WO2018159519A1 - Induction sound output device, induction sound output method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

Brain waves are often unstable at such times as immediately after going to bed for sleep, and appropriate brain wave induction therefore cannot be performed using an induction sound that is based on the frequency of brain waves at the time of going to bed for sleep. An induction sound output device for outputting an induction sound for inducing brain waves is provided with a frequency determination unit 11 for determining the frequency of an induction sound, an induction sound generating unit 12 for generating an induction sound on the basis of the frequency determined by the frequency determination unit 11, and an output unit 13 for outputting the induction sound generated by the induction sound generating unit 12. After induction is started, the frequency determination unit 11 sets the frequency of the induction sound to a fixed value for a predetermined period.

Description

Guide sound output device, guide sound output method, and program

This application claims the benefit of priority over Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-37078 filed on Feb. 28, 2017, and the contents of all are incorporated herein by reference.

The following disclosure relates to a guidance sound output device, a guidance sound output method, and a program for outputting a sound for inducing a human mind and body condition.

In recent years, there are many people who are worried that they cannot get good quality sleep. It is also said that 1 in 5 people suffer from insomnia and 1 in 20 people are taking sleeping pills. Therefore, there is a considerable demand for sleep improvement. Recently, many sleep-related products are sold, and the demand for sleep-related products is expected to further increase.

As an example of conventional techniques for improving sleep, a means for detecting physiological changes in the body (eg changes in brain waves, etc.) is attached to the user's body, and the user is informed based on the detected physiological change signal. An apparatus for changing a physical stimulation signal to be applied is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This conventional technique utilizes a phenomenon (called a pulling phenomenon or a pulling effect) in which a human brain wave tries to synchronize with a periodic stimulus.

In the above-described conventional apparatus, for example, the user's brain wave is detected, only the frequency band component of the α wave is extracted from the detected brain wave signal, and the extracted α wave signal is subjected to pulse width modulation to thereby detect the α wave. A square wave signal substantially in phase with the signal is generated. Then, only the frequency component corresponding to the target α wave is extracted from the square wave signal and output. Based on this output signal, the light stimulator controls blinking of a light emitting element such as an LED, thereby guiding the brain wave of the user who sees the blinking light to a target α wave.

JP-A-2-302270

As described above, when a user's brain wave is induced using periodic stimulation, there are the following problems. That is, generally, if the frequency of the periodic stimulus is not a frequency close to the user's brain wave at that time, a sufficient effect cannot be obtained with respect to the brain wave pulling effect. However, for example, immediately after getting on the floor, the biological information is unstable, or there is a lot of noise caused by the user moving the body, so it is difficult to obtain stable biological information. Therefore, for example, even if an attempt is made to induce an electroencephalogram immediately after getting on the floor, the user's electroencephalogram is unstable, and thus the desired induction effect may not be obtained.

In view of the above problems, the following disclosure provides a guidance sound output device and a guidance sound output that can more reliably guide a target brain wave even if the user's brain wave is unstable immediately after the start of brain wave guidance It is an object to provide a method and a computer program.

In order to solve the above-described problem, one form of the guide sound output device disclosed below is a guide sound output device that outputs a guide sound for inducing an electroencephalogram, and determines the frequency of the guide sound. A guide sound generation unit that generates a guide sound based on the frequency determined by the frequency determination unit, and an output unit that outputs the guide sound generated by the guide sound generation unit. After the operation is started, the frequency determination unit sets the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value for a predetermined period.

According to the following disclosure, even if the user's brain wave is unstable immediately after the start of brain wave induction, the user can be surely guided to the target brain wave.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the types, frequencies, and characteristics of electroencephalograms. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the transition of the beat frequency fa when operating in the relaxation induction mode. FIG. 4 is a graph showing another example of the transition of the beat frequency fa when operating in the relaxation induction mode. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the beat frequency fa when operating in the mode of awakening from the relaxed state. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship among sleep states, brain waves, and other biological information. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic view when an example of a configuration in which an air cushion type pulse wave sensor is incorporated in a headrest is viewed from the side. FIG. 14 is a schematic view when another example of a configuration in which an air cushion type pulse wave sensor is incorporated in a headrest is viewed from above. FIG. 15 is a schematic view when still another example of a configuration in which an air cushion type pulse wave sensor is incorporated in a headrest is viewed from the front. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a computer that functions as a guidance sound output device.

A guidance sound output device according to a first configuration is a guidance sound output device that outputs a guidance sound for inducing brain waves, and is determined by a frequency determination unit that determines the frequency of the guidance sound and the frequency determination unit. A guide sound generating unit that generates a guide sound based on the determined frequency, and an output unit that outputs the guide sound generated by the guide sound generating unit, and after starting the output operation of the guide sound, the frequency determining unit However, the frequency of the guide sound is set to a constant value for a predetermined period.

According to this configuration, after starting the output operation of the guide sound, the frequency determination unit sets the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value for a predetermined period, so that the user's brain wave immediately after starting the induction of the brain wave. Even if is unstable, since a guided sound having a constant frequency is output without following the unstable brain wave for a predetermined period, it can be more reliably guided to the target brain wave. It should be noted that the predetermined period for setting the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value is not necessarily a period immediately after the start of the guide sound output operation. For example, the configuration may be such that the frequency of the guide sound changes immediately after the start of the operation of outputting the guide sound, and the frequency is set to a constant value after a while.

The guidance sound output device according to the second configuration has the constant value in the range of 8 Hz to 14 Hz, that is, the frequency band of the α wave in the first configuration. As a result, the user's brain waves can be quickly stabilized in the predetermined period after the output operation of the guide sound is started.

In the guidance sound output device according to the third configuration, in the first or second configuration, the predetermined period is 10 seconds or more. As a result, for example, it is possible to output a guide sound having a certain frequency without following an unstable brain wave from the start of the operation for starting the output operation of the guide sound until it settles down on the floor. , Can be guided more reliably to the target electroencephalogram.

