Patent Publication Number: US-2013237745-A1

Title: Environment control apparatus, environment control method, and program

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to an environment control apparatus, an environment control method, and a program. 
     In a medical facility such as a hospital or a diagnostic laboratory, treatments and examinations that use medical devices are widely performed. For example, in ultrasound diagnosis, an echo examination that displays the internal state of the body as an image is performed by pressing an ultrasound probe against the body. Further, drug injection or blood collection are performed by inserting a syringe needle into the body. In addition, blood pressure and body temperature are routinely measured using a medical device such as a blood-pressure gauge or a thermometer. 
     On the other hand, research into odor production apparatuses that artificially produce an odor is also proceeding. For example, JP 2011-166430A discloses an apparatus for producing an odor that is set for an image when the image is displayed. Further, JP 2011-184486 also discloses an odor production apparatus that is capable of providing an odor. 
     SUMMARY 
     During treatment or diagnosis at a medical facility like that described above, the subject of the treatment or diagnosis may be nervous, which can make it difficult to carry out the treatment or diagnosis well. Consequently, during the treatment or diagnosis, it is effective to relax the subject by changing an environment perceived by the subject, such as by producing an odor. 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a device which includes a novel and improved environment control apparatus, environment control method, and program, that are capable of alleviating a subject&#39;s nervousness during treatment and diagnosis. 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an environment control apparatus including an input unit into which information from a medical device is input, and an environment control unit configured to control an environment perceived by a subject based on the information input into the input unit. 
     Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an environment control method including receiving information from a medical device, and controlling an environment perceived by a subject based on the information. 
     Further according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as an input unit into which information from a medical device is input and an environment control unit configured to control an environment perceived by a subject based on the information input into the input unit. 
     According to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, a patient&#39;s nervousness during treatment and diagnosis can be alleviated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an odor production system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first modified example; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a first modified example; 
         FIG. 6  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a second modified example; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a second modified example; 
         FIG. 8  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a third modified example; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a third modified example; 
         FIG. 10  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a fourth modified example; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a fourth modified example; 
         FIG. 12  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a fifth modified example; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a fifth modified example; 
         FIG. 14  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a sixth modified example; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a sixth modified example; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a sixth modified example; 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to a seventh modified example; 
         FIG. 18  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 19  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted. 
     Further, in the present specification and drawings, a plurality of constituent elements having essentially the same function and configuration are distinguished by denoting them with a different letter of the alphabet after the same reference numeral. However, in cases where it is not particularly necessary to distinguish the plurality of constituent elements having essentially the same function and configuration, such elements are denoted with the same reference numeral. 
     The present disclosure will be described based on the following item order.
     1. Outline of the present disclosure   2. First embodiment   2-1. Configuration of the first embodiment   2-2. Configuration of an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus   2-3. Operation of the first embodiment   3. Modified examples of the first embodiment   3-1. First modified example   3-2. Second modified example   3-3. Third modified example   3-4. Fourth modified example   3-5. Fifth modified example   3-6. Sixth modified example   3-7. Seventh modified example   4. Second embodiment   5. Third embodiment   6. Summary   

     1. OUTLINE OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     The technology according to the present disclosure can be worked based on various embodiments, as is described in detail in “2. First embodiment” to “5. Third embodiment” as examples. Further, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and the environment control apparatus according to the respective embodiments include:
     A. an input unit (input/output unit  220 ) into which information from a medical device is input; and   B. an environment control unit (odor control unit  252 ) configured to control an environment that is perceived by a subject based on the information input into the information input unit.   

