Electronic equipment, notification control method, program, and notification system

Abstract

This invention provides an electronic device, a notification control method, a program, and a notification system that can provide appropriate notifications regarding naps according to the user's schedule. [Solution] The electronic device includes a control unit that calculates a recommended nap time based on the user's wake-up time, which is determined by a predetermined method, determines whether or not an appointment is registered in the user's schedule information for the recommended nap time, and, if it is determined that an appointment is registered for the recommended nap time, causes the notification unit to issue a first advance notification regarding the nap a predetermined time before the recommended nap time.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a notification control method, a program, and a notification system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a notification system that calculates a recommended time for a user to start a nap based on the user's wake-up time on that day and notifies the user of the recommended time (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003] <00000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​[Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, appropriate notifications regarding napping can be provided according to the user's schedule. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electronic clock. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a smartphone. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the screen of a scheduling app. [Figure 5] This diagram explains the timing of notifications regarding naps. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the contents of the first advance notice, the first main notice, the second advance notice, and the second main notice. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the display unit during the execution of the first advance notification. [Figure 8] This figure shows other display units that are executing the first advance notification. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the display unit during the execution of the second advance notification. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the display unit during the execution of the second main notification. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the contents of the notification setting information. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the control procedure for the notification control process. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the control procedure for the notification control process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described based on the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1 (notification system) of this embodiment comprises an electronic clock 10 (electronic device) and a smartphone 20 (information device). The electronic clock 10 is a wristwatch (wearable device) that is worn on the user's wrist. The smartphone 20 is carried and used by the same user as the electronic clock 10.

[0010] The electronic clock 10 can communicate with the smartphone 20 via short-range wireless communication and perform data communication. In this embodiment, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) is used as the short-range wireless communication. However, other types of short-range wireless communication may be used. The electronic clock 10 and the smartphone 20 operate in cooperation by communicating via BLE and sending and receiving data. For example, the electronic clock 10 receives time information from the smartphone 20 at predetermined times during the day (for example, four times every six hours during the day) and corrects its internal time. In addition, by setting the electronic clock 10 (such as setting alarm time and world time) on the collaboration application program installed on the smartphone 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "collaboration app"), these settings can be reflected in the electronic clock 10 via communication. Furthermore, by sharing the user's schedule information 232 (see Figure 3) stored in the smartphone 20 with the electronic clock 10, the electronic clock 10 can provide notifications related to the schedule. Furthermore, the electronic clock 10 can calculate a recommended nap time based on the user's wake-up time, and can provide notifications regarding naps in a manner that takes into account this recommended nap time and whether or not the user has any plans. Details of these nap notifications will be described later.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic clock 10 includes a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit) (control unit, control means), a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), a storage unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 151, an alarm unit 15 having an alarm sound unit 152 and a vibration unit 153, a short-range wireless communication unit 16 (communication unit), a position information acquisition unit 17, and a sensor unit 18 having a motion sensor 181 and a pulse wave sensor 182. Each unit of the electronic clock 10 is connected via a data transmission path such as a bus.

[0012] The CPU 11 reads and executes the program 131 stored in the storage unit 13, and performs various arithmetic processes, thereby functioning as a processor that controls the operation of the electronic clock 10. Note that the electronic clock 10 may have a plurality of processors (for example, a plurality of CPUs), and the plurality of processes executed by the CPU 11 in the present embodiment may be executed by the plurality of processors. In this case, the control unit is constituted by the plurality of processors. In this case, the plurality of processors may be involved in common processes, or alternatively, the plurality of processors may independently execute different processes in parallel. The RAM 12 provides a working memory space for the CPU 11 and stores temporary data.

[0013] The memory unit 13 is a non-temporary recording medium readable by the CPU 11, which acts as a computer, and stores the program 131 and various data. The memory unit 13 has non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The program 131 is stored in the memory unit 13 in the form of program code that can be read by the computer. The data stored in the memory unit 13 includes schedule information 132 and notification setting information 133. The schedule information 132 is information related to the user's schedule. The schedule information 132 is identical in content to at least a part of the schedule information 232 of the smartphone 20. The CPU 11 obtains at least a part of the schedule information 232 from the smartphone 20 via the short-range wireless communication unit 16 and registers it in the memory unit 132 as schedule information 132. The notification setting information 133 includes settings such as whether or not to provide notifications related to napping and the timing. The specific content of the notification setting information 133 will be described later.

