JP3053455B2 - Comfort evaluation system and comfort evaluation / control system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is to improve comfort and reduce mental stress not only in the medical field and the healthcare equipment industry, but also in various situations such as working space and living environment such as office and car driving. This is a comfort evaluation system that measures and evaluates the degree of stress, which is comfort or negative comfort, in real time based on physiological responses, and a comfort evaluation / control system that controls the environment to create a comfortable environment. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to develop measures to increase comfort and reduce stress in work and living environments, state evaluation is performed in real time using physiological responses, and subjective evaluation and external environment are performed as necessary based on the evaluation. A system for collecting data is a correlation data collection system according to the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 3-79600, which is shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a physiological response measuring unit for measuring a physiological response using an electrocardiogram, a pulse wave, an electroencephalogram, etc., and 42 converts the measured physiological response into a plurality of internal parameter sets (internal physiological amounts). Is compared with a preset pattern group, and a data evaluation unit 43 that generates a data collection control signal based on the evaluation result, 43 is a data collection unit that collects a declared value and external environment data based on the data control collection signal, and 44 is a collected data. This is a data recording unit that stores data.

Next, the operation will be described. The physiological response measured by the physiological response measurement unit 41 is calculated by a data evaluation unit 42.
In, a plurality of necessary indices are extracted, input to a physiological response model, and converted into a biological internal parameter set (internal physiological quantity). Further, the pattern of the internal parameter set is compared with a preset pattern of a preset pattern group (in which pattern data is collected), and a data collection control signal is output when they match. Based on the data, the data collecting unit 43 collects the declared value (subjective evaluation data) and the external environment data (room temperature, humidity, etc.) and records them in the data recording unit 44.

[0005]

The conventional correlation data collection system continuously evaluates the internal state of a living body using a physiological reaction, and only when necessary, reports values (subjective evaluation data) and external environment data. The purpose is to collect, but from the evaluation value of the internal state of the living body (estimated internal physiological quantity), these are further input, and multi-dimensional equivalent to stress level, which is comfort or negative comfort It does not evaluate comfort, such as estimating the amount of sensation on a plurality of evaluation axes in the semantic space. Also, the degree of comfort and stress differs between the work scene in an office or plant and the living space, etc., and the optimal degree is different.For example, in a work scene, it is required to maintain an appropriate level of tension and arousal level, and in a living room or bath It is necessary to perform evaluations corresponding to various situations, for example, it is desirable that the degree of relaxation is increased in a place.

Further, when estimating the sensory quantity from the internal physiological quantity, it is necessary to take into account the attributes (gender, age, personality characteristics, etc.) of the person to be measured, such as those whose reference values differ depending on gender and age. There is.

In estimating the amount of sensation, a more reliable amount of sensation can be obtained by performing calibration using the value reported by the subject at that time.

Further, a control signal is generated based on a comfort evaluation value estimated in consideration of the above, and environmental control is performed in real time such as adjusting air conditioning, room temperature, lighting and AV equipment. There was no.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it has been proposed to use a physiological response in a human body according to various situations from a work environment such as an office or a plant to a living space. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a system that continuously evaluates a state, controls an environment such as air conditioning, lighting, and AV equipment in real time according to a change in an internal state, and creates a comfortable and low-stress environment.

[0010]

A comfort evaluation system according to the present invention comprises a physiological response measuring means for measuring a plurality of physiological responses, and a biological signal processing for calculating a plurality of evaluation parameters from the measured plurality of physiological responses. Means, by converting the plurality of evaluation parameters into a set of a plurality of internal physiological amounts represented by sympathetic / parasympathetic activity or balance and central system activity using a physiological response model, Physiological amount estimating means for estimating internal physiological amount,
Estimate the amount of sensation by converting the plurality of sets of internal physiology into a plurality of sets of sensation using a physiological quantity / sensation quantity correlation evaluation model that evaluates the correlation between internal physiological quantity and sensory quantity. Sensation amount estimating means for performing
A set of multiple sensations estimated by the sensation estimation means
The purpose is to evaluate the comfort of the living body .

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned comfort evaluation system, an attribute input means for inputting attribute information (sex, age, and personality characteristics) of a person to be measured may be provided.

Further, in addition to the comfort evaluation systems described above,
Reported value input means for inputting the reported value (subjective evaluation data) of the subject may be provided.