     Here, examples of the information input from a medical device include a pressure sensor detection result, a proximity sensor detection result, a body temperature measurement result, a blood pressure measurement result, a breathing measurement result, a pulse measurement result and the like. Further, examples of the environment perceived by the subject that is used by the medical device include odor, sound, video, temperature, humidity and the like. 
     Namely, the technology according to the present disclosure can alleviate a subject&#39;s nervousness by controlling an environment perceived by the subject based on the nervous state of the subject inferred from information that is input from a medical device like that described above. Consequently, a good medical effect, diagnostic result or the like can be obtained. The respective embodiments according to the present disclosure will now be successively described in more detail. 
     2. FIRST EMBODIMENT 
     A treatment or diagnosis subject is often in a nervous state due to worries about whether the treatment or examination will be painful or whether he/she has something seriously wrong with his/her health. To alleviate this nervous state, it is effective to arrange a fragrance to soothe feelings in the treatment room or examination room, for example. 
     However, the point when the subject is most nervous is not when he/she enters the treatment room or examination room, but rather when the treatment or examination starts. Further, it is desirable to control the odor based on the nervous state of the subject or the usage condition of the medical device. Consequently, just constantly producing the same odor by arranging a fragrance in the treatment room or examination room is not enough to obtain a sufficient effect. Accordingly, as a first embodiment, a configuration will now be described that produces an odor based on information input from a medical device. 
     2-1. System Configuration of the First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a system configuration of an odor production system according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the odor production system according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasound probe  10 , an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , and an odor production apparatus  30 . 
     The ultrasound probe  10  is a medical device that transmits ultrasonic waves onto a subject and receives the reflected ultrasonic waves. The ultrasound probe  10 , which is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , transmits ultrasonic waves based on a control from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , and outputs the received ultrasonic waves (hereinafter, “echo signal”) to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  displays a state of an examination site of the subject as a video by converting the echo signal input from the ultrasound probe  10  into image data. Further, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  also functions as an environment control apparatus for controlling the odor production apparatus  30  based on information input from a medical device, such as the ultrasound probe  10 . 
     The odor production apparatus  30  is an example of an environment change apparatus that changes the environment perceived by the subject by producing an odor based on a control from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . Note that although  FIG. 1  illustrates a case in which the odor production apparatus  30  is provided separately to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , the odor production apparatus  30  can be provided in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . 
     The configuration of the odor production apparatus according to the first embodiment was described above. Next, a more detailed configuration of the ultrasound probe  10  and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     2-2. Configuration of the Ultrasound Probe  10  and the Ultrasound Diagnostic Apparatus  20   
       FIG. 2  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of the  10  and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the ultrasound probe  10  includes a piezoelectric element  12  and a pressure sensor  14 . 
     The piezoelectric element  12  is an oscillator that sends and receives ultrasonic waves based on a piezoelectric effect. The pressure sensor  14  detects pressure based on contact between the ultrasound probe  10  and another object. For example, the pressure sensor  14  may be provided on a contact face between the ultrasound probe  10  and the subject to detect the contact pressure between the ultrasound probe  10  and the subject. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a control unit  250 , and a communication unit  260 . 
     The operation unit  210  is a unit that lets an operator, such as a doctor or a medical technologist, operate the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . The operation unit  210  outputs signals to the control unit  250  based on operations made by the operator. 
     The input/output unit  220  functions as an input unit into which echo signals and information are input from a medical device like the ultrasound probe  10 , and an output unit that outputs ultrasonic waves control signals for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the ultrasound probe  10 . 
     The image processing unit  230  converts echo signals supplied from the input/output unit  220  into image data. 
     The display unit  240  displays image data indicating a state of the examination site of the subject obtained by the image processing unit  230 . The display unit  240  may be a CRT (cathode ray tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, or an OLED organic light emitting diode) device. 
     The control unit  250  controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . Further, the control unit  250  according to the present embodiment has a function of an odor control unit  252 . The odor control unit  252  is an example of an environment control unit for controlling odor production by the odor production apparatus  30 . This odor control unit  252  controls the odor production apparatus  30  based on the usage state of the ultrasound probe  10  indicated by the information input into the input/output unit  220 . 
     The communication unit  260 , which is an interface with the odor production apparatus  30 , transmits control signals to the odor production apparatus  30  from the odor control unit  252 . Note that the communication unit  260  and the odor production apparatus  30  may be connected via a wire, or connected wirelessly. 
     The control of the odor production apparatus  30  by the odor control unit  252  will now be described in more detail. As described above, a subject&#39;s nervousness can increase when a treatment or examination is performed. Consequently, producing an odor that alleviates nervousness when the ultrasound probe  10  starts being used can be thought to be effective. 
     Therefore, the odor control unit  252  determines whether the ultrasound probe  10  is in contact with the subject based on a pressure value of the ultrasound probe  10  detected by the pressure sensor  14 . If it is determined that the ultrasound probe  10  is in contact with the subject, the odor production apparatus  30  may be made to produce an odor. Specifically, the odor control unit  252  may determine whether a pressure value satisfies a predetermined condition, such as whether the value is within an expected range during contact, and if the pressure value does satisfy the predetermined condition, make the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor. 
     Based on such a configuration, an odor for alleviating nervousness can be produced at a time when a subject&#39;s nervousness is expected to increase. Consequently, a good medical effect or diagnostic effect can be obtained. Further, the odor control unit  252  can also make the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor based on an attribute of the subject. For example, the odor control unit  252  can make the odor production apparatus  30  produce a different odor based on whether the subject is male or female, or a child or an adult. Subject attributes can be acquired based on an input operation performed by the operator or from an electronic medical record. 
     2-3. Operation of the First Embodiment 
