Characteristic information collection method and characteristic information collection device

Abstract

This characteristic information collection method comprises: a first sound stimulus provision step for providing, to a subject testee, a sound stimulus (A) including prescribed audible sounds (a1, a2, a3, a4) in a white-light environment in which white light (L0) is incident on the retinas (R) of the subject testee; a prescribed light environment creation step for creating a prescribed light environment in which prescribed light (L1) that differs from the white light (L0) in terms of at least one of spectral distribution or luminance is incident on the retinas (R) of the subject testee; a second sound stimulus provision step for again providing, to the subject testee, the sound stimulus (A) in the prescribed light environment; an information reception step for receiving, from the subject testee, characteristic information relating to the manner in which the sound stimulus (A) is heard in the first sound stimulus provision step and the second sound stimulus provision step; and a collection step for collecting the characteristic information received from the subject testee.

Description

Characteristics information collection method and characteristics information collection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a characteristic information collecting method and a characteristic information collecting device for collecting characteristic information relating to the integration of a subject's vision and hearing.

[0002] Learning disabilities (specific learning disorders) are conditions in which a person has difficulty mastering tasks in a specific field, despite having normal overall intelligence, no visual or auditory impairments, and no problems with the learning environment or the individual's motivation. There are various types of learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Some people also have difficulty with visuospatial cognition (the ability to accurately recognize the shape and spatial relationships of objects, including their location, shape, direction, and size).

[0003] Some people with learning disabilities complain of things like "letters appearing to shake," "text appearing to wavy," or "paper appearing to shine." These symptoms are called Irlen syndrome, Meares-Irlen syndrome, or visual stress. It is known that these symptoms (sense of sight) can sometimes be improved by using colored films or lenses. The use of colored lenses and colored films has been shown to be particularly effective for Irlen syndrome (see Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). For this reason, Irlen syndrome and other conditions are thought to be related to visual perception (imbalances in visual cognitive function), particularly imbalances in light sensitivity.

[0004] Sandra Irlen et al., “A controlled field study of the use of colored overlays on reading achievement”, Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, Volume 9, 2004 - Issue 2, Pages 14-22Keiko Kumagai et al., “The Research of Visual Characteristics of the Clients with Irlen Syndrome”, Japanese Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2021 Volume 30 Issue 2, Pages 126-137

[0005] As mentioned above, people with biases in visual cognitive function (light sensitivity) may have a different "way of seeing" than healthy people. However, because this "way of seeing" is something they are born with, it is difficult for them to realize that they are not healthy. For this reason, many people who are considered healthy have biases in visual cognitive function. Despite this, biases in visual cognitive function cannot be treated in hospitals, and are only assessed in a limited number of research facilities. Furthermore, the symptoms of biases in visual cognitive function vary widely and vary greatly from person to person. For this reason, only those with specialized knowledge and experience can assess biases in visual cognitive function.

[0006] Furthermore, individuals with visual cognitive impairments may also have auditory cognitive impairments (sound sensitivity), resulting in a different "sense of hearing" than healthy individuals. These symptoms, also known as hyperacusis or hypoacusis, can lead to aversion to loud noises (especially sudden noises) and difficulty concentrating due to distractions caused by small everyday sounds such as clocks and air conditioners. Some individuals have difficulty selectively listening to audio, selecting only interesting conversations or essential sounds, even in noisy situations or when many people are chatting. This selective listening is known as the cocktail party effect. For this reason, listening difficulties (LiD) and auditory processing disorder (APD) are also known as hearing impairments.

[0007] Information from different senses, such as vision and hearing, strongly influences each other. It is known that perception in one sense changes due to the complementary function of multisensory information (cross-modal interaction). Hyperacusis and hypoacusis may be caused by a bias in visual cognitive function that negatively affects hearing (auditory cognition). It is speculated that a bias in visual cognitive function disrupts the integration of the senses, such as vision and hearing, and multisensory perception (integrative cognition). Therefore, it may be possible to assess biases in visual and auditory cognitive function based on characteristic information regarding the subject's visual and auditory integration.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a characteristic information collection method capable of collecting characteristic information relating to the integration of a subject's vision and hearing.

[0009] A first aspect of a characteristic information collecting method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first sound stimulus providing step of providing a sound stimulus including a predetermined audible sound to a subject in a white light environment in which white light is incident on the subject's retina; a predetermined light environment creating step of creating a predetermined light environment in which predetermined light that differs from the white light in at least one of spectral distribution and luminance is incident on the subject's retina; a second sound stimulus providing step of providing the sound stimulus again to the subject in the predetermined light environment; an information receiving step of receiving from the subject characteristic information regarding how the sound stimuli are heard in the first sound stimulus providing step and the second sound stimulus providing step; and a collection step of collecting the characteristic information received from the subject.

[0010] A second aspect of the characteristic information collection method is the first aspect, and further comprises a compilation step of compiling information obtained in the collection step. A third aspect of the characteristic information collection method is the second aspect, and further comprises an analysis step of creating an analysis table based on information obtained in the compilation step. It may also comprise an analysis step (diagnosis step) of analyzing characteristics related to the subject's visual and auditory integration based on information obtained in the compilation step. A fourth aspect of the characteristic information collection method is the second aspect, and further comprises quantifying the characteristic information using a Likert scale in a multi-stage multiple choice response method in the information receiving step and the collection step. A fifth aspect of the characteristic information collection method is the fourth aspect, and further comprises using an SD method in a psychometric statistical method in the multi-stage multiple choice response method.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the characteristic information collecting method is the first to fifth aspects, wherein the predetermined light is yellow light having a dominant wavelength of 570 nm to 590 nm. A seventh aspect of the characteristic information collecting method is the first to sixth aspects, wherein the predetermined light is magenta light having a dominant complementary wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm. A eighth aspect of the characteristic information collecting method is the first to seventh aspects, wherein the predetermined light is cyan light having a dominant wavelength of 470 nm to 530 nm. A ninth aspect of the characteristic information collecting method is the first to eighth aspects, wherein the predetermined light is green light having a dominant wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm. A tenth aspect of the characteristic information collecting method is the first to ninth aspects, wherein the predetermined light has a luminance of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2. A eleventh aspect of the characteristic information collecting method is the first to tenth aspects, wherein the predetermined light has a luminance of 0.001 cd / m2 or less.

[0012] In a twelfth aspect of the characteristic information collecting method according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the predetermined audible sound is a voice, a conversation sound, a noise, or a combination thereof. In a thirteenth aspect of the characteristic information collecting method according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, at least one of the spectral distribution and the luminance of the predetermined light is changed, and the steps from the predetermined light environment creating step to the collecting step are performed again.

[0013] A first aspect of a characteristic information collecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first optical unit that creates a white light environment in which white light is incident on the subject's retina; a second optical unit that creates a predetermined light environment in which predetermined light that differs from the white light in at least one of spectral distribution and luminance is incident on the subject's retina; a sound stimulus providing unit that provides a sound stimulus including a predetermined audible sound to the subject in the white light environment, and then provides the sound stimulus to the subject again in the predetermined light environment; an information receiving unit that receives characteristic information from the subject regarding how the sound stimulus is heard in the white light environment and the predetermined light environment; and a collection unit that collects the characteristic information received by the information receiving unit.

[0014] A second aspect of the characteristic information collecting device is the first aspect, and further includes a tabulation and analysis unit that performs various calculations based on the collected information obtained from the collection unit. A third aspect of the characteristic information collecting device is the first or second aspect, and the sound stimulation providing unit is headphones or speakers. A fourth aspect of the characteristic information collecting device is the first to third aspects, and the sound stimulation providing unit localizes or changes the sound stimulation. A fifth aspect of the characteristic information collecting device is the first to fourth aspects, and the first optical unit or the second optical unit is a display, glasses, goggles, a light, or a lighting device.