[0014] The operation unit 14 has operating means such as operation buttons and a crown, and outputs operation signals corresponding to operations on the operating means to the CPU 11. The operation unit 14 may also have other operating means such as a touch panel superimposed on the display screen of the display unit 151.

[0015] The display unit 151 displays information such as time, date, and day of the week in an analog or digital manner according to a control signal transmitted from the CPU 11. When the analog method is used, the display unit 151 includes rotating pointers such as hour, minute, and second hands, a mechanism for rotating the pointers, and a drive circuit therefor. When the digital method is used, the display unit 151 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying by a segment method or a dot matrix method, and a drive circuit for the display panel. A display by the analog method and a display by the digital method may be used in combination. In the present embodiment, an electronic clock 10 including a display unit 151 by the digital method will be described as an example. The display unit 151 of the present embodiment has a segment display area 1511 for displaying in a segment method and a dot display area 1512 for displaying in a dot matrix method (see FIG. 7). In the segment display area 1511, by applying a drive voltage to segment electrodes of a predetermined shape, a display in the shape of the segment electrodes can be performed. In the dot display area 1512, by applying a drive voltage to pixel electrodes of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and controlling the luminance of each pixel, a display based on the luminance distribution of the plurality of pixels can be performed.

[0016] The sound output unit 152 includes a speaker for outputting sound, and outputs sound of a magnitude and sound quality according to the control signal at a timing according to the control signal transmitted from the CPU 11. The vibration unit 153 includes a vibrator, and vibrates at a timing and vibration intensity according to the control signal transmitted from the CPU 11. The vibrator of the vibration unit 153 is provided at a position where its vibration is transmitted to the user's wrist through the housing of the electronic clock 10. The notification unit 15 performs various notifications by any one or a combination of two or more of the display of the display unit 151, the sound output from the sound output unit 152, and the vibration of the vibration unit 153.

[0017] The short-range wireless communication unit 16 is a communication module having an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and performs short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 20 by BLE.

[0018] The location information acquisition unit 17 receives and decodes radio waves transmitted from positioning satellites of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), such as GPS (Global Positioning System), to calculate the current position. The location information acquisition unit 17 calculates the current position under the control of the CPU 11 and outputs the result to the CPU 11.

[0019] The motion sensor 181 of the sensor unit 18 includes a 3-axis acceleration sensor and a 3-axis angular velocity sensor. The motion sensor 181 detects the acceleration and angular velocity generated in the electronic clock 10 and outputs the detected data to the CPU 11. Based on the detection data from the motion sensor 181, the CPU 11 identifies the movement of the user's wrist wearing the electronic clock 10 and the magnitude of that movement. The pulse wave sensor 182 includes a light-emitting element that emits green light which is easily absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood, and a light-receiving element that detects the reflected light from the skin. Based on the change in the detection intensity of the light by the light-receiving element, it detects the pulse wave of the user's wrist. The CPU 11 calculates the heart rate based on the waveform of the detected pulse wave. Based on the user's movement identified from the output data of the motion sensor 181 and the heart rate identified from the output data of the pulse wave sensor 182, the CPU 11 detects when the user falls asleep and wakes up. Note that falling asleep and waking up may be detected using only one of the motion sensor 181 or the pulse wave sensor 182. In this case, the motion sensor 181 and the pulse wave sensor 182 that are not being used may be omitted. Furthermore, the method for determining the user's wake-up time is not limited to detection based on acceleration and angular velocity generated in the electronic clock 10, or detection of the user's wrist pulse wave. Even if the user does not continue to wear the electronic clock 10 on their wrist while sleeping at night, but removes it and places it by their pillow, the user's wake-up time can still be determined. The user's wake-up time may be determined from any of the following times: the time when the electronic clock 10 is detected to have been moved when the user wakes up in the morning; the time when a predetermined operation such as pressing a button or clicking the touch panel is performed when the user wakes up in the morning; the alarm time that the user has set in advance on the electronic clock 10; or a wake-up time that the user has registered in advance on the electronic clock 10.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the smartphone 20 includes a CPU 21, RAM 22, storage unit 23, display unit 24, operation unit 25, telephone communication unit 26, short-range wireless communication unit 27, and location information acquisition unit 28. Each part of the smartphone 20 is connected via a data transmission path such as a bus.