Further , a set of sensory quantities is represented on a multidimensional semantic space.
May be associated with a plurality of evaluation axes. In addition, the present invention
The comfort evaluation and control system is a comfort evaluation system.
Signal for environmental control based on evaluation of comfort by computer
Control signal generating means for generating a plurality of control signals;
Environmental control means to convert to environmental information
It is provided.

[0014]

The comfort evaluation system according to the present invention has a plurality of
Physiological response measuring means for measuring a physiological response of the subject;
Multiple evaluation parameters from multiple physiological responses
Using the biological signal processing means and a physiological response model,
Of the evaluation parameters of sympathetic / parasympathetic activity or
Balance, several of which are represented by central system activity
By converting into a set of physiologic quantities, the internal
Physiological quantity estimating means for estimating physical quantity, internal physiological quantity and sensory quantity
Physiological and sensory correlation evaluation model
A plurality of sets of internal physiological quantities are sensed using a Dell
Estimate sensation by converting to a set of sensations
Sensation amount estimating means;
The comfort of the living body from the set of multiple sensory
Since evaluation is performed, the amount of sensation can be multifaceted and more accurately estimated.
To assess the comfort of living organisms
It becomes possible.

In addition, when estimating the internal physiological quantity and the sensation quantity, if the evaluation taking into account attributes (personal characteristics such as gender, age, and personality characteristics) is performed, more accurate comfort evaluation can be performed. .

Further, when the sensory amount is estimated, if the calibration is performed based on the declared value of the subject, a more accurate comfort evaluation can be performed.

Also, a set of sensory quantities is represented on a multidimensional semantic space.
By associating with a plurality of evaluation axes of
It becomes possible to estimate more accurately. Furthermore, the present invention
The comfort evaluation and control system in
Control signals for environmental control based on comfort evaluation by
Control signal generating means for generating a signal;
Environmental control means for converting the number of environmental information to environmental control
The system is used to continuously evaluate the internal state of humans using physiological responses according to various situations from working environments such as offices and plants to living spaces, and furthermore, air conditioning according to changes in internal conditions. It is possible to create a comfortable and less stressful environment by controlling the environment such as lighting, AV equipment and the like in real time.

[0018]

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 shows the second and third aspects of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of one Example when the invention of description is added. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a physiological response measuring unit corresponding to a physiological response measuring unit, and 14 denotes a biological signal processing unit corresponding to a biological signal processing unit . Reference numeral 15 denotes a physiological amount estimating unit corresponding to a physiological amount estimating unit . Reference numeral 16 denotes a sense amount estimating unit corresponding to the sense amount estimating unit . 17 is an output unit. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the attribute input unit 12 and the attribute information 121 corresponding to the attribute input unit are added. Further, claim 3
According to the invention, the reported value input unit 13 and the reported value 131 corresponding to the reported value input unit are added.

Next, the operation will be described. A plurality of physiological responses such as brain waves, electrocardiograms, and pulse waves detected by the plurality of sensors or transducers in the physiological response measurement unit 11 are amplified by an amplifier, subjected to pre-processing such as filtering, and further processed in a living body. In the signal processing unit 14, the brain wave α
A plurality of evaluation parameters such as wave power and frequency, instantaneous heart rate value, respiratory heart rate variability, T-wave height, respiratory waveform, pulse wave height, etc. are calculated and input to the physiological quantity estimating unit 15 and the internal physiology of the living body is calculated by the physiological response model. Converted to a set of quantities. That is, the instantaneous heartbeat value and the respiratory heartbeat in the above evaluation parameters
Change, T wave height, the respiratory waveform, more sympathetic system, such as the pulse wave height
The activity and balance of the parasympathetic system depend on the EEG α-wave power and frequency.
Such as more central system of activation of several (activity), etc., are estimated based on physiological mechanisms, is output as a set of internal physiological amount.

