Wake-up device

Abstract

To provide a sleep status measuring device with a wake-up function that operates at a set time without causing a nuisance to other people in the vicinity of a user.SOLUTION: A wake-up device 1 comprises wearing information acquisition means for acquiring information on whether the wake-up device is worn around the neck of a user, and a vibrator 56 provided at a position where vibrations are transmitted to a user's neck Pn during vibration operation. When the wearing information acquisition means confirms that the wake-up device is worn by the user and a predetermined set time arrives, the vibrator 56 operates in a continuous vibration mode in which the vibrator vibrates continuously for a predetermined period of time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a neckband-type wake-up device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various wake-up devices for waking up a user at a set time (scheduled wake-up time) have been proposed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wake-up device that provides a body movement detection means under a futon and changes the wake-up operation according to the output of the body movement detection means. Patent Document 2 discloses a wake-up device that is used by being disposed between a pillow and a futon and operates an awakening unit based on detection results of a body movement signal, a heartbeat signal, and a respiration signal of a user.

[0004] In addition, snoring during sleep may cause trouble to people around, and there is a risk of developing apnea syndrome due to apnea from snoring. Therefore, a biological information measurement device that measures the sleep state of a user and gives a stimulus to the user to change the user's posture when snoring or sleep apnea occurs is known. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a neckband-type sleep state measurement device in which a built-in vibrator vibrates when a snoring state or an apnea state is detected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, with wake-up devices such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there are problems in that a large-scale device is required and it takes time and effort to install it on a bed. Further, when a wake-up device is disposed under a pillow as in Patent Document 2, it is expected that the wake-up effect will not be sufficiently exhibited when the user's head is separated from the pillow due to turning over or the like.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a sleep state measurement device with a wake-up function that operates at a set time without disturbing others in the vicinity of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A neckband-type wake-up device according to an aspect of the present invention includes attachment information acquisition means for acquiring information as to whether or not the wake-up device is attached to the user's neck, and a vibrator provided at a position where vibration is transmitted to the user's neck during a vibration operation. The vibrator is configured to operate in a continuous vibration mode in which the vibrator is continuously vibrated for a predetermined period when attachment of the wake-up device to the user is confirmed by the attachment information acquisition means and a predetermined set time has come.

[0009] According to this aspect, when the wake-up device is attached to the user's neck, at a predetermined time, the vibrator vibrates continuously to apply vibration to the user's neck. Vibration to the neck stimulates the sense of hearing, so that the wake-up function can be exhibited even with relatively little vibration. In this way, since it is attached to the user's neck and provides a wake-up function by vibration, it is difficult to disturb others in the vicinity of the user. Further, by adopting a neckband type, the user does not move to a position away from the installation location (for example, a pillow) of the wake-up device, and the wake-up effect is not sufficiently exhibited.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sleep state measurement device with a wake-up function that operates at a set time without disturbing others in the vicinity of the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the alarm device 1 with a breath sound measurement function (hereinafter, simply referred to as "alarm device 1") is worn by the user P on the user's neck Pn (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "neck Pn") before going to bed, measures the airflow sound of inhalation and exhalation during sleep (hereinafter, simply referred to as "breath sound"), and vibrates at a predetermined time to provide an alarm function. In other words, the alarm device 1 according to the present disclosure has a function of measuring the sleep state of the user P and an alarm function.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wake-up device 1 has a configuration in which a neckband-type wearing part 30 formed in an arc shape (for example, a semi-circular shape) and a measurement part 40 for measuring breathing sounds are connected by a hinge part 60. One end of the wearing part 30 constitutes one open end of the wake-up device 1. The proximal end of the measurement part 40 is connected to the other end of the wearing part 30 via the hinge part 60. The distal end of the measurement part 40 constitutes the other open end of the wake-up device 1.

[0015] The wake-up device 1 is a neckband-type device and is configured to be wearable with one hand along the circumferential direction of the neck Pn. Specifically, the wake-up device 1 is configured such that the user P can hold the measurement part 40 with one hand, press the open end of the wearing part 30 against the neck, pull the measurement part 40 outward while moving the measurement part 40 in front of the neck to wear it.