The guided sound output device according to a fourth configuration further includes a measurement unit that measures a user's brain wave in any of the first to third configurations, and the brain wave measured by the measurement unit, the constant value, The frequency determination unit sets the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value until the difference between the values is within a predetermined range.

According to this configuration, since the user's brain wave frequency is close to the frequency of the induced sound, the induction to the target induced sound is started. It can be reliably guided.

The guided sound output device according to a fifth configuration is the fourth configuration, wherein the frequency determination unit is configured such that after the difference between the brain wave measured by the measurement unit and the constant value is within a predetermined range, The frequency of the induced sound is determined based on the frequency of the electroencephalogram measured by the measurement unit.

According to this configuration, since a guide sound close to the frequency of the user's brain wave is output, it is possible to more reliably guide to the target brain wave by fully utilizing the effect of drawing in the brain wave.

The guided sound output device according to a sixth configuration further includes an estimation unit that acquires biological information other than brain waves and estimates a user's brain waves in any of the first to third configurations, and the estimation unit The frequency determination unit sets the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value until the difference between the estimated electroencephalogram and the constant value falls within a predetermined range.

According to this configuration, since the user's brain wave frequency is close to the frequency of the induced sound, the induction to the target induced sound is started. It can be reliably guided.

The guided sound output device according to a seventh configuration, in the sixth configuration, the frequency determination unit, after the difference between the brain wave estimated by the estimation unit and the constant value is within a predetermined range, Based on the frequency of the electroencephalogram estimated by the estimation unit, the frequency of the guide sound is determined.

According to this configuration, since a guide sound close to the frequency of the user's brain wave is output, it is possible to more reliably guide to the target brain wave by fully utilizing the effect of drawing in the brain wave.

A guidance sound output device according to an eighth configuration, in any one of the first to seventh configurations, a background sound generation unit that generates a background sound to be superimposed on the guidance sound, the background sound and the guidance sound, And an adder that outputs the result to the output unit.

According to this configuration, since the background sound is superimposed on the guide sound and output, only the guide sound is not disturbed and can be more reliably guided to the target brain wave.

In the guidance sound output device according to the ninth configuration, in any one of the first to eighth configurations, the output unit fades in the guidance sound within the predetermined period.

According to this configuration, by gradually increasing the volume of the guide sound from zero, the guide sound can be more reliably guided to the target brain wave without being annoying.

The guidance sound output device according to a tenth configuration further includes an analysis unit that sequentially analyzes a background sound or an environmental sound to be superimposed on the guidance sound in any of the first to ninth configurations, and the guidance sound generation The unit dynamically changes at least one of the magnitude, height, and tone color of the guidance sound based on the analysis result of the analysis unit.

According to this configuration, the guide sound can be mixed into the background sound or the environmental sound, and the guide sound can be guided more reliably to the target brain wave without being annoying.

A chair-type device including the guidance sound output device according to any one of the first to tenth configurations is also an embodiment.

Also, a guide sound output method for outputting a guide sound for inducing an electroencephalogram is one embodiment. The guide sound output method includes a step of determining a frequency of the guide sound by the frequency determining unit, a step of generating a guide sound by the guide sound generating unit based on the frequency determined by the frequency determining unit, and an output And a step of outputting the guide sound generated by the guide sound generator, and after starting the guide sound output step, the frequency of the guide sound is set to a constant value for a predetermined period.

Furthermore, a computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute a guidance sound output method for outputting a guidance sound for inducing an electroencephalogram is also an embodiment. The program includes a process for causing the computer processor to determine the frequency of the guide sound, a process for causing the computer processor to generate a signal for the guide sound based on the determined frequency, and an output unit of the computer. A process for outputting a guide sound based on the signal is executed, and after the guide sound output process is started, the frequency of the guide sound is set to a constant value for a predetermined period.
[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, more specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, in the drawings referred to below, the configuration is shown in a simplified or schematic manner, or some components are omitted. Further, the dimensional ratio between the constituent members shown in each drawing does not necessarily indicate an actual dimensional ratio.

In the following embodiments, examples in which the guidance sound output device is mainly used for the purpose of controlling the user's sleep will be described. However, the use of the guidance sound output device is not limited to sleep control, and the guidance sound output device can be applied to various controls of the human mind and body state.

[First Embodiment]
The guidance sound output device according to the first embodiment has a relaxation guidance mode in which the user is guided to a deeper resting state (sleeping state) by a beat sound. In particular, the guidance sound output device provides a period during which the beat frequency is constant during the relaxation induction mode, and changes the beat frequency after that period.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a guidance sound output device 1 according to the first embodiment. The guidance sound output device 1 in the first embodiment includes a beat frequency determination unit 11, a beat sound generation unit 12, and an output unit 13.

Note that the “beat sound” represents a sound in which at least one element of the loudness, pitch, and timbre changes approximately periodically, and the frequency of the change is called “beat frequency”.

The beat frequency determination unit 11 determines the beat frequency of the beat sound output from the output unit 13. For example, when the user operates the guidance sound output device 1 in the relaxation guidance mode in order to sleep, the beat frequency suitable for guidance changes as the sleep progresses. The beat frequency determining unit 11 determines the beat frequency so as to induce the brain wave to the relaxed state most effectively. Details will be described later.

The beat sound generation unit 12 generates a beat sound signal according to the beat frequency determined by the beat frequency determination unit 11.

The output unit 13 is, for example, a speaker, and outputs the beat sound signal generated by the beat sound generation unit 12. There may be one or more speakers as the output unit 13. The speaker as the output unit 13 may be a headphone or an earphone.