The estimated internal physiological amount is calculated by a sensory amount estimating unit 1.
6, the degree of stress, which is comfort or negative comfort, is estimated as the amount of sensation on a plurality of evaluation axes in the multidimensional semantic space. I.e. alertness, drowsiness, fatigue,
It is converted into the amount of on-axis sensation, such as mental burden and physical comfort. In estimating the amount of sensation, a model for evaluating the correlation between the internal physiological amount and the amount of sensation is used. This physiological quantity / sensory quantity correlation evaluation model uses not only linear estimation such as multiple regression and multiple discrimination, but also a quantitatively described model .
And that it is prepared in advance a table look-up method to give Part physiological amounts sensory quantity of sets to set, or to the input of the internal physiological quantity, be composed of a neural network for outputting a sensory quantity it can. Comfort is, for example moderate tension and arousal level in the work of the plant, such as the case relax the degree of relaxation in the living room or bathroom, but proper range of the evaluation axis and the sense of the amount, which is important in a variety of situations are different, sense
Associating sets of quantities with multiple evaluation axes in a multidimensional semantic space
However , these methods can be used to change the weight. The result of estimation of the amount of sensation is output from the output unit 17 as a comfort evaluation value, and the comfort evaluation is performed in real time.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the attribute information of the subject is input in advance from the attribute input section.
1. For example, gender, age, body type, exercise amount, occupation type, work form, personality, behavioral characteristics, and the like are used in estimation by the physiological amount estimating unit 15 and the sensory amount estimating unit 16. First, in the estimation by the physiological quantity estimating unit 15, for each of the evaluation parameters, such as those having an influence of age such as respiratory heart rate variability, a correction coefficient table for each attribute is prepared in advance. The coefficients are extracted from the table and used by multiplying each evaluation parameter or the estimated physiological quantity, and used as input data itself. further,
In the estimation by the sensation estimation unit 16, the factors and the degree that affect each of the evaluation axes in the multidimensional semantic space, such as, for example, the elderly or children slightly loosening the evaluation threshold value of the stress level, are corrected for each attribute. It is prepared in advance as a coefficient table, and is treated as a coefficient such as multiplied at the time of estimation of each sensory amount. It can also be used in addition to the input data of the sensory amount estimating unit.

Furthermore, the invention of claim 3, than the reported value input unit 13, over time or intermittently, declared value 131 is subjective evaluation data of the subject, the sensory estimation unit 16
And used for calibration of the amount of sensation based on the reported value upon estimation. The method of inputting the declared value is performed using an analog value by a lever, a step value by pressing a button, or the like. In calibration, for example, in order to determine a weighting coefficient for individual evaluation before the start of measurement, answers to several questions are obtained, correction coefficients are obtained therefrom, used for estimation of sensory quantity, and this is sequentially used. Or repeat intermittently. Alternatively, it is used as an input together with the internal physiological quantity used for estimation. Thus, it is possible to cope with a difference in evaluation between individuals and a fluctuation in evaluation within an individual. The reported value includes, in addition to a part of the evaluation axis estimated as the amount of sensation (such as stress or fatigue), a response to an evaluation axis other than the estimation. Further, the report value may be input by the observer other than the input by the subject.

Embodiment 2 FIG. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment in which claims 3 and 4 are added. 2, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, a control signal generator 18, an environment controller 19, and an external environment parameter measuring unit 20 are further added according to the invention of claim 4. From the physiological response measured by the physiological response measuring unit 11,
The evaluation parameter is calculated by the biological signal processing unit 14, is input to the physiological amount estimating unit 15, is converted into an internal physiological amount, is input to the sensory amount estimating unit 16, and a plurality of sensory amounts are estimated.
The comfort evaluation result output from the output unit 17 further includes:
In each of the environmental control signal generators 18, the signals are converted into signals for controlling, for example, air conditioning, lighting, and AV equipment.
It is sent to the environment control unit 19 as an environment control signal 181.
In the environment control unit 19, while taking into account the environment information from the external environment parameter measurement unit 20 including various sensors,
Add control to air conditioners, lighting, AV equipment, etc. Control targets include air quality of air conditioners, temperature and humidity, generation of fragrance,
Brightness and direction of lighting, number of lightings, BG of AV equipment
Examples include the volume of M, selection of image information to be presented, and other CRT display screens (control of displayed images such as easy viewing and display of messages) and work amount when working with OA equipment. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be a part thereof or another one. The environment control signal 181 defines a combination of a plurality of comfort evaluation values, that is, a combination of estimated sensation amounts, a degree of each control target, and a combination of control targets. For example, when the stress and fatigue levels increase, the lighting is slightly lowered and the BGM is lightly flowed to generate a scent that promotes a sedative effect. Control such as generation of a certain scent or cold air is performed.

Embodiment 3 FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the comfort evaluation / control system of the present invention is applied to comfort evaluation / control in a plant monitoring operation. As the H / W, as shown in the figure, the physiological response measuring unit 11, the attribute input unit 1
2. Report value input unit 13 and external environment parameter measurement unit 2
And a physiological signal processing unit 14 and a physiological quantity estimating unit 1
5. The configuration may be such that the sensory amount estimating unit 16 and the output unit 17 are provided.

