Sleep control system

Abstract

To improve sleep quality of an object person.SOLUTION: A sleep control system includes: a sleep control part for performing sleep control for operating an environment facility 20A capable of adjusting an environment in a building 1 so that the inside of the building 1 becomes an environment suitable for sleep of an object person; a wake-up time estimation part for estimating the wake-up time of the object person; a first time setting part for setting the time after the elapse of a first period, which is an estimated period from the wake-up time to a sleep preparation state in which the body of the object person after the wake-up becomes suitable for sleeping, as the first time; and a control start timing determination part for performing control to start the sleep control at the first time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a sleep control system that can control the inside of a building to create an environment suitable for sleep for a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for controlling facilities within a building to provide a comfortable environment for a sleeping subject have been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a sleep environment temperature control device that determines the depth of sleep of a user (subject) and controls the sleep environment temperature, such as the temperature in the bed and the room temperature in the bedroom, based on the sleep depth determination result. The invention described in Patent Document 1 can comfortably control the temperature in the bedroom while the subject is sleeping.

[0004] If the indoor environment is not suitable for sleep just before bedtime, when the subject's body starts to prepare for sleep (for example, when melatonin is secreted), it is expected that the subject will have difficulty falling asleep and the quality of their sleep will deteriorate. Therefore, further improvements are desired from the perspective of improving the quality of the subject's sleep. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2019-24628 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sleep control system that can improve the quality of sleep of a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, the device comprises a sleep control unit capable of executing sleep control by operating environmental equipment that can adjust the environment within the building so that the building becomes an environment suitable for the subject's sleep, a wake-up time estimation unit that estimates the wake-up time of the subject, a first time setting unit that sets the first time as the time after the lapse of a first period, which is an estimated period from the wake-up time until the subject's body becomes in a sleep-prepared state suitable for sleep after waking up, and a control start timing determination unit that is capable of executing control to start the sleep control at the first time.

[0009] In claim 2, an environmental operation information acquisition unit is provided that acquires operation information of the environmental equipment, and the wake-up time estimation unit estimates the wake-up time of the subject based on the operation information of the environmental equipment acquired by the environmental operation information acquisition unit.

[0010] In claim 3, the sleep control unit operates, during the sleep control, at least the environmental equipment of a second room in the building that is different from a first room in which the subject sleeps.

[0011] In claim 4, the device includes an awakening behavior detection unit capable of estimating awakening behavior that will encourage the subject to awaken, and the control start timing determination unit starts the sleep control at the first time if the awakening behavior detection unit does not detect the awakening behavior at the first time, and delays the start timing of the sleep control to later than the first time if the awakening behavior detection unit detects the awakening behavior at the first time.

[0012] In claim 5, the control start timing determination section delays the timing of starting the sleep control while the awakening behavior detection section is detecting the awakening behavior.

[0013] In claim 6, the device includes an awakening action information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of awakening equipment used for the awakening action of the subject, and the awakening action detection unit estimates the awakening action of the subject based on the operation information of the awakening equipment acquired by the awakening action information acquisition unit.

[0014] In claim 7, the device includes a next-day wake-up time setting unit that can set the next-day wake-up time, which is the wake-up time of the subject the next day, and a second time setting unit that sets the second time to a time that is a second period prior to the next-day wake-up time, which includes a period equivalent to the subject's sleeping time, and the control start timing determination unit starts the sleep control at the second time, regardless of the detection result of the wake-up behavior by the wake-up behavior detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention has the following effects.

