Electric bedding systems and application software products

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric bedding system and application software capable of providing high-quality sleep. The electric bedding system includes: an acquisition unit capable of acquiring each user's electric bedding settings, each user's status, and each user's snoring detection information; a calculation unit capable of calculating a sleep score based on each user's status; a storage unit capable of storing multiple electric bedding settings and data associating the sleep score with each of the multiple settings; and an output unit capable of outputting recommended electric bedding settings based on the setting corresponding to the highest sleep score among the multiple sleep scores stored in the storage unit. The electric bedding system includes a first mode for automatically changing the electric bedding settings based on each user's status and a second mode for automatically changing the electric bedding settings based on each user's snoring detection information. When both the first and second modes are set to be effective for a single user, the second mode is prioritized over the first mode when acquiring the single user's snoring detection information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electric bedding system and application software. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there are known electric beds that can change the settings of the bottom plate angle, etc. The user's sleep quality changes depending on the settings of electric bedding such as electric beds.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0184811 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electric bedding system and application software capable of providing high-quality sleep.

[0008] Technical solutions used to solve the problem

[0009] An electric bedding system according to an embodiment includes: an acquisition unit capable of acquiring electric bedding settings for each user, the user's status, and snoring detection information for each user; a calculation unit for calculating a sleep score based on the user's status; a storage unit for storing multiple electric bedding settings and data associating the sleep score with each of the multiple settings; and an output unit for outputting recommended settings for the electric bedding based on the setting corresponding to the highest sleep score among the multiple sleep scores stored in the storage unit. The electric bedding system includes a first mode for automatically changing the electric bedding settings based on the user's status, and a second mode for automatically changing the electric bedding settings based on the user's snoring detection information. If both the first and second modes are set to be effective for one of the multiple users, the electric bedding system prioritizes the second mode over the first mode when acquiring snoring detection information for the one user.

[0010] In an embodiment, application software receives input from a user regarding electric bedding settings and transmits the input electric bedding settings to a server. If the application software is capable of detecting the user's snoring and detects the user's snoring, it transmits the user's snoring detection information to the server. The application software is capable of obtaining recommended electric bedding settings from the server and presenting the obtained recommended settings to the user. The application software receives input regarding whether to enable a first mode for automatically changing the electric bedding settings based on the user's status, and whether to enable a second mode for automatically changing the electric bedding settings based on the user's snoring detection information. The application software transmits the input results regarding whether the first mode and the second mode are enabled to the server.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention can provide an electric bedding system and application software that can provide high-quality sleep. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the electric bedding system of the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is a block diagram showing the functions of the server in the electric bedding system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the mattress and the detection unit of the electric bedding system according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a side view showing the air cells constituting the mattress.

[0016] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing a user registration screen of the support application according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing a setting function of a mattress of an auxiliary application according to the first embodiment, Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing the score display function of the assistance application according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the recommended functions of the support application according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing data stored in the server according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the electric bedding system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram showing an electric bedding system according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a pillow according to a second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing data stored in the server according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a selection screen for the automatic operation mode of the assistance application according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the electric bedding system according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a conceptual diagram showing an electric bedding system according to a third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a selection screen for a snore sound operation mode of the support application according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the electric bedding system according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing a user registration screen of an assistance application according to a modification.

[0030] Description of Reference Numerals

[0031] 100, 200, 300: electric bedding system; 110: mattress; 111: air chamber; 112a: drive unit; 112b: control unit; 120: detection unit; 130: operation terminal; 140, 240, 340: server; 250: bed; 251a: back base; 251b: knee base; 251c: leg base; 252a: drive unit; 252b: control unit; 260: pillow; 261: air chamber; 262a: drive unit; 262b: control unit; 333: detection unit; AP, AP2, AP3, AP4: auxiliary application; CA: category; D1b: attribute information; D2, D22: recommended settings; D3, D23: settings; D5: sleep score; M: user; LV: level; TD, TD2: data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] <First embodiment>

[0033] First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0034] Figure 1 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the electric bedding system of this embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is a block diagram of a server of the electric bedding system according to this embodiment.

[0035] The electric bedding system 100 of this embodiment is used by multiple users M. In this embodiment, each user M owns a mattress 110 (electric bedding), a detection unit 120, and an operation terminal 130. The operation terminal 130 of each user M can communicate with a server 140. The following describes each component of the electric bedding system 100 in detail.

[0036] First, the mattress 110 will be described.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a mattress and a detection unit of the electric bedding system according to the present embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a side view showing the air cells constituting the mattress.

[0039] The mattress 110 is a mattress whose hardness can be adjusted electrically. The mattress 110 includes, for example, a plurality of air cells 111 , a driving unit 112 a , a control unit 112 b , and a cover 113 .

[0040] The plurality of air cells 111 are arranged in a direction from the head side toward the foot side of the mattress 110. Each air cell 111 extends in the left-right direction of the mattress 110.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the plurality of air cells 111 constitutes a first air cell unit U1. The first air cell unit U1 is, for example, located directly below the head of the user M. Another portion of the plurality of air cells 111 constitutes a second air cell unit U2. The second air cell unit U2 is, for example, located directly below the shoulder of the user M.

[0042] Another portion of the plurality of air cells 111 constitutes a third air cell unit U3. The third air cell unit U3 is, for example, located directly below the abdomen of the user M. Another portion of the plurality of air cells 111 constitutes a fourth air cell unit U4. The fourth air cell unit U4 is, for example, located directly below the buttocks of the user M.

[0043] Another portion of the plurality of air cells 111 constitutes a fifth air cell unit U5. The fifth air cell unit U5 is, for example, located directly below the knee joint of the user M. Another portion of the plurality of air cells 111 constitutes a sixth air cell unit U6. The sixth air cell unit U6 is, for example, located directly below the leg of the user M.

[0044] In addition, the number of air cell units constituting the mattress and the number of air cells constituting each air cell unit are not limited to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Quantity shown.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the driving portion 112 a includes, for example, a pump.

[0046] The control unit 112b includes, for example, a circuit for controlling the driver 112a. The control unit 112b controls the driver 112a to adjust the amount of air within each of the air cell units U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. This allows the control unit 112b to adjust the hardness of each of the air cell units U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6.

[0047] The cover 113 houses the plurality of air chambers 111, the drive unit 112a, and the control unit 112b. The cover 113 may also house a buffer member (not shown). In addition, the control unit may also be located outside the cover.

[0048] Next, the detection unit 120 will be described.

[0049] In this embodiment, the detection unit 120 acquires biological information including at least one of body movement, heart rate, and respiratory rate of the user M. The detection unit 120 also determines the state of the user M, such as falling asleep, waking up, or getting up, based on the biological information.

[0050] As a method for acquiring biological information such as respiratory rate and heart rate, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-30177 (Title of Invention: Respiratory Disorder Determination Device, Respiratory Disorder Determination Method and Program, Application Date: July 30, 2016) can be cited. Alternatively, other known techniques may be utilized.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the detection unit 120 includes a sensor 121, an analysis unit 122, and a communication unit 123. In this embodiment, the detection unit 120 is located below the mattress 110. However, the position of the detection unit 120 is not limited to the above position. The detection unit 120 can also be located above the mattress.

[0052] The sensor 121 is, for example, a pressure sensor.

[0053] The analysis unit 122 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) and memory. The analysis unit 122 extracts biological information, including body movement, heart rate, and respiratory rate, from the temporal changes in pressure measured by the sensor 121 (e.g., by performing frequency analysis). Furthermore, the analysis unit 122 estimates the user M's state, such as falling asleep, waking up mid-sleep, and waking up, based on the biological information.

