JP2020130745A - Mind and body management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mind and body management system capable of estimating whether or not a mind and body of an operator is in a state suitable for properly performing a work.SOLUTION: There is provided a mind and body management system comprising estimation means for estimating the aptitude of a mind and body state to a work. In the mind and body management system, on the basis of increase/decrease of a first index value (V1) for indexing a breathing frequency, and increase/decrease of a second index value (V2) being a ratio (LF/HF+LF) of a low frequency component with respect to a sum total of a high frequency component (HF) and a low frequency component (LF) of a heartbeat fluctuation acquired from heartbeat information, estimation of the mind and body state is executed. By setting the first index value to a gravity frequency (HFcentF) of the high frequency component, estimation can be executed on the basis of only the heartbeat information. For example, when ΔV1>0 and ΔV2<0 are satisfied, it is estimated that a mind and body state of an operator is proper to the work. When it is determined that the mind and body state is not proper, for example, a functional component capable of guiding to a proper state is preferably discharged to the operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a mind-body management system or the like that can estimate whether or not the mind and body are in a state suitable for work (driving, operation, etc.).

The results of the work done by humans are influenced not only by the external physical condition but also by the internal mental state. For example, work results can differ between when you are in a stressed state and when you are in a relaxed state.

Therefore, changes in physiological states (features) are observed and analyzed to estimate a person's mental state (psychological state). For example, it is known that the heartbeat is determined by the activity balance of the sympathetic nerve and the sympathetic nerve that constitute the autonomic nerve, and the activity balance affects the psychological state. Therefore, the psychological state is estimated by analyzing the heartbeat information obtained from the electrocardiogram or the like. A description related to this can be found in the following patent documents, for example.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-129629 JP-A-2018-140162

In Patent Document 1, it is estimated whether the subject is in a concentrated state or a resting state based on the heartbeat information. In Patent Document 2, the suitability of work is estimated based on the ratio (LF / HF) of the low frequency component (LF) and the high frequency component (HF) obtained from the heartbeat information.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mind-body management system or the like that can estimate whether or not the mind and body are in a state suitable for work by a method different from the conventional one.

As a result of diligent research to solve this problem, the present inventor has newly found that it is possible to estimate whether or not the mind and body are in a state suitable for work by increasing or decreasing a specific index value. By developing this result, the present invention described below has been completed.

<< Mental and physical management system >>
(1) In the present invention, the low frequency with respect to the increase / decrease of the first index value (V1) for indexing the respiratory frequency and the total of the high frequency component (HF) and the low frequency component (LF) of the heart rate variability obtained from the heartbeat information. It is a mental and physical management system provided with an estimation means for estimating the suitability of the mental and physical condition for work based on the increase and decrease of the second index value (V2) which is the ratio of components (LF / HF + LF).

(2) The mental and physical management system of the present invention (also simply referred to as "system") is, for example, when the first index value increases (ΔV1> 0) and the second index value decreases (ΔV2 <0). It is estimated that the mind and body (especially the mental aspect) are in an appropriate state for work. By utilizing such estimation of the mental and physical state (psychological state), it is possible to improve the optimization and efficiency of work.

<< Other >>
(1) The present invention can also be grasped as an apparatus or a method. For example, the present invention is also grasped as a mental and physical state estimation device or a method for estimating the same. Each means referred to in the present specification becomes a component of the method by being read as each step. The present invention can also be grasped as a program that executes each step on a computer, a storage medium that records the program, and the like.

(2) The amount of change is indicated by adding "Δ" as appropriate. When ΔV> 0 (ΔV: positive), it means that the index value (V) is increasing. On the contrary, when ΔV <0 (ΔV: negative), it means that the index value is decreasing. The "increase / decrease" referred to in the present specification may be an increase / decrease in comparison with a specific reference value. The "increase / decrease" does not necessarily have to be an increase / decrease between adjacent time series (positive or negative of the amount of change per unit time).