[0016] In the following description, based on the wearing state of the user P, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the wake-up device 1 are defined. Also, the front (chest) side of the user P is defined as the front, and the back side is defined as the back. Also, based on the wearing state of the wake-up device 1, the "user side" is defined, and when explaining the wearing part 30, the measurement part 40, etc., the opposite side of the user side may be explained as the "outer side".

[0017] -Wearing part- The wearing part 30 is preferably easy to wear, causes little discomfort to the user, and has a strength that can withstand continuous use. For the wearing part 30, for example, an elastic structure in which the periphery of a leaf spring is surrounded by an elastomer resin can be adopted, or an elastic polypropylene resin can be adopted. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to adopting a leaf spring structure for the wearing part 30 or using an elastomer resin or a polypropylene resin.

[0018] -Measurement part- The measurement unit 40 has a housing case 41 in which an accommodation space Q is formed inside by fitting an inner case 42 and an outer case 43 together. The housing case 41 is, for example, screwed and fixed by a screw (not shown) inserted into a screw hole (not shown) formed on the user side surface of the inner case 42 after aligning the inner case 42 and the outer case 43.

[0019] The inner case 42 has a rounded user side surface (inner surface) conforming to the shape of the neck, and a circular first opening 42a is formed at a substantially central position in the vertical direction at the tip side of the inner surface thereof, and a rectangular second opening 42b is formed at a substantially central position in the circumferential direction and in the vertical direction. A contact portion 70 is inserted through the first opening 42a from the inside of the housing case 41. A flange portion 70c is formed at the base end portion of the contact portion 70 and is prevented from coming off the inner case 42.

[0020] The accommodation space Q houses a first substrate 73 to which a microphone 74 is attached, a second substrate 50 connected to the first substrate 73 via a flexible cable 76, and a battery 51 that supplies power to each component of the wake-up device 1.

[0021] Although not shown in the figure, the measurement unit 40 is provided with a connector so that a communication / charging cable can be inserted.

[0022] -Hinge portion- The hinge portion 60 supports the mounting portion 30 and the measurement unit 40 so that they can rotate relative to each other between the bending position shown in FIG. 2 and the unfolded position shown in FIG. 3.

[0023] The unfolded position is a position where the measurement unit 40 is opened maximally outward. In the unfolded position, the inner surface of the mounting portion 30 and the inner surface of the measurement unit are substantially flat. A locking structure 80 that abuts against each other is provided at the tip end portion of the mounting portion 30 and the base end portion of the measurement unit 40. By the locking structure 80, in the unfolded position, for example, the angle between the mounting portion 30 and the measurement unit 40 is locked so as not to spread further outward.

[0024] In the deployed position, the entire wake-up device 1 is configured to be in an arc shape. In the present disclosure, the arc shape is used as a concept including a so-called substantially arc shape. The same applies to the semi-circular shape, which is used as a concept including a so-called substantially semi-circular shape.

[0025] The bent position is the position where the measurement unit 40 is bent inward with respect to the mounting unit 30 (see FIG. 2). In the bent position, for example, the proximal end portion of the measurement unit 40 abuts against the outer inner wall of the mounting unit 30 and is locked so as not to bend further inward. The rotation range between the deployed position and the bent position is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 40 degrees. With a rotation range of about 40 degrees, it is possible to accommodate users P with a wide body type. However, the movable range (rotation range) is not limited to about 40 degrees.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the hinge portion 60 includes a rotation shaft portion 61 that constitutes a rotation axis, which is the central axis of the above-described rotation operation, and a biasing means 62 that biases the measurement unit 40 toward the bent position.

[0027] The configuration of the rotation shaft portion 61 is not particularly limited. For example, as described above, bearings are provided on the proximal end sides of both side walls of the inner case 42, and the rotation shaft portion 61 is rotatably supported by the bearings.

[0028] The configuration of the biasing means 62 is not particularly limited, but here, an example using a torsion coil spring is shown. One end of the biasing means 62 is fixed to the housing case 41, and the other end is fixed to the mounting unit 30.