In the present embodiment, the relaxation induction mode is not limited to only leading to a relaxed state during awakening. Including.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the types, frequencies, and characteristics of electroencephalograms. When the type of electroencephalogram is a γ wave, the frequency is 26 to 70 Hz, and the user is in an excited state. When the type of electroencephalogram is β-wave, the frequency is 14 to 38 Hz, and the user is in a daily life state. When the type of electroencephalogram is an α wave, the frequency is 8 to 14 Hz, and the user is in a relaxed state. When the type of electroencephalogram is a θ wave, the frequency is 4 to 8 Hz, and the user is in a sleep state. When the type of electroencephalogram is a δ wave, the frequency is 0.5 to 4 Hz, and the user is in a deep sleep state.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lower the electroencephalogram frequency, the quieter the body is. In particular, when the electroencephalogram is a θ wave or δ wave having a frequency of 8 Hz or less, it is in a sleep state, and in the case of a δ wave having a frequency of 4 Hz or less, it is a deep sleep state. For this reason, for example, to control a user's sleep state, roughly speaking, if the brain wave is guided to a low frequency, it can be guided to a deeper sleep state, and if the brain wave is guided to a high frequency, it is shallower Can lead to sleep or wakefulness.

For example, assume that the beat frequency determining unit 11 determines that the beat frequency is fa. fa is set to a target frequency for inducing brain waves. The brain wave of the user who has heard the beat sound of the frequency fa is induced to approach the frequency fa by a “brain wave pulling phenomenon” described later. Thereby, by changing the frequency fa of the beat sound, the user can be led from the awake state to the shallow sleep state, or can be led from the shallow sleep state to the deep sleep state.

The beat sound generation unit 12 performs modulation processing on a single sound signal prepared in advance to generate a beat sound signal. For example, a modulation obtained by generating a sound signal of frequency fx-fa obtained by shifting the frequency fx of a single sound signal prepared in advance by the determined beat frequency fa and adding the sound signal with a single sound signal of frequency fx. A sound signal is generated as a beat sound. A single tone includes not only a fundamental tone but also a fundamental tone and a harmonic overtone. A simple sound signal is preferable as the guide sound in order to make the sound uncomfortable when the user hears it. Here, a description will be given on the assumption that a guide sound signal is generated from a single sound signal, but the signal that is the basis of the guide sound is not limited to a single sound, and may be a sound signal such as a melody. In addition, as a sound signal having a frequency difference of fa, the beat sound generation unit 12 performs a sound signal of frequency fx and a sound signal of frequency fx + fa, or a sound signal of frequency fx−fa / 2 and a sound signal of frequency fx + fa / 2. May be generated.

Alternatively, a stereo speaker, headphones, or earphones may be used as the output unit 3, and a sound signal having the frequency fx may be output from one output unit, and a sound signal having the frequency fx-fa may be output from the other output unit. Such a sound signal is known as a binaural beat. That is, the user's brain wave can be guided to the frequency fa by letting the left and right ears hear two sound signals having a frequency difference of fa. Note that, as a sound signal having a frequency difference of fa, the beat sound generation unit 12 generates a sound signal of frequency fx and a sound signal of frequency fx + fa, or a sound signal of frequency fx−fa / 2 and a sound signal of frequency fx + fa / 2. A signal may be generated.

The user's brain wave can be induced to the beat frequency fa by the method as described above, and such a phenomenon is called a “brain wave drawing phenomenon”. However, in order to obtain a sufficient induction effect due to the phenomenon of brain wave drawing, generally, the beat frequency fa is a frequency close to the brain wave at that time (for example, 0.9 to 1.1 times the brain wave frequency). Frequency).

However, the brain waves are generally unstable during excitement before relaxing or when waking up before sleeping. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine an appropriate beat frequency fa for causing the brain wave entrainment phenomenon to be a frequency close to the brain wave at that time.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after starting the operation, a period is set for making the beat frequency constant, and the beat frequency is changed after the fixed period has elapsed. As a result, the user's brain wave is stabilized to such an extent that the induction effect by the pull-in phenomenon can be sufficiently obtained, and then the induction can be started.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the transition of the beat frequency fa set by the beat frequency determination unit 11 when the guidance sound output device 1 operates in the relaxation induction mode in the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents frequency. The solid line in the graph of FIG. 3 represents the beat frequency fa set by the beat frequency determining unit 11, and the broken line represents the user's brain wave.

As shown in FIG. 3, the beat frequency determination unit 11 sets the beat frequency fa to a constant value fA for a predetermined time T after the operation in the relaxation induction mode is started. The beat frequency determination unit 11 gradually changes the beat frequency fa after the predetermined time T has elapsed.

Here, the constant value fA is desirably set to a value close to the brain wave of the user at the start of use in the operation mode according to the operation mode of the guidance sound output device 1. For example, in the mode that induces sleep from the relaxed state, it is preferable to set the constant value fA as the frequency (for example, 8 Hz) of the electroencephalogram (α wave) in the relaxed state.

Further, the predetermined time T can be set to an arbitrary time by the initial setting of the guidance sound output device 1 or the setting by the user. As the predetermined time T, it is preferable to set a time required for the user's brain wave to sufficiently approach the fixed value fA and stabilize after the operation starts.

As described above, in the first embodiment, a period (T) in which the beat frequency fa is set to the constant value fA is provided after the operation is started, and the beat frequency is changed after the period has elapsed, so that the frequency of the electroencephalogram is An electroencephalogram can be effectively induced after waiting for the constant value fA to be sufficiently approached and stabilized.

In the above description, an example has been described in which the constant value fA of the beat frequency after the operation is started is the α wave frequency (for example, 10 Hz), and the beat frequency fa is gradually decreased after a predetermined period T has elapsed. However, the following modifications are also possible. Note that these modifications can be similarly applied to second to tenth embodiments described later.

[First Modification]
As shown in FIG. 4, the first modified example uses a constant value fA of the beat frequency after the start of operation as a value of β wave (14 to 38 Hz range, for example, 14 Hz), and after a predetermined period T has elapsed, In this mode, the frequency fa is gradually lowered to approach the frequency of the α wave. By controlling the beat frequency fa in this way, the user's physical state can be guided from the excited state or the normal state to the relaxed state. In this way, the user's body condition can be controlled in various ways by appropriately setting the constant value fA of the beat frequency after the start of the operation and the value of the target frequency of induction.