(3) Unless otherwise specified, "x to y" in the present specification includes a lower limit value x and an upper limit value y. A range such as "ab" may be newly established with any numerical value included in the various numerical values or numerical ranges described in the present specification as a new lower limit value or upper limit value. Further, unless otherwise specified, "x to yHz" in the present specification means xHz to yHz. The same applies to other unit systems (msec ² / Hz, etc.).

It is explanatory drawing which schematically showed the state of the evaluation test performed in an Example. This is an example of a bar graph showing the relationship between the increase / decrease (positive / negative) of each index value and the change in task performance. This is an example of a bar graph showing the relationship between the scent component and the proper state of mind and body.

One or more components arbitrarily selected from the present specification may be added to the components of the present invention described above. The contents described in the present specification may appropriately correspond to the system, apparatus, method, program and the like according to the present invention.

《Estimation of mental and physical condition》
(1) Second index value The second index value is obtained by LF / (HF + LF). This corresponds to LF (normalized LF) normalized from HF and LF, and is referred to as "LF norm" in the present specification.

The HF and LF required for calculating the LFnorm can be obtained from the heartbeat information. Heart rate information is obtained, for example, from an electrocardiogram or a pulse wave. For convenience, here, a case where HF and LF are calculated based on a typical electrocardiogram will be described.

The heartbeat is not constant even when the body is at rest, and the heartbeat interval fluctuates periodically. Such fluctuations in the heartbeat interval are called heartbeat fluctuations (heartbeat fluctuations).

As the heartbeat interval, the time difference between the sharpest peaks (R waves) appearing on the electrocardiogram (interval between adjacent R waves / RR Interval) is usually adopted. The (discrete) time-series fluctuation data (RRI time-series data) of the heartbeat interval extracted (calculated) from the electrocardiogram becomes the heartbeat fluctuation data. When the heart rate variability data is frequency-analyzed (spectral analysis), a power spectral density (PSD: Power Spectral Density) having a horizontal axis of frequency (Hz) and a vertical axis of power (msec ² / Hz) can be obtained. This PSD function is integrated in the high frequency band (0.15 to 0.50 Hz) and the low frequency band (0.04 to 0.15 Hz), respectively. The integrated value (area) corresponding to each frequency bandwidth thus obtained becomes a high frequency component (HF) and a low frequency component (LF).

By the way, the pulsation (heartbeat) is controlled by the activity balance of the sympathetic nerve and the sympathetic nerve, which are densely distributed around the sinoatrial node of the heart that controls the pulsation. The sympathetic nerve accelerates the heartbeat, and the sympathetic nerve slows the heartbeat. In general, HF reflects only the activity of the accessory sympathetic nerve, while LF reflects the activity of both the sympathetic and accessory sympathetic nerves. Therefore, not just LF, but relativized (normalized) LFnorm is used as a sympathetic nerve activity index.

When the LFnorm is large or increased, it is considered that the sympathetic nerve is active and the mind and body are in a tense state (stress state). Conversely, when the LFnorm is small or decreased, the sympathetic nerve activity is reduced and the accessory sympathetic nerve is activated, and the mind and body are considered to be in a relaxed state.

(2) First index value The first index value is an index of the respiratory frequency. The first index value may be a value that directly indexes the respiration frequency itself or the respiration frequency, or may be a correlation value that indirectly indexes the respiration frequency. As the latter, there is a center of gravity frequency (referred to as "HFcentF") of a high frequency component.

HFcentF is obtained as a frequency corresponding to the center of gravity of HF in the above-mentioned high frequency band. Therefore, if HFcentF is adopted as the first index value, it is possible to estimate the mental and physical condition only by the heartbeat information without preparing the respiratory information separately. The fact that the frequency of HF, which is also called respiratory sinus arrhythmia, has a strong correlation with the respiratory frequency can be found in, for example, the literature (Yoshida et al., Estimating respiratory-related parameters from heart rate variability time series, Biomedical Engineering, 43 (3). , 456-460, 2005).

