Respiratory induction method and respiratory induction device

Abstract

Provided is a respiration induction method by which a subject is relaxed by inducing respiration in the subject and relaxation of the subject in a short period of time is made possible.　The respiration induction method includes: a step for acquiring, from the subject, a first waveform, which is a temporally varying waveform of the heart rate per prescribed duration and continuously has a maximum value and minimum value; a step for acquiring, from the subject, a measured respiration waveform, which is a temporally varying waveform of the depth of respiration and continuously has a maximum value indicating the conversion point from inhalation to exhalation and a minimum value indicating the conversion point from exhalation to inhalation; a step for calculating, continuously for a plurality of locations, when the time at which the first wavelength is at the position serving as the maximum value is T1, T2,..., Ti,..., Tn, the time at which the measured respiration wavelength is at the position serving as the maximum value is t1, t2,..., ti,..., tn, and n is a natural number of 3 or higher, the time difference (Ti - ti) between the time Ti at which the first wavelength is at the position serving as the maximum value and the time ti at which the measured respiration wavelength is at the position serving as the maximum value; and a respiration induction step in which if the time difference (Ti - ti) is a positive value, the subject is encouraged to reduce the number of respirations per unit time, and if the time difference (Ti - ti) is a negative value, the subject is encouraged to increase the number of respirations per unit time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a respiratory induction method and a respiratory induction device for inducing a subject's respiration and putting the subject into a relaxed state. [Background technology]

[0002] The heart's rhythm (heart rate) is not constant but fluctuates irregularly, and this fluctuation is called heart rate variability. Heart rate variability is controlled by the interaction of the two nervous systems of the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is known to increase the heart rate, while the parasympathetic nervous system is known to decrease it. Therefore, when the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are in balance, heart rate variability increases, leading to a relaxed state. Maintaining a relaxed state is thought to lead to emotional stability, clearer thinking, improved cognitive function, and increased work efficiency. However, the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is easily disrupted, for example, by stress, and heart rate variability becomes irregular.

[0003] Non-patent document 1 describes a method of training to maintain relatively large heart rate variability while regulating breathing to a certain rhythm and observing the coordination between heart rate variability and breathing on a monitor. It also states that subjects feel relaxed when the phases of breathing and heart rate are synchronized. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Biofeedback Research, 2013, Vol. 40, No. 2 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Non-Patent Literature 1 describes how rhythmic respiratory stimulation can produce sustained heart rate variability, and that there is a resonant frequency for breathing that produces such sustained heart rate variability, which varies from person to person and is in the range of 4.5 breaths / minute to 7 breaths / minute. Non-Patent Literature 1 also discloses a method for determining an individual's resonant frequency by performing a 6-breath / minute breathing test for 2 minutes, measuring the heart rate variability and respiratory variability displayed on a computer screen once they stabilize, taking a break, and then repeating the measurement for 2 minutes each at breathing frequencies such as 6.5 breaths / minute and 5.5 breaths / minute. However, the method disclosed in Non-Patent Literature 1 takes time to determine one's own resonant frequency, and subjects sometimes felt stressed by it.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a method for relaxing a subject by inducing their breathing, and to provide a breathing induction method that can relax a subject in a short amount of time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a breathing induction device that can relax a subject in a short amount of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is as follows: [1] A step of obtaining from a subject a first waveform which is a temporal variation waveform of heart rate per predetermined time and has a continuous maximum and minimum value; a step of obtaining from a subject a measured respiratory waveform which is a temporal variation waveform of respiratory depth and has a continuous maximum value indicating the transition point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating the transition point from expiration to inspiration; and the time of the position where the first waveform is at its maximum value is T1, T2, ..., T i , , , T n The time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is t1, t2, ..., t i , , , t n When n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the time T is the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value. i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i Time difference (Ti -t i ) for a plurality of locations consecutively; and a respiration guidance step of prompting the subject to decrease a respiration rate per unit time if the time difference (T i -t i ) is a positive value, and prompting the subject to increase a respiration rate per unit time if the time difference (T i -t i ) is a negative value. A respiration guidance method comprising the steps. [2] In the respiration guidance step of prompting the subject to breathe, when the time difference (T i -t i ) is a positive value equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the subject is prompted to decrease the respiration rate per unit time, and when the time difference (T i -t i ) is a negative value equal to or less than the predetermined value, the subject is prompted to increase the respiration rate per unit time. The respiration guidance method according to [1]. [3] The respiration guidance method according to [1] or [2], wherein the predetermined value is 2 seconds. [4] When the time difference (T i -t i ) is a positive value less than a predetermined value, 0 seconds, or a negative value greater than the predetermined value, the subject is prompted to continue breathing at a current rhythm. The respiration guidance method according to [2] or [3]. [5] The respiration guidance method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the respiration guidance step of prompting the subject to breathe uses at least one of visual prompting, auditory prompting, and tactile prompting for the subject. [6] The respiration guidance method according to [5], wherein the respiration guidance step of prompting the subject to breathe is performed visually for the subject, wherein the depth of respiration is indicated by a first graphic on a screen, and the subject is prompted to breathe by contracting or expanding the first graphic. [7] The respiration guidance method according to [5], wherein the respiration guidance step of prompting the subject to breathe is performed aurally for the subject, and a sound prompting exhalation and a sound prompting inhalation are changed for the subject. [8] The respiratory induction method according to [7], wherein the change in the sound that prompts the subject to exhale and the change in the sound that prompts the subject to inhale are at least one of pitch, timbre, volume, or length. [9] The respiratory induction step of prompting the subject to breathe is performed on the subject through touch, and the stimulus given to the subject to prompt exhalation is varied from the stimulus given to the subject to prompt inhalation. [5]