[Second Modification]
In the above description, an example in which the user's physical state is guided to a more relaxed state is shown. On the other hand, in the second modification, the user's physical state is changed from a more relaxed state to a more relaxed state. It leads to a more awake state. For example, the example shown in FIG. 5 is a case where the user's physical state is induced from a sleep state to an awake state. In this example, the constant value fA of the beat frequency after the start of operation is set to a value of δ wave (0.5 to 4 Hz range, for example, 4 Hz), and after a predetermined period T, the beat frequency fa is gradually increased and α Move closer to the wave frequency.

Also in the case of the second modification, after the induction is started, the beat frequency is kept at a constant value fA for a predetermined period T, so that the effect is obtained after the brain wave frequency is sufficiently close to the constant value fA and stabilized. Brain waves can be induced.

[Third Modification]
In the above description, it is assumed that the beat frequency is maintained at a constant value fA for a predetermined period T immediately after the start of guidance. However, it is not essential that the period during which the beat frequency is maintained at the constant value fA starts immediately after starting the induction. That is, the beat frequency fa may change for a while after starting the induction, and the beat frequency may be maintained at a constant value fA in a predetermined period T thereafter.

[Second Embodiment]
The basic configuration of the guidance sound output device 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, in a mode in which the user's physical state is introduced to a relaxed state (especially a sleep state), the constant value fA of the beat frequency after the start of operation is set to a value of 8 Hz to 14 Hz corresponding to an α wave. As an additional feature.

In the visual cortex of the human brain, there is a feature that when the eyes are closed, the input information from the eyes disappears, and α waves of 8 Hz to 14 Hz are generated instead. This can be understood as having an α-wave oscillator in the human brain, and induction to this frequency is relatively easy. Therefore, it can be said that it is optimal to guide at an α wave frequency of 8 Hz to 14 Hz when the actual brain wave frequency is not known immediately after getting on the floor such as during sleep.

As described above, in the second embodiment, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the constant value fA of the beat frequency fa is set to a value in the range of 8 Hz to 14 Hz corresponding to the α wave, so that the sleep frequency fa For example, the brain wave can be settled into an α wave state more quickly and efficiently.

[Third Embodiment]
The basic configuration of the guidance sound output device 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The guidance sound output device according to the third embodiment has an additional feature that the period in which the beat frequency is constant in the configuration of the first embodiment is 10 seconds or more.

As described in the first embodiment, the guidance sound output device 1 is provided with the period T in which the beat frequency is a constant value fA. As described in the first embodiment, the length of the period T is set to the time from the start of the induction of the electroencephalogram by the guidance sound output device 1 until the electroencephalogram sufficiently approaches the constant value fA. . That is, it is desirable that the guidance sound output device 1 has a function of determining whether or not the user's brain wave has approached a certain value fA by measuring or estimating the user's brain wave. However, there is a problem that measuring or estimating an electroencephalogram may not be realized in many cases from the viewpoints of user burden, system complexity, and cost increase.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length of the period T in which the beat frequency is a constant value fA is set to a predetermined length. Although this length can be determined as appropriate, for example, when inducing to a sleep state, it is preferable to set the length to about 10 seconds or longer. In general, it is said that humans generate α waves immediately after closing their eyes. Therefore, if the time required for the user to start the relaxation guidance mode in the guidance sound output device 1 and close the eyes on the floor is about 10 seconds, the length of the period T should be 10 seconds or more. Is preferred.

As described above, in the third embodiment, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the length of the period T in which the beat frequency is set to the constant value fA is set to 10 seconds or more, thereby simplifying the environmental conditions and the like. Control independent of changes can be realized.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The guided sound output apparatus according to the fourth embodiment further includes means for measuring the user's brain wave in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, and the measured user's brain wave becomes a constant value fA of the beat frequency. The beat frequency fa is kept at a constant value fA until it becomes close. In other words, after the measured brain wave of the user approaches the constant value fA of the beat frequency, control for changing the beat frequency fa is started.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device 2 in the fourth embodiment. The guidance sound output device 2 according to the fourth embodiment includes a beat frequency determination unit 11, a beat sound generation unit 12, an output unit 13, and an electroencephalogram measurement unit 14.

Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

The brain wave measurement unit 14 has a function of measuring a user's brain wave and analyzing the frequency component. More specifically, the electroencephalogram measurement unit 14 amplifies a minute voltage on the user's scalp with an electrode attached to the user's head by a high impedance amplifier to detect it with high sensitivity and analyzes its frequency component. It has a circuit.

The beat frequency determination unit 11 determines the beat frequency based on the frequency information of the user's brain wave measured by the brain wave measurement unit 14.

In the first embodiment, a period T in which the beat frequency is a constant value fA is provided. It is desirable that the time point at which the beat frequency fa starts to change is the time point when the user's brain wave is sufficiently close to the constant value fA. In order to realize such control, a means for measuring a user's brain wave is required.

Therefore, in this embodiment, an electroencephalogram measurement unit 14 is provided to actually measure the user's electroencephalogram. The electroencephalogram measurement unit 14 can know whether the user's electroencephalogram is stable, how close it is to the constant value fA of the beat frequency, and the like. Thereby, when the frequency of the user's brain wave approaches the constant value fA of the beat frequency, it is possible to shift to control for changing the beat frequency. The point in time when the frequency of the user's brain wave approaches the constant value fA of the beat frequency is, for example, the point in time when the difference between the user's brain wave measured by the brain wave measurement unit 14 and the constant value fA of the beat frequency becomes 1 Hz or less, Or the time when the difference between the user's brain wave measured by the brain wave measurement unit 14 and the constant value fA of the beat frequency becomes 10% or less of the constant value fA, or the like.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the electroencephalogram measurement unit 14 is provided, and the beat frequency fa is constant until the frequency of the user's brain wave sufficiently approaches the constant value fA. Let it be the value fA. Thereby, optimal guidance control can be performed according to the state of the user's brain waves that varies depending on the situation.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The guidance sound output device according to the fifth embodiment includes means for estimating a user's brain wave in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, and the estimated user's brain wave is close to a constant value fA of the beat frequency. Until this occurs, the beat frequency fa is maintained at a constant value fA. In other words, control for changing the beat frequency fa is started after the estimated brain wave of the user approaches the constant value fA of the beat frequency.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device 3 in the fifth embodiment. The guidance sound output device 3 in the fifth embodiment includes a beat frequency determination unit 11, a beat sound generation unit 12, an output unit 13, and an electroencephalogram estimation unit 15. The electroencephalogram estimation unit 15 includes a sensor 151 and an estimation processing unit 152.

Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

The brain wave estimation unit 15 measures biological information other than the user's brain wave by the sensor 151, and estimates the frequency of the user's brain wave based on the measurement result of the sensor 151 by the estimation processing unit 152. The biological information other than the electroencephalogram is, for example, heartbeat, respiration, body movement, etc., and these are also used for estimating the sleep state. Accordingly, it is possible to estimate the frequency of the electroencephalogram in association with the electroencephalogram state.

FIG. 8 shows the relationship between sleep brain waves and biological information. As shown in FIG. 8, heartbeat, respiration, and body movement are related to brain waves and sleep states. For example, during light sleep, heartbeats are unstable with short intervals and breathing is also unstable with short intervals. In addition, the frequency of moving the body is high and the movement is large. On the other hand, during deep sleep, the heart rate is stable with a long interval, and breathing is also stable with a long interval. In addition, the frequency of moving the body is small, and the movement is also small. During moderate sleep, heartbeat, breathing, and body movement are all moderate. During light sleep, the brain waves are θ waves (4-8 Hz). In moderate sleep, the brain waves are δ waves (2-4 Hz). During deep sleep, the brain waves are δ waves (0.5-2 Hz). Thus, there is a correlation between the frequency of the electroencephalogram and the heartbeat / respiration / body movement.

Biological information such as heartbeat, respiration, and body movement can be measured by using a contact sensor (acceleration sensor, piezoelectric sensor, skin potential sensor, etc.) or non-contact sensor (microwave sensor, etc.) as the sensor 151. It is. Therefore, compared to the fourth embodiment in which electrodes are attached to the user's head and brain waves are directly measured, the burden on the user is small.

Examples of the sensor 151 include a pressure sensor and a Doppler sensor. When using a pressure sensor, a user's biometric information can be acquired by laying a pressure sensor under bedding, for example. When a Doppler sensor is used, the user's biological information can be acquired by outputting a signal such as a radio wave or light and receiving the signal reflected and returned by the user. Moreover, when using said acceleration sensor, a user's biometric information can be acquired by, for example, putting on a comforter and measuring the vibration by a user's turning over etc. FIG.

The beat frequency determination unit 11 determines the beat frequency based on the frequency information of the user's brain wave estimated by the brain wave estimation unit 15.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the brain wave frequency is estimated by measuring biological information other than the brain wave instead of directly measuring the user's brain wave. Biological information such as heartbeat, respiration, and body movement can be measured by a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor, and the frequency of an electroencephalogram can be estimated from the measured biological information. Note that any one of the above-described heartbeat, respiration, and body movement may be used as the biological information for estimating the frequency of the electroencephalogram. Alternatively, the frequency of the electroencephalogram can be estimated from a combination of a plurality of pieces of biological information such as heartbeat, respiration, and body movement.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the brain wave estimation unit 15 is provided, and the beat frequency until the estimated user's brain wave frequency is sufficiently close to the constant value fA. Let fa be a constant value fA. Thereby, optimal guidance control can be performed according to the state of the user's brain waves that varies depending on the situation.
[Sixth Embodiment]
In addition to the configurations of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the guide sound output device according to the sixth embodiment changes the beat frequency based on the measured or estimated brain wave frequency when changing the beat frequency. It is characterized by.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device 4 in the sixth embodiment. The guidance sound output device 4 in the sixth embodiment includes a beat frequency determination unit 11, a beat sound generation unit 12, an output unit 13, and an electroencephalogram measurement / estimation unit 16. The electroencephalogram measurement / estimation unit 16 is the electroencephalogram measurement unit 14 in FIG. 6 in the fourth embodiment or the electroencephalogram estimation unit 15 in FIG. 7 in the fifth embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the beat frequency fa is changed after the elapse of the predetermined time T. However, as described above, if the beat frequency is not a frequency close to the actual brain wave, a sufficient induction effect due to the phenomenon of brain wave pull-in is obtained. I can't get it. For this reason, if the user's brain wave frequency deviates from the beat frequency after starting to change the beat frequency fa, there is a problem that it is difficult to return to appropriate guidance again.

In the guided sound output device 4 of the present embodiment, the beat frequency determination unit 11 determines the beat frequency fa after the predetermined period T has elapsed based on the brain wave measured / estimated by the brain wave measurement / estimation unit 16.

For example, in order to induce a more relaxed state (for example, from shallow sleep to deeper sleep), the beat frequency fa is set to a frequency slightly lower than the measured / estimated brain wave frequency. For example, it is preferable that the beat frequency fa is 1 Hz lower than the measured / estimated brain wave frequency. Alternatively, it is also preferable to set the beat frequency fa to a frequency 10% smaller than the measured / estimated brain wave frequency.

On the other hand, in order to induce a more awake state (for example, from deep sleep to shallow sleep), the beat frequency fa is set to a frequency slightly higher than the measured / estimated brain wave frequency. For example, it is preferable that the beat frequency fa is 1 Hz higher than the measured / estimated brain wave frequency. Alternatively, it is also preferable to set the beat frequency fa to a frequency 10% higher than the measured / estimated brain wave frequency.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, in addition to the configurations of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the beat frequency fa is changed based on the frequency of the electroencephalogram measured / estimated by the electroencephalogram measurement / estimation unit 16. . By such control, guidance control can be performed while maintaining the beat frequency fa in the vicinity of the frequency of the user's brain wave, that is, while sufficiently maintaining the effect of drawing in the brain wave.