[0054] However, the sensor may not be a pressure sensor as long as it can measure a signal that can extract biological information. For example, the sensor may be a load sensor. In addition, the detection unit may also have multiple sensors.

[0055] The communication unit 123 communicates wirelessly with the operation terminal 130 and the server 140. Figure 1 As shown in (a), the communication unit 123 can communicate with the operation terminal 130 via Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. Alternatively, the communication unit 123 can communicate with the router LT via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example. The router LT can access a communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 123 accesses the communication network via the router LT and communicates with the server 140. However, the communication method between the communication unit and the operation terminal and the communication method between the communication unit and the server are not limited to the above methods. Furthermore, the communication unit and the operation terminal do not necessarily need to communicate.

[0056] The communication unit 123 transmits the detection information D4 of the detection unit 120 to the server 140. The detection information D4 includes the biological information and the determination result of the user M's state.

[0057] In this embodiment, the detection unit 120 is electrically connected to the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 via a cable 124. The control unit 112b communicates with the operation terminal 130 and the server 140 via the communication unit 123 of the detection unit 120. However, the mattress may also be provided with a communication unit for communicating between the mattress control unit and the operation terminal or server. In this case, the detection unit may not have a communication unit, and communication with the server or operation terminal may be performed via the mattress's communication unit.

[0058] In addition, the detection unit 120 may be configured as a part of the mattress 110 .

[0059] Next, the operation terminal 130 will be described.

[0060] The operation terminal 130 is, for example, a tablet terminal such as a smartphone, and includes a processor such as a CPU, a memory, a communication unit, a display unit 131 , and operation buttons 132 .

[0061] The communication unit of the operation terminal 130 can access a communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit of the operation terminal 130 accesses the communication network and communicates with the server 140. Alternatively, the operation terminal 130 can communicate with the detection unit 120 via Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. However, the communication method between the operation terminal and the server is not limited to the above method.

[0062] Before using the mattress 110, the user M installs the application software AP for the auxiliary mattress 110 on the operation terminal 130. Hereinafter, the application software AP for the auxiliary mattress 110 is referred to as the auxiliary application AP. This auxiliary application AP includes a function for setting the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6, a function for displaying a score indicating the user M's sleep quality, and a function for recommending a firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 suitable for the user M based on their sleep information.

[0063] After installing the auxiliary application AP on the operation terminal 130 , the user M first performs user registration.

[0064] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing a user registration screen of the support application according to this embodiment.

[0065] The support application AP obtains the user M's identification information D1a, attribute information D1b, and preferred firmness D1c of the mattress 110 during user registration. Furthermore, the support application AP communicates with the detection unit 120 via the communication unit of the operation terminal 130 to obtain information about the mattress 110 owned by the user M.

[0066] Examples of the identification information D1a include the nickname of the user M. However, the identification information is not limited to the nickname, and any information may be used as long as it can identify the user.

[0067] The attribute information D1b includes, for example, at least one of the user M's age, gender, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Figure 4 As shown in (a), the assistance application AP obtains the age of the user M by, for example, having the user M input his / her date of birth. Furthermore, the assistance application AP obtains the body mass index by, for example, having the user M input his / her height and weight. However, the method of obtaining attribute information is not limited to the above method.

[0068] The assistance application AP allows the user M to select a preferred hardness D1c from five levels of hardness: "Hard," "Slightly Hard," "Normal," "Slightly Soft," and "Soft." However, the method for obtaining the preferred hardness is not limited to the above method. Furthermore, the assistance application does not necessarily need to obtain the preferred hardness.

[0069] like Figure 1As shown in (a) of FIG, the assistance application AP transmits identification information D1a, attribute information D1b, preferred firmness D1c, and information about the mattress 110 owned by user M to server 140 via the communication unit of operation terminal 130. This completes user registration for user M. User registration enables user M to use the setting function, score display function, and recommendation function of assistance application AP.

[0070] First, the setting function will be described.

[0071] Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing the setting function of the mattress of the auxiliary application of this embodiment, Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing a score display function of the auxiliary application according to this embodiment.

[0072] User M can use the auxiliary application AP to set the hardness of each air chamber unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. The auxiliary application AP uses, for example, 10 levels of numbers from 1 to 10 to represent the set value of the hardness of each air chamber unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. The larger the number, the harder the corresponding air chamber unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. However, as long as the user can understand the difference in hardness, the method of expressing the set value of hardness is not limited to the above. The auxiliary application AP allows user M to select one of the 10 levels to determine the set value of the hardness of each air chamber unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6.

[0073] The auxiliary application AP transmits the setting D3 of the mattress 110 including the set values ​​of the hardness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 to the server 140 via the communication unit of the operation terminal 130. Figure 1 As shown in (a), the auxiliary application AP transmits the mattress 110 setting D3 to the detection unit 120 via the communication unit of the operation terminal 130. The control unit 112b of the mattress 110 obtains the mattress 110 setting D3 from the detection unit 120. Based on the setting D3, the control unit 112b controls the driving unit 112a to adjust the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. However, instead of the operation terminal transmitting the mattress setting to the detection unit, the server may transmit the mattress setting obtained from the operation terminal to the detection unit.

[0074] If the mattress also has a remote control such as a handheld switch, the user can operate the remote control separately from the operation terminal to adjust the firmness of each air cell. Furthermore, the remote control can transmit the mattress settings, including the set firmness values ​​for each air cell, to the server.

[0075] Next, the score display function of the assistance application AP will be described.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), the score display function displays the sleep score D5 of user M when sleeping on mattress 110. Sleep score D5 is a score that evaluates the sleep quality of user M. For example, sleep score D5 evaluates the entire sleep process from the time user M falls asleep to the time they wake up. Server 140 calculates user M's sleep score D5 and outputs it to the assistance application AP.

[0077] When the user M wakes up, he or she may check the sleep score D5 on the auxiliary application AP on the display unit 131 .

[0078] The auxiliary application AP displays the sleep score D5 using a 100-level number from 1 to 100. The larger the number, the better the sleep quality. However, the sleep score display method is not limited to the above method, as long as the user can understand the sleep quality.

[0079] Next, the recommendation function of the auxiliary application AP is described.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the recommended functions of the assistance application according to this embodiment.

[0081] The recommendation function assists the application AP in presenting the user M with the recommended firmness settings D2 for each of the air cell units U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 of the mattress 110. The user M can refer to the recommended firmness settings D2 to set the firmness of each of the air cell units U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. The recommended firmness settings D2 are determined based on input from the user M requesting the recommended firmness settings D2 (e.g., attribute information D1b and preferred firmness D1c), and sleep information (e.g., the sleep score D5 of the user M requesting the recommended firmness settings D2, or the sleep scores D5 of other users M).

[0082] The server 140 outputs the recommended settings D2 of the user M to the assistance application AP based on the input information and sleep information of the user M.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the assistance application AP displays the recommended settings D2 of the mattress 110 on the display unit 131 .

[0084] Next, the display of the recommended settings D2 in the assistance application AP will be described in detail.

[0085] In this embodiment, the recommended settings D2 include a first recommended setting D2a and a second recommended setting D2b. Server 140 determines the first recommended setting D2a based on user M's attribute information D1b, preferred firmness D1c, and sleep information. Server 140 determines the second recommended setting D2b based on attribute information D1b and sleep information, without considering user M's preferred firmness D1c. The method for determining the first recommended setting D2a and the second recommended setting D2b will be described later.

[0086] The auxiliary application AP presents a plurality of second recommended settings D2b in the order of recommendation. However, the presented second recommended settings D2b are not limited to Figure 6 For example, the number of second recommended settings prompted may be one. In addition, the auxiliary application may also prompt multiple first recommended settings in the order of recommendation. In addition, the auxiliary application may not prompt whether it is the first recommended setting or the second recommended setting.

