Recommendation information provision system and recommendation information provision program

Abstract

A recommendation information provision system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cushion on which a user's body is placed; a sensor that is attached to the cushion, the sensor receiving the load of the body seated on the cushion and outputting a waveform corresponding to the load; a heartbeat information acquisition unit that acquires heartbeat information, which is information indicating the heartbeat of the user, from the waveform output by the sensor; an autonomic nerve determination unit that determines the state of the autonomic nerve of the user from the heartbeat information; a recommendation information extraction unit that extracts recommendation information corresponding to the state of the autonomic nerve of the user determined by the autonomic nerve determination unit; and a display unit that displays the recommendation information extracted by the recommendation information extraction unit to a terminal located at a position visible to the user seated on the cushion.

Description

Recommended information providing system and recommended information providing program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recommended information providing system and a recommended information providing program. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-054905 filed on March 28, 2025, and incorporates all the content described in said Japanese application by reference.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a lifestyle improvement system including a sensor unit that acquires respiration information, body movement information and heart rate information, and a sleep state acquisition unit that acquires sleep state information from at least one of the respiration information, body movement information and heart rate information. The lifestyle improvement system further comprises an autonomic nerve acquisition unit, a device control unit, a prediction information generation unit, and an improvement information generation unit, wherein the autonomic nerve acquisition unit acquires autonomic nerve information from the heart rate information.

[0003] The device control unit controls the operation of a device based on at least one of pre-stored past sleep information and autonomic nerve information. The device control unit controls the operation of a device based on at least one of the past sleep information and autonomic nerve information, the prediction information generation unit generates prediction information based on at least one of the past sleep information and autonomic nerve information, and the improvement information generation unit generates improvement information from the prediction information.

[0004] In this lifestyle improvement system, the user's body is placed on a sensor sheet of a mattress, and the sensor sheet acquires vital data of the user lying on the mattress. The sensor sheet acquires the user's respiration information, body movement information and heart rate information while sleeping. The lifestyle improvement system includes a lifestyle improvement application, which causes an information terminal to display the prediction information and the improvement information.

[0005] International Publication No. WO 2024 / 171906

[0006] In the aforementioned lifestyle improvement system, when the user is sleeping, the sensor unit acquires respiration information, body movement information and heart rate information, the prediction information and the improvement information are generated from at least any one of the respiration information, body movement information and heart rate information, and the prediction information and the improvement information are displayed on an information terminal.

[0007] In the aforementioned lifestyle improvement system, users can understand their own physical condition and receive recommendations for improving their health by viewing predictive and improvement information displayed on an information terminal after waking up. However, there is a need to provide this information more quickly and easily.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a recommendation information provision system and recommendation information provision program that can quickly provide recommendation information and allow users to easily obtain recommendation information.

[0009] (1) The recommendation information provision system relating to this disclosure comprises a cushion on which the user's body rests, a sensor attached to the cushion that receives the load of the body sitting on the cushion and outputs a waveform corresponding to the change in load, a heart rate information acquisition unit that acquires heart rate information, which is information indicating the user's heart rate, from the waveform output by the sensor, an autonomic nervous system determination unit that determines the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information, a recommendation information extraction unit that extracts recommendation information according to the state of the user's autonomic nervous system determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit, and a display unit that displays the recommendation information extracted by the recommendation information extraction unit on a terminal located in a position visible to the user sitting on the cushion.

[0010] In this recommendation information provision system, the user's body rests on a cushion, and a sensor outputs a waveform corresponding to the weight of the body sitting on the cushion. From the waveform output by the sensor, the user's heart rate information is acquired by the heart rate information acquisition unit, and the autonomic nervous system determination unit determines the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information. The recommendation information extraction unit extracts recommendation information according to the state of the autonomic nervous system, and this recommendation information is displayed on a terminal located in a position visible to the user sitting on the cushion. The user can view the recommendation information while sitting on the cushion. Therefore, recommendation information can be provided to the user quickly, and the user can easily obtain the recommendation information.

[0011] (2) In (1) above, the recommended information may include dietary information indicating meals suitable for the user's determined autonomic nervous system state. In this case, dietary information suitable for the autonomic nervous system state is extracted and displayed on a terminal located in a position visible to the user sitting on the cushion. The user can obtain dietary information suitable for them while sitting on the cushion. Therefore, when the user is unsure what to eat, they can find out in real time what meals are suitable for their autonomic nervous system state while sitting.

[0012] (3) In (2) above, the display unit may display meal information as a meal menu. In this case, the meal information will be displayed as a table showing the types of dishes. Therefore, by displaying meal information suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system state as a list on the terminal, the meal information can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner, and the user can grasp multiple types of dishes suitable for them in real time.

[0013] (4) In (2) or (3) above, the meal information may include information on dishes extracted from the menus of multiple restaurants that provide meals. The display unit may display the dish information for each restaurant. In this case, dishes suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system state will be displayed for each restaurant, so the user can understand the dishes suitable for their physical condition for each restaurant. Therefore, the user can select their preferred dish from among the dishes suitable for their body.

[0014] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the cushion may comprise a core material and a cover that houses the core material. The recommendation information provision system may also comprise a sensor sheet that has a built-in sensor and can be attached to the core material by wrapping it around the core material. The cover may house the core material with the sensor sheet wrapped around it. In this case, the sensor can be easily attached to the cushion by wrapping the sensor sheet around the cushion. By housing the core material with the sensor sheet wrapped around it in the cover, the sensor can be protected inside the cover and the sensor can be hidden, thus improving the appearance of the device.

[0015] (6) In any of the above (1) to (5), the recommendation information provision system may be equipped with a noise reduction function to remove noise from sources other than the user's body. In this case, the noise reduction function removes vibrations and noise, thereby enabling the acquisition of data indicating the user's physical and mental state with higher accuracy.