[0016] In the present invention, the quality of sleep of a subject can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a sleep control system according to an embodiment of the present invention and a building to which the sleep control system is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a sleep control system. [Figure 3] 4 is a time chart showing an example of start timing determination control. [Figure 4] 4 is a time chart showing an example of forced start control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The configuration of a sleep control system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0019] The sleep control system 10 can execute "sleep control" that controls the operation of equipment 20 (environmental equipment 20A, described below) in the building 1 so that the building 1 becomes an environment suitable for the subject's sleep. Here, "an environment suitable for sleep" refers to an environment that is suitable for at least encouraging the subject to fall asleep (helping the subject fall asleep easily). In this embodiment, in addition to an environment suitable for encouraging the subject to fall asleep, "an environment suitable for sleep" also includes an environment that is comfortable for the subject while sleeping. "Sleep control" is initiated before the subject actually falls asleep (before falling asleep). A detailed explanation of "sleep control" will be given later.

[0020] First, an example of a building 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the building 1 is assumed to be a house where a subject resides. The building 1 has a plurality of rooms. In FIG. 1, a living room 2 and a bedroom 3 are illustrated as examples of rooms in the building 1.

[0021] Next, a description will be given of the sleep control system 10. The sleep control system 10 mainly comprises equipment 20, a detection unit 30, a sleep sensor 40, and a control device 50.

[0022] 1 and 2 are various devices installed in each room (living room 2 and bedroom 3) of building 1. The devices 20 operate on electricity. The devices 20 include lighting devices 21, air conditioners 22, humidifiers 23, televisions 24, and terminals 25.

[0023] The lighting device 21 is capable of irradiating a room with light. The lighting device 21 has a light source such as an LED. The lighting device 21 is configured to be able to adjust the amount of light. The lighting device 21 is also configured to be able to switch the light color (color temperature). More specifically, the lighting device 21 can switch between a plurality of light emission modes (for example, warm white, warm white, and daylight white) with different color temperatures. The light amount and light color of the lighting device 21 can be switched by operating an operating means such as a remote control.

[0024] The air conditioner 22 is capable of performing air conditioning (cooling or heating) in the room. The air conditioner 22 is capable of performing control to perform air conditioning so that the temperature in the room becomes a predetermined temperature.

[0025] The humidifier 23 is capable of humidifying the interior of a room. The humidifier 23 is capable of controlling the humidification so that the interior of the room reaches a predetermined humidity.

[0026] The television (television receiver) 24 is capable of displaying the received electrical signals as images on a display (for example, a liquid crystal display).

[0027] The terminal 25 is capable of displaying the acquired information on a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). The terminal 25 is capable of displaying the information acquired using internet communication on a display. A smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like can be used as the terminal 25. The terminal 25 can be carried by the subject.

[0028] Of the above-mentioned equipment 20, the lighting equipment 21, the air conditioning equipment 22, and the humidifier 23 can be operated to adjust the environment (illuminance, temperature, and humidity) within the building 1. Hereinafter, the lighting equipment 21, the air conditioning equipment 22, and the humidifier 23, which are equipment 20 used to adjust the environment as described above, may be referred to as "environmental equipment 20A." Furthermore, when the television 24 and the terminal 25, which are among the above-mentioned equipment 20, are used, it is assumed that the blue light contained in the light from the display will stimulate the awakening of the subject. Hereinafter, the television 24 and the terminal 25, which are equipment 20 used for actions to stimulate the awakening of the subject as described above, may be referred to as "awakening equipment 20B."

[0029] 1 also shows an example in which lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, humidifier 23, television 24, and terminal 25 are installed in living room 2 as examples of equipment 20. The above-mentioned equipment 20 can also be installed in bedroom 3. The illustrated example shows an example in which lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, and humidifier 23 are installed in bedroom 3. The equipment 20 installed in each room is not limited to those described above, and various types of equipment can be used.

[0030] 2 is capable of detecting the operation of each device in the facility 20. The detection unit 30 includes an illuminance detection unit 31, a home appliance operation detection unit 32, and a communication detection unit 33.

[0031] The illuminance detection unit 31 is capable of detecting the illuminance of each room in the building 1. The illuminance detection unit 31 is installed in the living room 2 and the bedroom 3 (see FIG. 1). An appropriate illuminance sensor can be used as the illuminance detection unit 31. By detecting the illuminance of the room with the illuminance detection unit 31, it becomes possible to detect the operation of the lighting device 21.