[10] The respiratory induction method according to [9], wherein the stimulus given to the subject is an electrical signal, and the change in the stimulus given when prompting the subject to exhale and the change in the stimulus given when prompting the subject to inhale is at least one of the strength, interval, or length of the electrical signal.

[11] A first waveform acquisition unit that acquires from a subject a first waveform which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of heart rate per predetermined time and has a continuous maximum and minimum value; a measured respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires from a subject a measured respiratory waveform which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of respiratory depth and has a continuous maximum value indicating the transition point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating the transition point from expiration to inspiration; and the time of the position where the first waveform is at its maximum value is T1, T2, ..., T i , , , T n The time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is t1, t2, ..., t i , , , t n Let n be a natural number greater than or equal to 3, and the time T is the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value. i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i Time difference (T i -t i A calculation unit that calculates the time difference (T) for multiple locations in succession, and i -t i If the value is positive, the subject is encouraged to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T i -t i A respiratory induction device characterized by having a respiratory promotion unit that, when the value of ) is negative, prompts the subject to increase the respiratory rate per unit time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the respiratory induction method and respiratory induction device of the present invention, a temporal fluctuation waveform of heart rate per predetermined time (first waveform) and a temporal fluctuation waveform of respiratory depth (measured respiratory waveform) are obtained from the subject, and the time T of the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value is determined. i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i Time difference (T i -t i Based on this, the subject is encouraged to breathe. As a result, the time it takes to induce a relaxed state in the subject can be shortened, and the subject can relax in a short time without feeling stressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for measuring the time difference (time difference) between the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value and the positions of adjacent maximum values. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the difference between time Ti and time ti (Ti-ti). Figure 2(a) shows the case where the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is temporally earlier than the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value, and Figure 2(b) shows the case where the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is temporally later than the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a graph showing an example where the first waveform and the measured respiratory waveform were obtained from a subject and superimposed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The respiratory induction method according to the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring a first waveform from a subject, which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of heart rate per predetermined time and has a continuous maximum and minimum value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first waveform acquisition step); acquiring a measured respiratory waveform from a subject, which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of respiratory depth and has a continuous maximum value indicating the transition point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating the transition point from expiration to inspiration (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the measured respiratory waveform acquisition step); and the time at which the position of the first waveform is at its maximum value is defined as T1, T2, ..., T i , , , T n The time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is t1, t2, ..., t i , , , t n When n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the time T is the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value. i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i Time difference (T i -t i The steps include calculating the time difference (T) for multiple locations in succession (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the time difference calculation step), and the time difference (T) i -t i If the value is positive, the subject is encouraged to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T i -t i A distinctive feature is that, if the value of ) is negative, there is a respiratory induction step (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the respiratory induction step) that encourages the subject to increase their respiratory rate per unit time. This will be explained in detail below.