[Seventh Embodiment]
The guidance sound output device according to the seventh embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a background sound is added to the beat sound and output.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device 5 in the seventh embodiment. The induced sound output device 5 in the seventh embodiment includes a beat frequency determination unit 11, a beat sound generation unit 12, an output unit 13, a background sound generation unit 17, and an addition unit 18.

Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

The background sound generation unit 17 stores a sound source of a background sound signal, and generates a background sound signal from this sound source. An arbitrary sound signal can be used as the sound source of the background sound signal, but it is preferable to use an appropriate sound signal according to applications such as relaxation and sleep. The sound source of the background sound generation unit 17 is not limited to one type, and may be a plurality of types. As a sound source, music recorded on a CD, music downloaded via the Internet, or the like can be used. The sound source of the background sound may not be music.

The addition unit 18 adds the beat sound generated by the beat sound generation unit 12 and the background sound generated by the background sound generation unit 17.

The first embodiment is configured to output the beat sound as it is. However, for example, a beat sound having a relatively high beat frequency such as an α wave may be annoying when heard alone. There is a problem.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the background sound for camouflaging the beat sound is added and output together with the beat sound. Preferably, the pitch relationship between the beat sound and the background sound is harmonized. Specifically, when the background sound key is in the major key, the pitch of the beat sound is the first, second, third, fifth and sixth sounds of the key, and when the background sound key is in the minor key, the pitch of the beat sound is Should be the first, third, fourth, fifth and seventh notes of the key.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, by adding the background sound to the beat sound and outputting it in the first embodiment, the beat sound can be camouflaged and heard without any sense of incongruity.

[Eighth Embodiment]
The guidance sound output device according to the eighth embodiment is characterized in that, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the output unit 13 fades in the beat sound when the relaxation guidance mode is started.

As described above, there is a problem that, for example, a beat sound having a relatively high frequency corresponding to an α wave may be annoying if it is heard as it is.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after starting the operation of the guidance sound output device, the beat sound output within the predetermined period T is faded in. That is, the output unit 13 reproduces the beat sound by gradually increasing the volume from no volume.

As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the beat sound can be introduced so as not to be annoying to the user by fading in the beat sound at the start of the operation.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the guidance sound output device according to the ninth embodiment matches at least one element of the size, height, and tone of the beat sound with the environmental sound or background sound. It is characterized by changing dynamically. The environmental sound is a surrounding sound when the guidance sound output device is used, and is collected and used by, for example, a microphone as described later. The background sound is generated from a sound source stored in advance in the guidance sound output device.

In this embodiment, a schematic configuration example (FIG. 11) in the case of using environmental sounds and a schematic configuration example (FIG. 12) in the case of using background sounds will be described.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device 6 using the environmental sound. The guidance sound output device 6 includes a beat frequency determination unit 11, a beat sound generation unit 12, an output unit 13, and an environmental sound acquisition / analysis unit 19. The configurations and functions of the beat frequency determination unit 11, the beat sound generation unit 12, and the output unit 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The environmental sound acquisition / analysis unit 19 collects ambient environmental sounds using, for example, a microphone, and analyzes the size, height, tone, and the like. The beat sound generation unit 12 generates a beat sound based on the environmental sound information analyzed by the environmental sound acquisition / analysis unit 19.

On the other hand, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the guidance sound output device 7 using the background sound. The guidance sound output device 7 includes a beat frequency determination unit 11, a beat sound generation unit 12, an output unit 13, and a background sound generation / analysis unit 20. The configurations and functions of the beat frequency determination unit 11, the beat sound generation unit 12, and the output unit 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The background sound generation / analysis unit 20 stores a sound source of a background sound signal, and generates a background sound signal from this sound source. An arbitrary sound signal can be used as the sound source of the background sound signal, but it is preferable to use an appropriate sound signal according to applications such as relaxation and sleep. The sound source of the background sound signal is not limited to one type, and may be a plurality of types. As a sound source, music recorded on a CD, music downloaded via the Internet, or the like can be used. The sound source of the background sound may not be music.

The background sound generation / analysis unit 20 also analyzes the size, height, timbre, etc. of the background sound generated from the sound source. The beat sound generation unit 12 generates a beat sound based on the background sound information analyzed by the background sound generation / analysis unit 20. The adder 18 adds the beat sound generated by the beat sound generator 12 and the background sound generated by the background sound generator / analyzer 20.

In the present embodiment, the above-described configuration causes the beat sound to be mixed into the environmental sound or the background sound. As a method for causing the beat sound to be mixed into the environmental sound or the background sound, for example, a method in which attention is paid to the three elements of “volume”, “height”, and “tone” can be considered. When paying attention to the “volume”, the volume of the environmental sound or background sound is analyzed, and the volume of the beat sound is reduced to the same level or lower. When attention is paid to “pitch”, the frequency spectrum of the environmental sound or background sound is analyzed, and the pitch of the beat sound is adjusted to a dominant frequency in the frequency spectrum of the environmental sound or background sound. When paying attention to the “tone color”, the frequency spectrum of the environmental sound or the background sound is analyzed, and the spectrum structure of the beat sound is made the same spectrum structure as those.

As described above, in the ninth embodiment, at least one element among the magnitude, height, and timbre of the beat sound is dynamically changed according to the environmental sound and the background sound. By such control, the guide sound can be heard without a sense of incongruity so that the beat sound does not become annoying to the user.

In addition, it is also possible to use the operation sound of the air-conditioning home appliance used together with the guidance sound output device as the environmental sound. Examples of such air-conditioning home appliances include air-conditioning home appliances including a fan such as a fan, a warm air heater, an air conditioner, an air purifier, an air diffuser, or a humidifier. In addition, operation sounds of motors and compressors of air-conditioning home appliances and other devices can be used.

[Tenth embodiment]
The guidance sound output apparatus described in the first to ninth embodiments can be implemented in various ways. Hereinafter, although not limited thereto, examples of products incorporating the guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments will be given.