     The configuration according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure was described above. Next, operation according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , first, when a detection result by the pressure sensor  14  of the ultrasound probe  10  is input to the input/output unit  220  of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  (step S 302 ), the odor control unit  252  determines whether the pressure sensor  14  detection result satisfies the predetermined condition (step S 304 ). 
     If it is determined that the detection result by the pressure sensor  14  satisfies the predetermined condition, namely, that the ultrasound probe  10  is in contact with the subject, the odor control unit  252  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 306 ). Based on this configuration, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be automatically alleviated at an appropriate timing. 
     3. MODIFIED EXAMPLES OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT 
     The first embodiment of the present disclosure that was described above can be modified in various aspects. Modified examples of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described below. 
     3-1. First Modified Example 
       FIG. 4  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound probe  10 - 1  and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  according to a first modified example. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the ultrasound probe  10 - 1  according to the first modified example includes a piezoelectric element  12  and a proximity sensor  16 . 
     The piezoelectric element  12  is, as described in the first embodiment, an oscillator that sends and receives ultrasonic waves based on a piezoelectric effect. The proximity sensor  16  detects whether the ultrasound probe  10  is close to another object. The proximity sensor  16  may be, for example, an infrared sensor that detects the time from transmission of infrared rays until reception of the reflected waves. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a control unit  250 , and a communication unit  260 . Since these parts, except for an odor control unit  253  that is included in the control unit  250 , are as described in the first embodiment, a description of those parts will be omitted here. 
     The odor control unit  253  according to the first modified example controls the odor production apparatus  30  based on the usage state of the ultrasound probe  10 - 1  indicated by the information input into the input/output unit  220 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , when a detection result by the proximity sensor  16  of the ultrasound probe  10 - 1  is input to the input/output unit  220  (step S 312 ), the odor control unit  253  determines whether a degree of proximity between the ultrasound probe  10 - 1  and the subject indicated by the detection result satisfies a predetermined condition (step S 314 ). For example, the odor control unit  253  may determine whether the ultrasound probe  10 - 1  and the subject are within 10 cm of each other. 
     If it is determined that the degree of proximity between the ultrasound probe  10 - 1  and the subject satisfies the predetermined condition, the odor control unit  253  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 316 ). Based on this configuration, an odor that alleviates the subject&#39;s nervousness can be produced at a timing when the ultrasound probe  10 - 1  approaches the subject when use starts. 
     3-2. Second Modified Example 
       FIG. 6  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound probe  10 - 2  and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  according to a second modified example. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the ultrasound probe  10 - 2  according to the second modified example includes the piezoelectric element  12  and a thermometer  18 . 
     The piezoelectric element  12  is, as described in the first embodiment, an oscillator that sends and receives ultrasonic waves based on a piezoelectric effect. The thermometer  18  measures the subject&#39;s body temperature. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a control unit  250 , and a communication unit  260 . Since these parts, except for an odor control unit  254  that is included in the control unit  250 , are as described in the first embodiment, a description of those parts will be omitted here. 
     The odor control unit  254  according to the second modified example controls the odor production apparatus  30  based on the state of the subject indicated by the information input into the input/output unit  220 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , when a measurement result by the thermometer  18  of the ultrasound probe  10 - 2  is input to the input/output unit  220  (step S 322 ), the odor control unit  254  determines whether the measured body temperature satisfies a predetermined condition, such as whether it indicates a body temperature exhibited during nervousness, for example (step S 324 ). Since body temperature generally decreases when a person is nervous, the odor control unit  254  may determine whether the subject&#39;s body temperature has decreased as the predetermined condition. 
     If it is determined that the measurement result by the thermometer  18  satisfies the predetermined condition, the odor control unit  254  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 326 ). Thus, according to the second modified example, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be effectively alleviated by producing an odor when the subject is thought to be nervous. 
     3-3. Third Modified Example 
       FIG. 8  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a third modified example. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the odor production system according to the third modified example includes an ultrasound probe  10 , an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , an odor production apparatus  30 , and a blood-pressure gauge  42 . The blood-pressure gauge  42  measures a subject&#39;s blood pressure, and outputs the blood pressure measurement result to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a control unit  250 , and a communication unit  260 . Since these parts, except for an odor control unit  255  that is included in the control unit  250 , are as described in the first embodiment, a description of those parts will be omitted here. 
     The odor control unit  255  according to the third modified example controls the odor production apparatus  30  based on the state of the subject indicated by the information input into the input/output unit  220 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , when a measurement result by the blood-pressure gauge  42  is input to the input/output unit  220  (step S 332 ), the odor control unit  255  determines whether the measured blood pressure satisfies a predetermined condition, such as whether it indicates a blood pressure exhibited during nervousness, for example (step S 334 ). Since blood pressure generally increases when a person is nervous, the odor control unit  255  may determine whether the subject&#39;s blood pressure has increased as the predetermined condition. 
     If it is determined that the measurement result by the blood-pressure gauge  42  satisfies the predetermined condition, the odor control unit  255  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 336 ). Thus, according to the third modified example, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be effectively alleviated by producing an odor when the subject is thought to be nervous. 
     3-4. Fourth Modified Example 
       FIG. 10  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a fourth modified example. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the odor production system according to the fourth modified example includes an ultrasound probe  10 , an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , an odor production apparatus  30 , and a respirometer  44 . The respirometer  44  measures a subject&#39;s breathing cycle, and outputs the breathing cycle measurement result to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a control unit  250 , and a communication unit  260 . Since these parts, except for an odor control unit  256  that is included in the control unit  250 , are as described in the first embodiment, a description of those parts will be omitted here. 