[0087] The first recommended setting D2a and the second recommended setting D2b each include a recommended hardness D2c1 for the first air cell U1, a recommended hardness D2c2 for the second air cell U2, a recommended hardness D2c3 for the third air cell U3, a recommended hardness D2c4 for the fourth air cell U4, a recommended hardness D2c5 for the fifth air cell U5, and a recommended hardness D2c6 for the sixth air cell U6. In other words, the auxiliary application AP presents a pattern of recommended hardnesses for the plurality of air cell units U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6.

[0088] The auxiliary application AP displays the recommended hardnesses D2c1, D2c2, D2c3, D2c4, D2c5, and D2c6, for example, using a 10-point scale. The larger the number, the harder the corresponding air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. However, the hardness display method is not limited to this, as long as the user can understand the difference in hardness.

[0089] The user M determines the setting D3 of the mattress 110 by referring to the recommended setting D2 displayed on the display unit 131. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the user M may also set one of the first recommended setting D2a and the second recommended setting D2b as the setting D3 of the mattress 110. In addition, the user M may also modify one of the first recommended setting D2a and the second recommended setting D2b and use the modified setting as the setting D3 of the mattress 110. Figure 1As shown in (a), the support application AP transmits the setting D3 of the mattress 110 to the server 140 via the communication unit of the operation terminal 130. Furthermore, the support application AP transmits the setting D3 of the mattress 110 to the detection unit 120 via the communication unit of the operation terminal 130. The control unit 112b of the mattress 110 obtains the setting D3 of the mattress 110 from the detection unit 120. Based on the setting D3, the control unit 112b controls the drive unit 112a to adjust the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6.

[0090] In this way, the user M can determine the setting D3 of the mattress 110 through the setting function of the auxiliary application AP, or can determine the setting D3 of the mattress 110 through the recommendation function and with reference to the recommended setting D2.

[0091] Furthermore, the auxiliary application does not necessarily need to be installed on the user's operation terminal. For example, if the mattress has a remote controller with a display, the auxiliary application may be installed on the mattress remote controller.

[0092] Next, the server 140 will be described.

[0093] The server 140 is, for example, a cloud server. The server 140 includes a processor such as a CPU, a memory, and a communication unit. Figure 1 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, server 140 includes functions as: an acquisition unit 141 for acquiring various information from detection unit 120 and operation terminal 130; a calculation unit 142 for performing operations such as calculating sleep score D5 and determining recommended setting D2; an output unit 143 for outputting various information to detection unit 120 and operation terminal 130; and a storage unit 144 for storing various information. The functions of server 140 are described below.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing data stored in the server according to this embodiment.

[0095] The storage unit 144 stores data TD. The data TD is, for example, data in a table format. The data TD includes, for each user M, identification information D1a, attribute information D1b, preferred firmness D1c, mattress 110 settings D3, and a sleep score D5.

[0096] When a user registers, the acquisition unit 141 acquires identification information D1a, attribute information D1b, and preferred hardness D1c from the auxiliary application AP. Data TD is classified into multiple categories CA. The calculation unit 142 categorizes users M so that users M with similar attribute information D1b belong to the same category CA. Based on the classification results, the calculation unit 142 stores the acquired identification information D1a, attribute information D1b, and preferred hardness D1c in data TD.

[0097] Each time a user M uses the setting function or recommendation function of the support application AP to determine the mattress 110 setting D3, the acquisition unit 141 acquires the setting D3 from the support application AP. The calculation unit 142 updates the data TD so that the acquired mattress 110 setting D3 is associated with the identification information D1a of each user M.

[0098] Alternatively, user M may change attribute information D1b in the auxiliary application AP. In this case, the calculation unit 142 reclassifies user M into one of the multiple categories CA based on the changed attribute information D1b. The calculation unit 142 stores the user M's identification information D1a, the changed attribute information D1b, and the preferred firmness D1c in the reclassified category CA in the data TD. In this case, the calculation unit 142 may retain the user M's attribute information D1b, preferred firmness D1c, and mattress 110 settings D3 acquired before the change in the data TD. In this case, the calculation unit 142 stores the user M's mattress 110 settings D3 acquired after the change in the newly reclassified category CA in the data TD.

[0099] Similarly, user M can change their preferred firmness D1c in the assistance application AP. In this case, the calculation unit 142 stores the changed preferred firmness D1c in data TD. In this case, the calculation unit 142 may also retain the user M's preferred firmness D1c and mattress 110 settings D3 acquired before the change in data TD. The calculation unit 142 may also store the user M's mattress 110 settings D3 acquired after the change in data TD in association with the changed preferred firmness D1c.

[0100] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 141 acquires detection information D4 from the detection unit 120 at predetermined time intervals, at least from the time the user M gets into bed to the time the user gets up. The storage unit 144 stores the detection information D4. After the detection unit 120 detects that the user M has gotten up, the calculation unit 142 calculates a sleep score D5 corresponding to the mattress 110 setting D3 based on the series of detection information D4.

[0101] Specifically, based on the detection information D4, the calculation unit 142 estimates the time it takes the user M to fall asleep after getting into bed, whether he or she wakes up during the night, the total sleep time, the number of body movements, and the number of times he or she gets out of bed. Based on the estimation results, the calculation unit 142 calculates a sleep score D5.

[0102] As a method for calculating the sleep score D5, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent No. 5749121 (Invention Title: Sleep State Evaluation Device, Sleep State Evaluation System, and Program, Application Date: August 25, 2011) can be cited. Alternatively, other known techniques may be used.

[0103] When the calculation unit 142 calculates the sleep score D5, it updates the data TD so as to be associated with the setting D3 of the mattress 110 corresponding to the sleep score D5. In addition, the output unit 143 transmits the sleep score D5 to the operation terminal 130.

[0104] Therefore, for one user M, the data TD stores the settings D3 and sleep scores D5 of the mattress 110 corresponding to the number of times the mattress 110 and the auxiliary application AP have been used. In other words, the data TD stores the usage history DR including the settings D3 and sleep scores D5 of the mattress 110 for each user M.

[0105] When the assistance application AP requests the recommended setting D2, the calculation unit 142 determines the recommended setting D2 based on the input information of the user M and the sleep information.

[0106] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 142 selects the setting D3 with the highest sleep score D5 from among the settings D3 for the group of users M belonging to the same category CA and having the same preferred hardness D1c as the user M who requested the recommended setting D2 as the first recommended setting D2a. Furthermore, the calculation unit 142 selects multiple settings D3 with higher sleep scores D5 from among the settings D3 for users M belonging to the same category CA as the user M who requested the recommended setting D2 as the multiple second recommended settings D2b, regardless of the preferred hardness D1c.

[0107] The calculation unit 142 may also pre-set a first recommended setting D2a for each combination of category CA and preferred hardness D1c. Alternatively, the calculation unit 142 may pre-set a second recommended setting D2b for each category CA. In this case, the calculation unit 142 extracts the recommended setting D2 corresponding to the user M's attribute information D1b and preferred hardness D1c from the plurality of pre-set recommended settings D2. Furthermore, when the auxiliary application AP requests a recommended setting D2, the calculation unit 142 may also extract the recommended setting D2 corresponding to the user M's attribute information D1b and preferred hardness D1c from the data TD.

[0108] However, the method for determining the recommended setting is not limited to the above method. For example, the server may recommend a setting with a high sleep score among the settings included in the usage history. Furthermore, if the server determines, based on past sleep information (detection information) from mattress use, that the user's body movements are decreasing, it may recommend a setting that increases the firmness of each air cell compared to the settings in the past usage history.