[0011] (First waveform acquisition step) In the first waveform acquisition step, a temporal variation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the heart rate variability waveform) is acquired from the subject. The heart rate variability waveform has a series of maximum and minimum values, where the maximum value indicates the point where the subject's heart rate per predetermined time changes from increasing to decreasing, and the minimum value indicates the point where the subject's heart rate per predetermined time changes from decreasing to increasing. The heart rate variability waveform can be calculated, for example, using the RRI (RR Interval) for each heartbeat, from 60 / RRI (seconds), or it may be calculated using other methods. In this invention, the heart rate variability waveform will be referred to as the first waveform.

[0012] The method for obtaining the first waveform from the subject is not particularly limited, and any known heart rate monitor can be used.

[0013] In the present invention, prior to acquiring a heart rate variability waveform from a subject, it is preferable to further include a step of continuously measuring the time difference (time difference) between adjacent positions among the positions where the first waveform has a maximum value for multiple locations, and prompting the subject to take deep breaths until the relative standard deviation of the time differences becomes 15% or less. By prompting the subject to take deep breaths and setting the relative standard deviation of the time differences to 15% or less, the subject's heart rate per predetermined time can be stabilized. It is more preferable, and even more preferable, that the relative standard deviation of the time differences be 10% or less.

[0014] The number of times the time difference is measured is not particularly limited; for example, it is preferably two or more times, more preferably three or more times, with an upper limit of preferably five times or less, and more preferably four times or less.

[0015] The procedure for measuring the time difference (time difference) between the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value and the position of the adjacent maximum value will be explained using a diagram. In Figure 1, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the heart rate per predetermined time. The solid line curve 1 shows the first waveform (heart rate waveform) obtained from the subject. The time at the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value is T i Let T be the time at the position of the local maximum adjacent to the local maximum. i+1In this case, the time T at the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value. i and time T i+1 The difference (T i+1 -T i ) is the time difference.

[0016] (Measurement of respiratory waveform acquisition step) In the respiratory waveform acquisition step, a temporal variation waveform of the depth of respiration (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the respiratory waveform) is acquired from the subject. The respiratory waveform has a series of maximum and minimum values, with the maximum value indicating the transition point from inhalation to exhalation, and the minimum value indicating the transition point from exhalation to inhalation.

[0017] (Time difference calculation step) In the time difference calculation step, the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value is determined as T1, T2, ..., T i , , , T n The time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is t1, t2, ..., t i , , , t n When n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the time T is the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value. i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i Time difference (T i -t i ) is calculated consecutively at multiple locations.

[0018] The number of times the time difference is measured is not particularly limited; for example, it is preferably two or more times, more preferably three or more times, with an upper limit of preferably five times or less, and more preferably four times or less.

[0019] Time T i and time t i The difference (T i -t i The procedure for measuring ) will be explained using diagrams. In Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents respiratory depth and heart rate per predetermined time. Curve 1, shown as a solid line, shows the first waveform (heart rate waveform) obtained from the subject, and the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value is Ti The time at adjacent positions that result in local maximums is T. i+1 Let's assume that curve 2, shown by the dotted line, shows the measured respiratory waveform obtained from the subject, and the time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is t. i , the time at adjacent positions that result in local maximums is t i+1 Let's assume that the time T is the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value. i And the time t at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i The difference is the time difference (T i -t i )

[0020] The position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value may be such that, as shown in Figure 2(a), the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is temporally earlier than the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value, or, as shown in Figure 2(b), the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is temporally later than the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value.