     The odor control unit  256  according to the fourth modified example controls the odor production apparatus  30  based on the state of the subject indicated by the information input into the input/output unit  220 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , when a measurement result by the respirometer  44  is input to the input/output unit  220  (step S 342 ), the odor control unit  256  determines whether the measured breathing cycle satisfies a predetermined condition, such as whether it indicates a breathing cycle that is exhibited during nervousness, for example (step S 344 ). Since the breathing cycle generally shortens or becomes uneven when a person is nervous, the odor control unit  256  may determine whether the breathing cycle is as expected when a person is nervous or has become uneven as the predetermined condition. 
     If it is determined that the measurement result by the respirometer  44  satisfies the predetermined condition, the odor control unit  256  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 346 ). Thus, according to the fourth modified example, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be effectively alleviated by producing an odor when the subject is thought to be nervous. 
     3-5. Fifth Modified Example 
       FIG. 12  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a fifth modified example. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the odor production system according to the fifth modified example includes an ultrasound probe  10 , an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , an odor production apparatus  30 , and a heart rate meter  46 . The heart rate meter  46  measures a subject&#39;s heart rate, and outputs the heart rate measurement result to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a control unit  250 , and a communication unit  260 . Since these parts, except for an odor control unit  257  that is included in the control unit  250 , are as described in the first embodiment, a description of those parts will be omitted here. 
     The odor control unit  257  according to the fifth modified example controls the odor production apparatus  30  based on the state of the subject indicated by the information input into the input/output unit  220 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , when a measurement result by the heart rate meter  46  is input to the input/output unit  220  (step S 352 ), the odor control unit  257  determines whether the measured heart rate satisfies a predetermined condition, such as whether it indicates a heart rate exhibited during nervousness, for example (step S 354 ). Since heart rate generally increases when a person is nervous, the odor control unit  257  may determine whether the heart rate is a value that would be expected during nervousness or whether the heart rate has increased as the predetermined condition. 
     If it is determined that the heart rate measurement result satisfies the predetermined condition, the odor control unit  257  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 356 ). Thus, according to the fifth modified example, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be effectively alleviated by producing an odor when the subject is thought to be nervous. 
     3-6. Sixth Modified Example 
       FIG. 14  is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a third modified example. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the odor production system according to the sixth modified example includes an ultrasound probe  10 , an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 , an odor production apparatus  30 , and an imaging apparatus  48 . The imaging apparatus  48  captures an image of the subject, and outputs the captured image of the subject obtained by imaging to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a control unit  250 , and a communication unit  260 . Since these parts, except for an odor control unit  258  that is included in the control unit  250 , are as described in the first embodiment, a description of those parts will be omitted here. 
     The odor control unit  258  according to the sixth modified example controls the odor production apparatus  30  based on the state of the subject indicated by the captured image input into the input/output unit  220 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , when a captured image of the subject is input to the input/output unit  220  (step S 362 ), the odor control unit  258  calculates a body center position of the subject and an abdominal width from the captured image (step S 364 ). 
     Then, if the distance of shaking by the subject based on the body center position exceeds a fixed ratio of the abdominal width, the odor control unit  258  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (steps S 366  and S 368 ). Since shaking of the body is thought to increase during nervousness, according to the sixth modified example, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be effectively alleviated by producing an odor when the subject is thought to be nervous. 
     Further, the odor control unit  258  can also execute other controls based on the captured image of the subject. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , when a captured image of the subject is input to the input/output unit  220  (step S 372 ), the odor control unit  258  determines whether the subject&#39;s countenance satisfies a predetermined condition (step S 374 ). Since countenance is believed to stiffen when a person is nervous, the odor control unit  258  may determine whether the inclination angle of the subject&#39;s eyebrows or mouth exceed a set value as the predetermined condition. 
     If it is determined that the subject&#39;s countenance satisfies the predetermined condition, the odor control unit  258  makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 376 ). Thus, according to this configuration too, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be effectively alleviated by producing an odor when the subject is thought to be nervous. 
     3-7. Seventh Modified Example 
     As a seventh embodiment, the above-described first embodiment and respective modified examples can be appropriately combined. A combined example of the first embodiment and respective modified examples will now be described with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating operation according to the seventh modified example. As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , first, as described in the first modified example, the odor control unit according to the seventh modified example determines whether a degree of proximity between the ultrasound probe  10  and the subject satisfies a predetermined condition (step S 381 ). If the degree of proximity does satisfy the predetermined condition, the odor control unit instructs the odor production apparatus  30  to go on odor production standby (step S 382 ). 
     Then, if each of step S 383  to S 387 , S 389 , and S 390  are determined in the affirmative, the odor control unit according to the seventh modified example makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 391 ). Specifically, if the pressure value (step S 383 ), body temperature (step S 384 ), breathing cycle (step S 385 ), blood pressure (step S 386 ), heart rate (step S 387 ), shaking of the subject&#39;s body based on a calculation in step S 388  (step S 389 ), and subject&#39;s countenance satisfy the predetermined conditions, the odor control unit according to the seventh modified example makes the odor production apparatus  30  produce an odor (step S 391 ). 
     4. SECOND EMBODIMENT 
     The first embodiment according to the present disclosure was described above. In the first embodiment, odor was described as an example of the environment perceived by the subject. However, in the second embodiment, a subject&#39;s nervousness can be alleviated by changing a variety of environments, such as music, video, humidity, and temperature. This will now be described in more detail. 
       FIG. 18  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the environment control system according to the second embodiment includes an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  21 , a music playback apparatus  32 , a video display device  34 , a humidity adjustment apparatus  36 , and a temperature adjustment apparatus  38 . 