[0109] Next, the operation of the electric bedding system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0110] Figure 8This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the electric bedding system according to this embodiment.

[0111] The operation of the electric bedding system 100 described below is an example. The components, timing of the operations, and order of the operations of the electric bedding system may be changed according to the structure of the electric bedding system. Figure 8 In the sequence, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the user registration of user M has been completed.

[0112] If user M wishes to use the recommended function of the assistance application AP to set up mattress 110, user M logs into the assistance application AP on operation terminal 130 (step S11). In the following steps, detection unit 120 transmits detection information D4 to server 140 at predetermined intervals, and storage unit 144 of server 140 stores the received detection information D4 (step Sx1).

[0113] Next, the support application AP on the operation terminal 130 transmits the identification information D1a, attribute information D1b, and preferred hardness D1c of the user M to the server 140 (step S12a). Alternatively, the operation terminal may transmit only the user's identification information to the server.

[0114] Next, the computing unit 142 of the server 140 determines the recommended setting D2 based on the input information and the sleep information (step S12b). Specifically, in this embodiment, the computing unit 142 of the server 140 determines the first recommended setting D2a based on the sleep information including the attribute information D1b and the preferred firmness D1c of the user M, as well as the sleep scores D5 of the multiple users M. Furthermore, the computing unit 142 of the server 140 determines the multiple second recommended settings D2b based on the sleep information including the attribute information D1b and the sleep scores D5 of the multiple users M, without considering the preferred firmness D1c.

[0115] Next, the output unit 143 of the server 140 outputs the recommended setting D2 to the operation terminal 130 (step S12c).

[0116] Next, the support application AP on the operation terminal 130 displays the recommended setting D2 on the display unit 131 and prompts the user M to confirm the setting D3 of the mattress 110 (step S13 ).

[0117] Next, the support application AP transmits the settings D3 of the mattress 110 to the server 140 (step S14a). The acquisition unit 141 of the server 140 updates the data TD so that the settings D3 of the mattress 110 are associated with the identification information D1a of the user M.

[0118] Furthermore, the support application AP transmits the setting D3 of the mattress 110 to the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 (step S14b).

[0119] Next, the control unit 112b controls the driving unit 112a to adjust the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 based on the setting D3 (step S14c). As a result, the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 becomes the firmness set by the user M. Next, the user M sits on the mattress 110.

[0120] For example, when the user M has fallen asleep, the detection unit 120 determines that the user M has fallen asleep (step S15a ). In this case, the detection unit 120 transmits detection information D4 including the determination result to the server 140 (step Sx1 ).

[0121] For example, when the user M wakes up after falling asleep, the detection unit 120 determines that the user M has woken up midway (step S15b). In this case, the detection unit 120 transmits detection information D4 including the determination result to the server 140 (step Sx1).

[0122] For example, when the user M wakes up, the detection unit 120 determines that the user M wakes up (step S15c ). In this case, the detection unit 120 transmits detection information D4 including the determination result to the server 140 (step Sx1 ).

[0123] Upon receiving the determination result that the user M has woken up, the calculation unit 142 of the server 140 calculates the sleep score D5 (step S16 ). The calculation unit 142 of the server 140 also updates the data TD to associate it with the setting D3 of the mattress 110 corresponding to the sleep score D5.

[0124] Next, the server 140 transmits the sleep score D5 to the operation terminal 130 (step S17 ). The user M can check the sleep score D5 in the assistance application AP on the operation terminal 130 .

[0125] Furthermore, the components that perform the various operations of the electric bedding system are not limited to those described above. For example, if the auxiliary application is installed in the mattress controller, the mattress controller can also transmit attribute information and mattress settings to the server and provide recommended settings. Furthermore, the analysis unit of the mattress control unit or detection unit can also calculate the sleep score and transmit the sleep score to the server.

[0126] The timing of each action of the electric bedding system is not limited to the timing described above. For example, the auxiliary application may not transmit attribute information to the server when the user logs in to the auxiliary application, but may transmit attribute information to the server when the user requests recommended settings within the auxiliary application. Alternatively, the server may not calculate a sleep score when the user is awake, but may calculate a sleep score when the user requests a sleep score within the auxiliary application.

[0127] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0128] Currently, even though the firmness of mattress 110 can be adjusted, user M has no information on how to set mattress 110 to achieve a good night's sleep. In particular, when mattress 110 includes multiple air cell units U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6, there are many different firmness patterns for these air cell units U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. Therefore, it is difficult for user M to determine the firmness pattern that will provide a good night's sleep.

[0129] The electric bedding system 100 of this embodiment presents the user M with the recommended settings D2 of the mattress 110 based on the user M's input information and sleep information. Therefore, the user M can refer to the recommended settings D2 to determine the settings D3 of the mattress 110 . This makes it easier for the user M to set the mattress 110 .

[0130] Furthermore, the electric bedding system 100 presents the mattress 110 setting D3 with the highest sleep score D5 as the recommended setting D2, among the settings D3 of the mattress 110 of the user M requesting the recommended setting D2 and the user M with similar attribute information D1b. Therefore, the user M is more likely to achieve high-quality sleep by adopting the recommended setting D2. In summary, the electric bedding system 100 can provide the user M with high-quality sleep.

[0131] Furthermore, the recommended settings D2 include a first recommended setting D2a based on the attribute information D1b and the preferred firmness D1c of the user M, and a second recommended setting D2b based on the attribute information D1b. Therefore, the user M can set the mattress 110 by referring to both the first recommended setting D2a, which takes the preferred firmness D1c into consideration, and the second recommended setting D2b, which does not take the preferred firmness D1c into consideration.

[0132] <Second embodiment>

[0133] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0134] Figure 9 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the electric bedding system according to the present embodiment.

[0135] The electric bedding system 200 of this embodiment differs from the electric bedding system 100 of the first embodiment in that the auxiliary application AP2 can present recommended settings D22 for the mattress 110 (bedding), the bed 250 (bedding), and the pillow 260 (bedding), and the user M can select the automatic operation mode (first mode) on the auxiliary application AP2.

[0136] In addition, in the following description, only the differences from the first embodiment are described in principle. Except for the matters described below, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0137] Below, an example is described in which each user M of the electric bedding system 200 owns a mattress 110, a bed 250, and a pillow 260. However, not all users need own a mattress, a bed, and a pillow. For example, a user may own only one or two of the mattress, bed, and pillow.

[0138] The bed 250 is an electric bed. The bed 250 includes a back section 251a, an upper leg section 251b, a lower leg section 251c, a driving unit 252a, a control unit 252b, and a communication unit 253. However, the number of the bottom sections constituting the bed is not limited to Figure 9 For example, the bed may also have a lumbar seat section.

[0139] The mattress 110 is located on the back bottom plate 251a, the knee bottom plate 251b and the leg bottom plate 251c. The detection unit 120 is located between the mattress 110 and the back bottom plate 251a. However, the position of the detection unit is not limited to the above position.

[0140] The driving portion 252a includes, for example, an actuator.

[0141] The control unit 252b includes, for example, a circuit for controlling the driver 252a. The control unit 252b controls the driver 252a to individually adjust the angles of the back base 251a, the knee base 251b, and the leg base 251c. This allows the control unit 252b to change the posture of the user M on the mattress 110.

[0142] The communication unit 253 wirelessly communicates with the detection unit 120, the operation terminal 130, and the server 240. The communication unit 253 can communicate with the operation terminal 130 via, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, the communication unit 253 can communicate with the router LT via, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 253 accesses the communication network via the router LT and communicates with the server 240. However, the communication method between the communication unit and the operation terminal and the communication method between the communication unit and the server are not limited to the methods described above. The auxiliary application AP2 on the operation terminal 130 communicates with the communication unit 253 in advance to register the bed 250 of the user M.

