Stress assessment device, stress assessment method, and program

Abstract

To provide a stress determination device and the like capable of determining a state of stress of a subject without allowing the subject to be aware of measurement.SOLUTION: A stress determination device includes: a display control section for displaying a predetermined web site; a first reception section for receiving a selection operation to select an object which a subject desires to acquire on a web site; a second reception section for receiving a decision operation to decide acquisition of the object selected by the selection operation on the web site; a detection section for detecting an emotion of the subject when the decision operation is received; and a determination section for determining a state of stress of the subject based on the detected emotion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The annual number of suicides in Japan is approximately 20,000. Since the main cause of suicide is said to be mental stress, there is a need for a technique to measure the degree of mental stress a person is under.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a device that evaluates the mental stress of a subject based on the pulse wave acquired by a measurement device worn on the finger of the subject.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since people who commit suicide tend to keep their mental stress to themselves, it is not possible to expect such people to actively undergo measurement. Therefore, there is a need to determine the stress state of a subject without making the subject aware of the measurement as much as possible.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a stress determination device, a stress determination method, and a program that enable determination of the stress state of a subject without making the subject aware of the measurement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A stress determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a display control unit that displays a predetermined website; a first reception unit that receives a selection operation on the website for a subject to select an object they wish to acquire; a second reception unit that receives a confirmation operation on the website for confirming the acquisition of the object selected by the selection operation; a detection unit that detects the subject's emotions when the confirmation operation is received; and a determination unit that determines the subject's stress state based on the detected emotions.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the determination unit determines the degree of stress, and the display control unit displays information on how to cope with stress based on the degree of stress.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the display control unit displays a product purchase site as a website.

[0010] A stress determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a stress determination method performed by a stress determination device, characterized in that it includes: displaying a predetermined website; receiving a selection operation on the website for a subject to select an object they wish to acquire; receiving a confirmation operation on the website for confirming the acquisition of the object selected by the selection operation; detecting the subject's emotions at the time the confirmation operation is received; and determining the subject's stress state based on the detected emotions.

[0011] The program according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to perform the following actions: display a predetermined website; accept a selection operation on the website for a subject to select an object they wish to acquire; accept a confirmation operation on the website for confirming the acquisition of the object selected by the selection operation; detect the subject's emotions at the time the confirmation operation is accepted; and determine the subject's stress level based on the detected emotions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The stress determination device, stress determination method, and program according to the present invention enable the determination of the stress state of a subject without making the subject aware of the measurement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the stress determination system 1. [Figure 2] It is a schematic plan view of the communication terminal 2. [Figure 3] It is a functional block diagram of the communication terminal 2. [Figure 4] It is a functional block diagram of the web server 3. [Figure 5] It is a functional block diagram of the healthcare server 4. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the product page screen G1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the purchase page screen G2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the health information screen G3. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the medical institution information screen G4. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of images displayed on the display device 251. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the stress determination process. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the startup process. [Figure 13] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the selection process. [Figure 14] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the confirmation process. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the method of obtaining the time change of the pulse rate. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the method of detecting emotion. [Figure 17] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the content providing process.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stress determination system 1. The stress determination system 1 determines the stress of a subject based on the change in emotion when the subject purchases a product on a product purchase site. The stress determination system 1 includes a communication terminal 2, a web server 3, and a healthcare server 4. The communication terminal 2, the web server 3, and the healthcare server 4 are communicably connected to each other via a network N. Note that the communication terminal 2 is an example of a stress determination device.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the communication terminal 2, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the communication terminal 2. The communication terminal 2 detects the emotion of a subject based on an image of the subject who purchases a product on a product purchase site. The communication terminal 2 includes a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, an imaging unit 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, and a processing unit 26.

[0017] The storage unit 21 is a configuration for storing programs and data, and includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 21 stores, as programs, an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, etc. used for processing by the processing unit 26. The programs are installed in the storage unit 21 from a computer-readable and non-temporary portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory).