[0032] The home appliance operation detection unit 32 is capable of detecting the operation of devices (home appliances) that operate using power supplied to the building 1. As the home appliance operation detection unit 32, for example, an appropriate system (such as a Home Energy Management System (HEMS)) that can grasp (manage) operation information of the facility 20 can be adopted. By detecting the operation information of the home appliances using the home appliance operation detection unit 32, it becomes possible to detect the operation of the television 24, for example.

[0033] The communication detection unit 33 is capable of detecting information on communication via internet communication. Various devices capable of detecting communication information can be adopted as the communication detection unit 33. By detecting the communication information with the communication detection unit 33, it becomes possible to detect the operation of the terminal 25.

[0034] The sleep sensor 40 is capable of detecting the sleep state of the subject (for example, the depth of sleep, falling asleep, and waking up). The sleep sensor 40 detects the sleep state by detecting the subject's body movements while sleeping. The sleep sensor 40 is provided, for example, on bedding placed in the bedroom 3.

[0035] The control device 50 acquires information (operation information) on the operating status of each device (lighting device 21, air conditioner 22, humidifier 23, television 24, and terminal 25) of the facility 20 detected by the detection unit 30, as well as the detection results of the sleep sensor 40, and performs various processes based on the acquired information. The control device 50 can be a server (for example, a cloud server or a home server), a general personal computer, or the like.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control device 50 acquires operation information of the lighting device 21 based on the detection result of the illuminance detection unit 31. The control device 50 also acquires operation information of the television 24 based on the detection result of the home appliance operation detection unit 32. The control device 50 also acquires operation information of the terminal 25 based on the detection result of the communication detection unit 33. The control device 50 can also acquire information about the subject's sleep (such as the depth of sleep and the duration of sleep) based on the detection result of the sleep sensor 40.

[0037] The manner of acquiring the operation information of each device is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, it is also possible to acquire the operation information of lighting device 21 using the detection result of home appliance operation detection unit 32. Furthermore, if each device (such as television 24) in facility 20 is an IoT home appliance, it is also possible to acquire the operation information of each device using the detection result of communication detection unit 33.

[0038] The control device 50 can also execute "sleep control" to control the operation of the environmental equipment 20A in the building 1 so that each room has an environment (illuminance, temperature, and humidity) suitable for the sleep of the subject. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the environmental equipment 20A (lighting devices 21, air conditioners 22, and humidifiers 23) in the living room 2 and bedroom 3 in the sleep control so that they operate in a manner suitable for sleep (at least a manner suitable for promoting sleep in the subject). In this embodiment, the sleep control controls the environmental equipment 20A so that each room operates in a manner that provides a comfortable environment for the sleeping subject, in addition to a manner suitable for promoting sleep in the room. In this case, the control device 50 can control the operation of the environmental equipment 20A according to the depth of the sleep of the subject obtained using the sleep sensor 40. The operation of each device of the environmental equipment 20A will be described in detail below.

[0039] In the sleep control, the control device 50 can operate the lighting device 21 with an intensity and color of light suitable for sleep. In addition, in the sleep control, the control device 50 can operate the air conditioner 22 with a set temperature and air volume suitable for sleep. In the sleep control, the control device 50 can operate the humidifier 23 so that the humidity in the room is suitable for sleep.

[0040] By executing the sleep control, the room in building 1 can be made into an environment suitable for sleep. Here, it takes some time from when the sleep control is started until the room actually becomes an environment suitable for sleep. For this reason, for example, if the sleep control is started when the subject is about to go to bed, comfort is not guaranteed during the time it takes for the subject to fall asleep (sleep latency), and depending on the environment during the sleep latency, the subject may have difficulty falling asleep and the quality of their sleep may be reduced.