[0025]

As described above, according to the present invention, a physiological response measuring means for measuring a plurality of physiological responses, a biological signal processing means for calculating a plurality of evaluation parameters from the measured physiological responses, By converting the plurality of evaluation parameters using a physiological response model into a set of a plurality of internal physiological amounts represented by sympathetic / parasympathetic activity or balance and central system activity, the internal physiological Means for estimating physiology, internal physiological quantity and sensory quantity
By converting the plurality of sets of internal physiological quantities into a plurality of sets of sensory quantities using a physiological quantity / sensory quantity correlation evaluation model for evaluating the correlation with , Which is estimated by the sensory amount estimating means.
The comfort of the living body from the set of multiple sensory
The evaluation makes it possible to estimate the amount of sensation in many aspects and more accurately, and accurately evaluates the comfort of the living body
Therefore, it is possible to more accurately evaluate comfort according to various situations such as a work scene to a living space.

[0026] In addition, to the first aspect of the present invention, the attribute information of the person to be measured (characteristics of the individual, such as gender, age, personality traits)
Is added, an attribute can be evaluated in consideration of the attribute when estimating the amount of sensation, and there is an effect that a more accurate comfort evaluation can be performed.

Further, by adding a declared value input means to the invention of claim 1 or 2, if the calibration based on the reported value is performed when estimating the sensation amount,
There is an effect that a more accurate comfort evaluation can be performed.

Also, a set of sensory quantities is expressed in a multidimensional semantic space.
By associating with a plurality of evaluation axes of
It becomes possible to estimate more accurately. Furthermore, the present invention
The comfort evaluation and control system in
Control signals for environmental control based on comfort evaluation by
Control signal generating means for generating a signal;
Environmental control means for converting the number of environmental information to environmental control
The system is used to continuously evaluate the internal state of humans using physiological responses according to various situations from working environments such as offices and plants to living spaces, and furthermore, according to changes in internal conditions, air conditioning It is possible to create a comfortable and less stressful environment by controlling the environment such as lighting, AV equipment and the like in real time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a comfort evaluation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a comfort evaluation / control system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a comfort evaluation / control system in a plant monitoring operation according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a conventional correlation data collection system.

[Description of Signs] 11 Physiological response measuring unit 12 Attribute input unit 13 Report value input unit 14 Biosignal processing unit 15 Physiological estimation unit 16 Sensation estimation unit 17 Output unit 18 Environmental control signal generating unit 19 Environmental control unit 20 External environment Parameter measurement section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Futami Shimono 8-1-1 Tsukaguchi Honcho, Amagasaki City Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Central Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Chie Akashi 8-1-1 Honcho Tsukaguchi Amagasaki City Central Research Laboratory, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (56) References JP-A-1-305927 (JP, A) JP-A-3-225144 (JP, A)

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A physiological response measuring means for measuring a plurality of physiological responses, a biological signal processing means for calculating a plurality of evaluation parameters from the measured physiological responses, and the plurality of evaluation parameters using a physiological response model. By converting the activity or balance of the sympathetic / parasympathetic system into a set of a plurality of internal physiological amounts represented by the activity of the central system, a physiological amount estimating means for estimating the internal physiological amount of the living body,
Estimate the amount of sensation by converting the plurality of sets of internal physiology into a plurality of sets of sensation using a physiological quantity / sensation quantity correlation evaluation model that evaluates the correlation between internal physiological quantity and sensory quantity. Sensation amount estimating means for detecting a plurality of sensation amounts estimated by the sensation amount estimating means.
A comfort evaluation system, wherein the comfort of the living body is evaluated from the body . 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: an attribute input unit for inputting attribute information of a person to be measured, wherein the estimation is performed in consideration of the attribute when estimating the internal physiological quantity and the sensation quantity of the living body. Item 7. The comfort evaluation system according to Item 1. 3. The comfort evaluation system according to claim 1, further comprising a reported value input means, wherein calibration is performed based on the reported value of the subject when estimating the amount of sensation. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a set of sense quantities is multiplied on a multidimensional semantic space.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number is associated with an evaluation axis.
3. The comfort evaluation system according to any one of 3. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein
Environmental system based on comfort evaluation by the comfort evaluation system
Control signal generating means for generating a control signal for control; and
Comfort assessment and control system characterized by comprising an environmental control means for performing conversion to environmental controls said control signal to a plurality of environmental information.