[0021] The CPU 21 is a processor that controls the operation of the smartphone 20 by reading and executing the program 231 stored in the memory unit 23 and performing various arithmetic operations. The smartphone 20 may have multiple processors (for example, multiple CPUs), and the multiple processes that the CPU 21 in this embodiment performs may be performed by these multiple processors. In this case, the multiple processors may be involved in common processing, or the multiple processors may independently execute different processes in parallel. The RAM 22 provides the CPU 21 with a working memory space and stores temporary data.

[0022] The storage unit 23 is a non-temporary recording medium readable by the CPU 21 as a computer, and stores the program 231 and various data. The storage unit 23 has non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The program 231 is stored in the storage unit 23 in the form of program code readable by the computer. The program 231 includes various applications such as the aforementioned collaboration application and the scheduling application. The data stored in the storage unit 23 includes schedule information 232, etc. The schedule information 232 includes information related to the user's schedule registered using the scheduling application, etc. In this embodiment, a schedule is an event with at least a start time and an end time set. As shown in Figure 4, the user can generate a schedule on the screen of the scheduling application with a start time, end time, name, and location set. In response to the generation of this schedule, the schedule information 232 registers the start time, end time, name, and location information for each schedule.

[0023] The display unit 24 comprises a display panel, such as a liquid crystal panel, capable of displaying using a dot matrix method, and a drive circuit for the display panel. The display unit 24 displays various menus, application screens, etc., according to control signals transmitted from the CPU 21.

[0024] The operation unit 25 has operating means such as a touch panel and operation buttons that are superimposed on the display panel of the display unit 24, and outputs operation signals corresponding to operations performed on the operating means to the CPU 21.

[0025] The telephone communication unit 26 is a communication module that includes an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and communicates with mobile phone base stations, etc., to send and receive voice data for telephone communication and packet data related to internet connection, etc.

[0026] The short-range wireless communication unit 27 is a communication module that includes an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and performs short-range wireless communication with the electronic clock 10 using BLE.

[0027] The location information acquisition unit 28 receives and decodes radio waves transmitted from positioning satellites of a global positioning satellite system such as GPS to calculate the current position. The location information acquisition unit 28 calculates the current position under the control of the CPU 21 and outputs the result to the CPU 21.

[0028] Next, the operation of the notification related to napping in the communication system 1 will be explained. Napping refers to taking a short nap of several tens of minutes to an hour, separate from normal sleep which is taken continuously for a long period of time, such as 6 to 8 hours, during the day. A common form of napping is a short nap taken during the day, separate from a long sleep at night, but napping is not limited to naps. For example, a short nap taken at night by a person who sleeps for a long time during the day and works at night is also a form of napping. In this embodiment, naps will be used as an example of napping for explanation.

[0029] Referring to Figures 5 to 11, the notification operation related to napping will be explained. Even if you get a long sleep at night, fatigue accumulates after a certain amount of time has passed since waking up, and a peak of sleepiness occurs during the day. Although there are individual differences, it is generally said that the peak of sleepiness occurs about 8 hours after the time of waking up in the morning. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the communication system 1 of this embodiment sets the recommended napping time to 1 hour before the peak of sleepiness, that is, 7 hours after the time of waking up, and provides notification to encourage the user to start napping at this recommended napping time. Specifically, the CPU 11 of the electronic clock 10 detects the user's waking up based on the output data of the sensor unit 18 and identifies the time of waking up. The CPU 11 also calculates the recommended napping time based on the time of waking up. The CPU 11 controls the notification unit 15 to provide a pre-notification at a predetermined time before the recommended napping time (7 hours after the time of waking up) (hereinafter referred to as the "pre-notification time"), and then provides the main notification at the recommended napping time. The above-mentioned predetermined time is set in advance by user operation and registered in the notification setting information 133.

