Laughing scale
By Murray Bourne, 24 Feb 2008
Japanese scientists have developed a "laughometer" scale, according to this translation from Pink Tentacle:
The laughter measurement system, which the [Kansai University] researchers say will help scientists conduct more detailed research into the physiological effects of laughter on the immune system, relies on a series of electrode sensors that monitor the tiny amounts of bioelectricity generated by certain muscles that flex when you chuckle. The sensors, which attach to a person’s cheeks, chest and abdomen, take 3,000 measurements per second. Sensor data is relayed to a computer, where it is analyzed by special software that determines the nature of the laugh and assigns a numerical score based on the quantity.
The laughter quantity is expressed in terms of “aH” — a unit of measurement developed by the research team. According to chief researcher Yoji Kimura, a Kansai University professor, 1 second of explosive laughter amounts to 5 aH.
I’m wondering if the scale is logarithmic. It probably needs to be, since our reactions to events have a large range from discomfort (from embarrassment) through glee at others’ misfortunes (the sadists) and on to uncontrollable laughter often manifested by teenage girls (and boys when someone breaks wind in a serious meeting).
Devotees of laughter therapy. [Image source: Sakthi Foundation, no longer available.]
The system can tell the difference between genuine amusement and a polite laugh (something the Japanese have perfected over centuries).
According to Kimura, the diaphragm does not vibrate significantly when a person pretends to laugh, even when the person’s voice and facial expression appear genuine. On the other hand, when one laughs at something they truly find funny, the diaphragm generates 2 to 5 distinct vibrational waves per second.
To show that it works...
At Kansai University on February 21, the researchers publicly demonstrated the system by measuring the laughter of a 30-something-year-old woman and her 5-year-old daughter as they watched a performance by Yoshimoto comedians. The mother, who apparently found no humor in the comedy routine, experienced only slightly more than 0 aH of laughter, while her amused daughter experienced a hearty 42 aH.
I’m looking forward to the release of Kimura’s research paper in English.
See the 4 Comments below.
2 Mar 2008 at 3:34 am [Comment permalink]
Yes, not by scientific means, but from experience I know that healthy laughter has a positive healing effect on one's body. Over against depression that affect once health negatively. Therefore, looking not at he optimistic side of life as much as the humoristic side of life can add years to one's life.
I am 83 and people think that I am in my early seventies. Is that not to laugh about?
2 Mar 2008 at 9:58 am [Comment permalink]
Hi Johan and thanks for your comment.
Really great to see an 83-year old enjoying life and maintaining his sense of humour.
Clearly you think young, as well.
5 Apr 2008 at 10:00 am [Comment permalink]
Hi, could you post a link or something if the research paper does come out in English? It sounds fantastic.
I probably scored 7 aH just reading about the units.
5 Apr 2008 at 10:36 am [Comment permalink]
Sure, Michael - I will.
I found some more background on the researcher (link no longer available) from the Daily Yomiuri:
Makes sense to me...