[0016] (7) The recommendation information provision program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire heart rate information, which is information indicating the user's heart rate, from waveforms output by sensors attached to a cushion on which the user's body rests; determine the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information; extract recommendation information corresponding to the determined state of the autonomic nervous system; and display the extracted recommendation information on a terminal located in a position visible to the user sitting on the cushion.

[0017] This recommendation information program acquires the user's heart rate information from waveforms output by sensors attached to the cushion on which the user sits, and determines the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information. It extracts recommended information according to the state of the autonomic nervous system and displays the recommended information on a terminal located in a position visible to the user while they are sitting on the cushion. The user can view the recommended information while sitting on the cushion. Therefore, similar to the recommendation information provision system described above, recommended information can be provided to the user quickly, and the user can easily obtain the recommended information.

[0018] According to this disclosure, recommended information can be provided quickly and easily accessed.

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a recommendation information provision system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the cushion and terminal of the recommendation information provision system of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the core material and sensor sheet of the cushion of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the core material and sensor sheet of Figure 3, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a recommendation information provision method according to an embodiment.

[0020] The following describes embodiments of the recommended information provision system and recommended information provision program related to this disclosure, with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. For the sake of ease of understanding, some parts of the drawings may be simplified or exaggerated, and the dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0021] In this specification, “Recommended Information” refers to information that includes recommendations for users of the Recommended Information System and Recommended Information Program. For example, “Recommended Information” refers to information on things and actions that are recommended to improve the user’s health. “User” refers to a person who uses the Recommended Information System and Recommended Information Program. “User” includes a person who sits on the cushion, and a person (such as an attendant) who guides the user on how to use the Recommended Information System or Recommended Information Program. “Sitting” refers to resting the buttocks on something. “Sitting” includes not only sitting, but also lying down on a mattress or the like.

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recommendation information provision system 1 according to this embodiment. The recommendation information provision system 1 is used by the user of the recommendation information provision system 1 through the operation of terminals T1 and T2. The recommendation information provision system 1 provides recommendation information to the user of the recommendation information provision system 1.

[0023] For example, the recommendation information provision system 1 includes terminal T1, terminal T2, cushion 2, sensor 3, and recommendation information provision program 10. Sensor 3 is attached to cushion 2. The terminal is, for example, a computer. The recommendation information provision program 10 is, for example, an application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "app") that is installed on the terminal and operable on the terminal. The type of app is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a download app downloaded from a server, an SNS (social networking service) app, or a communication app.

[0024] The terminal is, for example, a device capable of running the recommended information provision program 10. The terminal is, for example, a mobile terminal. A mobile terminal refers to a portable device such as a mobile phone including a smartphone, a tablet, a camera, or a laptop computer. The terminal may also be a device other than a mobile terminal, for example, a personal computer.

[0025] The terminal comprises a processor (e.g., CPU) that runs the operating system and software (applications), a main memory unit composed of ROM and RAM, an auxiliary memory unit composed of flash memory, a communication control unit composed of a wireless communication module, input devices such as buttons, and output devices such as a display. However, the configuration of the terminal is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate. Hereinafter, the main memory unit and the auxiliary memory unit may be collectively referred to as the memory unit.

[0026] On the terminal, for example, a recommendation information provision program 10 is executed as an application. The recommendation information provision program 10 is, for example, an application executed on terminal T1. However, at least some of the functions of the recommendation information provision program 10 may be executed by terminal T2 or by an external server.

[0027] The recommended information program 10 may be downloaded from the server or installed. Below, we will describe an example in which the recommended information program 10 is an application installed on terminal T1, and the functions of the recommended information program 10 are executed on terminal T1.

[0028] Each function of the recommended information provision system 1 is realized by loading the recommended information provision program 10 into the processor or main memory and executing the recommended information provision program 10. The processor operates the aforementioned communication control unit, input device, and output device according to the recommended information provision program 10, and reads and writes data to the storage unit. The data used for terminal processing is stored in the storage unit.

[0029] The recommendation information provision system 1 may be a distributed processing system composed of multiple computers, a client-server system, or a cloud system. The recommendation information provision program 10 includes, for example, a main module, a data acquisition module, a judgment module, and an output module. Each functional element of the recommendation information provision program 10 functions when the data acquisition module, judgment module, and output module are executed.

[0030] The recommended information program 10 may, for example, be provided by being permanently recorded on a tangible storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or semiconductor memory. The recommended information program 10 may also be provided via a communication network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, terminals T1 and T2 are terminals located in a position visible to the user seated on cushion 2. "Terminals located in a position visible to the user seated on cushion 2" includes not only terminals visible from the cushion, but also terminals operated by a person assisting the user seated on cushion 2. Terminals T1 and T2 are positioned in a position visible to the user seated on cushion 2. For example, terminal T1 is installed in a venue 20 where people gather.

[0032] Venue 20 is a place where people gather, and could be an event venue, a booth, or a restaurant. Terminal T1 is, for example, fixed to Venue 20. Terminal T1 may be connected to equipment in Venue 20. In this case, it is possible to prevent Terminal T1 from being taken out of Venue 20. Terminal T1 may have a weight located below its display.

[0033] For example, venue 20 is equipped with chairs 21 and a table 22, with terminal T1 fixed to the table 22. Terminal T2 is the user's personal device owned by the user. As mentioned above, terminals T1 and T2 are positioned so that they are visible to the user seated on cushion 2. For example, terminal T1 is a tablet device and terminal T2 is a smartphone.

[0034] Cushion 2 is placed on chair 21. The user's body rests on cushion 2. For example, the user's buttocks rest on cushion 2. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing cushion 2 with cover 2b removed. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, cushion 2 comprises a core material 2c and a cover 2b that houses the core material 2c.