The center of gravity of the HF is the frequency that is the center of the power spectral density function in the high frequency band described above. For example, it is a frequency when the integrated value (area) calculated from the lower limit side or the upper limit side of the high frequency band becomes 1/2 of the whole (HF).

(3) Increase / decrease in index value The increase / decrease in index value is judged by comparison with the reference index value (reference index value). The reference index value may be updated every time a new index value is calculated over time, or the index value calculated at a specific time point may be maintained (continued) for a predetermined period.

(4) Measurement period / frequency (interval)
In order to calculate HFcentF, which is the first index value, and LFnorm, which is the second index value, it is naturally necessary to collect the heartbeat interval for a certain measurement time (period).

This point is the same when the respiratory frequency itself or its direct index value is adopted as the first index value. At this time, for example, the average respiration frequency, which is the arithmetic (additive) average obtained by dividing the number of respirations within the measurement time by the measurement time, may be used as the first index value.

The measurement time can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 120 seconds (2 minutes) or 180 seconds (3 minutes), for example. The calculation of the index value and the acquisition of the information (data) necessary for the calculation may be performed continuously or intermittently.

<< Release of functional ingredients >>
Functional components may be released to guide the mind and body to a state suitable for work. There are various such functional components. The functional ingredient does not have to be perceived as a scent. The functional ingredient may be, for example, one or more of citronellol, limonene, bornyl acetate, camphor or 1,8-cineole. The functional component may be adjusted to an appropriate concentration and released. The functional component may be released only to a specific worker, or may be released to the entire environment (for example, indoors) in which the worker is present.

The release timing and release time of the functional component can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, each index value is compared with the reference index value, and at least when the mind and body are not estimated to be in an appropriate state for work (ΔV1> 0 and ΔV2 <0) (in short, when ΔV1 ≦ 0 or ΔV2 ≧ 0). It should be done. In other words, the functional component may be released when the first index value does not increase (ΔV1> 0) or when the second index value does not decrease (ΔV2 <0).

"system"
In addition to the estimation means and the release means, the system may appropriately include a measuring means for directly or indirectly measuring a person's respiration or heartbeat, and an analysis means for processing or analyzing data obtained from the measuring means. Further, when it is presumed that the mind and body are not in an appropriate state, a stimulus (warning) such as sound or vibration may be given to the operator in place of or in addition to the release of the functional component.

For example, in the case of heart rate information, the measuring means is realized by an electrocardiograph, a pulse meter, a heart rate sensor, or the like. Respiratory information is measured by a stretchable strain sensor, a respiration sensor using a piezoelectric element, or the like.

The analysis means and the estimation means are realized by executing a predetermined program on a computer. The release means is realized by, for example, a storage unit (tank, cartridge, etc.) for the functional component and a control unit (valve, etc.) for adjusting the release (amount) of the functional component from the storage unit.

The target person (worker) whose mental and physical condition is managed by this system does not matter. Typical examples are drivers, pilots, etc. who are forced to perform relatively simple tasks for a long time. At this time, signals related to heartbeat and respiration obtained from various sensors (measuring means) arranged around the driver's seat (cockpit) (handle, seat, instrument panel, etc.) or directly attached are processed and described above. It is possible to estimate the mental and physical condition.

Note that if the worker is not in such a state as a result of estimating whether or not the worker is in a state suitable for simple work for a long time (for example, a state in which relaxation and concentration are compatible), caution is required. It is advisable to induce the mind and body of the worker to an appropriate state by arousing or releasing a functional component (scent component).

The correlation between the physical and mental condition of the subject and the task performance was evaluated by conducting a test in which the subject measuring the electrocardiogram was repeatedly processed with the task (work). Based on this specific example, the present invention will be described in more detail below.

"test"
The state of the test conducted on the subjects is schematically shown in FIG. Specifically, it is as follows.

(1) Subjects The test was conducted on 20 randomly selected subjects.