[0030] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines the content of the advance notification and the main notification depending on whether or not the user has a scheduled appointment at the recommended nap time in the schedule information 132. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, if a scheduled appointment is registered at the recommended nap time, the CPU 11 issues a first advance notification at the advance notification time [a predetermined time before the recommended nap time (7 hours after the wake-up time)] and issues a first main notification at the recommended nap time that is different from the first advance notification. If a scheduled appointment is registered at the recommended nap time, it can be assumed that the user will not be able to take a nap at the recommended nap time. For this reason, the first advance notification and the first main notification include a warning message that alerts the user to the inability to take a nap at the recommended nap time. On the other hand, if no scheduled appointment is registered at the recommended nap time, the CPU 11 issues a second advance notification at the advance notification time and issues a second main notification at the recommended nap time that is different from the second advance notification. If no appointments are scheduled during the recommended nap time, the user can assume they are free to take a nap during that time. Therefore, the second advance notice and the second main notice include messages encouraging the user to take a nap.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the first pre-notification and the first main notification include a display by the display unit 151, but do not include sound output by the sound unit 152 or vibration by the vibration unit 153. This is because, when the first pre-notification and the first main notification are given, the user's schedule will start before the recommended nap time, and this schedule will not be interrupted by sound and vibration noise. However, since the timing of the first pre-notification does not necessarily coincide with the user's schedule, the first pre-notification may include sound and / or vibration. Also, the sound and / or vibration may be turned on until the start time of the schedule, and then switched off after the start time of the schedule. Furthermore, the presence or absence of sound and / or vibration in the first pre-notification and / or the first main notification may be determined according to the user's current location obtained by the location information acquisition unit 17 of the electronic clock 10 or the location information acquisition unit 28 of the smartphone 20. For example, the audio and / or vibration may be turned on when the user is at home, and turned off when the user is away from home.

[0032] The first advance notification includes a warning message in the form of text, images, and sound, and a display of the recommended nap time. As shown in Figure 7, in the display unit 151 while the first advance notification is being executed, the current time is displayed in the lower part of the segment display area 1511, and the warning message 31 and the current day of the week are displayed in the upper part. The warning message 31 consists of a "ZZZ" mark representing sleep and an exclamation mark ("!") to draw attention, and is a sign to warn that it is a time when drowsiness is likely to occur. By seeing the warning message 31, the user can take action such as consuming caffeine to stay awake or changing their schedule to take a nap. In addition, the recommended nap time 32 calculated by the CPU 11 based on the wake-up time for that day is displayed in the dot display area 1512. The recommended nap time 32 and other information such as the date may be displayed alternately. In the dot display area 1512, a warning message in the form of text or images (including animations) may be displayed. For example, a text-based warning message may be displayed in the dot display area 1512, scrolling vertically or horizontally. The notification mode of the first advance notification may also be changed over time. For example, as the recommended nap time approaches, the number of "Z"s or "!"s in the warning message 31 may be increased.

[0033] Furthermore, if the display unit 151 is capable of providing a higher-resolution dot-matrix display, such as a MIP (memory-in-pixel) liquid crystal display, the first advance notification display may include a warning message 33 in text (sentence), as shown in Figure 8, for example. The warning message 33 in Figure 8 consists of the words "Be Careful of Sleepness." Other possible text warning messages 33 include: "Your schedule is registered during the recommended nap time, so we cannot recommend you take a nap at the optimal time," "You may feel sleepy during your scheduled time! Take some caffeine to stay awake!", or "Your performance may be reduced due to sleepiness, so please reschedule your schedule if possible."

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the first main notification is the same as the first pre-notification, except that it does not display the recommended nap time. Therefore, for example, changing the recommended nap time 32 in the dot display area 1512 of Figure 7 to a normal date display, etc., corresponds to the display of the first main notification. The content of the warning message 31 in the first main notification may be different from the content of the warning message 31 in the first pre-notification.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the second pre-notification and the second main notification may include a display by the display unit 151, sound output by the sound notification unit 152, and vibration by the vibration unit 153. This is because, when the second pre-notification and the second main notification are given, the user's schedule is not registered for the recommended nap time, so the schedule will not be interrupted by sound and vibration. However, since the user may already be napping at the recommended nap time when the second main notification is given, the second main notification may be given by display only so as not to disturb the user's nap.