[0035] The core material 2c is made of, for example, foamed urethane. The core material 2c has, for example, recesses and protrusions on its upper surface, with the recesses and protrusions being formed alternately on the upper surface of the core material 2c. By using a core material 2c with alternating recesses and protrusions in this way, sensing by the sensor 3 can be performed with higher accuracy. However, the shape of the core material 2c and the material of the core material 2c are not limited to the above example and can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the core material 2c and sensor sheet 5 viewed from the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example, the lower surface of the core material 2c is a flat surface without recesses or protrusions. The recommendation information provision system 1 includes, for example, a sensor sheet 5 that incorporates a sensor 3.

[0037] The sensor sheet 5 can be attached to the core material 2c by wrapping it around the core material 2c. The cover 2b houses the core material 2c with the sensor sheet 5 wrapped around it. The sensor sheet 5 may also be fixed to the core material 2c. The sensor sheet 5 is a flat cloth that extends long in one direction. The length of the sensor sheet 5 is greater than twice the length of the core material 2c. This makes it possible to wrap the sensor sheet 5 around the core material 2c at least once.

[0038] For example, the sensor sheet 5 has a joint 6 at its longitudinal end, which connects one longitudinal end of the sensor sheet 5 to the other end. The sensor sheet 5 has multiple joints 6. For example, the sensor sheet 5 has multiple joints 6 aligned along its longitudinal direction at both its longitudinal end and the other end.

[0039] In this case, the longitudinal joining position of the sensor sheet 5 can be changed, making it possible to wrap the sensor sheet 5 around various core materials. For example, the joining part 6 is a male and female snap button. However, the joining part 6 may also be a hook-and-loop fastener, and the type of joining part 6 is not particularly limited.

[0040] The sensor sheet 5 comprises, for example, two sheet-like fabrics and a sensor 3 sandwiched between the two sheet-like fabrics. The sensor sheet 5 acquires vital data of the user sitting on the cushion 2. The sensor 3 is, for example, a thread-like sensor embroidered into the sheet-like fabric. The sensor 3 detects vital data from the user's body placed on the sensor sheet 5.

[0041] Sensor 3 is, for example, a thread-shaped piezoelectric sensor. However, sensor 3 does not have to be a thread-shaped sensor; it may be a chip sensor, a Hall sensor, or a magnetic sensor, or it may include an activity tracker. Sensor 3 may also include a wearable measuring device such as a ring-shaped smartwatch. Thus, the type of sensor 3 is not particularly limited. Sensor 3 is fixed, for example, by embroidery so that it spreads two-dimensionally on a sheet-like fabric. Sensor 3 extends, for example, in a wave-like shape. By arranging sensor 3 in this way, vital data can be acquired with high accuracy by sensor 3.

[0042] The recommended information provision system 1 includes, for example, a cable 7b extending from a sensor 3, a data acquisition unit 8 that acquires vital data detected by the sensor 3, and a power cable 7d that supplies power to the data acquisition unit 8. The data acquisition unit 8 is connected to the sensor 3 via cable 7b. The data acquisition unit 8 is activated by receiving power from the power cable 7d.

[0043] The data acquisition unit 8 has a communication board that transmits the acquired vital data wirelessly. The data acquisition unit 8 transmits the acquired vital data to the terminal T1 wirelessly. The sensor 3 generates an electrical signal, which is a waveform corresponding to the load of the user's body that is applied to it. The sensor 3 receives the load of the body sitting on the cushion 2 and outputs a waveform corresponding to the load. The sensor 3 acquires this electrical signal as the user's respiratory information, body movement information, and heart rate information.

[0044] When a user sits on the cushion 2, in which the core material 2c is housed in the cover 2b with the sensor sheet 5 wound around the core material 2c, the sensor 3 generates an electrical signal. When the sensor 3 generates an electrical signal, the data acquisition unit 8 acquires vital data. The data acquisition unit 8 transmits the acquired vital data to the recommended information providing program 10 installed on the terminal T1.

[0045] The sensor 3 acquires physical information that is information of the user's body. The physical information is, for example, vital data. The vital data includes, for example, at least one of the user's respiration information, heart rate information, and body movement information. The respiration information is information indicating the user's respiration state, the heart rate information is information indicating the user's heart rate state, and the body movement information is information indicating the user's body movement state. The content of the vital data can be changed as appropriate. The vital data may include at least one of information indicating the user's body temperature and information indicating the user's blood glucose level. The vital data may include information indicating blood pressure. The vital data may include an electrocardiogram.

[0046] The recommended information providing program 10 provides recommended information to the user. The functional configuration of the recommended information providing program 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, as functional components, the recommended information providing program 10 includes a heart rate information acquisition unit 11, an autonomic nerve determination unit 12, an analysis unit 13, a recommended information extraction unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a display unit 16.

[0047] The storage unit 15 has a function of storing data input to and output from the terminal T1 by the recommended information providing program 10. The storage unit 15 stores the vital data transmitted from the data acquisition unit 8 in the storage unit (at least one of a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit) of the terminal T1. As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 16 displays an operation screen for operating the functions of the recommended information providing program 10 on the display T11 of the terminal T1.

[0048] The display unit 16 displays various screens of the recommendation information providing program 10 on the display T11 of the terminal T1 in accordance with instructions from functions other than the display unit 16 of the recommendation information providing program 10, for example. For example, the display unit 16 is a function that controls screen display on the display T11 of the terminal T1.

[0049] Further, the display unit 16 has a function of displaying a screen on a display T21 (see FIG. 9) of a terminal T2. An example of a screen displayed by the display unit 16 will be described below. However, the following description of the screen is merely an example, and the content and layout of the screen displayed on the display can be changed as appropriate.

[0050] For example, when the recommendation information providing program 10 is activated, the display unit 16 displays an information input screen D1 on the display T11. The information input screen D1 includes, for example, a language input unit, an age input unit, and a gender input unit. The language input unit is configured as a pull-down menu, and a display language can be selected from the pull-down menu. An example in which Japanese is selected as the display language will be described below.