[0143] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the pillow according to this embodiment.

[0144] The pillow 260 includes, for example, a plurality of air cells 261 , a driving unit 262 a , a control unit 262 b , a communication unit 263 , and a cover 264 .

[0145] The plurality of air cells 261 are arranged in the left-right direction and the direction from the head side to the foot side of the pillow 260. The number of air cells constituting the pillow 260 is not limited to Figure 10 For example, the plurality of air cells 261 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction and from the left side to the right side of the pillow 260. Alternatively, in a portion of the pillow 260, the plurality of air cells 261 may be arranged in the left-to-right direction and from the head side to the feet side of the pillow 260, while in another portion of the pillow 260, the plurality of air cells 261 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction and from the left side to the right side of the pillow 260.

[0146] The driving unit 262a includes, for example, a pump.

[0147] For example, the control unit 262b includes a circuit for controlling the driver 262a. The control unit 262b controls the driver 262a to adjust the air volume within each air cell 261. This allows the control unit 262b to adjust the height or hardness of each air cell 261. Furthermore, the control unit 262b can change the orientation of the user M's head on the pillow 260 by adjusting the air volume within the air cells 261 arranged horizontally or within the air cells 261 arranged from the head side toward the neck side.

[0148] The communication unit 263 communicates wirelessly with the detection unit 120, the operation terminal 130, and the server 240. The communication unit 263 can communicate with the operation terminal 130 via Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. Alternatively, the communication unit 263 can communicate with the router LT via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example. The communication unit 263 accesses the communication network via the router LT and communicates with the server 240. However, the communication method between the communication unit and the operation terminal and the communication method between the communication unit and the server are not limited to the above methods. The auxiliary application AP2 on the operation terminal 130 communicates with the communication unit 263 in advance and registers the pillow 260 of the user M.

[0149] The cover 264 houses the plurality of air chambers 261, the drive unit 262a, the control unit 262b, and the communication unit 263. The cover 264 may also house a buffer member. Furthermore, the control unit may be located outside the cover.

[0150] Next, the recommendation function of the auxiliary application AP2 will be described.

[0151] The assistance application AP2 acquires the recommended settings D22 of the mattress 110 , the bed 250 , and the pillow 260 from the server. The assistance application AP2 presents the recommended settings D22 to the user M by displaying them on the display unit 131 .

[0152] The recommended settings D22 for bed 250 include, for example, the recommended angles for backrest 251a, kneerest 251b, and legrest 251c. The recommended settings D22 for pillow 260 include, for example, the recommended height or firmness of each air chamber 261. The auxiliary application AP2 can present a single set of recommended settings D22 for mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260, or multiple sets of recommended settings D22 in a recommended order.

[0153] The user M can refer to the recommended settings D22 to determine the settings D23 of the mattress 110, the bed 250 and the pillow 260. Figure 9 As shown, the auxiliary application AP2 transmits the settings D23 of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 to the server 240. Alternatively, the user M may set the settings D3 of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 using the setting function instead of the recommendation function of the auxiliary application AP2.

[0154] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing data stored in the server according to this embodiment.

[0155] The server 240 , similar to the server 140 in the first embodiment, has functions as an acquisition unit 141 , a calculation unit 142 , an output unit 143 , and a storage unit 144 .

[0156] The storage unit 144 stores data TD2. The data TD2 includes items related to the settings D23 for the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 for each user M. The items related to the settings D23 for the mattress 110 include items for setting the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6. The items related to the settings D23 for the bed 250 include items for setting the angles of each base plate 251a, 251b, and 251c. The items related to the settings D23 for the pillow 260 include items for setting the height of each air cell 261. Furthermore, the data TD2 includes items for the sleep score D5 corresponding to the settings D23 for the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260.

[0157] The calculation unit 142 determines the recommended settings D22 of the mattress 110 , the bed 250 , and the pillow 260 of the user M based on the input information and the sleep information of the user M.

[0158] Specifically, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 142 selects, as the recommended setting D22, the setting D23 with the highest sleep score D5 among the settings D23 of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 of user M, who belongs to the same category CA as the user M requesting the recommended setting D22. The output unit 143 outputs the recommended setting D22 to the assistance application AP2 on the operation terminal 130. However, the assistance application may also obtain user preferences such as the preferred firmness of the mattress and pillow during user registration, and the output unit may output recommended settings based on the user's attribute information, preferred settings, and sleep information. Furthermore, the output unit may output recommended settings based on the user's usage history.

[0159] Next, the automatic operation mode selection function of the assist application AP2 will be described.

[0160] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a selection screen for the automatic operation mode of the assistance application according to the present embodiment.

[0161] The user M can select whether to enable the automatic operation mode of the mattress 110 , bed 250 , and pillow 260 in the auxiliary application AP2 . The automatic operation mode automatically changes the settings of the mattress 110 , bed 250 , and pillow 260 based on the detection information D4 of the detection unit 120 .

[0162] For example, the detection unit 120 detects the status of the user M, such as getting into bed, falling asleep, sleeping, waking up, or getting out of bed. In this embodiment, the detection unit 120 pre-stores action settings related to how the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 should operate based on the status, body movements, and posture of the user M. The detection unit 120 selects an action setting corresponding to the detected status, body movements, and posture of the user M from the pre-stored action settings. The detection unit 120 transmits the selected action setting to each of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260. Specific examples of the actions of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 will be described later.

[0163] In addition, the mattress, bed and pillow may each have pre-stored motion settings. In this case, the control units of the mattress, bed and pillow select the motion setting corresponding to the detection information D4 from the pre-stored operating information and control the drive units based on the selected motion setting.

[0164] Alternatively, the server's storage unit may store action settings. In this case, the detection unit transmits detection information to the server. In this case, the server's computing unit selects an action setting corresponding to the detection information from the action settings and transmits it to each of the mattress, bed, and pillow.

[0165] Next, the operation of the electric bedding system 200 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0166] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the electric bedding system according to this embodiment.

[0167] The operation of the electric bedding system 200 described below is an example. The components that perform each operation of the electric bedding system, the timing of each operation, and the order of the operations can be changed according to the configuration of the electric bedding system.

[0168] When the user M wishes to set the pillow 260 , the mattress 110 , and the bed 250 by referring to the recommended functions of the assistance application AP2 , the user M logs in to the assistance application AP on the operation terminal 130 (step S21 ).

[0169] Next, the operation terminal 130 transmits the identification information D1a and attribute information D1b of the user M to the server 240 (step S22a). However, the operation terminal may transmit only the identification information.

[0170] Next, the calculation unit 142 of the server 240 determines the recommended settings D22 of the pillow 260 , the mattress 110 , and the bed 250 based on the input information and sleep information of the user M (step S22 b ).

[0171] Next, the output unit 143 of the server 240 transmits the recommended settings D22 of the pillow 260 , the mattress 110 , and the bed 250 to the operation terminal 130 (step S22 c ).

[0172] Next, the assistance application AP2 on the operation terminal 130 displays the recommended settings D22 for the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 on the display unit 131, prompting the user M to confirm the settings D23 for the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 (step S23). Furthermore, the assistance application AP2 prompts the user M to input whether to enable a mode such as the automatic operation mode. The following describes an example in which the automatic operation mode is enabled. However, the user M can also disable the automatic operation mode.

[0173] Next, the support application AP2 transmits the settings D23 for the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 to the server 240 (step S24a). Furthermore, the support application AP2 transmits the result of the user M's mode input, including a message indicating that the automatic operation mode is enabled, to the server 240. The acquisition unit 141 of the server 240 updates the data TD2 so that the settings D23 for the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 are associated with the identification information D1a of the user M.