[0015] The characteristic information collection method of the present invention can collect characteristic information related to the integration of the subject's vision and hearing, aggregate and analyze the characteristic information related to the integration of the subject's vision and hearing, and further, diagnose the visual cognitive function and the auditory cognitive function.

[0016] 1 is a diagram showing a characteristic information collecting device 1 according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the characteristic information collecting device 1; (a) a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of a human eye, and (b) a schematic diagram showing human photoreceptor cells; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the spectral sensitivity curves of human photoreceptor cells; FIG. 4 is an xy chromaticity diagram of a color space; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a characteristic information collecting method according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an answer form Q; and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an SD chart analysis table D.

[0017] A characteristic information collection method and characteristic information collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The characteristic information collection device 1 and the characteristic information collection method collect characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing from a subject (subject) with an imbalance in visual or auditory cognitive function. The characteristic information collection method first involves having the subject listen to a sound stimulus (auditory stimulus) containing a predetermined audible sound in a white light environment. Next, a predetermined light environment is created that is likely to change the "appearance" of a subject with an imbalance in visual cognitive function, and the subject listens to the predetermined audible sound again in this predetermined light environment. Information is then collected from the subject regarding the manner and extent of changes in hearing in response to the predetermined audible sound in both the white light environment and the predetermined light environment. In other words, characteristic information related to the subject's integration of vision and hearing is collected.

[0018] [Characteristic information collecting device 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a characteristic information collecting device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a system block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the characteristic information collecting device 1.

[0019] The characteristic information collection device 1 includes a personal computer 10, a color light 20, and an indoor lighting device 30. The personal computer 10 includes a processing unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display 13, a keyboard 14a, an I / O 15, etc. Furthermore, the personal computer 10 includes headphones 19.

[0020] The calculation processing unit (collection unit, aggregation and analysis unit) 11 is a CPU or the like, and executes various processes in the personal computer 10. The calculation processing unit 11 takes the lead in a characteristic information collection method, which will be described later. The storage unit 12 is a ROM, RAM, HDD, SSD, or the like, and stores various programs and databases. Specifically, a characteristic information collection program 17 and a sound source database 18 are stored in the storage unit 12. The sound source database 18 contains various sound sources.

[0021] The display (output unit) 13 displays characters, images, etc. in response to commands from the arithmetic processing unit 11. The display 13 also displays the response form Q in the characteristic information receiving and collecting step S5, which will be described later, and the results (aggregated information, analytical information) of the aggregation and analysis step S6. The display 13 has a plurality of pixels, and the pixel density is preferably 150 ppi or more, and particularly 200 ppi or more. The display 13 controls the brightness (illuminance), color (wavelength) of emitted light, etc. in response to commands from the arithmetic processing unit 11. The display 13 irradiates (emits) visible light at a brightness of 0.001 to 1,000,000 cd / m2. In particular, it can switch between emitting light at a brightness of 5 cd / m2 or more and emitting light at a brightness of less than 5 cd / m2.

[0022] The keyboard (information receiving unit) 14a is an operation input unit for inputting information such as characters and numerical values ​​into the personal computer 10. In addition to or instead of the keyboard 14a, a mouse (information receiving unit) 14b, a pointing device, a touch panel (display 13), or the like may be used.

[0023] The I / O 15 is an interface for inputting and outputting information to and from external devices connected to the personal computer 10. A color light 20 and an interior lighting device 30 are connected to the I / O 15. A printer 16 or the like may also be connected to the I / O 15.

[0024] The headphones (sound stimulation providing unit) 19 play back the sound source data recorded in the sound source database 18 and provide audible sounds to the subject. The headphones 19 are preferably of a binaural type. They may also be of a monoaural type that provides audible sounds to only one ear, either the left or right. The headphones 19 may also be of a closed type, open type, or semi-open type. They may be of either a wired type or a wireless type. They may also be bone conduction headphones.

[0025] The headphones 19 can not only reproduce a single audible sound, but also reproduce multiple audible sounds simultaneously or at different times. The headphones 19 can also provide or change sound source localization. That is, the headphones 19 can control the output (reproduction) so that the audible sound can be heard from any direction, including the front, back, left, right, top, or bottom, of the subject. Specifically, the headphones 19 can generate a difference in intensity or time between the sounds reaching the left and right ears of the subject, allowing the sound to be heard from any direction.

[0026] The types of audible sounds output from the headphones 19 include pure tones, musical tones, and noise. A pure tone is a sound composed of only one frequency, such as a time signal. A musical tone is a harmonious sound (a sound with a sense of pitch) composed mainly of a fundamental tone and overtones, such as a musical instrument or a human singing voice. A noise is a sound with irregular vibrations and no clear pitch or tone (a sound with no sense of pitch), such as the sound of a car running or the sound of a home appliance operating.

[0027] (Color Light 20) The color light (second optical unit) 20 is a lighting fixture that emits a predetermined light L1. The color light 20 is a lighting fixture that has a lamp such as an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an LED, or an OLED, and is, for example, a desk lamp or a handy light. The color light 20 is controlled in terms of on / off, brightness (illuminance), color (wavelength) of the illumination light, and irradiation direction in response to commands from the arithmetic processing unit 11 of the personal computer 10. The color light 20 emits visible light at a brightness of 0.001 to 1,000,000 cd / m2. In particular, it can switch between emitting light at a brightness of 5 cd / m2 or more and emitting light at a brightness of less than 5 cd / m2.

[0028] The color light 20 irradiates the predetermined light L1 toward the face of the subject standing in front of the personal computer 10. This causes the predetermined light L1 to be incident on the subject's retina R. The environment in which the predetermined light L1 is incident on the subject's retina R is called the predetermined light environment. The color light 20 functions as a light source in the predetermined light environment creating step S3, which will be described later. In the predetermined light environment, the subject can easily view images displayed on the display 13. In addition, the subject can easily hear audible sounds output from the headphones 19.

[0029] The color light 20 is preferably placed at a position away from the display 13. This is to allow the predetermined light L1 to be incident on the peripheral visual region R2 of the retina R. When the subject gazes at an image or the like displayed on the display 13, it is preferable that the predetermined light L1 does not interfere with the subject's gaze. For example, the light from the image or the like displayed on the display 13 is incident on the central visual region R1 of the retina R, and the predetermined light L1 is incident on the peripheral visual region R2 of the retina R. Note that a wearable optical device 40, which will be described later, may be used instead of the color light 20.

[0030] (Room Lighting Device 30) The room lighting device (first optical unit) 30 is an optical device that irradiates white light L0 onto the subject's retina R. The room lighting device 30 is installed on the ceiling of a room H that is mostly shielded from white light, such as sunlight. When the room lighting device 30 is turned on, the white light L0 is irradiated throughout the room H. The room lighting device 30 is a lighting fixture such as a lamp (incandescent lamp, fluorescent lamp, LED, OLED), and functions as a light source that creates a white light environment (white light environment creating step S1). The room lighting device 30 irradiates white light L0 at a luminance of 5 to 1,000,000 cd / m2. The white light L0 is incident on the subject's retina R (central visual field and peripheral visual field). The room lighting device 30 is controlled to turn on, off, and at a luminance (illuminance) in response to commands from the processing unit 11 of the personal computer 10. The connection between the room lighting device 30 and the personal computer 10 is not limited to a wired connection, but may also be a wireless connection. The room lighting device 30 emits white light L0 at a luminance of 0.001 to 1,000,000 cd / m2. In particular, it can switch between emitting light at a luminance of 5 cd / m2 or more and emitting light at a luminance of less than 5 cd / m2.