[0018] The communication unit 22 is configured to enable the communication terminal 2 to communicate with other devices and includes a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit provided by the communication unit 22 is a communication interface circuit such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network), wireless LAN, or mobile communication system. The communication unit 22 receives data from other devices and supplies it to the processing unit 26, and also transmits data supplied from the processing unit 26 to other devices.

[0019] The imaging unit 23 is configured to image subjects purchasing products on a product purchase website and includes a camera. The camera includes an imaging optical system for forming an image on a light-receiving surface, photoelectric conversion elements such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor arranged in two dimensions on the light-receiving surface and outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of incident light, and an image generation circuit that generates an image based on the output of the photoelectric conversion elements. The imaging unit 23 generates an image based on a control signal supplied from the processing unit 26 and supplies the generated image to the processing unit 26.

[0020] The display unit 24 is configured for displaying images and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 24 displays images based on display data supplied from the processing unit 26.

[0021] The operation unit 25 is configured to receive input from the subject. The operation unit 25 has a plurality of display devices 251 and a plurality of buttons 252, each arranged to cover the display devices 251. The display devices 251 are, for example, liquid crystal displays, and display images based on display data supplied from the processing unit 26. The buttons 252 are made of a translucent resin so that the images displayed on the display devices 251 can be seen from the outside. When a button 252 is pressed, the operation unit 25 generates an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button 252 and supplies it to the processing unit 26.

[0022] The control unit 25 may be integrated with the communication terminal 2, or it may be an external device connected to the communication terminal 2 via a communication interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), infrared communication, or short-range wireless communication. If the control unit 25 is an external device, the communication terminal 2 may be a general-purpose information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), mobile phone, smartphone, or portable game console.

[0023] The processing unit 26 is a device that comprehensively controls the operation of the communication terminal 2 and comprises one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 26 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 26 may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. The processing unit 26 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that the various processes of the communication terminal 2 are executed in the appropriate procedure based on the program stored in the storage unit 21 and the operation signals from the operation unit 25.

[0024] The processing unit 26 comprises a display control unit 261, an image acquisition unit 262, a first reception unit 263, a second reception unit 264, a detection unit 265, and a determination unit 266 as its functional blocks. Each of these units is a functional module realized based on a program executed by the processing unit 26. Each of these units may be implemented in the communication terminal 2 as firmware.

[0025] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of web server 3. Web server 3 is a server that provides a product purchase site. Web server 3 has a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0026] The storage unit 31 is configured for storing programs and data, and includes, for example, semiconductor memory. The storage unit 31 stores programs such as operating system programs, driver programs, and application programs used for processing by the processing unit 33. Programs are installed into the storage unit 31 from computer-readable, non-temporary portable storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs.

[0027] The communication unit 32 is configured to enable the web server 3 to communicate with other devices and includes a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit provided by the communication unit 32 is a communication interface circuit such as a wired LAN, wireless LAN, or mobile communication system. The communication unit 32 receives data from other devices and supplies it to the processing unit 33, and also transmits data supplied from the processing unit 33 to other devices.

[0028] The processing unit 33 is a device that comprehensively controls the operation of the web server 3 and comprises one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. For example, the processing unit 33 includes a CPU. The processing unit 33 may also include a GPU, DSP, LSI, ASIC, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 33 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that the various processes of the web server 3 are executed in the appropriate procedure based on the program stored in the memory unit 31.

[0029] The processing unit 33 comprises a generation unit 331, a registration unit 332, and a settlement unit 333 as its functional blocks. Each of these units is a functional module implemented based on a program executed by the processing unit 33. Each of these units may be implemented as firmware on the web server 3.

[0030] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the healthcare server 4. The healthcare server 4 is a server that provides information on stress management. The healthcare server 4 has a storage unit 41, a communication unit 42, and a processing unit 43.

[0031] The storage unit 41 is configured for storing programs and data, and includes, for example, semiconductor memory. The storage unit 41 stores programs such as operating system programs, driver programs, and application programs used for processing by the processing unit 43. Programs are installed into the storage unit 41 from computer-readable, non-temporary portable storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs.