[0021] In this invention, instead of focusing on the time at which the first waveform reaches a minimum value, or the time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches a minimum value, we focus on the time at which the first waveform reaches a maximum value and the time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum value. By inducing respiration in the subject based on the time difference at which each waveform reaches its maximum value, it is possible to reliably match the phase of the subject's heart rate variability waveform with the temporal variation waveform of the subject's actual respiratory depth.

[0022] (Respiratory induction steps) In the respiratory induction step, there is a time lag (T i -t i If the value is positive, the subject is encouraged to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T i -t i If the time difference (T) is negative, the subject is encouraged to increase their respiratory rate per unit time. i -t i A positive value indicates that the measured respiratory waveform is at its maximum position at time (t). i The time (T) at which the first waveform is at its maximum is greater than ).i ) lags in the time elapsing direction. Therefore, when the time difference (T i -t i ) is a positive value, by prompting the subject to decrease the respiratory rate per unit time, the time at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum (t i ) lags in the time elapsing direction, thereby allowing the time at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum (t i ) to coincide with the time at the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum (T i ). On the other hand, when the time difference (T i -t i ) is a negative value, it means that the time at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum (t i ) lags in the time elapsing direction compared to the time at the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum (T i ) lags in the time elapsing direction. Therefore, when the time difference (T i -t i ) is a negative value, by prompting the subject to increase the respiratory rate per unit time, the time at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum (t i comes earlier in the time elapsing direction, thereby allowing the time at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum (t i ) to coincide with the time at the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum (T i ). By prompting the subject to breathe in this manner, the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value can be aligned with the position where the temporal fluctuation waveform (measured respiratory waveform) generated by measuring the actual respiratory depth of the subject reaches a maximum value, and the subject can be relaxed. In addition, according to the respiratory guidance method of the present invention, the rhythm of respiration to be guided to the subject can be set only by acquiring the temporal fluctuation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time and the temporal fluctuation waveform of respiratory depth (measured respiratory waveform) from the subject, so the step of determining an individual's resonance frequency as in Non-Patent Document 1 described above becomes unnecessary, and the subject can relax in a short time. To explain more specifically, where inspiration and expiration constitute one cycle, when one cycle takes 10 seconds for respiration, if T1 is 4 seconds earlier than t1, T i -t ibecomes a negative value. In this case, in the present invention, the subject is encouraged to increase the respiratory rate per unit time. At this time, the subject may just be encouraged to increase the respiratory rate by 4 seconds, that is, the subject may be encouraged to increase the respiratory rate such that one cycle changes from 10 seconds to 6 seconds. That is, the respiratory rate per minute increases from 6 times to 10 times.

[0023] The time difference (T i -t i ) is obtained by averaging values calculated for a plurality of locations, and the subject may be encouraged to breathe based on whether the average value is positive or negative. If the time difference (T i -t i ) is 0 seconds (zero seconds), no respiratory guidance may be provided to the subject, or the subject may be encouraged to continue breathing at the current rhythm.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows an example in which a first waveform and a measured respiratory waveform are acquired from a subject, and the first waveform and the measured respiratory waveform are displayed superimposed. In Fig. 3, the solid line indicates the first waveform, and the dotted line indicates the measured fluctuation waveform. The horizontal axis represents time in seconds, the vertical axis for the first waveform is the left axis [HR (bmp)] with respect to the drawing, and the vertical axis for the measured fluctuation waveform is the right axis [respiratory waveform (a.u.)] with respect to the drawing. Note that a.u. indicates a relative value.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows five examples indicated by regions Z1 to Z5. In region Z1, the time T at the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum value i the time difference between them (T i -t i ) was calculated at three locations and averaged, resulting in a positive value, so the subject may be encouraged to decrease the respiratory rate per unit time. In regions Z2 and Z3, the time T at the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum value i the time difference between them (T i -t iThe values ​​were calculated at three locations and averaged to almost zero, so the subjects should be encouraged to continue their current breathing rhythm. In regions Z4 and Z5, the time T at the position where the first waveform reaches its maximum value is... i The time t at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i Time difference (T i -t i The value was calculated at three points and averaged, resulting in a negative value. Therefore, the subject should be encouraged to increase their respiratory rate per unit time.