(2) Task Each subject was asked to process the following numerical search task. After the start of the test (after the signal), 100 numbers (0 to 99) are randomly displayed in a grid pattern on the screen of the display in front of the seated subject. At the same time, the number to be searched is displayed at the top of the screen. The subject is made to search for the number to be searched from the randomly displayed number group within the time limit (within 10 seconds / until the green bar disappears). When the correct number is searched and clicked, it is regarded as "search successful". If the correct number is not clicked within the time limit, it is considered as "search failure". Such task processing (hereinafter referred to as "task") is continued for 3 minutes.

Take a 1-minute break after each 3-minute task. By repeating these steps, 6 tasks (this is referred to as "1 set") are performed per condition (environment).

(3) Conditions A combination of an odorless environment (1 condition) in which no scent component (functional component) is released and an fragrance environment (9 conditions) in which the 9 types of scent components shown in FIG. 3 are individually released 10 Under the conditions, subjects were assigned one set of tasks per condition. In this way, a total of 10 sets of tasks (10 x 6 tasks) were performed for each subject.

The release of the scent component was carried out in the 3rd to 6th tasks. That is, the first and second tasks were performed without releasing the scent component. The scent component was released as follows. First, an aqueous solution was prepared by diluting the stock solution of each scent component with a solvent (water). The dilution ratio of each scent component (35 to 100 μL / 100 mL of water) is also shown in FIG. An aqueous solution containing each scent component was discharged around the subject using a commercially available aroma diffuser (an example of a releasing means). At this time, the scent component was diffused throughout the room by a circulator.

(4) Electrocardiogram The subject's electrocardiogram was measured by the lead II chest lead method. Electrocardiograms were continuously measured during this study. Polymate Mini AP108 (manufactured by Miyuki Giken Co., Ltd.) was used for the measurement of the electrocardiogram.

"Data processing"
(1) Index value The R wave was detected from the electrocardiographic data (electrocardiographic waveform) obtained from the electrocardiogram, and the time interval (RRInterval) was defined as the heartbeat interval. The heart rate variability data, which is the time-series data of the heart rate interval, is frequency-analyzed, and the heart rate variability component (low frequency component: LF) on the low frequency side (0.04 to 0.15 Hz) and the high frequency side (0.15-0.15 Hz) are analyzed. The heart rate variability component (high frequency component: HF) of 0.50 Hz) was calculated. In addition, the center of gravity frequency (HFcentF) of the high frequency component and LF / LF + HF (LFnorm) were also calculated. The acquisition of heart rate variability data, frequency analysis, and calculation of HF, LF, and HFcentF were performed using the numerical analysis software MATLAB (manufactured by Mathworks). At this time, it was confirmed that the heartbeat interval for determining the R wave detection failure was within an appropriate range (example: 500 to 1300 ms), and the section including the R wave detection failure was excluded from the analysis. ..

For LF, HF, HFcentF, and LFnorm, 66 seconds was calculated as one analysis section, the index was calculated by shifting by 1 second, and then the average value was calculated for each task (180 seconds). Further, under each condition, HFcentF and LFnorm obtained in the second task were used as reference index values. Then, under each condition, ΔHFcentF and ΔLFnorm were calculated as differences with respect to the reference index value for each task of the 3rd to 6th times. For example, ΔHFcentF of the third task was obtained by subtracting HFcentF of the second task from HFcentF of the third task.

(2) Task results The search failure rate was calculated for each task. For example, if 20 numbers can be searched per task and one of them fails the search, the search failure rate is 1/20 = 0.05. The search is performed one after another within a predetermined time, regardless of its success or failure.

Under each condition, the difference between the search failure rate of the second task and the search failure rate of each task in the 3rd to 6th times was calculated. For example, if the search failure rate of the third task is 1/20 and the search failure rate of the reference second task is 2/20, the difference is -1/20 = -0.05. This difference is defined as the change in the search failure rate.