[0029] -Contact portion- The wake-up device 1 includes a contact portion 70 provided so as to protrude from the inner surface 42c of the inner case 42 toward the inside (the neck Pn side of the user P). A sound guide port 70a for introducing the breathing sound of the user P is formed at the tip of the contact portion 70, and a ring-shaped contact surface 70b is formed so as to surround the sound guide port 70a. The contact surface 70b contacts the neck Pn when the wake-up device 1 is worn. In this way, by providing the contact surface 70b on the contact portion 70, the contact area with the neck Pn can be widened, preventing the breathing sound from leaking out and enhancing the sound collection effect. The breathing sound introduced from the sound guide port 70a is configured to be guided to the microphone 74 through the funnel-shaped sound guide space RS.

[0030] A compression coil spring 78 is provided between the contact portion 70 and the outer case 43. When the wake-up device 1 is worn on the neck Pn and the contact portion 70 is pressed against the neck Pn, the contact portion 70 is pushed into the accommodation space Q of the accommodation case 41, and the protruding amount of the contact portion 70 from the inner end surface of the mounting portion 30 changes. Further, due to the action of the compression coil spring 78, the contact surface 70b adheres closely to the skin of the neck Pn. As a result, the adhesion to the skin of the user's neck Pn is enhanced, the wearing feeling of the user P is improved, and marks of indentation on the skin of the user P are less likely to remain.

[0031] - Second substrate - The second substrate 50 is arranged in the accommodation space Q so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the measurement unit 40 (the circumferential direction of the mounting portion 30). The second substrate 50 is fixed to the accommodation case 41.

[0032] On the second substrate 50, a communication module 52, an acceleration sensor 53, a storage unit 54, a control unit 55, a vibrator 56, an operation button 57, a monitor lamp 58, and a photo sensor 59, connectors for communication with external devices and charging the battery, etc. are mounted.

[0033] - Communication module - The communication module 52 is an interface module that communicates with an external device (for example, the terminal device M). The configuration of the communication module 52 is not particularly limited, and it has a circuit for performing communication in accordance with the standard of the interface to be used. The communication module 52 transmits data output from the control unit 55 (for example, the breathing sound measurement data recorded in the storage unit 54) to an external device (for example, the terminal device M). Also, the data received via the communication module 52 (for example, the set time of the alarm) is transmitted to the control unit 55 and stored in the storage unit 54.

[0034] -Acceleration sensor- The acceleration sensor 53 is used to detect the posture / body movement of the user. The acceleration sensor 53 outputs a detection signal used, for example, to detect a change in the posture of the user during sleep or to determine whether the user is in a lying state (hereinafter referred to as the "lying state") or a sitting-up state (hereinafter referred to as the "sitting-up state"). The detection signal output from the acceleration sensor 53 is transmitted to the control unit 55.

[0035] -Photo sensor- The photo sensor 59 (corresponding to the wearing information acquisition means) acquires wearing information (hereinafter simply referred to as "wearing information") as to whether or not the wake-up device 1 is worn on the neck Pn of the user P based on the biological information acquired from the user P. The configuration of the photo sensor 59 is not particularly limited. For example, measurement light is irradiated onto the neck Pn through the second opening 42b, and the reflected light received through the second opening 42b is detected and transmitted as a detection signal to the control unit 55. Although details will be described later, the control unit 55 determines whether or not the wake-up device 1 is worn on the neck Pn of the user P based on the detection signal received from the photo sensor 59.

[0036] Note that the wearing information acquisition means is not limited to the photo sensor 59, and means other than the photo sensor 59 may be used to acquire the wearing information.

[0037] -Operation button- The operation button 57 is provided, for example, on the side (upper surface) of the storage case 41. The operation content acquired by the operation button 57 is transmitted to the control unit 55. In the control unit 55, control according to the operation content of the operation button 57 is executed.

[0038] The function of the operation button 57 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be configured such that the power of the wake-up device 1 can be turned on / off by a long press.

[0039] Also, the operation button 57 may have a function as an off button for the vibrator. Specifically, when the vibrator 56 is operating in the continuous vibration mode, it may be configured such that when the operation button 57 is pressed, the vibration of the vibrator 56 stops.

[0040] -Monitor Lamp- The power on / off state, communication state, charging state, etc. of the wake-up device 1 are displayed on the monitor lamp 58. The monitor lamp 58 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting diode. The user P can confirm the power on / off state, communication state, charging state, etc. of the wake-up device 1 by looking at the light-emitting state of the monitor lamp 58.