[0026] In the respiratory induction step (respiratory induction step) in which the subject is encouraged to breathe, the aforementioned time difference (T i -t i In cases where the time difference (T) is positive or negative, the subject should be encouraged to either decrease or increase their respiratory rate per unit time, but the time difference (T) i -t i If the value is positive and above a predetermined value, the subject is instructed to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T i -t i If the value is a negative value below a predetermined value, the subject may be encouraged to increase their respiratory rate per unit time. That is, a grace period (playtime) may be provided during which the subject's respiratory fluctuations are observed without being given respiratory guidance. The predetermined value is not particularly limited, but for example it may be 2 seconds or 1 second.

[0027] Time difference (T i -t i If the value is a positive value less than a predetermined value, 0 seconds (zero seconds), or a negative value greater than a predetermined value, the subject does not need to be given respiratory guidance, or the subject may be encouraged to continue breathing at their current rhythm.

[0028] In the respiratory induction step, which involves encouraging the subject to breathe, methods for encouraging the subject to breathe include, for example, encouraging through sight, hearing, and touch, and it is preferable to use at least one of these. Encouraging through sight means displaying at least the timing to start exhaling and inhaling on a screen such as a smartphone, thereby making the subject aware of the timing to start exhaling and inhaling and encouraging them to breathe. Encouraging through hearing means using sound to make the subject aware of at least the timing to start exhaling and inhaling and encouraging them to breathe. Encouraging through touch means providing the subject with physical stimuli to make them aware of at least the timing to start exhaling and inhaling and encouraging them to breathe.

[0029] When the respiratory induction step, which encourages the subject to breathe, is performed visually to the subject, only the measured respiratory waveform may be displayed on the screen. However, it is preferable to display the measured respiratory waveform on the screen and encourage the subject to breathe by changing the color, line type, and line thickness of the measured respiratory waveform over time. It is also preferable to display information on the screen that prompts the subject to increase or decrease their respiratory rate.

[0030] By changing the color, line type, and line thickness of the measured respiratory waveform, subjects can more easily recognize the timing of the transition from inhalation to exhalation and from exhalation to inhalation. The color of the measured respiratory waveform can be changed by changing at least one of the following: hue, saturation, and brightness.

[0031] When performing a breathing induction step to encourage breathing in a subject through visual means, it is preferable, for example, to display the depth of breathing on the screen using a first shape and to contract or expand the first shape. By contracting or expanding the first shape, the subject can intuitively recognize the depth of breathing.

[0032] The shape of the first figure is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a polygon, a heart shape, a spade shape, a clover shape, a diamond shape, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the first figure is not limited to a two-dimensional figure but may also be a three-dimensional figure.

[0033] It is also preferable to display text or symbols on the screen, separate from the first figure, prompting the subject to increase or decrease their respiratory rate.

[0034] Examples of screens include those on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers, as well as television screens, personal computer screens, and LCD displays.

[0035] When a respiratory induction step is performed to encourage a subject to breathe through auditory means, the sound emitted when encouraging the subject to exhale and the sound emitted when encouraging the subject to inhale are varied. Preferably, the variation in sound is at least one of the following: pitch, timbre, volume, or length.

[0036] When changing the sound that encourages inhalation (sound as it progresses from very low to very high) and the sound that encourages exhalation (sound as it progresses from very high to very low), the subject can be instructed to increase or decrease their respiratory rate by changing the period of the sound change. For example, if one cycle consists of inhalation and exhalation combined, and one cycle is 10 seconds, then to speed up the respiratory rate by 2 seconds, one cycle should be shortened by 20%.