[0051] The age input unit and the gender input unit are each configured as a pull-down menu, for example. The age input unit allows input of a user's age, and the gender input unit allows input of a user's gender. The input age and gender are stored in the storage unit 15. The display unit 16 displays a button D2 together with the information input screen D1 on the display T11. The button D2 is used to transition to another screen after the input of the display language into the language input unit, the input of the age into the age input unit, and the input of the gender into the gender input unit are completed.

[0052] When the button D2 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 16 displays a precaution explanation screen D3 on the display T11. The precaution explanation screen D3 includes descriptions of the time required for measurement and matters to be noted during measurement. For example, the time required for measurement is 1 minute or less (30 seconds as an example).

[0053] The instructions for precautions to take during measurement include, for example, a note instructing the user to sit on cushion 2, maintain a relaxed posture, and avoid moving their body. The display unit 16 displays button D4 on the display T11 along with the precautions explanation screen D3. Button D4 is a button for the user to transition to another screen after reading the precautions explanation screen D3.

[0054] Button D4 may also be a button to start the measurement. In this case, pressing button D4 starts the measurement of the user's mental and physical state. "Mental and physical state" refers to the user's mental and physical condition, and indicates at least one of the following: mental state, psychological state, mood, stress level, fatigue level, and autonomic nervous system state.

[0055] When button D4 is pressed, as shown in Figure 7, the display unit 16 displays a measurement screen D5 on the display T11 indicating that the physical and mental state is being measured. The display unit 16 may also display a warning D6 on the display T11 along with the measurement screen D5. The warning D6 may, for example, state that the person should not move while their physical and mental state is being measured.

[0056] The display unit 16 may display a waveform D7 showing the user's body movements on the display T11 along with the measurement screen D5. The waveform D7 is, for example, a waveform showing the body movement information of a user sitting on the cushion 2. The display unit 16 may also display the user's heart rate information D8 and respiratory information D9 along with the measurement screen D5.

[0057] Heart rate information D8 shows the user's real-time heart rate, and respiration information D9 shows the user's real-time respiration. The values ​​for heart rate information D8 and respiration information D9 change at regular intervals. This allows the user to understand their heart rate and respiration in real time while measuring their physical and mental state.

[0058] The display unit 16 displays the measurement screen D5 on the display T11, while the heart rate information acquisition unit 11 and the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 measure the user's physical and mental state. The heart rate information acquisition unit 11 acquires heart rate information, which is information indicating the user's heart rate, from the waveform output by the sensor 3. For example, the heart rate information acquisition unit 11 extracts the user's heart rate information from the vital data transmitted from the data acquisition unit 8.

[0059] The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 acquires the user's autonomic nervous system information. This autonomic nervous system information indicates the state of the user's autonomic nervous system. For example, the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 analyzes the heart rate information acquired by the heart rate information acquisition unit 11 to obtain the user's heart rate variability (HRV). For example, the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 obtains the periodic components included in the heart rate variability from the user's heart rate variability. The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 performs frequency analysis on the periodic components of the heart rate variability and obtains the power spectrum of each frequency.

[0060] The autonomic nervous system power spectrum obtained as a result of the frequency analysis described above can be divided into two components: the LF (Low Frequency) component, which is the integral value of the power spectrum in the low frequency range (for example, 0.04 Hz to 0.15 Hz), and the HF (High Frequency) component, which is the integral value of the power spectrum in the high frequency range (for example, 0.15 Hz to 0.4 Hz). The LF component reflects sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, while the HF component reflects parasympathetic nervous system activity.

[0061] The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 acquires sympathetic nervous system indicators and parasympathetic nervous system indicators as autonomic nervous system information. The sympathetic nervous system indicator is an indicator that shows the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system. For example, the sympathetic nervous system indicator is the value obtained by dividing the value of the LF component by the value of the HF component. The parasympathetic nervous system indicator is an indicator that shows the dominance of the parasympathetic nervous system. For example, the parasympathetic nervous system indicator is the value obtained by dividing the value of the HF component by the sum of the LF component and the HF component.

[0062] The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12, for example, obtains the activity level of the user sitting on the cushion 2 as autonomic nervous system information from the acquired sympathetic nervous system index. The activity level indicates the degree of dominance of the sympathetic nervous system over the parasympathetic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 obtains the relaxation level of the user sitting on the cushion 2 from the acquired parasympathetic nervous system index. The relaxation level indicates the degree of dominance of the parasympathetic nervous system over the sympathetic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 obtains the acquired relaxation level of the user while seated as autonomic nervous system information.

[0063] The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 may acquire the user's mental state as autonomic nervous system information from sympathetic nervous system indicators and parasympathetic nervous system indicators. The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 may classify the user's mental state into one of the following categories based on the sympathetic nervous system indicators and parasympathetic nervous system indicators: best condition state, relaxed state, neutral state, hard work state (or stress state), and low energy state (or down state). For example, the best condition state may also be called Excellent, the relaxed state Relax, the neutral state Neutral, the hard work state Stress, and the low energy state Tired. For example, the hard work state may also be called a tense state. Thus, the names of the above multiple (for example, five) states are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate.

[0064] For example, the neutral state is a state in which the sum of the LF component value and the HF component value (total power) is greater than or equal to the first lower threshold and less than or equal to the first upper threshold, and the ratio of the LF component value to the HF component value is greater than or equal to the second lower threshold and less than or equal to the second upper threshold. The best condition state is a state other than the neutral state in which the sympathetic nervous system index is greater than or equal to the first index threshold and the parasympathetic nervous system index is greater than or equal to the second index threshold. The relaxed state is a state other than the neutral state in which the sympathetic nervous system index is less than the first index threshold and the parasympathetic nervous system index is greater than or equal to the second index threshold.