[0031] When the subject sits in front of the personal computer 10, white light L0 is incident on the subject's retina R (central visual area R1 and peripheral visual area R2). The environment in which white light L0 is incident on the subject's retina R is called a white light environment. The room lighting device 30 functions as a light source in the white light environment creation step S1. In the white light environment, the subject can easily view images displayed on the display 13. In addition, the subject can easily hear audible sounds output from the headphones 19.

[0032] In the characteristic information collection device 1, the arithmetic processing unit 11 executes a program stored in the memory unit 12, reads various data stored in the memory unit 12 as necessary, and operates the personal computer 10. Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 11 executes the characteristic information collection program 17, reads data of sound stimulus A from the sound source database 18, and outputs (sounds, plays) sound stimulus A from the headphones 19. At this time, the arithmetic processing unit 11 turns on and off the room lighting device 30 and the color light 20 to allow white light L0 or predetermined light L1 to be incident on the subject's retina R. Then, to receive a response from the subject, the arithmetic processing unit 11 displays an answer form Q regarding changes in how sound stimulus A is heard on the display 13. The arithmetic processing unit 11 stores (collects) information input from the keyboard 14a or the like (raw data of characteristic information regarding the integration of vision and hearing) in the memory unit 12. Furthermore, the calculation processing unit 11 performs various calculation processes (aggregation and analysis) on this collected information, and displays and outputs the results (aggregation information and analysis information on characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing) on ​​the display 13 or the printer 16.

[0033] [Photoreceptor Cells] Figure 3(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of the human eye. Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram showing human photoreceptor cells. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the spectral sensitivity curves of human photoreceptor cells. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the xy chromaticity diagram of the color space of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE 1931).

[0034] The photoreceptor cells present in the human retina R are cone cells and rod cells. Cone cells are cone-shaped photoreceptor cells that are present near the fovea of ​​the retina R and detect color. Cone cells function in bright light. Rod cells are rod-shaped photoreceptor cells that are present around the fovea and detect light. Rod cells function mainly in dark light.

[0035] Vision in which cone cells are active (in a situation where there is sufficient light) is called photopic vision. Photopic vision occurs under light levels of 5 to 1,000,000 cd / m2 (illuminance of 10 to 100,000 lx). Vision in which rod cells are active (in a situation where there is low light) is called scotopic vision. Scotopic vision occurs under light levels of 0.01 to 0.0000041 Cd / m2 (illuminance of 0.001 to 0.01 lx). Vision in which both cone cells and rod cells are active (in a situation where there is low light but not complete darkness) is called mesopic vision. Mesopic vision is a combination of photopic and scotopic vision. Mesopic vision occurs under light levels of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2 (illuminance of 0.01 to 10 lx). The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) defines mesopic vision as a luminance of 0.005 to 5 cd / m2, while the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) defines a luminance of 0.001 to 3 cd / m2.

[0036] Cone cells are classified into three types corresponding to the three primary colors of light. Specifically, there are long cone cells that respond to light in the long wavelength range (around yellow), middle cone cells that respond to light in the medium wavelength range (around yellow-green), and short cone cells that respond to light in the short wavelength range (around blue). Long cone cells are also called red cone cells. Middle cone cells are also called green cone cells. Short cone cells are also called blue cone cells. A specific color is perceived depending on the combination of the intensity of stimulation received by each of these three types of cone cells (the relative ratio of excitation of the three types of cone cells).

[0037] Hereinafter, long cone cells will also be referred to as L photoreceptor cells VL, middle cone cells as M photoreceptor cells VM, short cone cells as S photoreceptor cells VS, and rod cells as R photoreceptor cells VR.

[0038] [Visible Light] Visible light is light with a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm. The relationship between wavelength and color of visible light (spectrum) is roughly as follows: Wavelength 380 to 430 nm: blue-violet, 430 to 460 nm: blue, 460 to 500 nm: blue-green, 500 to 570 nm: green, 570 to 590 nm: yellow, 590 to 610 nm: orange, 610 to 780 nm: red

[0039] The sensitivity of photoreceptor cells to visible light is wavelength-dependent. Specifically, the maximum absorption wavelength of L photoreceptor cells VL is around 558 nm, that of M photoreceptor cells VM is around 531 nm, that of S photoreceptor cells VS is around 419 nm, and that of R photoreceptor cells VR is around 500 nm.

[0040] The peak wavelength at which the luminous intensity of visible light is greatest is different from the wavelength actually perceived by the eye. The wavelength of a color perceived by the eye is called the dominant wavelength. Blue-violet light has a dominant wavelength around 400 nm (380 nm to 430 nm). Blue light has a dominant wavelength around 450 nm (430 nm to 470 nm). Cyan light has a dominant wavelength around 490 nm (470 nm to 530 nm). Green light has a dominant wavelength around 550 nm (530 nm to 570 nm). Yellow light has a dominant wavelength around 580 nm (570 nm to 590 nm). Red light has a dominant wavelength around 610 nm (590 nm to 780 nm). Magenta light has a complementary dominant wavelength around 550 nm (530 nm to 570 nm).

[0041] (White Light L0) White light L0 is a light that is a nearly equal mixture of all wavelengths (colors) of visible light and does not impart a sense of color. White light L0 is sometimes defined as the color of average daylight. White light L0 is light with a luminance of 5 to 1,000,000 cd / m2, and when incident on the subject's retina R, it achieves photopic vision. White light L0 is light that excites all three types of cone cells present in the retina R (S photoreceptor cells VS, M photoreceptor cells VM, and L photoreceptor cells VL). White light L0 also includes colored light (illumination light) called incandescent white, warm white, daylight white, and coumarin white, but all of these are light that lies along the blackbody locus on the xy chromaticity diagram of color space. White light L0 has a brightness expressed as a color temperature [K]. The environment in which white light L0 is incident on the subject's retina R is called a white light environment.

[0042] (Predetermined Light L1) The predetermined light L1 is visible light that differs from the white light L0 in at least one of its spectral distribution and luminance. The predetermined light L1 includes light that differs from the white light L0 in spectral distribution (colored light LA), light that differs in luminance (gray light LB, low light LD), and light that differs in both spectral distribution and luminance (gray colored light LBA). "Different spectral distribution" means that the predetermined light L1 (colored light LA, gray colored light LBA) is colored light. "Different luminance" means that the predetermined light L1 is light with a luminance of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2 (gray light LB, gray colored light LBA) or light with a luminance of 0.001 cd / m2 or less (low light LD). The environment in which the predetermined light L1 (LA, LB, LBA, LD) is incident on the subject's retina R is called a predetermined light environment.

[0043] <Colored Light LA> Colored light LA ​​is light (colored light) with a luminance of 5 to 1,000,000 cd / m2 that has wavelengths (colors) within the visible light spectrum. Colored light LA ​​is light that lies along the spectral locus or the violet locus on the xy chromaticity diagram of color space. Colored light has a color that is expressed by a dominant wavelength or a complementary wavelength.

[0044] Colored light LA ​​is light to which one or two of the three types of cone cells primarily respond. LA is either yellow light LAY with a dominant wavelength of 570 nm to 590 nm, magenta light LAM with a complementary dominant wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm, cyan light LAC with a dominant wavelength of 470 nm to 530 nm, or green light LAG with a dominant wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm.

[0045] Yellow light LAY is visible light that excites L photoreceptor cells VL and M photoreceptor cells VM and inhibits (calms) S photoreceptor cells VS. Yellow light LAY includes light with a peak wavelength near 580 nm, as well as light with a bottom wavelength near 450 nm (a complementary color of blue), and light with peak wavelengths near 550 nm and 610 nm (a mixture of green and red). When yellow light LAY enters the retina R, it excites L photoreceptor cells VL and M photoreceptor cells VM and inhibits S photoreceptor cells VS.