[0041] -Vibrator- The vibrator 56 is provided, for example, in the accommodation space Q of the storage case 41. The vibrator 56 may be provided at a position where vibration is transmitted to the neck Pn during the vibration operation, and its specific arrangement is not particularly limited. In the example of FIG. 3, an example where the vibrator is arranged near the hinge portion 60 is shown. By providing the vibrator at the position of FIG. 3, the transmissibility of the stimulus to the user P can be enhanced.

[0042] The vibrator 56 vibrates under the control of the control unit 55.

[0043] The vibrator 56 vibrates in an intermittent vibration mode in which the presence or absence of vibration is repeated at predetermined intervals when the user P is snoring at a volume equal to or greater than a predetermined volume (hereinafter referred to as the "snoring state") or when the user P is in a state of "low breathing less than a predetermined respiration volume or substantially apnea" (hereinafter simply referred to as the "apnea state").

[0044] In addition, the vibrator 56 vibrates in a continuous vibration mode when it is confirmed that the vibrator 56 is attached to the user P of the wake-up device 1 and when a predetermined alarm setting time has arrived.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the presence or absence of vibration of the vibrator 56 in each vibration mode (intermittent vibration mode or continuous vibration mode). The upper part of FIG. 8 shows the transition of the presence or absence of vibration in the intermittent vibration mode, and the lower part of FIG. 8 shows the transition of the presence or absence of vibration in the continuous vibration. In FIG. 8, the vibrator vibrates when the signal is High, and the vibration of the vibrator stops when the signal is Low.

[0046] As a result of intensive studies, the inventors have found that, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 8, by operating in an operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the "intermittent vibration mode") in which a vibration mode (vibration time: Tb1) for vibrating the vibrator 56 and a stop mode (stop time: Ti) for stopping the vibrator 56 are repeated within a predetermined period Ts, the breathing state of the user P such as snoring and apnea of the user P tends to be improved without completely waking up the user P.

[0047] On the other hand, it has been found that the user can be awakened by operating in a continuous vibration mode in which the vibrator 56 is continuously vibrated over a predetermined vibration period Ts (vibration time: Tb2). Furthermore, the inventors have found that in the intermittent vibration mode and the continuous vibration mode, even if the vibration intensity (magnitude of vibration) of the vibrator 56 is not changed, a sufficient awakening effect can be obtained by changing to the continuous vibration mode without completely waking up the user in the intermittent vibration mode.

[0048] Here, the predetermined period Ts is not particularly limited and can be arbitrarily set. The predetermined period Ts is set, for example, to about 500 ms to 1 s. That is, the continuous vibration time Tb2 in the continuous vibration mode is not particularly limited and can be arbitrarily set. The vibration time Tb2 is set, for example, to about 500 ms to 1 s. The continuous vibration time Tb2 in the continuous vibration mode is a time that is sufficiently longer than the vibration time Tb1 in the intermittent vibration mode.

[0049] The vibration time Tb1 and the stop time Ti in the intermittent vibration mode are also not particularly limited and can be arbitrarily set. The vibration time Tb1 is set, for example, to about 100 ms to 200 ms, and the stop time Ti is set, for example, to about 50 ms to 100 ms.

[0050] Note that the wake-up device 1 may be configured to be able to change and set the intensity of the intermittent vibration mode. The method for changing the intensity of the intermittent vibration mode is not particularly limited. For example, as a method for changing the intensity of the intermittent vibration mode, (1) the number of repetitions of the intermittent vibration may be changed without changing the magnitude of the vibration of the vibrator 56, or (2) the magnitude of the vibration of the vibrator 56 may be changed.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows a configuration example in which the intensity of the intermittent vibration mode can be set in three levels of "weak", "medium", and "strong" according to the number of repetitions of the intermittent vibration without changing the magnitude of the vibration of the vibrator 56. In the example of FIG. 8, the number of repetitions of the intermittent vibration in the "medium" setting is twice that in the "weak" setting, and the number of repetitions of the intermittent vibration in the "strong" setting is three times that in the "weak" setting.

[0052] Also, in FIG. 8, an example is shown in which the number of repetitions of the vibration mode and the stop mode in the "weak" setting of the intermittent vibration mode is set to 3 times, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the above number of repetitions may be 3 times or more.