[0036] The second advance notification includes at least one of the following: a message encouraging napping using text, images, and sound; a display of the recommended napping time; a countdown time display; and advice on falling asleep. Contrast control may also be applied to reduce the display contrast compared to normal. As shown in Figure 9, in the display unit 151 during the execution of the second advance notification, the current time is displayed in the lower section of the segment display area 1511, and the napping recommendation mark 34 and the current day of the week are displayed in the upper section. The napping recommendation mark 34 is a form of message encouraging napping and consists of "ZZZ" marks representing sleep. The number of "Z"s in the napping recommendation mark 34 may differ from the number of "Z"s in the warning message 31 in Figure 7. Additionally, a countdown time 35 until the recommended napping time is displayed in the dot display area 1512. The countdown time 35 and the recommended napping time may be displayed alternately. When contrast control is performed, the display of notifications related to napping (in Figure 9, the napping recommendation mark 34 and the countdown time 35) may be maintained at the normal density (black), while the density of other displays (current time and day of the week) may be lower than the density of the napping notifications. In the dot display area 1512, warning messages or sleep advice encouraging napping may be displayed using text or images (including animations). For example, text messages encouraging napping or sleep advice may be displayed in the dot display area 1512, scrolling vertically or horizontally. Sleep advice may include, for example, "Close your eyes in a dark place" or "Try blocking out noise with earphones." In addition, the dot display area 1512 may display animations such as an animal, such as a cat, changing from an awake state to a sleeping state, or an animation of a person's face changing from a smiling face to a sleeping face. The density of images such as animations in the second pre-notification may be higher than the density of images displayed in the dot display area 1512 in the first pre-notification or the first main notification. Furthermore, the notification method of the second advance notification may be changed according to the passage of time. For example, the number of "Z"s in the nap recommendation mark 34 may be increased as the nap recommendation time approaches. Alternatively, control may be implemented to gradually decrease the contrast as the nap recommendation time approaches.

[0037] Furthermore, if the display unit 151 is capable of providing a higher-resolution dot-matrix display, such as an MIP LCD, the first advance notification display may include a message encouraging napping using characters (text) not shown in the illustration. Such a message may, for example, be something like, "The recommended time for napping is approaching. Let's take a nap."

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the second main notification includes a napping indicator and / or a display of sleep-inducing advice. Contrast control similar to that of the second pre-notification may also be performed. As shown in Figure 10, in the display unit 151 while the second main notification is being executed, a napping mark 36 identical to the napping recommendation mark 34 in Figure 9 is displayed in the upper left of the segment display area 1511, and a napping image 37 is displayed in the dot display area 1512. The napping image 37 is an image of a sleeping cat. The napping mark 36 and the napping image 37 are one form of the napping indicator, but the napping indicator is not limited to these. The density of the image displayed in the dot display area 1512 in the first main notification may be higher than the density of the image displayed in the dot display area 1512 in the first pre-notification or the first main notification. Also, sleep-inducing advice in text may be displayed in scrolling text in the dot display area 1512. In the display unit 151, which is capable of high-definition display using MIP LCD or the like, sleep advice in text form may be displayed as is.

[0039] After executing the second notification, the CPU 11 may assume that the user is taking a nap and execute an alarm notification using the sound unit 152 and / or vibration unit 153 at the nap end time. The nap end time may be the recommended nap time plus the length of the nap predetermined by the user. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may detect when the user falls asleep based on the output data of the sensor unit 18 and set the nap end time as the time the user falls asleep plus the length of the nap. Furthermore, if the user has set a nap limit time and the nap end time exceeds the nap limit time, the nap limit time may be set as the nap end time. The CPU 11 may record the actual time the user falls asleep and wakes up during the nap in the storage unit 13 and derive the optimal nap length based on past records and present it to the user.