[0046] Magenta light LAM is visible light that excites L photoreceptor cells VL and S photoreceptor cells VS and inhibits M photoreceptor cells VM. Magenta light LAM includes light with a bottom wavelength around 550 nm (the complementary color of green) as well as light with peak wavelengths around 450 nm and 610 nm (a mixture of blue and red).

[0047] Cyan light LAC is visible light that excites M photoreceptor cells VM and S photoreceptor cells VS and inhibits L photoreceptor cells VL. Cyan light LAC includes light with a peak wavelength around 490 nm, as well as light with a bottom wavelength around 610 nm (the complementary color of red), and light with peak wavelengths around 450 nm and 550 nm (a mixture of blue and green).

[0048] Green light LAG is visible light that excites M photoreceptor cells VM and inhibits L photoreceptor cells VL and S photoreceptor cells VS. Green light LAG includes light with a peak wavelength around 550 nm as well as light with bottom wavelengths around 450 nm and 610 nm (a mixture of yellow and cyan).

[0049] <Gray Light LB> Light LB is light (gray light) with a luminance of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2 that is a nearly equal mixture of light (colors) of all wavelengths of visible light. Gray light LB is light with reduced luminance compared to white light L0, making it difficult to perceive color. Gray light LB achieves mesopic vision when it strikes the subject's retina R. In other words, gray light LB is light to which the rod cells in retina R begin to respond. Rod cells are highly sensitive to detecting light and darkness, which correspond to the intensity of light. Rod cells are not involved in color detection. Light with a luminance of 5 cd / m2 or less excites rod cells when it strikes retina R, causing the perception of light and darkness. Gray light LB excites both cone cells (L photoreceptor cells VL, M photoreceptor cells VM, S photoreceptor cells VS) and rod cells (R photoreceptor cells VR) (mesopic vision). Gray light LB does not have a color that can be expressed by a dominant wavelength or a complementary wavelength. The dominant wavelength and complementary wavelength are measures that only apply to colored light LA, and do not apply to gray light LB (they are difficult to perceive). In other words, gray light LB is light that is located along the blackbody locus on the xy chromaticity diagram of the color space, and has brightness that is expressed in color temperature [K].

[0050] <Gray colored light LBA> Light LBA is light (gray colored light) with a luminance of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2 and a wavelength (color) of some visible light. Light LBA includes gray yellow light LBY, gray magenta light LBM, gray cyan light LBC, and gray green light LBG. Gray yellow light LBY is light with a reduced luminance of yellow light LAY. Gray magenta light LBM is light with a reduced luminance of magenta light LAM. Gray cyan light LBC is light with a reduced luminance of cyan light LAC. Gray green light LBG is light with a reduced luminance of green light LAG. Gray colored light LBA is light that combines colored light LA ​​and gray light LB, and has a brightness expressed by a color temperature [K], and also has a color expressed by a dominant wavelength or a complementary dominant wavelength.

[0051] <Weak Light LD> Weak light LD is light with a luminance of 0.001 Cd / m2 or less. Weak light LD is light that is not perceived as color. Weak light LD realizes scotopic vision by being incident on the subject's retina R. In other words, weak light LD is light to which only the rod cells present in the retina R react. Weak light LD is incident on the subject's retina R by turning off the room lighting device 30 and turning on the color light 20. Weak light LD may also be incident on the subject's retina R by having the subject wear goggle-type sunglasses or the like to realize scotopic vision by allowing the weak light LD to be incident on the retina R. In this way, the weak light LD excites only the rod cells (R photoreceptor cells VR) (scotopic vision).

[0052] [Wearable Optical Device 40] The wearable optical device (second optical unit) 40 is an optical device that irradiates predetermined light L1 (LA, LB, LBA, LD) onto the subject's retina R in place of (or in addition to) the color light 20. There are three types of wearable optical devices 40: optical device 41, optical device 42, and optical device 43, which are used singly or in combination. The optical devices 41, 42, and 43 function as light sources (means) that create a predetermined light environment (predetermined light environment creating step S3).

[0053] (Optical Device 41) The optical device 41 is an optical device that causes colored light LA, to which cone cells respond, to be incident on the retina R. The optical device 41 causes colored light LA ​​with a luminance of 5 to 1,000,000 cd / m2 to be incident on the retina R, thereby achieving photopic vision. The optical device 41 causes colored light LA, to which two of the three types of cone cells (S photoreceptor cells VS, M photoreceptor cells VM, and L photoreceptor cells VL) respond, to be incident on the retina R. The colored light LA ​​is any one of yellow light LAY with a dominant wavelength of 570 nm to 590 nm, magenta light LAM with a complementary dominant wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm, cyan light LAC with a dominant wavelength of 470 nm to 530 nm, and green light LAG with a dominant wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm.

[0054] The optical device 41 includes optical devices 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41G. The optical device 41Y causes yellow light LAY, which excites L photoreceptor cells VL and M photoreceptor cells VM and inhibits S photoreceptor cells VS, to be incident on the retina R. That is, the optical device 41Y causes yellow light LAY (dominant wavelength around 580 nm) that is perceived as yellow to be incident on the retina R. The optical device 41M causes magenta light LAM, which excites L photoreceptor cells VL and S photoreceptor cells VS and inhibits M photoreceptor cells VM, to be incident on the retina R. That is, the optical device 41M causes magenta light LAM (complementary dominant wavelength around 550 nm) that is perceived as magenta to be incident on the retina R. The optical device 41C causes cyan light LAC, which excites M photoreceptor cells VM and S photoreceptor cells VS and inhibits L photoreceptor cells VL, to be incident on the retina R. That is, the optical device 41C causes cyan light LAC (dominant wavelength around 490 nm) that is perceived as cyan to be incident on the retina R. The optical device 41G causes green light LAG that excites the M photoreceptor cells VM and inhibits the L photoreceptor cells VL and S photoreceptor cells VS to be incident on the retina R. That is, the optical device 41G causes green light LAG (dominant wavelength around 550 nm) that is perceived as green to be incident on the retina R.

[0055] (Optical device 42) The optical device 42 is an optical device that causes gray light LB, to which rod cells (R photoreceptor cells VR) and all three types of cone cells respond, to be incident on the retina R. The optical device 42 causes gray light LB to be incident on the retina R, thereby realizing mesopic vision. The gray light LB is light with a luminance of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2 in which no color can be perceived.

[0056] (Optical device 43) The optical device 43 is an optical device that causes weak light LD, to which only rod cells (R photoreceptor cells VR) respond, to be incident on the retina R. The optical device 43 causes weak light LD to be incident on the retina R, thereby realizing scotopic vision. The weak light LD is light with a luminance of 0.001 or less, in which no color can be perceived.

[0057] The optical devices 41 (optical device 41Y, optical device 41M, optical device 41C, optical device 41G), optical device 42, and optical device 43 allow light to be incident on the retina R from a range (direction) of most of the field of view. The optical devices 41, 42, and 43 allow light to be incident on the retina R from a range of at least 50% or more of the field of view, and preferably 80% or more of the field of view.

[0058] The optical devices 41, 42, and 43 are, for example, glasses (color lenses). The optical devices 41, 42, and 43 may also be contact lenses, goggles, or the like. For example, a yellow lens can be used as the optical device 41Y, a pink (magenta) lens can be used as the optical device 41Y, a sky blue (cyan) lens can be used as the optical device 41C, and a green lens can be used as the optical device 41G. A gray lens can be used as the optical device 42, and a black lens (sunglasses) can be used as the optical device 43. White light L0 passes through the color lenses to become predetermined light L1 (LA, LB, LBA, LD), which then enters the subject's retina R.