[0053] Note that in FIG. 8, an example is shown where in the intermittent vibration mode, the vibration time Tb1 is longer than the stop time Ti, but it is not limited to this, and the vibration time Tb1 may be set shorter than the stop time Ti. Also, according to the intensity setting ("weak", "medium", "strong") of the intermittent vibration mode, the lengths of the vibration time Tb1 and the stop time Ti and the ratio of the lengths may be changed.

[0054] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in the continuous vibration mode, when the user does not get up or stop operating the operation button 57 during the continuous vibration operation for a predetermined period Ts, after a predetermined standby time Tw2, the continuous vibration operation for a predetermined period Ts (that is, the operation in the continuous vibration mode) may be performed again.

[0055] - Control unit - The control unit operates by receiving power supply from the battery 51. The control unit 55 has a function of controlling the operation of the entire wake-up device 1, and is realized, for example, by a microprocessor such as a CPU executing a program stored in the storage unit 54. Here, among the functions realized by the control unit 55, the functions related to the invention of the present disclosure will be mainly described.

[0056] The control unit 55 has a function of vibrating the vibrator 56 in a predetermined vibration mode.

[0057] Specifically, for example, the control unit 55 determines whether the wake-up device 1 is worn by the user based on the detection signal from the photosensor 59. Then, when it is confirmed that the wake-up device 1 is worn on the neck Pn of the user P and a predetermined set time has arrived, it operates in the continuous vibration mode in which the vibrator 56 vibrates continuously for a predetermined period Ts.

[0058] For example, when the vibrator 56 is operating in the continuous vibration mode, if the control unit 55 determines that the wake-up device 1 has been detached from the user based on the detection signal received from the photosensor 59, the control unit 55 stops the vibration of the vibrator. For example, when the vibrator 56 is operating in the continuous vibration mode, if the control unit 55 determines that the user has woken up based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 53, the control unit 55 stops the vibration of the vibrator.

[0059] For example, based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 53, if the control unit 55 determines that the user has woken up and stops the vibration of the vibrator, and then determines that the user has lain down within a predetermined time, the control unit 55 executes a snooze operation to operate the vibrator in the continuous vibration mode after the predetermined time.

[0060] For example, the control unit 55 counts the time from the start of the vibration operation of the vibrator in the continuous vibration mode until the vibration of the vibrator is stopped, and records it in the storage unit 54 as the time until the user wakes up.

[0061] For example, when the control unit 55 determines that a snoring state or an apnea state has been detected based on the respiration sound signal received from the microphone 74, the control unit 55 operates the vibrator 56 in an intermittent vibration mode in which the presence or absence of vibration of the vibrator 56 is repeated every predetermined time within a predetermined period Ts. As the repetition every predetermined time, for example, the vibration time Tb1 when the vibrator 56 is vibrating and the stop time Ti when the vibrator 56 is not vibrating are repeated.

[0062] <Operation of Wake-up Device> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, an operation example of the wake-up device 1 will be described. As described above, the control of the wake-up device 1 is executed centering on the control unit 55. Note that a part of the operation control of the wake-up device 1 described above or below may be executed from a terminal device M or a cloud server (not shown) different from the wake-up device 1. That is, a part of the functions of the control unit 55 may be realized by the terminal device M or the cloud server or the like.

[0063] In the following description, it is assumed that the process starts from time t10 in FIG. 7, and the alarm setting time is time t15. Also, the intensity of the intermittent vibration mode can be set in three levels of "weak", "medium", and "strong" shown in FIG. 8, and it is assumed that it is set to "weak".

[0064] In S1, the control unit 55 determines whether the wake-up device 1 is worn by the user based on the detection signal from the photosensor 59.

[0065] - Operation from time t10 to time t11 - At time t10, if it is determined that the wake-up device 1 is worn by the user P (Yes in S1), the control unit 55 determines whether the user P is in a "snoring state" or a "breathless state" based on the respiration sound measurement signal acquired from the microphone 74 (S2, S3).

[0066] Until time t11, since the user P is not in a "snoring state" or a "breathless state" (No in S3) and it is not the alarm setting time (No in S6), in S8, the respiration sound data corresponding to that time is stored in the storage unit 54, and the flow returns to S1.