[0032] The communication unit 42 is configured to enable the healthcare server 4 to communicate with other devices and includes a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit provided by the communication unit 42 is a communication interface circuit such as a wired LAN, wireless LAN, or mobile communication system. The communication unit 42 receives data from other devices and supplies it to the processing unit 43, and also transmits data supplied from the processing unit 43 to other devices.

[0033] The processing unit 43 is a device that comprehensively controls the operation of the healthcare server 4 and comprises one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. For example, the processing unit 43 includes a CPU. The processing unit 43 may also include a GPU, DSP, LSI, ASIC, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 43 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that the various processes of the healthcare server 4 are executed in appropriate procedures based on the programs stored in the memory unit 41.

[0034] The processing unit 43 comprises a memory processing unit 431 and a selection unit 432 as its functional blocks. Each of these units is a functional module realized based on a program executed by the processing unit 43. Each of these units may be implemented in the healthcare server 4 as firmware.

[0035] Figure 6 shows an example of a product page screen G1 displayed on the display unit 24. The product page screen G1 is a screen for the subject to select a product they wish to purchase. The product page screen G1 is displayed when the communication terminal 2 starts the stress assessment application program and accesses the product page on the product purchase site. The product page screen G1 includes a username UN, multiple product information P1, and multiple selection buttons B1.

[0036] The username UN is the name of the user who has been registered on the product purchase site in advance. Product information P1 is information about the product. In the example shown in Figure 6, product information P1 includes the product image, product name, and product price. The selection button B1 is an object used by the subject to select the product they wish to purchase. Multiple selection buttons B1 are displayed in association with multiple product information P1s. When a selection button B1 is selected, the product indicated by the associated product information P1 is registered as the product the subject wishes to purchase.

[0037] Figure 7 shows an example of the purchase page screen G2 displayed on the display unit 24. The purchase page screen G2 is the screen for confirming the purchase of the product selected by the subject. The purchase page screen G2 is displayed when one of the product selection buttons B1 is selected on the product page screen G1 and the communication terminal 2 accesses the purchase page of the product purchase site. The purchase page screen G2 includes purchase information P2 and a confirmation button B2.

[0038] Purchase Information P2 contains information about the product that the subject has registered as wishing to purchase. In the example shown in Figure 7, Purchase Information P2 includes information about the registered product and the total price of the registered product. Confirm Button B2 is an object used to confirm the purchase of the registered product. When Confirm Button B2 is selected, payment is made based on the payment information previously set by the subject, and the purchase of the product is completed.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example of the health information screen G3 displayed on the display unit 24. The health information screen G3 is a screen that presents information to improve the health of the subject as content related to the subject's stress. In the example shown in Figure 8, a video showing how to measure blood pressure is displayed as information to improve the subject's health. The health information screen G3 is displayed when the communication terminal 2 starts the healthcare application program.

[0040] Figure 9 shows an example of the medical institution information screen G4 displayed on the display unit 24. The medical institution information screen G4 is a screen that presents information on medical institutions that the subject should visit as content related to the subject's stress. The medical institution information screen G4 is displayed when the communication terminal 2 starts the healthcare application program.

[0041] Figures 10(A) and (B) show examples of images displayed on the display devices 251 of the operation unit 25. Multiple display devices 251 display different images, and multiple buttons 252 are associated with the functions indicated by the images on the display devices 251.

[0042] Figure 10(A) shows an example of an image displayed on the display device 251 while the product page screen G1 or the purchase page screen G2 is displayed on the display unit 24. For example, while the product page screen G1 is displayed, the subject can display the purchase page screen G2 by selecting the shopping cart button 252 on the upper left of Figure 10(A).

[0043] Figure 10(B) shows an example of an image displayed on the display device 251 while the health information screen G3 is displayed on the display unit 24. For example, the subject can change the playback speed of the video by selecting the button 252 in the lower part of Figure 10(B).

[0044] In this way, the display device 251 of the operation unit 25 displays different images depending on the screen displayed on the display unit 24. Furthermore, when a button 252 of the operation unit 25 is pressed, a function related to the image displayed on the display device 251 corresponding to the pressed button is executed. This makes it possible for the subject to operate the communication terminal 2 intuitively.