[0059] The color density (the reciprocal of the luminous transmittance) of each color lens is preferably 5% to 60% (luminous transmittance 95% to 40%) to reduce irritation to the subject. In particular, a color density of 10% to 50% (luminous transmittance 90% to 50%) is preferable. If the subject's reaction is poor, color lenses with a density of 60% to 85% (luminous transmittance 40% to 15%) may be used. [See JIS T7331, JIS T7333, ISO 14889, and ISO 8980-3]

[0060] When a subject wears a wearable optical device such as glasses, contact lenses, or goggles, predetermined light L1 (LA, LB, LBA, LD) is incident on the retina R from a range (direction) of at least 50% of the subject's field of vision.

[0061] The optical device 41 and the optical device 42 can also be combined. Gray colored light LBA, to which rod cells (R photoreceptor cells VR) and two of the three types of cone cells (S photoreceptor cells VS, M photoreceptor cells VM, and L photoreceptor cells VL) respond, is incident on the retina R. By overlapping the optical device 41Y with the optical device 42, gray yellow light LBY, which is perceived as yellow in mesopic vision, can be incident on the retina R. By overlapping the optical device 41M with the optical device 42, gray magenta light LBM, which is perceived as magenta in mesopic vision, can be incident on the retina R. By overlapping the optical device 41C with the optical device 42, gray cyan light LBC, which is perceived as cyan in mesopic vision, can be incident on the retina R. By overlapping the optical device 41G with the optical device 42, gray green light LBG, which is perceived as green in mesopic vision, can be incident on the retina R.

[0062] [Sound Stimulus A] Sound stimulus A is a sound (acoustic) played to the subject. A plurality of pieces of sound source data are recorded and stored in the sound source database 18. This sound source data also includes sound source data for sound stimulus A. These pieces of sound source data are output (sounded, played) from the headphones 19 individually or simultaneously. Sound stimulus A is a sound (acoustic) that includes predetermined audible sounds a1, etc. The predetermined audible sounds a1, etc. are sounds (acoustic) used in, for example, various hearing tests, psychological hearing tests, and auditory perception tests. In particular, the predetermined audible sounds a1, etc. include sounds that are difficult or challenging for people with biases in auditory perception (or visual perception) to perceive, or sounds that are likely to be unpleasant.

[0063] The predetermined audible sound a1 is a pure tone. This pure tone is a tone used, for example, in a pure tone hearing test. The predetermined audible sound a1 includes high tones, mid tones, low tones, loud tones (high volume), mid tones (medium volume), and quiet tones (quiet volume). The predetermined audible sound a1 also includes a combination of multiple pure tones. Of the predetermined audible sounds a1, particularly high tones and loud tones can be difficult to auditory recognize or can be unpleasant for people with biases in auditory cognitive function (or visual cognitive function).

[0064] The predetermined audible sounds a2 are sounds. These sounds are sounds used in, for example, speech intelligibility tests (speech comprehension tests). The predetermined audible sounds a2 include male voices (low-pitched sounds) and voices of children, infants, and women (high-pitched sounds). The predetermined audible sounds a2 include sounds of monosyllables (words) and sentences being read aloud. The predetermined audible sounds a2 also include conversation sounds that combine multiple voices (multiple people). Furthermore, the predetermined audible sounds a2 also include fast-talking voices with a changed playback speed. Among the predetermined audible sounds a2, the high-pitched voices (crying) of infants and women's conversation sounds are particularly difficult to auditory recognize or are unpleasant for people with biased auditory cognitive functions (or visual cognitive functions).

[0065] The predetermined audible sound a3 is a noise. This noise is a sound used, for example, in uncomfortable loudness levels (UCL) tests. The predetermined audible sound a3 includes sounds emitted by machines and equipment such as automobiles, trains, and vacuum cleaners, as well as the sounds of crowds (bustling noise). This is what is known as loud noise. The predetermined audible sound a3 also includes the high-pitched sounds produced when dishes or plates touch each other or when objects collide. The predetermined audible sound a3 also includes the operating sounds (soft sounds) of home appliances and electronic devices such as refrigerators, air conditioners, clocks (second hands), and fluorescent lights. The predetermined audible sound a3 may be white noise, which is a mixture of sounds of various frequencies at the same intensity. The predetermined audible sound a3 is often perceived as harsh and unpleasant, particularly by people with biases in auditory cognitive function (or visual cognitive function).

[0066] The predetermined audible sound a4 is a combination of noise and speech. This sound is used, for example, in a hearing-in-noise test (HINT). The speech in the predetermined audible sound a4 is the predetermined audible sound a2, and the noise is the predetermined audible sound a3. The predetermined audible sound a4 is difficult for people with biased auditory cognitive function (or visual cognitive function) to perceive. In other words, they often cannot hear conversations (speech) in noise.

[0067] The sound stimulus A may be a combination of predetermined audible sounds a1 or the like, or may be a sound obtained by varying the volume, pitch, or direction of the sound. For example, it may include sounds used in various hearing tests such as a directional sense function test, a dichotic hearing test, and a time resolution test.

[0068] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a characteristic information collection method according to an embodiment. The characteristic information collection method includes a white light environment creation step S1, a first sound stimulus provision step S2, a predetermined light environment creation step S3, a second sound stimulus provision step S4, a characteristic information reception and collection step S5, a compilation and analysis step S6, and an output step S7. It also includes a re-execution determination step S8 and a predetermined light change step S9.

[0069] (White Light Environment Creation Step S1) The characteristic information collection method is performed in a situation where a subject (who has a bias in visual or auditory cognitive function) sits in front of the personal computer 10 and can easily hear the audible sound (sound stimulus A) output from the headphones 19. The personal computer 10 is placed in a white light environment in which white light L0 is incident on the subject's retina R. The white light environment is created by turning on the room lighting device 30 located on the ceiling of the room H in which the personal computer 10 is placed. The characteristic information collection program 17 is executed to start the characteristic information collection method. The room lighting device 30 is turned on (creating a white light environment) by executing the characteristic information collection program 17. The characteristic information collection program 17 may be executed with the room lighting device 30 already turned on. The personal computer 10 may be operated by the subject or an assistant (examiner), etc. The subject does not need to focus on the display 13.

[0070] The subject is allowed to stay in room H with the room lighting device 30 turned on for approximately one minute or more (after the photoadaptation time has elapsed) so that the subject can adapt to the white light environment (photoadaptation). The white light L0 is absorbed, reflected (diffusely reflected), and transmitted by the walls, floor, display 13, etc. of room H, and the reflected or transmitted light is incident on the subject's retina R. The white light L0 may also be incident on the subject's retina R directly from the room lighting device 30.

[0071] (First sound stimulus providing step S2) In the first sound stimulus providing step S2, sound stimulus A including predetermined audible sound a1, etc. is provided to the subject under a white light environment. That is, sound stimulus A is output from headphones 19, and the subject is allowed to hear predetermined audible sound a1, etc. "Listening" includes both cases where the subject actively listens to the audible sound and cases where the subject passively listens. It is preferable to present about 3 to 5 types of sound stimuli A so that the subject does not forget the changes in how the sound stimulus A sounds. It is preferable to output each sound stimulus A from headphones 19 for at least about 10 seconds so that the subject can listen to the sound stimulus A in a relaxed manner.