[0065] The "strengthened state" is a state other than the neutral state in which the sympathetic nervous system index is above the first index threshold and the parasympathetic nervous system index is below the second index threshold. The "lack of energy state" is a state other than the neutral state in which the sympathetic nervous system index is below the first index threshold and the parasympathetic nervous system index is below the second index threshold. The autonomic nervous system information of the user acquired by the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 is stored, for example, in the memory unit 15.

[0066] The analysis unit 13 has a function to analyze the user's physical and mental state. For example, the analysis unit 13 may estimate the user's exercise performance from autonomic nervous system information, body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Exercise performance is an indicator of the user's physical condition. The analysis unit 13 may also estimate the user's cognitive ability from autonomic nervous system information and respiratory information.

[0067] For example, the analysis unit 13 may estimate either concentration level or drowsiness from autonomic nervous system information. The analysis unit 13 may estimate the user's reaction speed from autonomic nervous system information. The analysis unit 13 may quantify the user's motor performance, thinking ability, concentration level, and reaction speed.

[0068] The analysis unit 13 may generate prediction information from autonomic nervous system information, which is information indicating the user's predicted state. The prediction information is information indicating the predicted mental and physical state. The prediction information includes, for example, mental information indicating the user's mental state, physical information indicating the user's physical condition, and mental information indicating the user's brain state.

[0069] The analysis unit 13 may, for example, determine whether the user's concentration level is above a predetermined value from information indicating concentration level, or it may generate predictive information from the concentration level determination result. The analysis unit 13 may, for example, generate mental information from autonomic nervous system information. The mental information may include, for example, information on the user's mood swings. As an example, the mental information may include information indicating whether the user tends to be depressed.

[0070] For example, the analysis unit 13 generates brain information from autonomic nervous system information. Brain information is information indicating the quality of the user's brain function. Brain information includes, for example, information indicating the quality of the user's concentration, memory, and thinking ability. The analysis unit 13 may estimate one or two of the mental information, physical condition information, and brain information as the user's mental and physical state.

[0071] As mentioned above, the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 determines the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information. For example, the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 determines whether the user's autonomic nervous system is in the best condition state, relaxed state, neutral state, strenuous state, or lethargic state.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, when the measurement of the physical and mental state is completed, the display unit 16 displays the measurement result screen D10 on the display T11. The measurement result screen D10 includes, for example, the state of the autonomic nervous system determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12. In this case, the measurement result screen D10 displays whether the user's autonomic nervous system state is in best condition, relaxed state, neutral state, strenuous state, or lethargic state.

[0073] The display unit 16 displays, for example, a graph D11 on the display T11 that shows the state of the autonomic nervous system determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12. The vertical axis of graph D11 shows the parasympathetic nervous system activity, and the horizontal axis shows the sympathetic nervous system activity. In graph D11, "S" indicates the best condition state (Excellent), "A" indicates the relaxed state (Relaxed), "B" indicates the neutral state (Neutral), "C" indicates the strained state (Stressed or nervous), and "D" indicates the tired state (Tired). Thus, in this embodiment, the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 determines the state of the autonomic nervous system in five categories, and the display unit 16 displays the state of the autonomic nervous system in five quadrants.

[0074] The display unit 16 displays, for example, a point D12 indicating the user's autonomic nervous system state within the graph D11. Point D12 is displayed in one of several regions of the graph D11 (for example, the regions labeled "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D" mentioned above). Figure 8 shows an example where the user's autonomic nervous system state is in a strained state ("C"). By displaying the graph D11 and point D12 on the display T11, the user can grasp the state of their autonomic nervous system at a glance.

[0075] The display unit 16 displays, for example, a comment D13 on the display T11 corresponding to the state of the autonomic nervous system determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12. The contents of the comment D13 are stored in the memory of the terminal T1 in advance for each autonomic nervous system determination result (for example, for each of "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D").

[0076] For example, if the assessment result is "C" (meaning "hard work"), comment D13 will display "Those with a hard work type are prone to experiencing significant physical and mental strain. Try to relax." The display unit 16 may also display the results analyzed by the analysis unit 13. For example, the display unit 16 may display comment D13, which contains the results analyzed by the analysis unit 13, on the display T11. In this case, more useful information can be provided to the user.

[0077] The recommendation information extraction unit 14 extracts recommendation information according to the user's autonomic nervous system state as determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12. For example, the display unit 16 displays the identification code D14 on the display T11. The identification code D14 is, as an example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0078] Figure 9 shows an example of recommended information displayed on terminal T2 by reading the identification code D14. As shown in Figure 9, the display unit 16 displays the recommended information extracted by the recommended information extraction unit 14 on terminal T2. For example, the display unit 16 displays recommended information on terminal T2 by having the terminal T2 owned by the user read the identification code D14.

[0079] For example, the display unit 16 displays comment D15 and table D16 on the display T21 of terminal T2. The display unit 16 displays, for example, information indicating the characteristics of the venue 20 as comment D15. As an example, venue 20 may have a food court. In this case, comment D15 may be a description indicating the characteristics of the food court. The recommended information may also include meal information indicating meals suitable for the determined state of the user's autonomic nervous system. "Suitable for the state of the autonomic nervous system" means appropriate for improving the physical and mental state according to the determined state of the autonomic nervous system.

[0080] For example, Recommendation Information System 1 is a meal suggestion system that proposes meals suitable for the user's physical and mental condition, and Recommendation Information Program 10 is a meal suggestion program that proposes meals suitable for the user's physical and mental condition. In this case, Recommendation Information System 1 and Recommendation Information Program 10 propose recommended meals according to the user's autonomic nervous system state.