[0067] - Operation from time t11 to time t12 - At time t11, the control unit 55 determines that the user P is in a "snoring state". Then, the flow proceeds to S4, and the control unit 55 sets the vibration mode.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation for setting the vibration mode.

[0069] In S41, the control unit 55 determines whether the device is in the continuous vibration mode (described as "during alarm vibration" in FIG. 6). Since it is not in the continuous vibration mode, the determination in S41 is No, and the flow proceeds to the setting of the vibration mode in S42. In S42, for example, the control unit 55 refers to the setting information of the intermittent vibration mode stored in the storage unit 54 and sets the vibration mode to "weak".

[0070] Returning to FIG. 5, the control unit 55 operates the vibrator in the "weak" intermittent vibration mode. Specifically, the operation (predetermined period Ts) of the "weak" intermittent vibration mode in the upper part of FIG. 8 is executed once, and the flow proceeds to the next S6.

[0071] After that, since the alarm setting time t15 has not arrived, the determination in S6 is No. After passing through the data storage in step S8, the flow returns to S1. If the wearing continues in S1 (Yes in S1) and the snoring state or apnea state continues (Yes in S3), the flow proceeds to S4. At this time, since it is not operating in the continuous vibration mode, the determination in S41 is No, and the flow proceeds to the setting of the vibration mode in S42. Here, the vibration mode is not changed, that is, the vibration mode remains set to "weak", and the flow proceeds to the next S5. Then, in S5, the "weak" intermittent vibration mode is executed.

[0072] - Operation from time t12 to time t13 - From the time t12 when the snoring state is resolved to the time t13 when the normal breathing state continues, it operates in the same manner as from time t10 to time t11.

[0073] - Operation from time t13 to time t14 - At time t13, the control unit 55 determines that the user P is in an "apneic state". Then, the flow proceeds to S4, and the control unit 55 sets the vibration mode. Similar to time t11, the control unit 55 sets "weak" as the vibration mode. After that, the control unit 55 operates the vibrator in the "weak" intermittent vibration mode (S5). Specifically, the operation of the "weak" intermittent vibration mode in the upper part of FIG. 8 (predetermined period Ts) is executed once, and the flow proceeds to the next S6. After that, since it is not the alarm setting time, a No determination is made in S6, and after data storage in step S8, the flow returns to S1. If the wearing continues in S1 (Yes in S1), and the snoring state or the apneic state continues (Yes in S3), the flow proceeds to S4. At this time, since it is not operating in the continuous vibration mode, a No determination is made in S41, and the flow proceeds to the setting of the vibration mode in S42. Here, the vibration mode is not changed, that is, with the "weak" setting as the vibration mode, the flow proceeds to the next S5. And in S5, the "weak" intermittent vibration mode is executed.

[0074] -Operation from time t14 to time t15- During the period from the time when the apneic state is resolved to the alarm setting time (from time t14 to time t15), it operates in the same manner as during the period from time t12 to time t13.

[0075] -Operation after time t15- When it reaches t15 which is the alarm time, a Yes determination is made in S6, and the flow proceeds to the setting of the vibration mode in S4. At this point, since it has not yet operated in the continuous vibration mode, a No determination is made in S41, and the flow proceeds to the setting of the vibration mode in S42. In S42, the control unit 55 sets the continuous vibration mode as the vibration mode.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 5, the control unit 55 operates the vibrator 56 in the continuous vibration mode. Specifically, the operation of the continuous vibration mode in the lower part of FIG. 8 (predetermined period Ts) is executed, and the flow proceeds to the next S8. Thereafter, if a predetermined stop condition is not satisfied, a Yes determination is made in S6, and after a predetermined waiting time Tw2 has elapsed, the operation in the continuous vibration mode is executed. The "stop condition" of the continuous vibration mode is not particularly limited, and examples include (1) elapse of a predetermined alarm time, (2) determination that the wake-up device 1 has been detached from the user, (3) determination that the user has woken up, (4) long pressing of an operation button, and the like.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 7, at time t18, since it is determined that the wake-up device 1 has been detached from the user, a No determination is made in S1, and the control unit 55 stores the data up to that point in the storage unit 54 and ends the process.