[Chair type device]
The guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments can be incorporated in a chair-type device. The chair-type device is generally intended to be used in a sitting state, but has a reclining function and can be used as a full flat or almost flat bed. Included in mold device.

As an example of a chair-type device, first, there is an easy chair or a sofa that is usually used at home. In addition, for example, vehicle seats used by passengers such as trains, buses, airplanes, and ships are listed. Moreover, the guidance sound output device can be incorporated into seats other than the driver among the seats of the automobile. Alternatively, it is possible to incorporate a guidance sound output device into a driver seat of an automobile on the condition that safety measures such as the sleep guidance mode being unavailable during driving are taken. In these vehicle seats, there is a demand for efficient sleep in a short time, so sleep is dynamically assisted by incorporating the guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments. Equipped with functions. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the frequency control may be performed so as to gradually increase the frequency fa of the beat sound. In that case, it is possible to wake up quickly after sleeping.

Especially when sleeping in a vehicle, the electroencephalogram before falling asleep tends to be more unstable than when sleeping at home. In many cases, the brain waves cannot be measured and estimated well due to shaking before and after the start stop. The guidance sound output method in each embodiment described above is effective for such a problem.

Still another example of the chair-type device is a so-called massage chair with an automatic massage function. There is a demand for massage chairs to relax and sleep. However, especially for users who are not accustomed to massage chairs, the electroencephalogram tends to become unstable immediately after the start of use. Further, when the massage chair is provided with the electroencephalogram measurement unit 14 of the fourth embodiment, the electroencephalogram estimation unit 15 of the fifth embodiment, or the electroencephalogram measurement / estimation unit 16 of the sixth embodiment, the massage chair immediately after the start of use. In many cases, the electroencephalogram cannot be measured or estimated well due to electromagnetic noise or vibration caused by the movement of The guide sound output methods in the fourth to sixth embodiments are effective for such problems.

In addition, when providing the electroencephalogram measurement part 14 etc. in a vehicle seat or a massage chair, since the sensor used for them is generally a structure with a hard surface, if it hits a user's body, it will disturb sleep comfort It becomes a factor.

As a method for solving such a new problem, for example, in a vehicle seat or a massage chair, a sensor equipped with an air cushion is used as an electroencephalogram measurement unit 14 of the fourth embodiment or an electroencephalogram estimation unit of the fifth embodiment. 15 or the electroencephalogram measurement / estimation unit 16 of the sixth embodiment. For example, a pulse wave sensor can be used as the electroencephalogram estimation unit 15. In this case, it is preferable that the headrest unit includes a pulse wave sensor incorporated in an air cushion. Moreover, when the speaker of the output part 13 is also provided in a headrest part, it is preferable to install in the position where a speaker does not contact a user's head.

13 to 15 show specific examples of the structure. FIG. 13 is a schematic view when an example of a configuration in which an air cushion type pulse wave sensor is incorporated in a headrest is viewed from the side. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the headrest 40 is provided with an air cushion type pulse wave sensor 41 on the most surface side (side closer to the user's head). A speaker 42 of the output unit 13 is installed on the back surface of the air cushion of the pulse wave sensor 41. In the figure, reference numeral 43 denotes a support for supporting the speaker 42 and the like. Thus, it is preferable that the speaker 42 or the like is not in direct contact with the user's head.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram when another example of a configuration in which an air cushion type pulse wave sensor is incorporated in a headrest is viewed from above. In the example shown in FIG. 14, an air cushion type pulse wave sensor 41 is built in a main surface 40 a where the back of the head of the user hits the headrest 40. And the part which protrudes a little forward from the both sides of a user's head in the main surface 40a is provided, and the speaker 42 is incorporated in the part via the cushioning material 44. As shown in FIG. That is, in the example of FIG. 14, the headrest 40 is formed so as to wrap the user's head, and the speaker 42 is located near the user's ears. Since the cushion material 44 is provided on the side portion of the headrest 40, the speaker 42 does not directly contact the user's head.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view when still another example of a configuration in which an air cushion type pulse wave sensor is incorporated in a headrest is viewed from the front. Also in the example shown in FIG. 15, an air cushion type pulse wave sensor 41 is built in the surface of the headrest 40 where the back of the head of the user hits. The left and right speakers 42 are built in above the user's head. That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the speaker 42 is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the user's head.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in a chair-type device including a vehicle seat and a massage chair, an air cushion type pulse wave sensor and a speaker are provided in the headrest portion. And a speaker is installed in the position which does not contact a user's head directly or only through the skin material which covers a headrest part. With such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained. First, discomfort during contact can be prevented by using an air cushion type pulse wave sensor. Secondly, disabling the head due to the hardness of the speaker can be prevented by preventing the speaker from directly hitting the head. Thirdly, by integrating the functions into the headrest part, it is possible to mount functions specialized for inducing the body state with minimal changes from conventional vehicle seats or massage chairs.

[Eye mask]
The guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments can be incorporated in an eye mask. The eye mask is used when sleeping, and by incorporating the guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments, a function for dynamically assisting sleep can be realized, and a better sleeping effect can be realized. Is obtained. Users who are not familiar with eye masks often have unstable brain waves after wearing the eye mask. The guidance sound output method in each embodiment described above is effective for such a problem.

[Pillow, neck pillow]
The guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments can be incorporated into a pillow or a neck pillow. Pillows and neck pillows are used when sleeping, and by incorporating the guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments, a function for dynamically assisting sleep can be realized. Sleep effect is obtained. Immediately after going to bed, the electroencephalogram is not stable, or there are noises due to body movements, etc., so appropriate electroencephalogram information is often not obtained. The guidance sound output method in each embodiment described above is effective for such a problem.

[Earphones, headphones]
The guidance sound output devices described in the first to ninth embodiments may be mounted on earphones or headphones. For example, in vehicles such as trains, buses, airplanes, and ships, there is a demand for efficient sleep in a short time. For such demand, earphones and headphones incorporating the guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments are effective. At that time, in many cases, the EEG cannot be measured and estimated well due to instability of the EEG before falling asleep and fluctuations before and after stopping. The guidance sound output method in each embodiment described above is effective for such a problem.