[0037] When performing a respiratory induction step to encourage breathing in a subject through tactile sensation, the stimulus given to encourage inhalation and the stimulus given to encourage exhalation are varied.

[0038] The type of stimulus given to the subject is not particularly limited and can include, for example, electrical signals or pressure. The stimulus that encourages the subject to inhale (stimulation moving from minimum to maximum) and the stimulus that encourages the subject to exhale (stimulation moving from maximum to minimum) are varied. It is also preferable to vary the stimulus that encourages an increase in respiratory rate and the stimulus that encourages a decrease in respiratory rate.

[0039] If the stimulus given to the subject is an electrical signal, it is preferable that the change in the stimulus is at least one of the following: the strength, interval, or length of the electrical signal.

[0040] By inducing a subject's breathing using the respiratory induction method according to the present invention, the subject can be relaxed in a short time. Therefore, the respiratory induction method according to the present invention can be suitably used, for example, when it is desired to quickly relieve a subject's tension. Situations where it is desired to quickly relieve a subject's tension include, for example, before a public presentation, before an interview, before dealing with customers, before training, before an exam, before falling asleep, before creative activities, before viewing something, before a presentation, before a concert, before physical training, before a competition, during a competition, before rehabilitation, while suppressing the intake of luxury goods (e.g., quitting smoking, suppressing alcohol consumption, suppressing sweets consumption, etc.), during mental concentration before suppressing gambling, and during gambling suppression. Examples of competitions include athletic competitions, specifically golf, baseball, soccer, shooting, tennis, yoga, Zen, martial arts, and e-sports. The respiratory induction method according to the present invention can be suitably used for relieving stress caused by interpersonal relationships, mental self-care, meditation, and health tourism.

[0041] The present invention includes a first waveform acquisition unit that acquires a first waveform from a subject, which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of heart rate per predetermined time and has a continuous maximum and minimum value; a measured respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires a measured respiratory waveform from a subject, which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of respiratory depth and has a continuous maximum value indicating the transition point from inhalation to exhalation and a minimum value indicating the transition point from exhalation to inhalation; and the time of the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value is T1, T2, ..., T i , , , T nThe time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is t1, t2, ..., t i , , , t n Let n be a natural number greater than or equal to 3, and the time T is the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value. i and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. i Time difference (T i -t i A calculation unit that calculates the time difference (T) for multiple locations in succession, and i -t i If the value is positive, the subject is encouraged to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T i -t i The respiratory induction device also includes a respiratory facilitator that, if the value of ) is negative, prompts the subject to increase the respiratory rate per unit time.

[0042] A known heart rate monitor may be used as the first waveform acquisition unit. A known respiratory meter may be used as the measured respiratory waveform acquisition unit.

[0043] The processing unit should at least include a central processing unit (CPU), for example. It is also preferable to include a storage unit (e.g., memory) for storing the first waveform and the measured respiratory waveform acquired from the subject by the first waveform acquisition unit and the measured respiratory waveform acquisition unit.

[0044] The respiratory facilitator is a device that encourages the subject to breathe through visual means, auditory means, or tactile means, and it is sufficient to have at least one of these.

[0045] A device that prompts a subject to breathe visually only needs to have a display screen; a device that prompts breathing auditorily only needs to have a speaker; and a device that prompts breathing tactilely only needs to have an electrical signal generator or a compressor or other pressurizer / depressurizer.

[0046] The respiratory induction device according to the present invention can relax a subject in a short time, making it suitable for use, for example, when it is desired to quickly relieve a subject's tension. The situations in which it is desired to quickly relieve a subject's tension are as described above. Furthermore, the respiratory induction device according to the present invention can be suitably used for relieving stress caused by interpersonal relationships, mental self-care, meditation, health tourism, and more.