[0078] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the wake-up device 1 is attached to the neck Pn of the user P, when a predetermined time arrives, the vibrator operates in the continuous vibration mode to apply vibration to the neck Pn of the user P, and a wake-up function can be provided to the user P. The vibration to the neck Pn stimulates the sense of hearing, so that the wake-up function can be exhibited even with relatively little vibration. In this way, since it is attached to the neck Pn of the user P and provides a wake-up function by vibration, it is difficult to cause trouble to others in the vicinity of the user. Further, by making it a neckband type, it is possible to prevent the situation where, as in the case of being attached to a pillow as in the cited document 2, the wake-up effect cannot be obtained by moving to a position outside the wake-up device due to turning over.

[0079] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, if the user P is determined to be in a "snoring state" or an "apnea state" before the alarm time, it is configured to be able to operate in an intermittent vibration mode in which the presence or absence of vibration is repeated every predetermined time for a predetermined period. The operation in the intermittent vibration mode can improve the "snoring state" or the "apnea state" without completely waking up the user P. Thereby, it is possible to provide a sound sleep state without disturbing the sleep of the user P and other persons sleeping near the user.

[0080] Here, as shown from time t16 to time t17, the operation when it is determined to be in a "snoring state" or an "apnea state" during the operation in the continuous vibration mode will be described. In this case, although a Yes determination is made in step S3, since a Yes determination is made in step S41 of FIG. 6, the setting of the vibration mode in S42, that is, the change of the vibration mode, is not executed. As a result, the operation in the continuous vibration mode continues.

[0081] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and is also applicable to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to form a new embodiment.

Industrial Applicability

[0082] The present invention is useful because it can mainly provide an awakening function at a time when a user wants to wake up at a set time at home or the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 1 Wake-up device 55 Control unit 56 Vibrator 59 Photo sensor (wear information acquisition means) 74 Microphone (acquisition means) Ts Predetermined period

Claims

1. A neckband-type wake-up device, comprising: a wearing information acquisition means for acquiring information on whether the wake-up device is worn on the user's neck; a vibrator provided at a position where vibration is transmitted to the user's neck during a vibration operation; wherein the vibrator operates in a continuous vibration mode in which vibration is continuously generated for a predetermined period when the wearing information acquisition means confirms that the wake-up device is worn on the user and a predetermined set time is reached; The wake-up device is characterized by the above.

2. In the wake-up device according to Claim 1, when the wearing information acquisition means confirms detachment of the wake-up device from the user while the vibrator is operating in the continuous vibration mode, the vibration of the vibrator stops; The wake-up device is characterized by the above.

3. A neckband-type wake-up device, comprising: a breathing sound measurement means for acquiring the breathing sound of the user; a vibrator provided at a position where vibration is transmitted to the user's neck during vibration; wherein the vibrator operates in an intermittent vibration mode in which the presence or absence of vibration is repeated every predetermined time for a predetermined period when the breathing sound measurement means detects a snoring state or a breathless state, and operates in a continuous vibration mode in which the vibrator is continuously vibrated for the predetermined period when a predetermined set time is reached; The wake-up device is characterized by the above.

4. In the wake-up device according to Claim 3, it further comprises a wearing information acquisition means for acquiring information on whether the wake-up device is worn on the user's neck, and when the wearing information acquisition means detects detachment of the wake-up device from the user during operation in the continuous vibration mode, the vibration of the vibrator stops; The wake-up device is characterized by the above.

5. In the wake-up device according to Claim 1 or 3, it includes a body movement detection means for detecting the body movement of the user, and when the body movement detection means detects that the user is in a sitting-up state while the vibrator is operating in the continuous vibration mode, the vibration of the vibrator stops; The wake-up device is characterized by the above.

6. In the wake-up device according to Claim 5, When the body movement detection means detects that the user has woken up and the vibration of the vibrator stops, and then within a predetermined time, the body movement detection means detects the user's lying-down state, a snooze operation is executed to operate the vibrator in the continuous vibration mode after a predetermined time has elapsed. An alarm device characterized by the above. **Claim 7** In the alarm device according to claim 3, In the continuous vibration mode, the vibrator vibrates stronger than in the intermittent vibration mode. An alarm device characterized by the above. **Claim 8** In the alarm device according to claim 2 or 4, The time from the start of the vibration operation of the vibrator in the continuous vibration mode until the vibration of the vibrator stops is recorded as the time until the user wakes up. An alarm device characterized by the above.

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