     The music playback apparatus  32  plays and outputs music based on instructions from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  21 . The video display device  34  displays a video based on instructions from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  21 . The video display device  34  can display the video on a display or project the video on a ceiling, a wall or the like. The humidity adjustment apparatus  36  adjusts the humidity by performing humidification or dehumidification based on instructions from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  21 . The temperature adjustment apparatus  38  adjusts the temperature by operating a cooler or a heater based on instructions from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  21 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  21  includes an operation unit  210 , an input/output unit  220 , an image processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , a communication unit  260 , and a control unit  270 . Since the operation unit  210 , the input/output unit  220 , the image processing unit  230 , the display unit  240 , and the communication unit  260  are as described in the first embodiment, a description of those parts will be omitted here. 
     The control unit  270  controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  21 . Further, the control unit  270  according to the present embodiment has a function of an odor control unit  272 . This environment control apparatus  272  controls the music playback apparatus  32 , the video display device  34 , the humidity adjustment apparatus  36 , the temperature adjustment apparatus  38  and the like, based on information input into the input/output unit  220  from a medical device. 
     For example, if the information input from the medical device indicates that the medical device is being used or about to be used, the environment control unit  272  can make the music playback apparatus  32  play music that alleviates the subject&#39;s nervousness. 
     If the information input from the medical device indicates that the subject is in a nervous state, the environment control unit  272  can make the video display device  34  display a video that alleviates the subject&#39;s nervousness. 
     If the information input from the medical device indicates that the subject has a low body temperature, the environment control unit  272  can make the temperature adjustment apparatus  38  operate a heater. Further, if the information input from the medical device indicates that the subject&#39;s breath has a low humidity, the environment control unit  272  can make the humidity adjustment apparatus  36  perform humidification. 
     The environment control unit  272  may select the content of the music played by the music playback apparatus  32 , the content of the video displayed on the video display device  34  and the like based on an attribute of the subject. For example, if the subject is an infant, the environment control unit  272  may select content such as music or cartoons for infants. In addition, the environment control unit  272  can select the content based on the subject&#39;s sex. Subject attributes can be acquired based on an input by the operator or from an electronic medical record. 
     As described above, according to the second embodiment, by changing a variety of environments perceived by the subject, the subject&#39;s nervousness can be expected to be alleviated even further. 
     5. THIRD EMBODIMENT 
     Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure, the description was carried out mainly based on an ultrasound probe as an example of the medical device and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus as an example of the environment control apparatus. However, like in the below-described third embodiment, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied to various medical devices and apparatuses. 
       FIG. 19  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the environment control system according to the third embodiment includes an environment control apparatus  22 , an odor production apparatus  30 , a music playback apparatus  32 , a video display device  34 , a humidity adjustment apparatus  36 , a temperature adjustment apparatus  38 , and a syringe  50 . 
     The syringe  50  includes a proximity sensor  52 . The proximity sensor  52  detects whether the proximity sensor  52  is close to the subject. The proximity sensor  52  may be, for example, an infrared sensor that detects the time from transmission of infrared rays until reception of the reflected waves. Further, the proximity sensor  52  transmits a proximity detection result to the environment control apparatus  22  via a wire or wirelessly. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the environment control apparatus  22  includes an operation unit  210 , a communication unit  260 , an input unit  280 , and a control unit  290 . 
     The operation unit  210  is a unit that lets an operator, such as a doctor or a medical technologist, operate the environment control apparatus  22 . The operation unit  210  outputs signals to the control unit  290  based on operations made by the operator. A detection result by the proximity sensor  52  provided in the syringe  50  is input into the input unit  280 . The communication unit  260  is an interface with the odor production apparatus  30 , the music playback apparatus  32 , the video display device  34 , the humidity adjustment apparatus  36 , and the temperature adjustment apparatus  38 . This communication unit  260  may be connected to external devices via a wire or wirelessly. 
     The control unit  290  controls the overall operation of the environment control apparatus  22 . Further, the control unit  290  according to the present embodiment has a function of an odor control unit  292 . This environment control apparatus  292  controls the odor production apparatus  30 , the music playback apparatus  32 , the video display device  34 , the humidity adjustment apparatus  36 , the temperature adjustment apparatus  38  and the like, based on information input into the input unit  280  from the syringe  50 . The determination criteria for the controls performed by the odor control unit  292  are as described in the first embodiment. The control content is as described in the second embodiment. 
     Thus, the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various medical devices and environments. 
     6. CONCLUSION 
     As described above, according to the respective embodiment of the present disclosure, alleviation of a subject&#39;s nervousness can be expected by changing a variety of environments perceived by the subject based on information input from a medical device. 
     It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 
     For example, the environment control apparatus according to the present disclosure may control an environment perceived by the subject based on the sense of touch as the environment perceived by the subject. Specifically, the environment control apparatus may control generation of a low-frequency signal or physical vibration, pressing of a pressure point and the like, from which a massage effect can be obtained. By performing such an operation, the subject will relax, which should alleviate the subject&#39;s nervousness. 
     Further, the respective steps in the processing performed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  according to the present disclosure do not have to be performed in chronological order according to the order illustrated in the flowcharts. For example, the respective steps in the processing performed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  can be carried out in a different order to that illustrated in the flowcharts, or can be carried out in parallel. 
     In addition, a computer program can be created that makes hardware, such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  and the environment control apparatus  22 , for example, realize functions equivalent to the respective constituents parts, such as the above-described ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  20  and the environment control apparatus  22 . Still further, a storage medium on which such a computer program is stored is provided. 
     Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.
     (1) An environment control apparatus including:   