[0045] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the stress assessment process performed by the stress assessment system 1. The stress assessment process is performed in response to the communication terminal 2 launching the stress assessment application program. The stress assessment process is realized by the processing units of the communication terminal 2 and the web server 3 cooperating with other components based on a pre-stored program.

[0046] First, the communication terminal 2 executes startup processing (step S101). The startup processing that displays the product page of the product purchase site is the process for displaying the product page of the product purchase site. Details of the startup processing will be described later.

[0047] Next, the first reception unit 263 of the communication terminal 2 receives a selection operation for the subject to select the product they wish to purchase (step S102). The selection operation is the operation of selecting the selection button B1 on the product page screen G1.

[0048] When a selection operation is accepted, the communication terminal 2 executes the selection process (step S103). The selection process is the process for displaying the purchase page of the product purchase site. Details of the selection process will be described later.

[0049] Next, the second reception unit 264 of the communication terminal 2 receives a confirmation operation to confirm the purchase of the product selected by the selection operation (step S104). The confirmation operation is the operation of selecting the confirmation button B2 on the purchase page screen G2.

[0050] Once the confirmation operation is accepted, the communication terminal 2 executes the confirmation process (step S105). The confirmation process displays the payment completion page screen on the display unit 24 and also detects the subject's emotions. Details of the confirmation process will be described later. This concludes the stress assessment process.

[0051] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the startup process flow. The startup process is executed in step S101 of the stress determination process.

[0052] First, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 requests display data for the product page of the product purchase site from the web server 3 via the communication unit 22 (step S201). The request includes subject identification information that identifies the subject, who is the user of the communication terminal 2, and a product page identifier. The product page identifier is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0053] Next, the generation unit 331 of the web server 3 generates the display data for the product page screen G1 (step S202). The product page screen G1 includes the subject's username UN, which is identified by the subject identification information.

[0054] Next, the generation unit 331 of the web server 3 transmits the display data of the product page screen G1 to the communication terminal 2 via the communication unit 32 (step S203).

[0055] Next, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 displays the product page of the product purchase site (step S204). The display control unit 261 acquires display data for the product page screen G1 via the communication unit 22. Based on the display data, the display control unit 261 displays the product page screen G1 on the display unit 24.

[0056] Next, the image acquisition unit 262 of the communication terminal 2 controls the imaging unit 23 to start imaging the subject (step S205). Thereafter, the image acquisition unit 262 sequentially stores the subject's images as moving images in the storage unit 21. This completes the startup process.

[0057] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the selection process flow. The selection process is performed in step S103 of the stress determination process.

[0058] First, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 requests display data for the purchase page of the product purchase site from the web server 3 via the communication unit 22 (step S301). The request includes product identification information that identifies the product selected by the selection operation, and an identifier for the purchase page.

[0059] Next, the registration unit 332 of the web server 3 registers the product selected by the selection operation as the product that the subject wishes to purchase (step S302).

[0060] Next, the generation unit 331 generates the display data for the purchase page screen G2 (step S303). The purchase page screen G2 contains the purchase information of the registered products.

[0061] Next, the generation unit 331 transmits the display data of the purchase page screen G2 to the communication terminal 2 via the communication unit 32 (step S304).

[0062] Next, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 displays the purchase page of the product purchase site (step S305). The display control unit 261 obtains display data for the purchase page screen G2 via the communication unit 22. Based on the display data, the display control unit 261 displays the purchase page screen G2 on the display unit 24. This completes the selection process.

[0063] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the confirmation process. The confirmation process is performed in step S105 of the stress determination process.

[0064] First, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 requests payment processing from the web server 3 via the communication unit 22 (step S401).

[0065] Next, the settlement unit 333 of the web server 3 executes the settlement process for the confirmed purchase (step S402). The settlement unit 333 sends the total price of the confirmed purchase and the subject's payment information to a settlement server (not shown). The settlement unit 333 receives information from the settlement server indicating that the settlement has been successfully completed.

