Method of Emotion Estimation Based on the Heart Rate Data of a Smartwatch

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a technology that measures emotion using the heart rate measurement function of smartwatches, which are becoming increasingly popular. Measuring devices and supplementary information from questionnaires or chats were previously utilized. In this study, we tested the feasibility of emotion estimation using only the heart rate obtained from a smartwatch.In the study method, participants watched a video content, focusing on the comedy content. They were asked to leave a note when they thought the content was funny. The data were processed using correlation coefficients. We then calculated the correlation coefficients between the participant’s heart rate variability and a pair of participants for all combinations. Results showed that finding a relationship between emotion and the heart rate data from the smartwatch is impossible. However, we will continue to develop this technology because we confirmed the same trend of heart rate variability in multiple participants and because estimating emotions using only a smartwatch is highly advantageous.