     an input unit into which information from a medical device is input; and 
     an environment control unit configured to control an environment perceived by a subject based on the information input into the input unit.
     (2) The environment control apparatus according to (1), wherein the environment control unit is configured to control the environment based on a usage state of the medical device indicated by the information input into the input unit.   (3) The environment control apparatus according to (2),   

     wherein a detection result by a pressure sensor is input into the input unit from the medical device, and 
     wherein the environment control unit is configured to determine whether the medical device and the subject are in contact from the detection result by the pressure sensor, and control the environment based on the contact determination result.
     (4) The environment control apparatus according to (2) or (3),   

     wherein a detection result by a proximity sensor is input into the input unit from the medical device, and 
     wherein the environment control unit is configured to determine a proximity between the medical device and the subject from the detection result by the proximity sensor, and control the environment based on the proximity determination result.
     (5) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the environment control unit is configured to control the environment based on a state of the subject indicated by the information input into the input unit.   (6) The environment control apparatus according to (5),   

     wherein a measurement result of body temperature is input into the input unit from the medical device, and 
     wherein the environment control unit is configured to control the environment based on the state of the subject indicated by the body temperature measurement result.
     (7) The environment control apparatus according to (5) or (6), wherein a measurement result of blood pressure is input into the input unit from the medical device, and   