[0072] (Predetermined Light Environment Creation Step S3) In the predetermined light environment creation step S3, a predetermined light environment is created in which predetermined light L1 is incident on the subject's retina. The room lighting device 30 is turned off, and the color light 20 is turned on, causing the predetermined light L1 to be incident on the subject's retina R. The predetermined light L1 emitted from the color light 20 is initially selected as colored light LA. That is, it is one of yellow light LAY, magenta light LAM, cyan light LAC, and green light LAG. Of the colored light LA, yellow light LAY is most preferable. When colored light LA ​​is incident on the subject's retina R, two or one of three types of cone cells (L photoreceptor cells VL, M photoreceptor cells VM, and S photoreceptor cells VS) primarily respond.

[0073] The predetermined light L1 is incident on the subject's retina R directly from the color light 20. The predetermined light L1 may be incident on the subject's retina R as reflected light or transmitted light. When the color light 20 is turned on, the room lighting device 30 may be left on. The white light environment creating step S1 (white light environment) and the predetermined light environment creating step S3 (predetermined light environment) are set so that the luminance (illuminance) of the light incident on the retina R is approximately the same. For example, a luminance of 200 to 3000 cd / m2 (illuminance of 100 to 1000 lx) suitable for reading, working, etc. is preferable. To allow the subject to adapt to the predetermined light environment (light adaptation), the subject is asked to stay in front of the computer 10 with the color light 20 turned on for approximately one minute or more (light adaptation time).

[0074] In the predetermined light environment creating step S3, a wearable optical device 40 may be used instead of the color light 20. When the subject wears various color lens glasses (optical devices 41, 42, 43) with the room lighting device 30 turned on, the predetermined light L1 is incident on the subject's retina R. Color lights 20 (of the same color or different colors) may be turned on in a superimposed manner while the subject is wearing the optical device 41 or the like.

[0075] (Second sound stimulus provision step S4) Next, sound stimulus A is provided again under a predetermined light environment. In this second sound stimulus provision step S4, sound stimulus A (predetermined audible sound a1, etc.) provided in the first sound stimulus provision step S2 is provided again to the subject without any changes. Sound stimulus A is re-output without changing its pitch, volume, playback order, or playback time.

[0076] (Characteristics Information Receiving / Collecting Step S5) In the characteristics information receiving / collecting step S5, the subject is asked (the answer is accepted) to answer whether there has been a change (difference) in how the sound stimulus A sounds in the white light environment (first sound stimulus providing step S2) and the predetermined light environment (second sound stimulus providing step S4), and this information is collected. The subject is asked to answer about the degree and nature of the change in how it sounds. In other words, characteristics information regarding the integration of vision and hearing is collected from the subject.

[0077] The characteristic information receiving and collecting step S5 may be performed in either a white light environment or a predetermined light environment. To return to a white light environment, the color light 20 is turned off and the room lighting device 30 is turned on. When a wearable optical device 40 is used, the subject may either keep wearing the color lens glasses (optical devices 41, 42, 43) or remove the color lens glasses. The subject may answer the questions while reconfirming how well the sound stimulus A sounds by putting on and taking off the color lens glasses.

[0078] When a person with a bias in visual or auditory cognitive function is exposed to a predetermined light L1 (e.g., yellow light LAY) on the retina R, the subject may perceive the sound stimulus A as sounding differently than in a white light environment. In other words, the subject's integration of vision and hearing (sensory integration or multisensory perception) may change. Specifically, a person with a bias in visual or auditory cognitive function may perceive a specific sound stimulus A (e.g., a predetermined audible sound a1) as having changed. A change in sound may be a change in the volume or pitch of a sound, or a sound that was previously inaudible may become audible, or a sound that was previously unpleasant may become inaudible. Conversely, a sound that was previously audible may become inaudible, or a sound that was previously unpleasant may become unpleasant. The change in the way the sound stimulus A is heard may vary depending on the person with a bias in visual or auditory cognitive function.

[0079] 7 is a diagram showing the answer form Q. First, the answer form Q regarding the change in the audibility of the sound stimulus A is displayed on the display 13 (characteristic information receiving step S5a). Multi-level options are used as the answer form Q (multi-level option answer method). The answers from the subject are quantified using a Likert scale, in which each evaluation scale level of the multi-level options is assigned a score. For example, in the case of a five-level option, "very good" is assigned 5 points, "slightly good" is assigned 4 points, "no change" is assigned 3 points, "slightly bad" is assigned 2 points, and "very bad" is assigned 1 point.

[0080] The evaluation scale for the multi-level options is set based on the Semantic Differential Method (SD) in psychometric methods (psychological measurement methods). The following questions are set for sound stimulus A and displayed on the display 13. The content of each question (adjective pairs, evaluation scale scores, etc.) is stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

[0081] For example, the following question items and adjective pairs are set for sound stimulus A (predetermined audible sounds a1 to a6, etc.): Question item 1: Overall change in hearing, adjective pair: "Hearing has improved" - "Hearing has worsened" Question item 1 is a question about whether or not the predetermined audible sounds a1 to a6, etc. were recognized.

[0082] The following questions and adjective pairs were also set: Question 2: Change in volume, adjective pair: "The sound has gotten louder" - "The sound has gotten quieter" Question 3: Change in pitch, adjective pair: "The pitch has become easier to tell" - "The pitch has become harder to tell" Question 4: Psychological change, adjective pair: "It has become more comfortable (unpleasant sounds have disappeared)" - "It has become more unpleasant (unpleasant sounds have increased)" Question 5: Change in the direction from which sounds can be heard, adjective pair: "It has become easier to tell the direction from which sounds are coming" - "It has become harder to tell the direction from which sounds are coming"

[0083] For the predetermined audible sounds a2 and a4, the following question items and adjective pairs are also set. Question item 6: Listening variation 1, adjective pair: "Can hear the voice / conversation" - "Can't hear the voice / conversation" Question item 7: Listening variation 2, adjective pair: "Can concentrate on the voice / conversation (noise is not bothersome)" - "Can't concentrate on the voice / conversation (noise is bothersome)" Question item 8: Listening variation 3, adjective pair: "Can understand the content of the voice / conversation" - "Can't understand the content of the voice / conversation"

[0084] Next, the subject operates the keyboard 14a or the mouse 14b to answer questions regarding changes in how the sound stimulus A is heard. Specifically, for each question item, the subject selects the most appropriate answer from a five-level list of options by entering a numerical value using the keyboard 14a or clicking a check button using the mouse 14b (single answer method).

[0085] For example, the subject answers (inputs a numerical value) about the change in hearing when listening to sound stimulus A (predetermined audible sound a1, etc.) output from headphones 19 in a predetermined lighting environment. If the subject feels that there has been no change in "overall change in hearing" in question item 1, the subject enters "3." On the other hand, if the subject feels that there has been a change in "overall change in hearing," the subject enters the following: That is, if hearing has improved significantly, the subject enters "5," and if hearing has improved somewhat, the subject enters "4." If hearing has deteriorated somewhat, the subject enters "2," and if hearing has deteriorated significantly, the subject enters "1." In other words, using the numerical value "3" as the standard, a larger numerical value indicates better hearing, and a smaller numerical value indicates worse hearing.

[0086] The subject or the like gives multiple answers (numerical values) of 5 to 8 for each sound stimulus A. This results in multiple answers to the sound stimulus A (multiple predetermined audible sounds a1, etc.) (characteristics information collection step S5b). The answers to each of the predetermined audible sounds a1, etc. (raw data of characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing) are stored (collected) in the memory unit 12.