[0047] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-79332, filed on 7 May 2021. The entire specification of the said Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-79332 is incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1 1st waveform 2. Measured respiratory waveform

Claims

1. A first waveform which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of a heart rate per predetermined time of a subject and continuously has maximum values and minimum values, wherein the time at a position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value is T １ , T ２ , ..., T ｉ , ..., T ｎ , wherein a measured respiratory waveform which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of a respiration depth of a subject and continuously has a maximum value indicating a turning point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating a turning point from expiration to inspiration, wherein the time at a position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum value is t １ , t ２ , ..., t ｉ , ..., t ｎ , wherein when n is a natural number of 3 or more, the time T at the position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value ｉ and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches a maximum value ｉ time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ ), a step in which an arithmetic unit provided in a computer continuously calculates for a plurality of positions; The aforementioned time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ If the value is positive, the subject is encouraged to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ If the value is negative, a respiratory induction step is performed in which a computer-controlled respiratory facilitator prompts the subject to increase the respiratory rate per unit time, It has, A respiratory induction method characterized by not including the step of determining the resonant frequency of the subject's respiration.

2. In the respiratory induction step in which the subject is encouraged to breathe, the time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ If the value is positive and above a predetermined value, the subject is instructed to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ The respiratory induction method according to claim 1, wherein if the value is a negative value below a predetermined value, the subject is prompted to increase the respiratory rate per unit time.

3. The respiratory induction method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined value is 2 seconds.

4. The aforementioned time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ The respiratory induction method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein if the value is a positive value less than a predetermined value, 0 seconds, or a negative value greater than a predetermined value, the subject is prompted to continue breathing at the current rhythm.

5. The respiratory induction step to encourage the subject to breathe is the respiratory induction method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the respiratory induction step involves encouraging the subject to breathe through visual means, auditory means, or tactile means.

6. The breathing induction step of prompting the subject to breathe is performed visually to the subject, and the breathing depth is shown on the screen by a first figure, and the subject is prompted to breathe by contracting or expanding the first figure, as described in claim 5.

7. The respiratory induction step of prompting the subject to breathe is performed on the subject through hearing, and the respiratory induction method according to claim 5, wherein the sounds that prompt the subject to exhale and sounds that prompt inhalation are changed.

8. The respiratory induction method according to claim 7, wherein the change in the sound that prompts the subject to exhale and the change in the sound that prompts the subject to inhale is at least one of pitch, timbre, volume, or length.

9. The respiratory induction step of prompting the subject to breathe is performed on the subject through touch, and the respiratory induction method according to claim 5 is characterized in that the stimulus given to the subject when prompting exhalation and the stimulus given to the subject when prompting inhalation are changed.

10. The respiratory induction method according to claim 9, wherein the stimulus given to the subject is an electrical signal, and the change in the stimulus given when prompting the subject to exhale and the change in the stimulus given when prompting the subject to inhale is at least one of the strength, interval, or length of the electrical signal.

11. A first waveform acquisition unit acquires a first waveform from a subject, which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of heart rate per predetermined time and has a continuous maximum and minimum value. A measurement respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires a measurement respiratory waveform from a subject, which is a temporal fluctuation waveform of the depth of respiration and has a continuous maximum value indicating the transition point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating the transition point from expiration to inspiration. The time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value is T １ , T ２ , , T ｉ , , T ｎ , the time at which the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is t １ ,t ２ , , t ｉ , , t ｎ Let n be a natural number greater than or equal to 3, and the time T is the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value. ｉ and the time t at the position where the measured respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. ｉ Time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ A calculation unit that calculates ) in succession at multiple locations, The aforementioned time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ If the value is positive, the subject is encouraged to reduce the number of breaths per unit time, and the time difference (T ｉ -t ｉ If the value is negative, a respiratory facilitator prompts the subject to increase their respiratory rate per unit time, It has, A respiratory induction device characterized by being controlled so as not to determine the resonant frequency of the subject's respiration.

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