[0081] In Figure 9, "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G", "H", "I", "J", "K", and "L" represent stores D17, and "XXXX" in Figure 9 represents dishes D18. For example, Table D16 includes meal information for multiple stores D17 and dishes D18 suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system state. The display unit 16 may display the meal information as a meal menu on the display T21. For example, the meal information includes information on dishes D18 extracted from the menus of multiple stores D17 that provide meals, and the display unit 16 displays the information on dishes D18 on the display T21 for each store D17.

[0082] For example, information on dishes D18 corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment result is stored in the memory of terminal T1 for each store D17. As an example, for store D17, which is a ramen shop, soy sauce ramen is stored in the memory of terminal T1 as a dish suitable for "S", miso ramen as a dish suitable for "A", tonkotsu ramen as a dish suitable for "B", salt ramen as a dish suitable for "C", and garlic ramen as a dish suitable for "D". If the user's autonomic nervous system assessment result is "C", then "salt ramen" will be displayed as the dish D18 for store D17, which is a ramen shop. For example, for each store D17 in a food court, the dish D18 corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment result will be displayed on the display T21.

[0083] The above describes an example where recommended information is dietary information based on the autonomic nervous system assessment results. However, the types of recommended information are not limited to dietary information. Below, various examples of recommended information will be described. For example, the various types of recommended information described later are stored in the memory of terminal T1 in advance for each autonomic nervous system assessment result, similar to dietary information, and are displayed on the display T21 of terminal T2.

[0084] The recommended information may also include beverage information indicating the type of beverage corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment result. For example, if the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "C," a dairy beverage might be displayed, and if the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "D," cocoa might be displayed. In this case, users can learn the type of beverage that is suitable for their autonomic nervous system state.

[0085] The recommended information could be nutrients tailored to the autonomic nervous system assessment results. For example, caffeine might be displayed when the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "A," and calcium might be displayed when the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "C." In this case, users can understand which nutrients are appropriate for their own autonomic nervous system state.

[0086] The recommended information may also include exercise information indicating the type of exercise corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment result. For example, if the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "A," yoga might be displayed, and if the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "S," strength training might be displayed. In this case, users can learn what type of exercise will improve their autonomic nervous system condition.

[0087] The recommended information may include the type of aromatherapy oil corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment result. The recommended information may also include the type of spice (herb) corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment result. Furthermore, the recommended information may also include the type of color corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment result. For example, when the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "C", blue may be displayed as good, and when the autonomic nervous system assessment result is "D", red may be displayed as good.

[0088] The recommended information could be the type of towel corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment results. Since towels are often used daily, displaying the type of towel is effective in improving the state of the autonomic nervous system. The recommended information could also be at least one of the following: the type of makeup and the type of fashion corresponding to the autonomic nervous system assessment results. In this case, users can understand the makeup or fashion that is appropriate for their autonomic nervous system state.

[0089] The recommended information may be either a type of entertainment or a type of theater based on the autonomic nervous system assessment results. The recommended information may also be a type of movie based on the autonomic nervous system assessment results. The recommended information may also be a type of music or a type of travel based on the autonomic nervous system assessment results. By displaying this information, users can learn about types of entertainment, theater, movies, music, or travel that can improve their autonomic nervous system condition.

[0090] The recommended information provision method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the recommended information provision method according to this embodiment. Below, an example of providing recommended information to a user using the recommended information provision system 1 and recommended information provision program 10 described above will be explained.

[0091] The user of the recommended information provision system 1 sits on the cushion 2 (step S1). For example, as shown in Figure 2, the user sits on the cushion 2 of a chair 21 provided in the venue 20.

[0092] The user operates terminal T1. When terminal T1 is operated, the display unit 16 displays the information input screen D1 on the display T11 of terminal T1, as shown in Figure 5. The user enters the display language, their age, and their gender on the information input screen D1 (step S2). The user presses button D2. Note that someone other than the user may also press button D2.

[0093] When button D2 is pressed, the display unit 16 displays a cautionary explanation screen D3 on the display T11, as shown in Figure 6. When the user presses button D4, the heart rate information acquisition unit 11 and the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 start measurement, as shown in Figure 7, and the display unit 16 displays the measurement screen D5, cautionary note D6, waveform D7, heart rate information D8, and respiratory information D9 (measurement step, step S3).

[0094] During the measurement, the heart rate information acquisition unit 11 acquires heart rate information from the waveform output by a sensor 3 attached to a cushion 2 on which the user's body rests (step of acquiring heart rate information). The autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 determines the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information (step of determining the state of the autonomic nervous system). For example, as mentioned above, the measurement takes less than one minute (30 seconds as an example).

[0095] Once the measurement is complete, the display unit 16 displays the measurement result screen D10, graph D11, points D12, comments D13, and identification code D14 on the display T11, as shown in Figure 8 (step to display results, step S4). The recommendation information extraction unit 14 extracts recommendation information according to the determined state of the autonomic nervous system (step to extract recommendation information).

[0096] The recommendation information extraction unit 14 extracts recommendation information from the recommendation information stored in the memory unit of terminal T1 that corresponds to the determined autonomic nervous system result. The display unit 16 displays the extracted recommendation information on the terminal in a position visible to the user sitting on the cushion 2 (display step, step S5).

[0097] As shown in Figure 9, the display unit 16 displays recommended information on the display T21 of the user's terminal T2 by having the terminal T2 read the identification code D14. The display unit 16 displays, for example, dishes D18 suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system state from each of the multiple stores D17 on the display T21. After these steps, the series of steps for providing recommended information is completed.

[0098] The effects obtained from the recommendation information provision system 1 and recommendation information provision program 10 according to this embodiment will be explained. In the recommendation information provision system 1 and measurement result screen D10 according to this embodiment, the user's body is placed on the cushion 2, and the sensor 3 outputs a waveform corresponding to the load of the body sitting on the cushion 2. The heart rate information acquisition unit 11 acquires the user's heart rate information from the waveform output by the sensor 3, and the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 determines the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information.