[0087] (Counting and Analysis Step S6) In the counting and analysis step S6, first, the response information obtained in the characteristic information receiving and collecting step S5 is counted to determine whether or not there has been a change in the subject's hearing and to what extent (counted information on characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing) (counting step S6a). Specifically, the calculation processing unit 11 performs calculations on the responses (numerical values) stored in the memory unit 12 to calculate counted information such as the mean, mode, maximum, minimum, variance, and deviation. In addition, the frequency at which each numerical value is input (answered) is calculated. The frequency at which a numerical value other than "3" is input (answered), the frequency at which "1" or "2" is input, and the frequency at which "4" or "5" is input are calculated.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the SD chart analysis table D. FIG. 8 is an example of a chart displaying characteristic information on how the sound stimulus A is heard (visual and auditory integration) when the yellow light LAY is used. Next, the arithmetic processing unit 11 creates an analysis table (analysis information on characteristic information related to visual and auditory integration) in which the question items and answers (numerical values) are graphed and charted (analysis step S6b). Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 11 processes the aggregated information and creates analysis information (output image) such as the SD chart analysis table D. In addition to the SD chart analysis table D, the arithmetic processing unit 11 may create analysis tables such as pie charts, laser charts, and matrices. An analysis step for analyzing the subject's characteristics related to visual and auditory integration and a diagnosis step for diagnosing the subject may be performed based on the information obtained in the aggregation step S6a and the analysis table created in the analysis step S6b.

[0089] (Output step S7) Finally, in the output step S7, the tabulated information and analytical information (results of various arithmetic processes) obtained in the tabulation and analysis step S6 are output to the outside. The arithmetic processing unit 11 displays the tabulated information and analytical information on the display 13 as the degree of change in the subject's hearing (characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing). The tabulated information and analytical information may be printed out by the print printer 16. Specifically, for example, the average value, mode, variance, etc. are output as the tabulated information. In addition, an analysis table such as an SD chart is output as the analytical information.

[0090] (Re-execution determination step S8) In the re-execution determination step S8, it is determined whether or not to re-execute the above-mentioned characteristic information collection method. For example, if there is almost no change in the subject's hearing in response to sound stimulus A, the characteristic information collection method is executed again. In other words, it is determined whether or not to re-execute the characteristic information collection method based on the aggregated information obtained in the aggregation / analysis step S6. Specifically, the determination is made based on the frequency at which a number other than "3" is entered in the aggregated information. If the frequency is less than a threshold value (e.g., 10%), the characteristic information collection method is executed again. On the other hand, if the frequency is equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 10%), the characteristic information collection method is terminated. This threshold value can be set arbitrarily.

[0091] For example, the determination of whether to re-execute the characteristic information collection method is based on the number of types of predetermined light L1 used in the predetermined lighting environment creation step S3. The number of types of predetermined light L1 that can be irradiated from the color light 20 is stored in advance, and the characteristic information collection method is re-executed until the number of times the predetermined lighting environment creation step S3 has been performed matches the number of types of predetermined light L1. Specifically, if there are, for example, five types of predetermined light L1 that can be irradiated from the color light 20, the characteristic information collection method is re-executed if the number of times the predetermined lighting environment creation step S3 has been performed is less than five. On the other hand, if the number of times the predetermined lighting environment creation step S3 has been performed reaches five, the characteristic information collection method is terminated. The number of types of predetermined light L1 that can be irradiated from the color light 20 can be set arbitrarily.

[0092] (Predetermined Light Changing Step S9) When it is determined that the characteristic information collection method should be re-executed, in the predetermined light changing step S9, the light emitted by the color light 20 (predetermined light L1, colored light LA) is changed from yellow light LAY to, for example, magenta light LAM. Then, in the predetermined light environment creating step S3, magenta light LAM or the like is irradiated from the color light 20 toward the subject. In the predetermined light environment creating step S3, the subject is asked to stay in front of the computer 10 with the color light 20 turned on for approximately one minute or more (after the light adaptation time has elapsed) so that the subject can adapt to the changed predetermined light L1 (new predetermined light environment). Subsequently, the second sound stimulus providing step S4 to the output step S7 are performed. When the characteristic information collection method is re-executed, the white light environment creating step S1 and the first sound stimulus providing step S2 may be omitted or may be re-executed.

[0093] In the predetermined light changing step S9, the colored light LA ​​may be changed from yellow light LAY to cyan light LAC, green light LAG, etc. The order (priority) of the four colored lights LA (yellow light LAY, magenta light LAM, cyan light LAC, green light LAG) can be set arbitrarily.

[0094] Depending on the characteristics of the subject's disability, the predetermined light L1 irradiated from the color light 20 (or the wearable optical device 40) may be gray light LB, gray-colored light LBA, or low-light LD, in addition to or instead of colored light LA. When light LB or LBA is used, in the predetermined light environment creation step S3, only the color light 20 is turned on in the room H at a luminance of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2. The luminance of the display 13 is also changed to 0.001 to 5 cd / m2. When low-light LD is used, the color light 20, the room lighting device 30, and the display 13 are turned off, and the luminance of the room H is set to 0.001 or less. When light LB, LBA, or LD is used, the subject is asked to stay in front of the personal computer 10 for approximately 10 to 30 minutes (dark adaptation time) to allow the subject to adapt to the predetermined light environment (dark adaptation).

[0095] When gray light LB or gray colored light LBA is incident on the retina R, people with biases in visual or auditory perception may feel that the sound stimulus A sounds different from a white light environment. They also often feel that the way a specific sound stimulus A sounds has changed. In other words, the integration of the subject's vision and oral sensation (sensory integration or multisensory perception) may change.

[0096] By going through the above steps, it is possible to collect characteristic information on the subject's visual and auditory integration without relying on a person with specialized knowledge, and while minimizing subjective influence as much as possible. It is also possible to aggregate and analyze the characteristic information on the subject's visual and auditory integration. Furthermore, it is also possible to diagnose and treat visual and auditory cognitive functions.

[0097] The way sound stimulus A is heard is strongly influenced by the subject's light sensitivity. If there is a bias in light sensitivity (presence, strength, or variability of sensitivity or hyposensitivity to light or color), sensory integration of vision and hearing, etc., and multisensory perception (integrative cognition) are likely to be disrupted. However, in most cases, the subject is unaware of how they hear things. However, if there is a change in how they hear, the subject will be able to become aware of it (make it apparent).

[0098] Therefore, the characteristic information collection method and characteristic information collection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention create an environment in which the "way of hearing" of a person with a bias in visual cognitive function (light sensitivity) or auditory cognitive function is likely to change, and provide a sound stimulus A (predetermined audible sound a1, etc.) that is likely to change the "way of hearing." Then, "characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing" relating to the manner and degree of change in the "way of hearing" is collected from the subject. At this time, the degree and manner of change in the way of hearing are quantified using psychostatistical methods (such as SD method) and collected. Therefore, the "characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing" of the subject can be collected objectively and quantitatively.

[0099] The device also compiles, analyzes, and outputs the subject's "characteristic information related to the integration of vision and hearing." This provides basic information for the early detection of biases in the subject's visual cognitive function or auditory cognitive function. This makes it possible to create and implement training methods that effectively improve or correct biases in the subject's visual cognitive function or auditory cognitive function, as well as various diagnoses and treatments. Therefore, the characteristic information collection device 1 and the characteristic information collection method using the same can be supplied inexpensively and easily to a wide range of fields, including various industries, education, and traffic safety.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In other words, the specific shapes and configurations given in the embodiments are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0101] The characteristic information collecting method and the characteristic information collecting method of the present invention are not limited to the case where the characteristic information collecting device 1 is used. It is sufficient to provide a sound stimulus A including a predetermined audible sound a1 or the like to a subject and collect the degree of change in how the sound stimulus A is heard in a white light environment and a predetermined light environment.