[0066] Next, the generation unit 331 generates display data for the payment completion page of the product purchase site (step S403). The payment completion page includes information indicating that the payment has been successfully completed.

[0067] Next, the generation unit 331 transmits the data to be displayed on the payment completion page via the communication unit 32 (step S404).

[0068] Next, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 displays the payment completion page of the product purchase site (step S405). The display control unit 261 obtains the display data of the payment completion page via the communication unit 22. Based on the display data, the display control unit 261 displays the payment completion page on the display unit 24.

[0069] Next, the detection unit 265 detects the subject's emotions at the time the confirmation operation is received (step S406). The detection unit 265 obtains the time when the second reception unit 264 received the confirmation operation in step S104. The detection unit 265 obtains video images of the subject from the storage unit 21 during an emotion detection period of a predetermined length (e.g., 300 seconds) that includes the obtained time. Based on the acquired images of the subject, the detection unit 265 obtains the time change of the participant's pulse rate. Based on the time change of the participant's pulse rate, the detection unit 265 detects the participant's emotions.

[0070] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for obtaining the time change of pulse rate. In the graph of Figure 15, the vertical axis represents the amplitude A of the pulse wave, and the horizontal axis represents time t. The detection unit 265 extracts multiple frame images from the user's video data. The detection unit 265 applies a contour detection algorithm or a feature point extraction algorithm to the multiple frame images to identify the region corresponding to the user's forehead in the frame images. The detection unit 265 extracts pixels included in the region corresponding to the forehead in each frame image and calculates the time change of the G (green) pixel value by obtaining the G (green) pixel value from the RGB pixel values ​​of the extracted pixels. Since capillaries are concentrated in the forehead, and the G pixel value reflects the user's blood flow, the pulse wave is detected based on the time change of the G pixel value. The detection unit 265 extracts the pulse wave signal PW shown in Figure 15 by applying a bandpass filter with a transmission bandwidth of 0.5Hz to 3Hz corresponding to a human pulse wave to the signal showing the time change of the G pixel value. The detection unit 265 may also extract regions in the frame image that correspond to exposed skin areas of other body parts other than the forehead.

[0071] The detection unit 265 calculates the user's pulse wave interval and pulse rate over time based on the extracted pulse wave signal PW. For example, the detection unit 265 identifies the peak point P(n) of the pulse wave signal PW. The detection unit 265 calculates and obtains the pulse wave interval d(n) as the interval between two adjacent peak points (P(n), P(n+1)). The detection unit 265 calculates and obtains the pulse rate over time by taking 60 times the reciprocal of the pulse wave interval as the pulse rate per minute.

[0072] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for detecting emotion. In the graph of Figure 16, the vertical axis represents pulse rate B, and the horizontal axis represents time t. The detection unit 265 extracts the pulse rate b2 at the point where the temporal change PR of pulse rate is at its maximum, and the pulse rate b1 at a predetermined time prior to the point of maximum value. The detection unit 265 determines that the pulse rate has changed if the pulse rate b2 is greater than the average pulse rate bav of a typical person, and the difference Δb between pulse rate b2 and pulse rate b1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The detection unit 265 counts the number of pulse rate changes during the counting period Q by performing the above process for each point where the pulse rate is at its maximum during the counting period Q of a predetermined length (e.g., 30 seconds). In the example shown in Figure 16, there is only one point where the pulse rate b2 is greater than the average pulse rate bav among the points where the temporal change of pulse rate is at its maximum. Furthermore, the difference Δb between the pulse rate b2 at the point of maximum value and the pulse rate b1 at a predetermined time prior is greater than the predetermined value. Therefore, it is determined that the number of pulse rate fluctuations during the counting period Q is 1.

[0073] The detection unit 265 detects the subject's emotions by comparing the number of pulse rate fluctuations during the counting period that includes the time the confirmation operation was received with a threshold value. For example, the detection unit 265 determines that the subject has emotions if the number of pulse rate fluctuations during the counting period that includes the time the confirmation operation was received is 10 or more, and determines that the subject does not have emotions if the number of fluctuations is less than 10.