[0099] The recommendation information extraction unit 14 extracts recommendation information according to the state of the autonomic nervous system, and this recommendation information is displayed on the terminal T2, which is positioned so that the user sitting on the cushion 2 can see it. The user can understand the state of their autonomic nervous system and view the recommendation information while sitting on the cushion 2. Therefore, the recommendation information can be provided to the user quickly, and the user can easily obtain the recommendation information. In this embodiment, the recommendation information can be provided to the user in about one minute.

[0100] The recommended information may include dietary information indicating meals suitable for the user's determined autonomic nervous system state. In this case, dietary information suitable for the autonomic nervous system state is extracted and displayed on terminal T2, which is positioned so that the user sitting on cushion 2 can see it. The user can obtain dietary information suitable for them while sitting on cushion 2. Therefore, when the user is unsure what to eat, they can understand in real time what meals are suitable for their autonomic nervous system state while sitting. Furthermore, it is also possible to stand up and check the results after the measurement is complete.

[0101] The display unit 16 may display meal information as a meal menu. In this case, the meal information is displayed as a table D16 showing the items of dish D18. By displaying meal information suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system state as a list on the terminal T2, the meal information can be displayed more clearly, and the user can grasp multiple types of dishes D18 that are suitable for them in real time.

[0102] The meal information may include information on dishes D18 extracted from the menus of multiple restaurants D17 that provide meals, and the display unit 16 may display the dish information for each restaurant D17. In this case, dishes D18 suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system state are displayed for each restaurant D17, so the user can understand which dishes D18 are suitable for their physical condition for each restaurant D17. Therefore, the user can select their preferred dish D18 from among the dishes D18 that are suitable for their body.

[0103] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cushion 2 may comprise a core material 2c and a cover 2b that houses the core material 2c. The recommendation information provision system 1 may also comprise a sensor sheet 5 that incorporates a sensor 3 and can be attached to the core material 2c by wrapping it around the core material 2c. The cover 2b may house the core material 2c with the sensor sheet 5 wrapped around it. In this case, the sensor 3 can be easily attached to the cushion 2 by wrapping the sensor sheet 5 around the cushion 2. By housing the core material 2c with the sensor sheet 5 wrapped around it in the cover 2b, the sensor 3 can be protected inside the cover 2b and the sensor 3 can be hidden, thus improving the appearance of the measuring device.

[0104] The embodiments of the recommendation information provision system, recommendation information provision program, and recommendation information provision method relating to this disclosure have been described above. However, the recommendation information provision system, recommendation information provision program, and recommendation information provision method relating to this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified within the scope of the gist described in the claims. The functions, configurations, shapes, sizes, materials, number, and arrangement of each part of the recommendation information provision system and recommendation information provision program, as well as the content and sequence of steps of the recommendation information provision method, may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the gist described above.

[0105] This document describes various modifications of the recommendation information provision system, recommendation information provision program, and recommendation information provision method related to this disclosure. The recommendation information provision system or recommendation information provision program may determine the state of the user's autonomic nervous system and suggest products according to the determined state of the autonomic nervous system (for example, the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system indicators). One example of a product is a towel.

[0106] A recommendation information system or program may determine the state of the autonomic nervous system of a user handling a product and, based on that state, determine whether the product is a recommended product. In this case, the system can suggest recommended products that are appropriate for the user's autonomic nervous system state.

[0107] A recommendation information system or program may determine the state of the user's brainwaves and suggest products that correspond to the determined brainwave state. Alternatively, a recommendation information system or program may determine the state of the user's brainwaves while they are touching a product and, based on the determined brainwave state, determine whether that product is a recommended product. In this case, the system can suggest recommended products that correspond to the user's brainwave state.

[0108] The recommendation information provision system or recommendation information provision program may include a noise reduction function to remove noise from sources other than the user's body. For example, the noise reduction function may acquire vibration data (e.g., amplitude or frequency of vibration) when the user is not sitting on cushion 2, and remove components of said vibration data as noise when the user sits on cushion 2.

[0109] The noise reduction function may use a sensor different from sensor 3. The sensor different from sensor 3 detects noise from sources other than the user's body. The noise reduction function may remove noise detected by the sensor different from sensor 3 from the data detected by sensor 3. The noise reduction function may automatically set the noise to be removed, or it may be possible to manually set the noise to be removed. The noise reduction function may be calibrated. When a noise reduction function is present, data indicating the user's physical and mental state can be acquired with higher accuracy.

[0110] In the embodiment described above, the recommendation information extraction unit 14 was described as extracting recommendation information according to the state of the user's autonomic nervous system determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12. The recommendation information extraction unit 14 may also extract recommendation information by linking the state of the autonomic nervous system with other information. For example, the recommendation information extraction unit 14 may extract recommendation information that it has determined to be highly related to the user's characteristics (e.g., the user's age or gender). The recommendation information extraction unit 14 may also extract recommendation information that it has determined to be highly related to the user's lifestyle. The recommendation information extraction unit 14 may also extract recommendation information according to the items selected by the user.

[0111] In the embodiment described above, an example was explained in which the display unit 16 displays information about the dish D18 on the display T21 for each store D17. The recommendation information provision system or recommendation information provision program may also have a reception function that accepts orders for the dish D18 displayed on the display T21. In this case, it is possible to order a dish that suits the state of one's autonomic nervous system on the spot.

[0112] The display unit 16 may display information about any of the products and services suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system condition, along with an advertisement. The display unit 16 may also display a link to a homepage (e-commerce site) that lists products or services suitable for the user's autonomic nervous system condition.

[0113] In the embodiment described above, an example was explained in which the terminal T1, positioned in a location visible to the user seated on the cushion 2, is installed in a venue 20 where people gather. However, the terminal, positioned in a location visible to the user seated on the cushion, may also be installed in the company. In this case, for example, before starting work at the company, recommended information according to the state of the autonomic nervous system would be displayed on the terminal, allowing the user to appropriately replenish fluids or take a break before starting work.