[0040] The CPU 11 switches the control operation related to the notification according to the settings in the notification setting information 133 shown in Figure 11. The "Nap Notification Setting (OFF / ON / AUTO)" in the notification setting information 133 is a setting item that specifies whether or not notifications related to napping are given and the manner of those notifications. If "Nap Notification Setting" is "OFF", the CPU 11 does not perform any of the first pre-notification, first main notification, second pre-notification, or second main notification. If "Nap Notification Setting" is "ON", the CPU 11 performs a second pre-notification a predetermined time before the recommended napping time, and a second main notification at the recommended napping time, regardless of whether or not there is a scheduled nap at the recommended napping time. If "Nap Notification Setting" is "AUTO", as described above, the CPU 11 performs the first pre-notification and the first main notification if there is a scheduled nap at the recommended napping time, and performs the second pre-notification and the second main notification if there is no scheduled nap at the recommended napping time. The "advance notification timing" corresponds to the "predetermined time" mentioned above and indicates how far in advance of the recommended nap time the first or second advance notification will be given. In the example in Figure 11, the "advance notification timing" is set to one hour before the recommended nap time (seven hours after the wake-up time) (six hours after the wake-up time). However, it is not limited to this and can be set to any timing desired by the user. The "nap length" and "nap limit time" are parameters used to derive the nap end time mentioned above. The contents of each setting item in the notification setting information 133 are set and registered by user operation.

[0041] Next, with reference to Figures 12 and 13, the notification control process executed by the CPU 11 of the electronic clock 10 to realize the notification operation described above will be explained. The notification control process starts when the power to the electronic clock 10 is turned on. As shown in Figure 12, when the notification control process starts, the CPU 11 determines whether the "nap notification setting" in the notification setting information 133 is set to "ON" or "AUTO" (step S1). If it is determined that the "nap notification setting" is set to "OFF" ("NO" in step S1), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S17 without executing the subsequent steps S2 to S16. If it is determined that the "nap notification setting" is set to "ON" or "AUTO" ("YES" in step S1), the CPU 11 repeatedly determines whether or not it has detected the user waking up based on the output data of the sensor unit 18 (step S2). If the CPU detects that the user has woken up ("YES" in step S2), the CPU 11 calculates the recommended nap time based on the detected wake-up time (step S3). Here, the CPU 11 sets the recommended nap time to the wake-up time plus 7 hours. The CPU 11 also repeatedly checks whether the pre-notification time (6 hours after the wake-up time, which is 1 hour before the recommended nap time) has been reached (step S4). That is, the CPU 11 checks whether the pre-notification time (6 hours after the wake-up time) has been reached by subtracting the time set in the "pre-notification timing" in the notification setting information 133 (1 hour) from the recommended nap time (7 hours after the wake-up time).

[0042] If the CPU determines that the pre-notification time has arrived ("YES" in step S4), as shown in Figure 13, the CPU 11 determines whether the "nap notification setting" in the notification setting information 133 is set to "AUTO" (step S5). If the CPU determines that the "nap notification setting" is set to "AUTO" ("YES" in step S5), the CPU 11 starts a BLE communication connection with the smartphone 20, obtains the schedule information 232 from the smartphone 20, and stores it as the schedule information 132 in the storage unit 13 (step S6). Note that the configuration is not limited to the one in which the CPU 11 obtains the schedule information 232 from the smartphone 20 and stores it as the schedule information 132 in the storage unit 13 (step S6) when the CPU determines that the "nap notification setting" is set to "AUTO" ("YES" in step S5). The CPU 11 may have already obtained the schedule information 232 from the smartphone 20 in advance and stored it as the schedule information 132 in the storage unit 13. The timing at which the CPU 11 initiates a BLE communication connection with the smartphone 20 may be at predetermined intervals set in advance, or at any time chosen by the user beforehand. The CPU 11 refers to the schedule information 132 to determine whether or not a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time (step S7). If it is determined that a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time (YES in step S7), the CPU 11 sends control signals and image data to each part of the notification unit 15 to perform the first pre-notification described above (step S8). After that, the CPU 11 repeatedly determines whether or not the recommended nap time has arrived (step S9). If it is determined that the recommended nap time has arrived (YES in step S9), the CPU 11 sends control signals and image data to each part of the notification unit 15 to perform the first main notification described above (step S10).