[Air conditioning appliances, etc.]
The guidance sound output device described in the first to ninth embodiments can be incorporated into an air-conditioning home appliance provided with a fan. Examples of such air-conditioning home appliances include, but are not limited to, a fan, a warm air heater, an air conditioner, an air cleaner, an air diffuser, or a humidifier. In such an air-conditioning home appliance, the frequency of the sound generated by the rotation of the fan can be adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the fan. In addition, beat sounds can be generated by providing two fans and slightly rotating the rotation speeds of the fans. Even in such an air-conditioning home appliance, by controlling the frequency of the beat sound generated by the two fans as described in the first to ninth embodiments, the state of the user when the output of the guide sound is started can be achieved. Regardless, the user's brain waves can be stably guided.

It should be noted that, in addition to the fan, in a device equipped with a motor, a compressor, etc., it is also possible to generate a beat sound in the same manner as described above by using operation sounds of the motor, the compressor, etc.

[Other Embodiments]
The above-described embodiment is merely an example. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific examples described above, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit thereof.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the guidance sound output is started by the user's operation, but a mechanism for automatically determining a suitable start time may be provided. For example, the state of mind and body of the user may be measured using a sensor, and it may be automatically determined and started at the time when the guidance sound output should be started.

In the guidance sound output device described in the above embodiment (including modifications), each block may be individually made into one chip by a semiconductor device such as an LSI, or made into one chip so as to include a part or the whole. May be.

In addition, although it was set as LSI here, it may be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, and ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

Also, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

Furthermore, if integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges as a result of advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technology, it is naturally also possible to integrate functional blocks using this technology. Biotechnology can be applied as a possibility.

Further, part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments may be realized by a program. A part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments is performed by a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor, or the like in the computer. A program for performing each processing is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or a ROM, and is read out and executed in the ROM or the RAM. The storage device (storage medium) is a tangible material that is not temporary, and for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of such a computer. The guidance sound generation device described in each of the above embodiments can be realized by a computer 100 that includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and an interface 104, as shown in FIG. The interface 104 has a function of presenting, for example, an operation screen to the user and receiving an instruction from the user.

Further, each process of the above embodiment may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software (including a case where it is realized together with an OS (operating system), middleware, or a predetermined library). Further, it may be realized by mixed processing of software and hardware. Needless to say, when the guidance sound output device according to the above embodiment is realized by hardware, it is necessary to adjust the timing for performing each process. In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, details of timing adjustment of various signals generated in actual hardware design are omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Guide sound output device, 11 ... Beat frequency determination part, 12 ... Beat sound production | generation part, 13 ... Output part, 14 ... EEG measurement part, 15 ... EEG estimation part, 16 ... EEG measurement / estimation part, 17 ... Background sound Generation unit, 18 ... addition unit, 19 ... environmental sound acquisition / analysis unit, 20 ... background sound generation / analysis

Claims (13)

A guidance sound output device that outputs a guidance sound for inducing an electroencephalogram,
A frequency determining unit for determining the frequency of the guide sound;
A guide sound generator that generates a guide sound based on the frequency determined by the frequency determiner;
An output unit that outputs the guide sound generated by the guide sound generation unit;
A guide sound output device in which the frequency determination unit sets the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value for a predetermined period after starting the output operation of the guide sound. The guidance sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the constant value is in a range of 8 Hz to 14 Hz. The guidance sound output device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined period is 10 seconds or more. It further comprises a measurement unit that measures the user's brain waves,
The frequency determination unit sets the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value until a difference between the electroencephalogram measured by the measurement unit and the constant value falls within a predetermined range. The guidance sound output device according to one item. The frequency determination unit, after the difference between the brain wave measured by the measurement unit and the constant value is within a predetermined range, the frequency of the induced sound based on the frequency of the brain wave measured by the measurement unit The guidance sound output device according to claim 4, wherein: It further includes an estimation unit that acquires biological information other than brain waves and estimates a user's brain waves,
The frequency determination unit sets the frequency of the guide sound to a constant value until a difference between the electroencephalogram estimated by the estimation unit and the constant value falls within a predetermined range. The guidance sound output device according to one item. The frequency determination unit, after the difference between the brain wave estimated by the estimation unit and the constant value is within a predetermined range, based on the frequency of the brain wave estimated by the estimation unit, the frequency of the guide sound The guidance sound output device according to claim 6, wherein: A background sound generator for generating a background sound to be superimposed on the guide sound;
The guidance sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an addition unit that adds the background sound and the guidance sound and outputs the result to the output unit. The guidance sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output unit fades in the guidance sound within the predetermined period. An analysis unit that sequentially analyzes background sound or environmental sound to be superimposed on the guide sound;
The guide sound generation unit dynamically changes at least one of the magnitude, height, and tone color of the guide sound based on the analysis result of the analysis unit. The guidance sound output device described in 1. A chair-type device comprising the guidance sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A guide sound output method for outputting a guide sound for inducing an electroencephalogram,
A step of determining the frequency of the guide sound by the frequency determination unit;
Based on the frequency determined by the frequency determination unit, a step of generating a guide sound by the guide sound generation unit;
A step of outputting the guidance sound generated by the guidance sound generation unit by the output unit,
A guide sound output method in which the frequency of the guide sound is set to a constant value for a predetermined period after the guide sound output step is started. A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute a guidance sound output method for outputting a guidance sound for inducing an electroencephalogram,
Processing to cause the processor of the computer to determine the frequency of the induced sound;
A process of causing the processor of the computer to generate a signal of a guide sound based on the determined frequency;
From the output unit of the computer, to execute a process of outputting a guide sound based on the signal,
A program for setting a frequency of a guide sound to a constant value for a predetermined period after starting the output process of the guide sound.

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