[0102] The characteristic information collection device 1 is not limited to a desktop personal computer 10, and may be a laptop personal computer or notebook computer. A tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a mobile terminal may be used as the characteristic information collection device 1. The color light 20 may be a flashlight (a light for camera photography) of a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0103] The sound stimulation providing unit is not limited to headphones 19, but may be a speaker. The number of speakers is not limited to one, but may be multiple. When there is one speaker, it is placed in front of (on the front side of) the subject. When there are multiple speakers, they are placed so as to surround the subject.

[0104] The indoor lighting device (first optical unit) 30 is not limited to a ceiling light. It may be a floor lamp, desk lamp, handheld lamp, or the like. In a room H where natural light is blocked, white light L0 may be emitted from a color light 20. That is, instead of the indoor lighting device 30, the color light 20 may function as the first optical unit (light source for the white light environment creating step S1). The white light L0 is not limited to artificial light emitted from various lighting fixtures, but may also be natural light (sunlight). For example, the personal computer 10 may be placed in an environment where natural light enters the room through a window, without using the indoor lighting device 30. That is, the characteristic information collection device 1 may not include the indoor lighting device (first optical unit) 30. The white light environment may be any environment in which the subject does not feel dazzled. Outdoor natural light (sunlight) is preferably avoided because it is highly luminous and often too stimulating for the subject.

[0105] The color light 20 (second optical unit) is not limited to a desk lamp. It may be a ceiling light, a floor light, or the like. The lighting color of the indoor lighting device 30 may be changed from white (white light L0) to yellow or the like (predetermined light L1) to create a white light environment and a predetermined light environment, respectively. In other words, the indoor lighting device 30 may function as the second optical unit (light source in the predetermined light environment creating step S3). The predetermined light L1 is not limited to artificial light emitted from various lighting fixtures, but may also be natural light (sunlight). For example, the predetermined light environment of the room H may be created by coloring the window glass in the room or by attaching a color filter to the window glass.

[0106] The colored light LA ​​may be, for example, red light or blue light in addition to yellow light LAY, magenta light LAM, cyan light LAC, and green light LAG. In addition to gray light LB and gray colored light LBA, light that blocks light with wavelengths of 500 nm or less or light that blocks light with wavelengths of 400 nm or less (anti-glare eyeglasses) may be used.

[0107] The predetermined light L1 is not limited to being incident only on the peripheral visual field region R2 of the subject's retina R. The predetermined light L1 may be incident on the entire area of ​​the retina R (central visual field region R1, peripheral visual field region R2), or may be incident only on the central visual field region R1.

[0108] Although the case where sound stimulus A is provided again (second sound stimulus providing step S4) after the predetermined light environment creating step S3 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The white light environment may be changed to a predetermined light environment during the first sound stimulus providing step S2. For example, while sound stimulus A is being provided to the subject, the color light 20 may be turned on to transition from the white light environment to the predetermined light environment.

[0109] The output step S7 does not necessarily have to be performed after the tallying and analyzing step S6. In a characteristic information collection method using a plurality of predetermined lights L1, the tallying and analyzing step S6 may be performed multiple times, and finally, the output step S7 may be performed only once.

[0110] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Characteristic information collection device 10 Personal computer 11 Arithmetic processing unit (collection unit, aggregation and analysis unit) 12 Memory unit 13 Display (output unit) 14a Keyboard (information reception unit) 14b Mouse (information reception unit) 16 Printer 17 Characteristic information collection program 18 Sound source database 19 Headphones (sound stimulus provision unit) 20 Color light (second optical unit) 30 Indoor lighting device (first optical unit) 40 Wearable optical device (second optical unit) 41 Optical device (colored light lens glasses) 41Y Optical device (yellow lens glasses) 41M Optical device (magenta lens glasses) 41C Optical device (cyan lens glasses) 41G Optical device (green lens glasses) 42 Optical device (gray lens glasses) 43 Optical device (black lens glasses) H Room A Sound stimulus a1, a2, a3, a4 Predetermined audible sound Q Answer form D SD chart analysis table L0 White light L1 Prescribed light LA ​​Colored light (prescribed light) LAY Yellow light (prescribed light) LAM Magenta light (prescribed light) LAC Cyan light (prescribed light) LAG Green light (prescribed light) LB Gray light (prescribed light) LBA Gray colored light (prescribed light) LBY Gray yellow light (prescribed light) LBM Gray magenta light (prescribed light) LBC Gray cyan light (prescribed light) LBG Gray green light (prescribed light) LD Low light (prescribed light) R Retina R1 Central visual field R2 Peripheral visual field VL L photoreceptor cells (long cone cells) VM M photoreceptor cells (middle cone cells) VS S photoreceptor cells (short cone cells) VR R photoreceptor cells (rod cells)

Claims

1. A characteristic information collection method comprising: a first sound stimulus providing step of providing a sound stimulus including a predetermined audible sound to a subject in a white light environment in which white light is incident on the subject's retina; a predetermined light environment creating step of creating a predetermined light environment in which predetermined light different from the white light in at least one of spectral distribution and luminance is incident on the subject's retina; a second sound stimulus providing step of providing the sound stimulus again to the subject in the predetermined light environment; an information receiving step of receiving from the subject characteristic information regarding how the sound stimuli are heard in the first sound stimulus providing step and the second sound stimulus providing step; and a collection step of collecting the characteristic information received from the subject.

2. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, further comprising a compilation step of compiling the information obtained in said collection step.

3. The method for collecting characteristic information according to claim 2, further comprising an analysis step of preparing an analysis table based on the information obtained in said compilation step.

4. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 2, wherein in said information receiving step and said collecting step, said characteristic information is quantified using a Likert scale in a multiple choice answer method.

5. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 4, wherein the multi-stage multiple choice answer method uses the SD method in psychological statistics.

6. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, wherein the specified light is yellow light having a dominant wavelength of 570 nm to 590 nm.

7. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined light is magenta light having a complementary dominant wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm.

8. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, wherein the specified light is cyan light having a dominant wavelength of 470 nm to 530 nm.

9. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined light is green light having a dominant wavelength of 500 nm to 570 nm.

10. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined light has a luminance of 0.001 to 5 cd / m2.

11. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, wherein the specified light has a luminance of 0.001 cd / m2 or less.

12. The characteristic information gathering method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined audible sound is a voice, a conversation sound, or a noise sound, or a combination thereof.

13. The characteristic information collecting method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: changing at least one of the spectral distribution and luminance of the predetermined light, and repeating the steps from the predetermined light environment creating step to the collecting step.

14. A characteristic information collecting device comprising: a first optical unit that creates a white light environment in which white light is incident on the subject's retina; a second optical unit that creates a predetermined light environment in which predetermined light differing from the white light in at least one of spectral distribution and luminance is incident on the subject's retina; a sound stimulus providing unit that provides the subject with a sound stimulus including a predetermined audible sound in the white light environment, and then provides the sound stimulus again to the subject in the predetermined light environment; an information receiving unit that receives from the subject characteristic information regarding how the sound stimulus is heard in the white light environment and the predetermined light environment; and a collection unit that collects the characteristic information received by the information receiving unit.

15. The characteristic information collecting device according to claim 14, further comprising a compilation and analysis unit for carrying out various calculation processes based on the collected information obtained from said collection unit.

16. The characteristic information collecting device according to claim 14, wherein the sound stimulation providing unit is a headphone or a speaker.

17. The characteristic information collecting device according to claim 14, wherein the sound stimulation provision unit provides or changes the positioning of the sound stimulation.

18. The characteristic information collecting device according to claim 14, wherein the first optical unit or the second optical unit is a display, glasses, goggles, a light or an illumination device.

Images