50% or more (step S222).

[0065] If there are no synchronized pairs (Step S222: No), the action decision unit 213 decides to have all users take the action of breathing in accordance with the signal in order to increase the overall synchronization rate (Step S223).

[0066] If a synchronized pair exists (step S222: Yes), the action decision unit 213 initializes the user number u to 1 (step S224) and determines whether user u is included in the synchronized pair (step S225).

[0067] If user u is included in the synchronization pair (step S225: Yes), the action decision unit 213 determines that there is no action output for user u because this user u is sufficiently synchronized with the other user in the synchronization pair (step S227).

[0068] If user u is not included in the synchronization pair (step S225: No), the action decision unit 213 decides that user u's action will be to make eye contact and shake hands with the user who has the highest synchronization rate with user u among the users included in the synchronization pair (step S226).

[0069] After processing in step S226 or step S227, the action decision unit 213 sets u = u + 1 (step S228). The action decision unit 213 sets the numerical value of u and the maximum value of u. max Compare the two, and u≦u max Determine whether or not this is the case (step S229).

[0070] u≦u max If this is the case (step S229: Yes), the action decision unit 213 returns to step S225. u≦u max Otherwise (step S229: No), the action decision unit 213 terminates the action decision process.

[0071] [Effects of Embodiment 2] The presentation device 210 according to Embodiment 2 acquires brainwave data from multiple users and calculates the degree of phase synchronization based on the brainwave data of each user. Then, based on the calculated degree of synchronization, the presentation device 210 determines an action to encourage synchronization in the user and outputs information indicating the determined action.

[0072] In this way, the presentation device 210 can improve the synchronization of the phase of electroencephalogram (EEG) data by presenting each user with specific actions that promote the synchronization of the phase of the EEG data according to the current synchronization state.

[0073] Furthermore, the presentation device 210 presents actions to improve the synchronization state for each user, according to the synchronization state of the phases of the electroencephalogram data among the users, thereby enabling each user to perform an action that is appropriate for them. In addition, if the degree of synchronization of the phases of the electroencephalogram data is below a predetermined level, the presentation device 210 can improve the overall synchronization state by deciding on an action for all users to breathe in accordance with a signal.

[0074] Furthermore, the presentation device 210 targets electroencephalogram (EEG) synchronization among multiple users. If there is a pair (for example, the aforementioned synchronization pair) whose EEG data phase synchronization is higher than a predetermined degree, it presents the other users with actions that enhance their synchronization with the synchronization pair, thereby increasing the overall synchronization rate.

[0075] [Regarding the system configuration of the embodiment] Each component of the display device 10,210 shown above is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of the functions of the display device 10,210 are not limited to those shown, and all or part of it can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating it in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0076] Furthermore, each process performed in the presentation devices 10,210 may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program that is analyzed and executed by the CPU. Alternatively, each process performed in the presentation devices 10,210 may be implemented as hardware using wired logic.

[0077] Furthermore, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually. Alternatively, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters described above and illustrated may be changed as appropriate unless otherwise specified.

[0078] [program] Figure 8 shows an example of a computer in which the presentation devices 10,210 are realized when a program is executed. Computer 1000 has, for example, memory 1010 and CPU 1020. Computer 1000 also has a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These components are connected by a bus 1080.

[0079] Memory 1010 includes ROM 1011 and RAM 1012. ROM 1011 stores, for example, a boot program such as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to the hard disk drive 1090. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to the disk drive 1100. For example, a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1100. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to, for example, the mouse 1110 and the keyboard 1120. The video adapter 1060 is connected to, for example, the display 1130.

[0080] The hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, an OS (Operating System) 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. That is, the program that defines each process of the presentation device 10 is implemented as a program module 1093 in which code executable by the computer 1000 is written. The program module 1093 is stored, for example, in the hard disk drive 1090. For example, a program module 1093 for performing processes similar to the functional configuration of the presentation device 10 is stored in the hard disk drive 1090. Note that the hard disk drive 1090 may be replaced by an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0081] Furthermore, the configuration data used in the processing of the above-described embodiment is stored as program data 1094 in, for example, memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090. The CPU 1020 then reads the program module 1093 and program data 1094 stored in memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090 into RAM 1012 as needed and executes them.

[0082] Furthermore, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 are not limited to being stored in the hard disk drive 1090; for example, they may be stored in a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via a disk drive 1100 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 may be stored in another computer connected via a network (LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.). The program module 1093 and program data 1094 may then be read by the CPU 1020 from the other computer via a network interface 1070.

[0083] Although embodiments applying the invention made by the present inventors have been described above, the present invention is not limited by the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of the disclosure of the present invention in this embodiment. That is, all other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 10,210 Presentation device 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 EEG acquisition unit 12 Synchronization rate calculation section 13,214 Output Control Unit 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 Output section 213 Decision-Making Department

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires brainwave data from multiple users, A calculation unit that calculates the degree of phase synchronization for each pair of users based on the electroencephalogram data of each user, Based on the degree of synchronization calculated by the calculation unit, a decision unit determines actions to encourage synchronization for each user. An output control unit that causes an output unit to output information indicating the action determined by the decision unit, It has, The presentation device is characterized in that the decision unit determines, for each pair of users, an action that promotes synchronization using a model that has been pre-learned to show the relationship between the degree of synchronization and the action that enhances the degree of synchronization.

2. The presentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation unit divides each user's electroencephalogram data into acquisition sites and predetermined frequency components, and calculates the degree of phase synchronization for each of the multiple sites and predetermined frequency components.

3. The presentation device according to claim 2, characterized in that the calculation unit divides the brainwave acquisition site for each user into the left brain and the right brain and calculates the degree of synchronization of alpha waves, beta waves, gamma waves, and theta waves.

4. The aforementioned actions to promote synchronization are set for each range of synchronization levels, The presentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines, for each user, an action to promote synchronization according to the range to which the synchronization degree calculated by the calculation unit belongs.

5. The presentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines, if the degree of synchronization calculated by the calculation unit is less than a predetermined degree, to perform an action of breathing in accordance with the signal for all users.

6. A presentation method performed by a presentation device, The process of acquiring brainwave data from multiple users, A process of calculating the degree of phase synchronization for each pair of users based on the electroencephalogram data of each user, Based on the degree of synchronization calculated in the aforementioned calculation process, a step is made to determine actions to encourage synchronization for each user. A step of outputting information from an output unit indicating the action determined by the aforementioned determination step, Includes, The aforementioned determination step is a presentation method characterized by determining an action to promote synchronization for each pair of users, using a model that has been pre-learned to determine the relationship between the degree of synchronization and the action that enhances the degree of synchronization.

7. A presentation program for causing a computer to function as a presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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