[0041] The sleep control system 10 (control device 50) according to this embodiment estimates the timing at which the subject's body begins to prepare for sleep based on operation information of the equipment 20 in the building 1, and can execute "start timing determination control" that determines the timing at which to start sleep control based on the estimation result. The process executed in the start timing determination control will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0042] The time chart shown in Figure 3 shows the relationship between the timing of sleep control in one day (24 hours), the illuminance in the room, the operating time of the television 24 and terminal 25, and the subject's sleeping time measured using the sleep sensor 40.

[0043] In the start timing determination control, the control device 50 first estimates the wake-up time of the subject. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the wake-up time of the subject is approximately 7:00 a.m. In this embodiment, the control device 50 estimates the wake-up time of the subject based on operation information of the lighting device 21 (for example, the lighting device 21 in the bedroom 3). Specifically, when the detection result of the illuminance sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold (the value indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3), the control device 50 detects that the lighting device is operating at a relatively bright illuminance and estimates that the subject has woken up (awakened), and acquires the time determined based on the estimation result as the wake-up time. In this case, the control device 50 may acquire the time when the operation of the lighting device 21 is detected as the wake-up time, or may acquire a time a predetermined time before or after the time when the operation of the lighting device 21 is detected as the wake-up time.

[0044] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the sleep control started the previous day is still running before the subject wakes up. The control device 50 cancels (stops) the sleep control started the previous day when it detects that the illuminance sensor detection result exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0045] Next, the control device 50 sets the first time as a time a predetermined first period has elapsed since the subject's wake-up time. Here, the first period is an estimated period from when the subject wakes up until the subject's body reaches a state suitable for sleep (sleep preparation state). Generally, when a person is exposed to light after waking up, their biological clock is reset and they enter an active state. After 14 to 16 hours have passed since waking up, melatonin, a sleep hormone, is secreted, and the body enters a sleep preparation state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first period is set to 14 hours, which is the estimated period when melatonin secretion begins. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first time is set to 9:00 p.m. Note that the first period is not limited to 14 hours, and various periods can be used that are set based on the timing of melatonin secretion.

[0046] At this time, control device 50 sets the first time (14 hours after the wake-up time) as a tentative timing (tentative start timing) for starting sleep control. Here, the tentative start timing is a timing for checking whether or not to start sleep control, and is the timing for starting sleep control if certain conditions are met (if television 24 or terminal 25 is not operating, as will be described later).

[0047] Here, if the subject is engaging in an action (awakening action) that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system or suppresses melatonin secretion by using the awakening equipment 20B (television 24 and terminal 25) at the first time, the subject may not be in a sleep-prepared state. Specifically, if the subject is watching television 24 or using terminal 25 in living room 2 at the first time, it is predicted that the onset of melatonin secretion will be delayed due to the influence of blue light contained in the light from the displays of television 24 and terminal 25, and thus the timing at which the subject enters a sleep-prepared state will be delayed.

[0048] Therefore, the control device 50 estimates that there will be a delay in the timing at which the subject enters a sleep preparation state based on the operation information of the wake-up facility 20B (television 24 and terminal 25), and executes processing to delay the timing at which sleep control starts.

[0049] Specifically, when the first time arrives, the control device 50 checks the operation information of the television 24 and the terminal 25 based on the detection results of the home appliance operation detection unit 32 and the communication detection unit 33. If the operation information of the television 24 or the like is acquired at the first time, it is estimated that the subject is using the television 24 or the like, and that the timing of entering the sleep preparation state will be delayed.

[0050] If the operation information of television 24 or terminal 25 has not been acquired at the first time, control device 50 starts sleep control at the tentative start timing (at the first time). On the other hand, if the operation information of television 24 or terminal 25 has been acquired at the first time, control device 50 suspends the start of sleep control.