[0174] Next, the output unit 143 of the server 240 transmits the setting D23 of the pillow 260 , the mattress 110 , and the bed 250 to the detection unit 120 (step S24 b ).

[0175] Next, the detection unit 120 transmits the setting D23 of the pillow 260 to the pillow 260 (step S24c). In addition, the detection unit 120 transmits the setting D23 of the mattress 110 to the mattress 110. In addition, the detection unit 120 transmits the setting D23 of the bed 250 to the bed 250.

[0176] Next, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 controls the driver 262a based on the setting D23 to adjust the firmness of each air cell 261 (step S25a). Furthermore, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 controls the driver 112a based on the setting D23 to adjust the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 (step S25b). Furthermore, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 controls the driver 252a based on the setting D23 to adjust the angles of the bottom plates 251a, 251b, and 251c (step S25c). Next, the user M steps onto the mattress 110.

[0177] In subsequent steps, when the automatic operation mode is enabled, the detection unit 120 sets the action of the pillow 260 corresponding to the detection information D4 and transmits the action setting of the pillow 260 to the pillow 260 (step Sx2). Similarly, in this case, the detection unit 120 sets the action of the mattress 110 corresponding to the detection information D4 and transmits the action setting of the mattress 110 to the mattress 110 (step Sx2). Similarly, in this case, the detection unit 120 sets the action of the bed 250 corresponding to the detection information D4 and transmits the action setting of the bed 250 to the bed 250 (step Sx2).

[0178] The control unit 262b of the pillow 260 controls the driver 262a based on the action settings to change the firmness of each air cell 261 (step Sy1). Furthermore, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 controls the driver 112a based on the action settings to change the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 (step Sy2). Furthermore, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 controls the driver 252a based on the action settings to change the angles of each base plate 251a, 251b, and 251c (step Sy3).

[0179] Next, a specific example of control in the automatic operation mode will be described.

[0180] For example, if the detection unit 120 detects that the user M remains awake even after a predetermined time has passed since getting into bed, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 can control the driver 262a to soften the pillow 260. Furthermore, in this case, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 can also control the driver 112a to soften the mattress 110. Furthermore, in this case, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 can also control the driver 252a to raise the backrest 251a to a set angle. The set angle is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 10 degrees or greater. This makes it easier for the user M to fall asleep. Furthermore, each control unit can also perform the above-described control at a predetermined time after the detection unit 120 detects that the user has gotten into bed, regardless of whether the user is awake or not.

[0181] When the detection unit 120 detects that the user M has fallen asleep, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 may control the driver 112a to restore the firmness of the mattress 110. Furthermore, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 may control the driver 252a to restore the angle of the back base 251a to its original angle. Furthermore, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 may control the driver 262a to restore the firmness of the pillow 260. Furthermore, each control unit may control the return to the original setting when the detection unit detects body movement below a threshold, rather than when the detection unit detects that the user has fallen asleep.

[0182] Furthermore, for example, when the detection unit 120 detects that the user M's body movements within a predetermined time period are below a threshold, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 may control the drive unit 262a to harden the pillow 260. In this case, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 may also control the drive unit 112a to harden the mattress 110. This can increase the number of body movements of the user M.

[0183] For example, when the detection unit 120 detects that the user M is lying on their back, the drive unit 112a of the mattress 110, the drive unit 252a of the bed 250, and the drive unit 262a of the pillow 260 operate. Specifically, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 controls the drive unit 112a so that the first air cell unit U1 is harder than the third air cell unit U3 and the fourth air cell unit U4. This elevates the user M's head and allows the waist and hips to sink into the mattress 110. Furthermore, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 controls the drive unit 252a to increase the angle of the back base 251a. The angle of the back base 251a is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 30 degrees. At this time, the control unit 262b controls the drive unit 252a so that the back base 251a moves at a low speed. This elevates the user M's back. Furthermore, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 controls the drive unit 262a to increase the height of the pillow 260. This elevates the user M's head. Furthermore, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 controls the driving unit 262a so that the air cell 261 on the neck side is higher than the air cell 261 on the head side. This causes the chin of the user M to be lifted.

[0184] Furthermore, when the detection unit 120 detects that the user M is side-lying, the drive unit 112a of the mattress 110 and the drive unit 252a of the bed 250 are activated, while the drive unit 262a of the pillow 260 is deactivated. In this case, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 controls the drive unit 112a in the same manner as when the user is supine, making the first air cell U1 harder than the third air cell U3 and the fourth air cell U4. In this case, the control unit 112b controls the drive unit 112a so that the third air cell U3 and the fourth air cell U4 are harder than when the user is supine. Furthermore, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 controls the drive unit 252a so that the angle of the back base 251a is smaller than when the user is supine. The angle of the back base 251a is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10 degrees.

[0185] In the automatic operation mode, the driving units 112a, 252a, and 262a operate, which may keep the user M awake. Conversely, when the detection unit 120 detects that at least one of the number of body movements, heart rate, or respiratory rate of the user M has changed by a threshold value or more from the average value before the operation, the driving units 112a, 252a, and 262a may stop operating. This prevents the user M from waking up.

[0186] When the driving units 112a, 252a, and 262a stop operating, the detection unit 120 may also transmit a message to the server 240 that the driving units 112a, 252a, and 262a have stopped operating. When outputting the recommended setting D22, the server 240 may also determine the recommended setting D22 so as to avoid the settings of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 being set at the timing of the stoppage in the automatic operation mode.

[0187] Furthermore, in automatic operation mode, each drive unit 112a, 252a, 262a may also resume operation when the detection unit 120 detects that at least one of the number of body movements, heart rate, or respiratory rate of the user M has not changed by more than a threshold value from the average value before the operation. In automatic operation mode, the server 240 may also recommend disabling automatic operation mode if the number of times the operation of each drive unit 112a, 252a, 262a stops exceeds a certain threshold, or if the frequency of user M's awakening exceeds a threshold.

[0188] Alternatively, for example, a wake-up time may be set in the auxiliary application AP2 of the operation terminal 130. In this case, the auxiliary application AP2 sends a message to the server 240 indicating that the wake-up time is approaching (step S26a). Next, the server 240 sends a message to the detection unit 120 indicating that the wake-up time is approaching (step S26b). After step S26b, if the detection unit 120 detects an increase in the body movement of the user M, the detection unit 120 sends the action settings corresponding to the state before waking up to each of the pillow 260, the mattress 110, and the bed 250 (step S26c).

[0189] Next, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 controls the driver 262a according to the action settings to adjust the firmness of each air cell 261 (step Sz1). Furthermore, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 controls the driver 112a according to the action settings to adjust the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 (step Sz2). This makes it easier for the user M to turn over. The control unit 252b of the bed 250 controls the driver 252a according to the action settings to move the backrest base 251a to raise the back (step Sz3). This makes it easier for the user M to get out of bed.

[0190] The subsequent steps are the same as those of the electric bedding system 100 of the first embodiment. Note that the method of changing the settings of the mattress, bed, and pillow in the automatic operation mode is not limited to the above-described method.

[0191] As described above, the electric bedding system 200 of this embodiment presents recommended settings D22 for the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 based on the user M's input information and sleep information. Therefore, the user M can easily set up the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 by referring to the recommended settings D22. Furthermore, by adopting the recommended settings D22, the user M is more likely to experience high-quality sleep. Therefore, the electric bedding system 200 can provide the user M with high-quality sleep.