(3) Multiple comparison The changes in ΔHFcentF, ΔLFnorm, and search failure rate related to all the tasks thus obtained were arranged by multiple comparison by Tukey's HSD method. The result is shown in FIG. The number of data (total number of tasks) at this time was 723 (19 subjects × 10 conditions × 4 tasks). One subject had a problem with electrocardiography, so the data related to that subject was excluded.

<< Evaluation >>
(1) Task performance and index value As is clear from FIG. 2, the change in the search failure rate decreases only when ΔHFcentF> 0 (positive) and ΔLFnorm <0 (negative). That is, it was found that the task performance was improved only at that time (when ΔHFcentF <0 (negative) and ΔLFnorm <0 (negative), and when ΔHFcentF <0 (negative) and ΔLFnorm> 0 (positive). In comparison, it can be said that the task performance was significantly improved when p <0.01).

(2) Fragrance component The ratio of the number of tasks for which ΔHFcentF> 0 (positive) and ΔLFnorm <0 (negative) (appropriate state) under each condition (proper state occurrence rate) is summarized in FIG. It was. For example, when no scent component was released (condition j: odorless), the number of tasks in the proper state was 20 for all tasks 76 (19 subjects × 4 tasks). The rate of occurrence of the proper state at this time is 26.3%.

Based on the odorless state (condition j), as is clear from FIG. 3, citronellol (condition b), camphor (condition c), bornyl acetate (condition e), limonene (condition g), 1,8-cineole When any of (condition h) was released, the rate of occurrence of the proper state was improved.

As is clear from the above, it was found that it is possible to estimate whether or not the mind and body are in a state suitable for work based on each increase / decrease of the first index value (for example, HFcentF) and the second index value (ΔLFnorm). It was also found that if an appropriate functional component is released, the mind and body can be guided to an appropriate state for work.

The decrease in LFnorm means that the accessory sympathetic nerve was more active than the sympathetic nerve, and it is considered that the worker (subject) in a proper state was in a relaxed state. In addition, it can be said that the workers in the proper state were in a concentrated state because the task results were improved. Therefore, the proper state is considered to be a mental and physical state in which both a relaxed state and a concentrated state are compatible. Then, it can be said that LFnorm (ΔLFnorm) is an index of a relaxed state and HFcentF (or ΔHFcentF) is an index of a concentrated state.

Based on the above results, a mental / physical management system that executes an algorithm or program (an example of estimation means) for estimating a specific mental / physical state is completed from the increase / decrease of each index value obtained based on biological information. According to the mind-body management system of the present invention, it becomes possible to accurately estimate whether or not the mind and body are in an appropriate state in which each work such as driving and operation can be performed appropriately. The mind-body management system of the present invention may estimate at least one of the cases in which the non-proper state is not the proper state by combining the increase / decrease of each index value.

Claims (6)

The ratio of the low frequency component (LF / HF + LF) to the total of the high frequency component (HF) and the low frequency component (LF) of the heart rate variability obtained from the heart rate information and the increase / decrease of the first index value (V1) that indicates the respiratory frequency. ), A mental and physical management system including an estimation means for estimating the suitability of the mental and physical condition for work based on the increase and decrease of the second index value (V2). The mental and physical management system according to claim 1, wherein the first index value is the center of gravity frequency (HFcentF) of the high frequency component. Claim 1 or 2 that the estimation means presumes that when the first index value increases (ΔV1> 0) and the second index value decreases (ΔV2 <0), it is an appropriate state of mind and body for work. The mental and physical management system described in. The mental and physical management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a releasing means for releasing a functional component that induces a mental and physical state suitable for work. The mental and physical management system according to claim 4, wherein the functional ingredient comprises one or more of citronellol, limonene, bornyl acetate, camphor or 1,8-cineole. According to claim 4 or 5, the releasing means releases the functional component when the first index value does not increase (ΔV1> 0) or when the second index value does not decrease (ΔV2 <0). Described mental and physical management system.