[0051] When the start of sleep control is put on hold, the control device 50 monitors the operation information of the television 24 or the terminal 25 based on the detection results of the home appliance operation detection unit 32 and the communication detection unit 33. When the operation information of the television 24 or the terminal 25 is no longer acquired, it is estimated that the subject has finished using the television 24, etc. The control device 50 starts sleep control at the timing when the operation information of the television 24 or the terminal 25 is no longer acquired.

[0052] As described above, in the start timing determination control, if the start of sleep control is put on hold, the timing of starting sleep control can be delayed until acquisition of operation information of television 24 and the like is stopped. In the example shown in Fig. 3, television 24 or terminal 25 is operating until 11:00 PM. In this case, control device 50 starts sleep control at 11:00 PM, when acquisition of operation information of television 24 and the like is stopped. Note that in this embodiment, sleep control continues even if operation information of television 24 or terminal 25 is acquired again after sleep control has started.

[0053] The start timing determination control has been described above. According to the above control, the equipment 20 can be automatically operated to create an environment suitable for sleep in the living room 2 and bedroom 3 at a time when it is estimated that the subject is preparing to sleep. This can help the subject fall asleep more easily and improve the quality of their sleep. Furthermore, the above control can create an environment suitable for sleep not only in the bedroom 3 but also in the living room 2. This can support sleep while ensuring the comfort of the subject who is spending time in the living room 2 before going to the bedroom 3.

[0054] Furthermore, in the start timing determination control, the control device 50 can execute "forced start control" that forcibly starts sleep control regardless of the operation information of the television 24 or the terminal 25. The forced start control will be explained below with reference to Figure 4. Note that the following will explain points that are different from the control explained in Figure 3, and explanations of similar points will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] In the forced start control, the control device 50 acquires the wake-up time of the subject and sets the first time, similar to the example described with reference to FIG. 3. Here, in the start timing determination control, the control device 50 sets the wake-up time of the subject for the following day (next-day wake-up time). Specifically, the control device 50 sets the time (7:00) equivalent to the wake-up time of the subject acquired on the current day as the next-day wake-up time. Note that instead of the mode in which the control device 50 automatically sets the next-day wake-up time based on the previous day's wake-up time, a configuration in which a time input by an appropriate input means is set as the next-day wake-up time can also be employed.

[0056] The control device 50 also sets the second time as a time that is a predetermined second period before the wake-up time the next day. Here, the second period is a period set as the sleep time to be ensured and the time for preparing for sleep. Generally, it is considered preferable for sleep time to be repeated four to five times in a 90-minute cycle. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second period is set to seven hours, which is four 90-minute cycles repeated (six hours) plus one hour for the preparation period. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second time is midnight. Note that the second period is not limited to seven hours, and various periods set as the sleep time to be ensured and the preparation period can be used.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the television 24 or terminal 25 is operating at the first time. Therefore, the control device 50 delays the start time of sleep control. When forced start control is being executed, the control device 50 forcibly starts sleep control at the second time, regardless of the operation information of the television 24 or terminal 25. In other words, when forced start control is being executed, the start timing of sleep control is not delayed after the second time, even if operation information of the television 24 or terminal 25 has been acquired. This makes it possible to encourage the subject to ensure a minimum amount of sleep.

[0058] As described above, the sleep control system 10 according to this embodiment: a sleep control unit (control device 50) that can execute sleep control by operating environmental equipment 20A that can adjust the environment within the building 1 so that the building 1 becomes an environment suitable for the subject's sleep; a wake-up time estimation unit (control device 50) that estimates the wake-up time of the subject; a first time setting unit (control device 50) that sets the first time to a time after a first period has elapsed, which is an estimated period from the wake-up time until the subject's body reaches a sleep preparation state suitable for sleep after waking up; a control start timing determination unit (control device 50) that is capable of executing control to start the sleep control at the first time; It is equipped with the following.