[0192] In addition, the electric bedding system 200 of this embodiment can operate the mattress 110, the bed 250, and the pillow 260 according to the detection information D4 of the detection unit 120. Thus, the electric bedding system 200 can provide the user M with high-quality sleep.

[0193] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the assistance application AP has a recommendation function, but the assistance application may not have a recommendation function.

[0194] <Third embodiment>

[0195] Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0196] Figure 14 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the electric bedding system according to the present embodiment.

[0197] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a selection screen for the snoring sound operation mode of the support application according to the present embodiment.

[0198] The electric bedding system 300 of this embodiment is different from the electric bedding system 200 of the second embodiment in that the user M can select a snoring sound operation mode (second mode) on the auxiliary application AP3 .

[0199] In addition, in the following description, only the differences from the second embodiment will be described in principle. Except for the matters described below, the present invention is the same as the second embodiment.

[0200] The electric bedding system 300 includes a detector 333 capable of detecting snoring sounds. The detector 333 is, for example, mounted on the operation terminal 130. The detector 333 includes, for example, a microphone. The detector 333 determines whether the user M is snoring based on temporal variations in the sound measured by the microphone. However, a mattress, bed, pillow, or the like may also include a detector capable of detecting snoring sounds.

[0201] like Figure 15 As shown, the user M can select whether to enable the snoring sound operation mode on the auxiliary application AP3. The snoring sound operation mode is a mode in which the settings of the pillow 260, mattress 110 and bed 250 are automatically changed to suppress the snoring sound when the detector 333 detects the snoring sound of the user M.

[0202] However, user M can also select whether to enable the apnea operation mode or the snoring / apnea operation mode in the auxiliary application AP3. The apnea operation mode is a mode in which the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 operate to suppress apnea in the user M when the detection unit 120 detects apnea in the user M. Furthermore, the snoring / apnea operation mode is a mode in which the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 operate to suppress snoring or apnea in the user M when the detection unit 333 detects snoring in the user M or when the detection unit 120 detects apnea in the user M. The following describes the snoring operation mode, but the description of the snoring operation mode can be appropriately replaced with the description of the apnea operation mode or the snoring / apnea operation mode.

[0203] like Figure 14 As shown, when the detection unit 333 detects that the user M is snoring, the assistance application AP3 transmits snoring detection information D36 including a notification that the snoring sound has been emitted and the microphone measurement result to the server 340. Furthermore, when the detection unit 333 detects that the snoring sound of the user M has stopped, the assistance application AP3 transmits detection information D37 including a notification that the snoring sound has stopped to the server 340.

[0204] The server 340 , similar to the server 140 in the first embodiment, has functions as an acquisition unit 141 , a calculation unit 142 , an output unit 143 , and a storage unit 144 .

[0205] Based on the snoring sound detection information D36, the calculation unit 142 calculates the magnitude of the snoring sound, the number (frequency) of snoring sounds, and the duration of the snoring sound. Specifically, the calculation unit 142 calculates the magnitude of the snoring sound based on the amplitude of the time-varying sound signal measured by the microphone. Furthermore, the calculation unit 142 calculates the number (frequency) of snoring sounds based on how many waveforms corresponding to a single snoring sound are included in the time-varying sound signal measured by the microphone within a specified time period. Furthermore, the calculation unit 142 calculates the duration of the snoring sound based on the duration of the waveform corresponding to a single snoring sound appearing in the time-varying sound signal measured by the microphone.

[0206] The calculation unit 142 determines the snoring sound level (LV) based on the calculated snoring sound volume, the number of snoring sounds (frequency), and the snoring sound duration. Below, as examples of snoring sound level LVs, Level 1, Level 2 (where the snoring sound is worse than Level 1), and Level 3 (where the snoring sound is worse than Level 2) are described. However, the snoring sound level may be two, or four or more. Furthermore, the auxiliary application may determine the snoring sound level. Furthermore, the server and the auxiliary application do not necessarily need to determine the snoring sound level.

[0207] Output unit 143 transmits the snoring sound level LV to detection unit 120. Detection unit 120 pre-stores operational settings for mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 corresponding to the snoring sound level LV. Detection unit 120 selects an operational setting for mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 corresponding to the snoring sound level LV from the stored operational settings. At least one of pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 operates in accordance with the snoring sound level LV. Specific operational methods for pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 will be described later.

[0208] Furthermore, the mattress, bed, and pillow may each have pre-stored action settings corresponding to snoring levels. In this case, the mattress, bed, and pillow each select an action setting corresponding to the snoring level from the stored action settings. Furthermore, the server may also have pre-stored action settings corresponding to snoring levels. In this case, the server selects an action setting corresponding to the calculated snoring level from the stored action settings. Furthermore, if an apnea operating mode or a snoring / apnea operating mode exists, the server may determine the apnea level in the same manner as the snoring, and the pillow, mattress, and bed may also set action settings based on the apnea level.

[0209] Next, the operation of the electric bedding system 200 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0210] Figure 16 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the electric bedding system according to this embodiment.

[0211] The operation of the electric bedding system 200 described below is an example. The components that perform each operation of the electric bedding system, the timing of each operation, and the order of the operations can be changed according to the configuration of the electric bedding system.

[0212] After receiving the recommended settings D22 from the server 340, the assistance application AP3 displays the recommended settings D22 on the display unit 131, prompting the user M to confirm the settings D23 for the pillow 260, the mattress 110, and the bed 250 (step S33). Furthermore, the assistance application AP3 prompts the user M to input whether to enable the automatic operation mode and the snoring sound operation mode. The following describes an example in which both the automatic operation mode and the snoring sound operation mode are enabled. However, the user M may also disable the automatic operation mode or the snoring sound operation mode.

[0213] Next, the support application AP3 transmits the settings D23 for the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 to the server 340 (step S34a). Furthermore, the support application AP3 transmits the results of the user M's mode input, including a message indicating that the automatic operation mode and the snoring sound operation mode are enabled, to the server 340. The acquisition unit 141 of the server 340 updates the data TD2 so that the settings D23 for the pillow 260, mattress 110, and bed 250 are associated with the identification information D1a of the user M.

[0214] Next, the server 340 transmits the setting D23 of the pillow 260 , the mattress 110 , and the bed 250 , and a message that the automatic operation mode and the snoring sound operation mode are enabled to the detection unit 120 (step S34 b ).

[0215] Next, the detection unit 120 transmits the setting D23 of the pillow 260 to the pillow 260 (step S34c). In addition, the detection unit 120 transmits the setting D23 of the mattress 110 to the mattress 110. In addition, the detection unit 120 transmits the setting D23 of the bed 250 to the bed 250.

[0216] Next, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 controls the driver 262a based on the setting D23 to adjust the firmness of each air cell 261 (step S25a). Furthermore, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 controls the driver 112a based on the setting D23 to adjust the firmness of each air cell unit U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 (step S25b). Furthermore, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 controls the driver 252a based on the setting D23 to adjust the angles of each base plate 251a, 251b, and 251c (step S25c). Next, the user M steps onto the mattress 110.

[0217] In the following steps, the electric bedding system 300 is basically in automatic operation mode. In automatic operation mode, when the user M snores, the detector 333 detects the snoring sound of the user M. In this case, the auxiliary application AP3 transmits snoring sound detection information D36 to the server 340 (step S36a).

[0218] Next, the computing unit 142 of the server 340 determines the snoring sound level LV based on the snoring sound detection information D36 (step S36b). Next, the output unit 143 of the server 340 transmits a signal instructing the detection unit 120 to switch from the automatic operation mode to the snoring sound operation mode (step S36c). Furthermore, the output unit 143 of the server 340 transmits the snoring sound level LV to the detection unit 120. At least one of the drive unit 262a of the pillow 260, the drive unit 112a of the mattress 110, and the drive unit 252a of the bed 250 operates based on the snoring sound level LV received by the detection unit 120.