     wherein the environment control unit is configured to control the environment based on the state of the subject indicated by the blood pressure measurement result.
     (8) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (5) to (7),   

     wherein a measurement result of breathing is input into the input unit from the medical device, and 
     wherein the environment control unit is configured to control the environment based on the state of the subject indicated by the breathing measurement result.
     (9) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (5) to (8),   

     wherein a measurement result of pulse is input into the input unit from the medical device, and 
     wherein the environment control unit is configured to control the environment based on the state of the subject indicated by the pulse measurement result.
     (10) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein a captured image of the subject is further input into the input unit, and   

     wherein the environment control unit is configured to control the environment based on the captured image of the subject.
     (11) The environment control apparatus according to (10), wherein the environment control unit is configured to determine a magnitude of shaking of the subject&#39;s body based on the captured image, and control the environment based on the magnitude of shaking of the body.   (12) The environment control apparatus according to (10) or (11), wherein the environment control unit is configured to determine a countenance of the subject based on the captured image, and control the environment based on the countenance determination result.   (13) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the environment control unit is configured to control production of an odor as the environment perceived by the subject.   (14) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the environment control unit is configured to control playback of music as the environment perceived by the subject.   (15) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the environment control unit is configured to control display of a video as the environment perceived by the subject.   (16) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the environment control unit is configured to control temperature as the environment perceived by the subject.   (17) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the environment control unit is configured to control humidity as the environment perceived by the subject.   (18) The environment control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the medical device is an ultrasound probe.   (19) An environment control method including:   

     receiving information from a medical device; and 
     controlling an environment perceived by a subject based on the information.
     (20) A program for causing a computer to function as:   

     an input unit into which information from a medical device is input; and 
     an environment control unit configured to control an environment perceived by a subject based on the information input into the input unit. 
     The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-049080 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Mar. 6, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.