[0059] This configuration can improve the quality of sleep of the subject. That is, the timing when the subject will enter a sleep preparation state can be estimated, and at the above timing, environmental equipment 20A can be automatically operated to create an environment in building 1 suitable for the subject's sleep (at least an environment suitable for encouraging the subject to fall asleep). This can help the subject fall asleep more easily, thereby improving the quality of sleep.

[0060] The sleep control system 10 also includes: The environmental operation information acquisition unit (illuminance detection unit 31) acquires operation information of the environmental equipment 20A. The wake-up time estimation unit (control device 50) The wake-up time of the subject person is estimated based on the operation information of the environmental equipment 20A (lighting equipment 21) acquired by the environmental operation information acquisition unit (illuminance detection unit 31).

[0061] With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the wake-up time of the subject person using the operation information of the environmental equipment 20A (lighting device 21).

[0062] In addition, the sleep control unit At least the environmental equipment in a second room in the building, which is different from the first room in which the subject sleeps, is operated during the sleep control.

[0063] By configuring it in this way, living room 2, which is a room different from bedroom 3, can be made into an environment suitable for sleeping.

[0064] The sleep control system 10 also includes: The device includes an awakening behavior detection unit (control device 50) capable of estimating an awakening behavior that encourages the awakening of the subject, The control start timing determination unit (control device 50) If the awakening behavior detection unit (control device 50) does not detect the awakening behavior at the first time, the sleep control is started at the first time, and if the awakening behavior detection unit (control device 50) detects the awakening behavior at the first time, the timing of starting the sleep control is delayed to later than the first time.

[0065] With this configuration, if a delay in the timing at which the subject will enter a sleep preparation state is estimated, the timing at which sleep control starts can be delayed.

[0066] Further, the control start timing determination unit (control device 50) While the awakening behavior detection unit (control device 50) is detecting the awakening behavior, the timing of starting the sleep control is delayed.

[0067] By configuring in this way, it is possible to start sleep control at the timing when it is estimated that the subject has stopped waking behavior.

[0068] The sleep control system 10 also includes: The device includes an awakening action information acquisition unit (a home appliance action detection unit 32, a communication detection unit 33) that acquires operation information of awakening equipment (a television 24, a terminal 25) used in the awakening action of the subject, The awakening behavior detection unit (control device 50) The awakening behavior of the subject is estimated based on the operation information of the awakening equipment (television 24, terminal 25) acquired by the awakening behavior information acquisition unit (home appliance operation detection unit 32, communication detection unit 33).

[0069] With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the arousal behavior of the subject using the operation information of the arousal equipment (television 24, terminal 25).

[0070] The sleep control system 10 also includes: a next day wake-up time setting unit (control device 50) that can set a next day wake-up time that is the wake-up time of the subject the next day; a second time setting unit (control device 50) that sets a time that is a second period prior to the wake-up time of the next day, the second period including a period corresponding to the sleeping time of the subject, as the second time; Equipped with The control start timing determination unit (control device 50) At the second time, the sleep control is started regardless of the detection result of the awakening behavior by the awakening behavior detection unit (control device 50).

[0071] By configuring in this way, it is possible to encourage the subject to ensure a minimum amount of sleep.

[0072] The control device 50 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the sleep control unit, awakening behavior detection unit, wake-up time estimation unit, first time setting unit, awakening behavior detection unit, control start timing determination unit, and second time setting unit according to the present invention.