[0219] For example, when the snoring sound level LV is level 1, the driver 262a of the pillow 260 operates to suppress the snoring sound (step S37a). For example, the control unit 262b of the pillow 260 controls the driver 262a so that the pillow height is higher than before the change. Furthermore, when the snoring sound level LV is level 2, the driver 112a of the mattress 110 operates to suppress the snoring sound (step S37b). For example, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 controls the driver 112a so that the heights of the second air cell unit U2 and the third air cell unit U2 are higher than before the change. Furthermore, when the snoring sound level LV is level 3, the driver 252a of the bed 250 operates to suppress the snoring sound (step S37c). For example, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 controls the driver 252a so that the angle of the back bottom plate 251a is larger than before the change.

[0220] When user M's snoring stops, the detection unit 333 detects the cessation of user M's snoring. In this case, the assistance application AP3 transmits snoring cessation detection information D37 to the server 340 (step S38a). Next, the output unit 143 of the server 340 instructs the detection unit 120 to stop the snoring sound operation mode and switch to the automatic operation mode (step S38b). Next, the detection unit 120 instructs the mattress 110, pillow 260, and bed 250 to stop the snoring sound operation mode and switch to the automatic operation mode (step S38c).

[0221] As described above, in the electric bedding system 300 of this embodiment, the user M can select whether to enable the snoring sound operation mode in the auxiliary application AP3. When the snoring sound operation mode is enabled, if the detector 333 detects snoring from the user M, at least one of the mattress 110, the bed 250, and the pillow 260 automatically changes its settings to suppress the snoring of the user M. This can suppress the snoring of the user M. As a result, the electric bedding system 300 can provide the user M with high-quality sleep.

[0222] Furthermore, if both the automatic operation mode and the snoring sound operation mode are enabled for one user M among multiple users M, the electric bedding system 300 prioritizes the snoring sound operation mode over the automatic operation mode when acquiring snoring sound detection information D36 of the user M. This can suppress snoring by the user M. Consequently, the electric bedding system 300 can provide the user M with high-quality sleep.

[0223] The electric bedding system 300 includes at least two of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 as bedding. Furthermore, in automatic operation mode, the electric bedding system 300 automatically changes the settings of at least two of the bedding items based on the status of each user M. Furthermore, in snoring operation mode, the electric bedding system 300 automatically changes the settings of any one of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 based on snoring detection information D36 from each user M. Therefore, in automatic operation mode, the electric bedding system 300 can change the posture of the user M by changing the settings of two bedding items. Furthermore, in snoring operation mode, the electric bedding system 300 can prevent the user M from waking up by changing the settings of one bedding item.

[0224] Furthermore, in the snoring sound operation mode, the electric bedding system 300 determines the snoring sound level LV based on the snoring sound detection information D36 of each user M and automatically changes the settings of the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 according to the snoring sound level LV. Therefore, the electric bedding system 300 can effectively suppress the snoring sound of the user M.

[0225] <Modification>

[0226] Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

[0227] Figure 17 3 is a diagram showing a user registration screen of the support application in this modification.

[0228] During user registration, the assistance application AP4 on the operation terminal 130 can also obtain user M's sleep characteristic information D41d as sleep information. Examples of user M's sleep characteristic information D41d include snoring. The assistance application AP4 obtains the sleep characteristic information D41d by, for example, having user M input whether the user "has trouble falling asleep," "awakens frequently," "does not feel satisfied with sleep," or "snoring."

[0229] In automatic operation mode or snoring sound operation mode, the mattress 110, bed 250, and pillow 260 can also adjust the set change amount based on the characteristic information D41d during sleep. Specifically, for a user M who is prone to snoring, the control unit 112b of the mattress 110 can increase the change amount of the mattress 110's firmness. Similarly, the control unit 252b of the bed 250 can increase the change amount of the angles of the bottom plates 251a, 251b, and 251c. Similarly, the controller 262b of the pillow 260 can increase the change amount of the firmness of each air chamber 261.

[0230] Furthermore, the support application does not need to obtain sleep characteristic information when the user registers. Specifically, the server can estimate the user's sleep characteristics based on the biological information acquired by the detection unit. Alternatively, the server can estimate the user's sleep characteristics based on the body mass index included in the attribute information.

[0231] According to the embodiment, an electric bedding system capable of providing high-quality sleep can be provided.

[0232] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope or gist of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electric bedding system comprising: an acquisition unit capable of acquiring settings of the electric bedding of each user, a status of each user, and detection information of snoring sounds of each user; a calculation unit for calculating a sleep score based on the status of each user; a storage unit storing a plurality of settings of the electric bedding and data associating the sleep score with each of the plurality of settings; an output unit configured to output a recommended setting for the electric bedding based on the setting corresponding to a higher sleep score among the plurality of sleep scores stored in the storage unit; as well as A display unit displays the recommended settings on the display unit, wherein: In the electric bedding system, the user determines the setting of the electric bedding with reference to the recommended setting displayed on the display unit. The electric bedding system includes a first mode for automatically changing the settings of the electric bedding based on the status of each user and a second mode for automatically changing the settings of the electric bedding based on the detection information of the snoring sound of each user. When both the first mode and the second mode are set to be effective for one of the plurality of users, the electric bedding system prioritizes the second mode over the first mode when acquiring snoring detection information of the one user.

2. The electric bedding system according to claim 1, wherein: The electric bedding becomes the setting of the electric bedding determined by the one user based on the recommended setting, When both the first mode and the second mode are set to be valid for the one user, The electric bedding operates in the first mode after reaching the setting of the electric bedding determined by the user, When the acquisition unit acquires the detection information of the snoring sound of the one user during operation in the first mode, the electric bedding switches from the first mode to the second mode for operation.

3. The electric bedding system according to claim 1, wherein: The acquiring unit acquires attribute information of each user. In the data, each user is classified into any one of a plurality of categories according to the attribute information, When outputting the recommended settings for the one user, the output unit outputs the recommended settings based on settings of the electric bedding of other users among the plurality of users who belong to the same category as the one user.

4. The electric bedding system according to claim 3, wherein: The acquiring unit acquires the preference setting of the electric bedding of each user, The data also includes the preferences of each user for the electric bedding. When outputting the recommended settings for the one user, the output unit outputs the recommended settings based on the electric bedding settings of other users among the plurality of users who belong to the same category as the one user and have the same electric bedding preference settings.

5. The electric bedding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The electric bedding includes a first bedding and a second bedding, In the first mode, the electric bedding system automatically changes the settings of the first bedding and the second bedding based on the status of each user. In the second mode, the electric bedding system automatically changes the settings of the first bedding based on the detection information of the snoring sound of each user.

6. The electric bedding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: In the second mode, the electric bedding system determines the level of the snoring sound based on the detection information of the snoring sound of each user, and automatically changes the setting of the electric bedding according to the level of the snoring sound.

7. An application software product, comprising application software, the application software being applied to the electric bedding system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the application software receiving an input of electric bedding settings from a user and sending the input electric bedding settings to a server, If the snoring sound of the user can be detected and the snoring sound of the user is detected, the detection information of the snoring sound of the user is sent to the server, can obtain the recommended settings of the electric bedding from the server and prompt the obtained recommended settings to the user, receiving inputs regarding whether to enable a first mode for automatically changing the settings of the electric bedding based on the state of the user and whether to enable a second mode for automatically changing the settings of the electric bedding based on detection information of the user's snoring sound, An input result regarding whether the first mode is valid and whether the second mode is valid is sent to the server.

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