Determining stress level based on the performance of the person in a game or puzzle

Abstract

A system and a method are described for determining a stress level of a person based on the performance of the person in a game or puzzle. First, in a calibration phase the person is asked to judge his / her currently experienced stress level (120) and the person is asked to play (130) a game or puzzle resulting in a certain performance score. Subsequently in this calibration phase, the system links (150) the indicated stress level and the performance score. By repeating these steps a number of times, the system builds a table linking game performance scores and stress levels. The calibration phase will be executed initially and once every while to keep the system calibrated. Subsequently, in an operational phase, the person is occasionally asked (220) to play a game. Then, based on the current performance score and on the table assembled in the calibration phase, the system determines (250) the current stress level. Depending on the level, and on the period over which the level continues, the system may undertake some action (260), such as alerting the person or providing distraction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention relates to a system, method and software for determining a stress level of a person.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Several surveys show that many people suffer from stress at work. For example, a survey by Northwestern National Life indicates that 40% of workers report that their job is very or extremely stressful. A survey by Yale University indicates that 29% of workers report that they feel quite a bit or extremely stressed at work. According to Anderson et al, high stress yearly generates a cost of $136 per employee, making stress very expensive for employers.[0005]According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, see http: / / www.cdc.gov / niosh / stresswk.html), job stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The game-based test according to the invention is easier accessible to a person than tests needing professional tools. By integrating the stress test in a pleasant and normal activity like playing a game, people are likely to be less disturbed. For this reason, the test results are likely to better reflect a person's condition. Furthermore, playing a game not only is a means to detect the stress level, but at the same time may help to reduce stress, to relax, to increase concentration, to reduce mental fatigue, and to make the person's memory function better as is described in more detail in the co-pending patent application EP 06124905.8. The invention can be applied in any environment where people suffer from stress. It can be used at home, but also in the office environment in order to detect and reduce stress and to improve the mental health of workers. The game-based test according to the invention preferably is complementary to known tests that need professional tools.

[0016]The system preferably is adapted for receiving an indication from the person of the given stress level in the calibration phase. In this way, the given stress level is obtained in a very easy way without the need of any additional equipment.

Problems solved by technology

According to Anderson et al, high stress yearly generates a cost of $136 per employee, making stress very expensive for employers.

Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury.

Common complaints include loss of concentration, mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach, and headache.

The mentioned approaches all have drawbacks for the person-under-test.

First of all, he or she must explicitly do a test that is not a natural part of his or her daily life.

Furthermore, at the time of performing the tests the person may have suffered from stress for a longer time and complaints may have become severe enough to need actual professional intervention.

Images