[0074] Returning to Figure 14, the detection unit 265 stores the detected result of the subject's emotions in the storage unit 21. This completes the confirmation process.

[0075] Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the content delivery process. The content delivery process is the process of displaying content related to stress management on the communication terminal 2. The content delivery process is executed when the communication terminal 2 starts the healthcare application program. The content delivery process is realized by the processing units of the communication terminal 2 and the healthcare server 4 cooperating with other components based on a pre-stored program.

[0076] Next, the determination unit 266 of the communication terminal 2 determines the degree of stress of the subject (step S501). The determination unit 266 obtains a predetermined number (for example, 5) of past emotional detection results from the storage unit 21. The determination unit 266 determines the stress state of the subject based on the number of detection results that were determined to have an emotion out of the predetermined number of detection results. For example, if 5 of the 5 detection results obtained are determined to have an emotion, the determination unit 266 determines that the subject has no stress. If 4 or 3 detection results are determined to have an emotion, the determination unit 266 determines that the subject's stress is low. If 2 or 1 detection result is determined to have an emotion, the determination unit 266 determines that the subject's stress is moderate. If 0 detection results are determined to have an emotion, the determination unit 266 determines that the subject's stress is high.

[0077] Generally, when purchasing goods from a product purchase website, a specific emotional shift occurs. Specifically, when a person finds a desired product, their emotions increase due to joy, and this increase further when they confirm their purchase. After confirming the purchase, anxiety arises regarding whether the purchase was made correctly or whether the wrong product was purchased, and emotions decrease. This emotional shift is similar to the emotional shift known as the Investor Emotional Cycle and occurs in many people. On the other hand, it is known that when a person is stressed, a negative emotional bias is introduced, and such emotional shifts are reduced. Therefore, the degree of stress of a subject can be determined based on their emotions when they confirm their purchase.

[0078] Next, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 requests content related to stress management from the healthcare server 4 via the communication unit 22 (step S502). The request includes subject identification information and information indicating the subject's stress level.

[0079] Next, the selection unit 432 selects content to be displayed on the communication terminal 2 from among several contents related to stress coping that have been previously stored in the memory unit 41, based on the subject's stress level (step S503). For example, if the selection unit 432 determines that the subject has no stress, it selects information to improve the subject's health as content to be displayed on the communication terminal 2. In this case, if the selection unit 432 determines that the subject has high stress levels, it selects information about medical institutions that the subject should visit. If the selection unit 432 determines that the subject has low or moderate stress levels, it may select content that will be entertaining for the subject, or content that will encourage the subject to walk or mindfulness meditation, etc.

[0080] Next, the selection unit 432 transmits display data for displaying the selected content to the communication terminal 2 via the communication unit 42 (step S504).

[0081] Next, the display control unit 261 of the communication terminal 2 displays content related to stress management (step S505). The display control unit 261 acquires content display data via the communication unit 22. Based on the display data, the display control unit 261 displays the content on the display unit 24. This completes the content provision process.

[0082] As explained above, the communication terminal 2 determines the subject's stress level based on the subject's emotions at the time the confirmation operation to finalize the purchase of a product on the product purchase site is received. In this way, the communication terminal 2 makes it possible to determine the subject's stress level without the subject being aware of the measurement, by using the emotions experienced during the everyday action of purchasing a product.

[0083] Furthermore, communication terminal 2 displays information on stress coping based on the level of stress. This enables communication terminal 2 to alleviate the stress of subjects who are determined to have high levels of stress.

[0084] The following modifications may be applied to the stress assessment system 1.

[0085] The above description assumes that content related to stress coping is displayed based on the subject's stress level, but this is not the only example. The subject's stress level may be used for purposes other than displaying content. For example, the display control unit 261 may display the stress level on the display unit 24. Furthermore, the subject's stress level may be provided to medical institutions or other organizations.