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the invention described in the claims. For example, the control according to this embodiment is an example, and the control executed by the sleep control system 10 is not limited to the above example, and any processing may be added or modified. Furthermore, the specific numerical values ​​exemplified in the above description are an example and can be modified as desired.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the sleep control system 10 includes the equipment 20, the detection unit 30, the sleep sensor 40, and the control device 50, but is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration in which some of the above units (e.g., the equipment 20, the sleep sensor 40, etc.) are not included in the sleep control system 10 may also be employed.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lighting equipment 21, the air conditioning equipment 22, and the humidifier 23 are exemplified as the environmental equipment 20A, but the environmental equipment 20A is not limited to the above examples, and various devices that can operate to create an environment suitable for sleep in the rooms of the building 1, such as an electric fan or an air purifier, can be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the environmental equipment 20A is operated by electricity, but the environmental equipment 20A is not limited to the above examples, and it is also possible to use devices that operate by energy other than electricity, such as gas.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the television 24 and the terminal 25 are exemplified as the awakening equipment 20B, but the awakening equipment 20B is not limited to the above examples. For example, the above devices may include personal computers such as laptop computers, game consoles, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the use of a device that emits blue light is exemplified as an example of the subject's awakening behavior, but the awakening behavior is not limited to the above examples and may include various behaviors that stimulate the subject's awakening, such as bathing, exercise, eating and drinking. In this case, the awakening equipment 20B may be a device that can estimate bathing, exercise, eating and drinking, etc.

[0077] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the wake-up time and wake-up behavior of the subject are estimated using the operation information of the environmental equipment 20A and the wake-up equipment 20B, but this is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration in which the wake-up time and wake-up behavior of the subject are estimated using various sensors such as a temperature sensor and a human presence sensor can also be adopted. Furthermore, a configuration in which the wake-up time of the subject, etc. are estimated using the detection result of the sleep sensor 40 can also be adopted.

[0078] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which sleep control is executed in both the living room 2 and the bedroom 3 has been described, but this is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration in which sleep control is executed only in the living room 2 can also be adopted. In this case, the sleep control may not control environmental equipment 20A while the subject is sleeping, but may only control operations in a manner suitable for promoting sleep.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, the building 1 to which the sleep control system is applied is a residence, but the present invention is not limited to this. The building 1 is not limited to a residence, and various buildings such as accommodation facilities, elderly care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. can be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 Sleep Control System 20 Equipment 30 Detector 40 Sleep Sensor 50 Control device

Claims

1. a sleep control unit that can execute sleep control by operating environmental equipment that can adjust the environment inside the building so that the environment inside the building is suitable for sleep of the subject; a wake-up time estimation unit that estimates the wake-up time of the subject; a first time setting unit that sets, as the first time, a time after a first period has elapsed, which is an estimated period from the wake-up time until the subject's body reaches a sleep preparation state suitable for sleep after waking up; a control start timing determination unit that is capable of executing control to start the sleep control at the first time; A sleep control system comprising:

2. an environmental operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of the environmental equipment; The wake-up time estimation unit estimating the wake-up time of the subject based on the operation information of the environmental equipment acquired by the environmental operation information acquisition unit; The sleep control system of claim 1 .

3. The sleep control unit operating the environmental equipment in at least a second room in the building that is different from a first room in which the subject sleeps, under the sleep control; The sleep control system of claim 1 .

4. an awakening behavior detection unit capable of estimating an awakening behavior that encourages awakening of the subject; The control start timing determination unit If the awakening behavior detection unit does not detect the awakening behavior at the first time, the sleep control is started at the first time, and if the awakening behavior detection unit detects the awakening behavior at the first time, the start timing of the sleep control is delayed to later than the first time. The sleep control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control start timing determination unit delaying a timing of starting the sleep control while the awakening behavior detection unit is detecting the awakening behavior; The sleep control system according to claim 4 .

6. a wake-up action information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of wake-up equipment used for the wake-up action of the subject; The awakening behavior detection unit The awakening behavior of the subject is estimated based on the operation information of the awakening equipment acquired by the awakening behavior information acquisition unit. The sleep control system according to claim 4 .

7. a next day wake-up time setting unit that can set a next day wake-up time that is the wake-up time of the subject person on the next day; a second time setting unit that sets a time that is a second period prior to the wake-up time of the next day, the second time including a period corresponding to a sleeping time of the subject; Equipped with The control start timing determination unit At the second time, the sleep control is started regardless of the detection result of the awakening behavior by the awakening behavior detection unit. The sleep control system according to claim 4 .

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