[0114] The terminal, positioned in a location visible to the user seated on the cushion, may be installed in a sports gym. In this case, recommended information can be displayed on the terminal before exercise, allowing the user to perform training appropriately according to their physical and mental condition at that time. The terminal, positioned in a location visible to the user seated on the cushion, may also be installed in a home. In this case, the user can understand appropriate eating habits or sleeping methods before eating or sleeping at home.

[0115] The terminal, positioned in a location visible to the user seated on the cushion, may be installed inside a mobile vehicle (e.g., a car). In this case, the user can understand whether their physical and mental state is suitable for driving before driving. Furthermore, if the state of the autonomic nervous system is measured before enjoying a trip or leisure activity, the user can choose activities that are not strenuous during the trip or leisure activity.

[0116] The terminal, positioned in a location visible to the user seated on the cushion, may be installed in a medical facility. In this case, the displayed recommendations can be used for medical purposes. The terminal, positioned in a location visible to the user seated on the cushion, may also be installed in a school. In this case, students can understand whether their autonomic nervous system state is suitable for studying and exercise. School teachers can understand whether their autonomic nervous system state is suitable for teaching studying and exercise.

[0117] For example, in the embodiment described above, the display unit 16 displayed a dish D18 on the display T21 according to the autonomic nervous system assessment result for each food court store D17. However, the display unit 16 may also display at least one of the following on the display for each store in a shopping mall, according to the autonomic nervous system assessment result: type of fashion, type of cosmetics, type of food, type of medicine, type of electrical appliance, type of furniture, type of game, and type of amusement. In this way, the content of the products and services displayed by the display unit 16 can be changed as appropriate.

[0118] In the embodiment described above, the display unit 16 displays the measurement result screen D10 and graph D11 on the display T11 of terminal T1 provided in the venue 20, and the user's terminal T2 reads the identification code D14 to display recommended information on terminal T2. However, the display unit 16 may also display the measurement result screen D10 and graph D11 on terminal T2, or it may display recommended information on terminal T1. Thus, there is no particular limitation on which information the display unit 16 displays on which terminal.

[0119] In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 determines the state of the autonomic nervous system in five categories, and the display unit 16 displays the state of the autonomic nervous system as a five-quadrant graph D11. However, the number of types of autonomic nervous system states determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12, and the types of graph D11, can be changed as appropriate. For example, the autonomic nervous system determination unit 12 may determine the state of the autonomic nervous system in four categories or sixteen categories, and the display unit 16 may display the state of the autonomic nervous system as a four-quadrant graph or a sixteen-quadrant graph.

[0120] In the embodiments described above, a recommendation information provision program 10 having a heart rate information acquisition unit 11, an autonomic nervous system determination unit 12, an analysis unit 13, a recommendation information extraction unit 14, and a storage unit 15 was described. However, the configuration of the recommendation information provision program is not limited to having a heart rate information acquisition unit 11, an autonomic nervous system determination unit 12, an analysis unit 13, a recommendation information extraction unit 14, and a storage unit 15, and can be changed as appropriate. The same applies to the recommendation information provision system.

[0121] 1...Recommended information provision system, 2...Cushion, 2b...Cover, 2c...Core material, 3...Sensor, 5...Sensor sheet, 6...Joint, 7b...Cable, 7d...Power cable, 8...Data acquisition unit, 10...Recommended information provision program, 11...Heart rate information acquisition unit, 12...Autonomic nervous system determination unit, 13...Analysis unit, 14...Recommended information extraction unit, 15...Memory unit, 16...Display unit, 20...Venue, 21...Chair, 22...Table, D1...Information input screen, D2...Button, D3...Precautions explanation screen, D4...Button, D5...Measurement in progress screen, D6...Warning, D7...Waveform, D8...Heart rate information, D9...Respiration information, D10...Measurement result screen, D11...Graph, D12...Point, D13...Comment, D14...Identification code, D15...Comment, D17...Store, D18...Food, T1, T2...Terminal, T11, T21...Display.

Claims

1. A recommendation information provision system comprising: a cushion on which the user's body rests; a sensor attached to the cushion that receives the load of the body seated on the cushion and outputs a waveform corresponding to the load; a heart rate information acquisition unit that acquires heart rate information, which is information indicating the user's heart rate, from the waveform output by the sensor; an autonomic nervous system determination unit that determines the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information; a recommendation information extraction unit that extracts recommendation information according to the state of the user's autonomic nervous system determined by the autonomic nervous system determination unit; and a display unit that displays the recommendation information extracted by the recommendation information extraction unit on a terminal located in a position visible to the user seated on the cushion.

2. The recommendation information provision system according to claim 1, wherein the recommendation information includes dietary information indicating a diet suitable for the determined state of the user's autonomic nervous system.

3. The recommendation information provision system according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the meal information as a meal menu.

4. The recommended information provision system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the meal information includes information on dishes extracted from the menus of multiple restaurants that provide meals, and the display unit displays the information on the dishes for each restaurant.

5. The recommendation information provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cushion comprises a core material and a cover that houses the core material, and includes a sensor sheet that has a built-in sensor and can be attached to the core material by being wrapped around the core material, and the cover houses the core material around which the sensor sheet is wrapped.

6. The recommendation information provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a noise reduction function that removes noise from sources other than the user's body.

7. A recommendation information provision program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire heart rate information, which is information indicating the user's heart rate, from a waveform output by a sensor attached to a cushion on which the user's body rests; determine the state of the user's autonomic nervous system from the heart rate information; extract recommendation information according to the determined state of the autonomic nervous system; and display the extracted recommendation information on a terminal located in a position visible to the user sitting on the cushion.

Images