[0086] In the above description, the operation unit 25 is assumed to be equipped with a display device 251 and a keypad with buttons 252, but it is not limited to this example. The operation unit 25 may be equipped with a general-purpose keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. In this case, the communication terminal 2 may be an information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), mobile phone, smartphone, or portable game console.

[0087] In the above explanation, web server 3 was assumed to be a website that provides a product purchase site, but this is not the only example. Web server 3 may also provide a website that allows subjects to acquire the subject (not limited to tangible objects, but also including stocks, rights, etc.), such as an investment trading site.

[0088] In the explanation above, stress is determined based on the emotions at the time the confirmation operation is accepted, but stress may also be determined based on the nature of the purchased product.

[0089] Stress may be determined based on the type of product purchased. When a subject purchases daily necessities, it is considered that there is less likely to be an emotional change than when the subject purchases luxury goods. Therefore, in step S406 of the confirmation process, the detection unit 265 may set a different threshold for the number of pulse rate fluctuations to detect the subject's emotions depending on the type of product. In this case, the detection unit 265 may set a lower threshold for the number of pulse rate fluctuations when the subject purchases daily necessities, and a higher threshold when the subject purchases luxury goods. Furthermore, the detection unit 265 does not need to detect the subject's emotions if the type of product purchased is a predetermined type. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the misjudgment that a small emotional change when purchasing a particular type of product is due to stress, and to determine the subject's stress more appropriately.

[0090] Stress may be determined based on the price of the purchased goods. When a subject purchases an inexpensive item, it is thought that there will be less change in emotion than when the subject purchases an expensive item. Therefore, in step S406 of the confirmation process, the detection unit 265 may set a threshold for the number of pulse rate fluctuations to detect the subject's emotion according to the price of the goods. Also, the detection unit 265 does not need to detect the subject's emotion if the price of the purchased goods is below a predetermined price. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the misjudgment that a small change in emotion when an inexpensive item is purchased is due to stress, and the subject's stress will be determined more appropriately.

[0091] In the above description, the detection unit 265 is assumed to calculate the time change in the subject's pulse rate based on the subject's image, but this is not the only example. The detection unit 265 may also acquire the time change in the subject's pulse rate from a sensor such as a pulse meter via a predetermined interface.

[0092] The functions of the communication terminal 2, web server 3, and healthcare server 4 described above may be implemented by multiple devices. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the communication terminal 2, web server 3, and healthcare server 4 may be implemented by other devices.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing the scope of the present invention. For example, the embodiments and modifications described above may be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 2. Communication terminals 261 Display Control Unit 262 Image acquisition unit 263 Reception Desk 1 264 Second Reception Department 265 Detection unit 266 Judgment section

Claims

1. A display control unit that displays a product purchase site, The aforementioned product purchase site includes a first reception unit that accepts selection operations for the subject to select the object they wish to acquire, The aforementioned product purchase site includes a second reception unit that accepts confirmation operations to confirm the acquisition of the object selected by the selection operation, A detection unit that detects the subject's emotions when the confirmation operation is received, A determination unit determines the stress level of the subject based on the detected emotions, A stress determination device characterized by having the following features.

2. The determination unit determines the degree of stress, The display control unit displays information related to stress management based on the degree of stress. The stress determination device according to claim 1.

3. A stress determination method performed by a stress determination device, wherein the stress determination device displays a product purchase site, The aforementioned product purchase site accepts selection operations for the subject to select the object they wish to acquire. On the aforementioned product purchase site, a confirmation operation is accepted to confirm the acquisition of the object selected by the selection operation. The subject's emotions at the time the confirmation operation is received are detected, Based on the emotions detected, the subject's stress level is determined. A stress assessment method characterized by including the following.

4. Display a product purchase site, The aforementioned product purchase site accepts selection operations for the subject to select the object they wish to acquire. On the aforementioned product purchase site, a confirmation operation is accepted to confirm the acquisition of the object selected by the selection operation. The subject's emotions at the time the confirmation operation is received are detected, Based on the emotions detected, the subject's stress level is determined. A program characterized by causing a computer to perform a certain action.

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