[0043] On the other hand, if in step S5 the CPU determines that the "napping notification setting" is set to "ON" instead of "AUTO" ("NO" in step S5), or if in step S7 the CPU determines that no schedule is registered for the recommended napping time ("NO" in step S7), the CPU 11 sends control signals and image data to each part of the notification unit 15 to perform the second pre-notification described above (step S11). After that, the CPU 11 repeatedly determines whether or not the recommended napping time has arrived (step S12). If it determines that the recommended napping time has arrived ("YES" in step S12), the CPU 11 sends control signals and image data to each part of the notification unit 15 to perform the second main notification described above (step S13). Subsequently, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has detected the user falling asleep based on the output data of the sensor unit 18 (step S14). The CPU 11 repeats the determination in step S14 until it detects that the user has fallen asleep or the "napping limit time" in the notification setting information 133 has arrived. If the CPU 11 determines that the user has fallen asleep (YES in step S14), it repeatedly determines whether the nap has ended (step S15). For example, as described above, the nap end time is the time the user fell asleep plus the "nap length" in the notification setting information 133. If this time exceeds the "nap limit time" in the notification setting information 133, the "nap limit time" is set as the nap end time. If the CPU 11 determines that the nap has ended (YES in step S15), it sends a control signal to the sound unit 152 and / or vibration unit 153 to trigger an alarm (step S16). Note that in step S14, the CPU 11 determines whether the user has fallen asleep, but this configuration is not the only one. The CPU 11 may be configured to issue an alarm notification after a predetermined time (for example, 15 to 30 minutes) has elapsed since the second main notification, without detecting that the user has fallen asleep.

[0044] If either step S10 or S16 is completed, if sleep is not detected by the nap limit time in step S14 ("NO" in step S14), or if it is determined in step S1 that the "nap notification setting" is set to "OFF" ("NO" in step S1), the CPU 11 determines whether the notification function of the electronic clock 10 has been disabled, such as by turning off the notification setting (step S17). If the CPU 11 determines that the operation has not been performed ("NO" in step S17), it returns to step S1, and if it determines that the operation has been performed ("YES" in step S17), it terminates the notification control process.

[0045] As described above, the electronic clock 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a CPU 11. The CPU 11 calculates a recommended nap time (a time obtained by adding 7 hours to the wake time) based on the user's wake time, which is determined by a predetermined method. The CPU 11 determines whether or not an appointment is registered at the recommended nap time in the user's schedule information 132. If it determines that an appointment is registered at the recommended nap time, it causes the notification unit 15 to give a first advance notification regarding napping a predetermined time before the recommended nap time. This allows the first advance notification to be given instead of just an announcement of the recommended nap time when an appointment is registered at the recommended nap time, thereby providing the user with appropriate notification (such as a warning) based on the premise that napping may not be possible. By providing such notification, the decline in performance due to drowsiness can be mitigated even when an appointment is registered at the recommended nap time. Furthermore, the first advance notification can raise the user's awareness of the need for napping.

[0046] Furthermore, the first advance notification includes a warning message that alerts users to the inability to take a nap, using at least one of text, images, and audio. This encourages users to take action if their schedule prevents them from taking a nap. Thus, it can mitigate the decline in performance due to drowsiness.

[0047] Furthermore, the notification unit 15 includes a display unit 151 and a sound notification unit 152 that outputs sound. When the CPU 11 determines that a schedule is registered at the recommended nap time, it causes at least one of the display unit 151 and the sound notification unit 152 to give a first pre-notification a predetermined time before the recommended nap time, and causes the first main notification to give at the recommended nap time using only the display unit 151. This makes it possible to give the first main notification without disrupting the schedule with sound or vibration noise.

[0048] Furthermore, if the CPU 11 determines in the schedule information 132 that no schedule is registered for the recommended nap time, it will cause the notification unit 15 to issue a second prior notification, different from the first prior notification, a predetermined time before the recommended nap time. The second prior notification will include a message encouraging the user to take a nap. This enables flexible notification, such as encouraging a nap if no schedule is registered for the recommended nap time, and issuing a warning about not being able to take a nap if a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time.

[0049] Furthermore, the second advance notification further includes at least one of the following: displaying a recommended time for napping, displaying a countdown time until the recommended time for napping, and displaying advice on falling asleep. This effectively encourages users to take naps.

[0050] Furthermore, the notification unit 15 includes a display unit 151 and a sound notification unit 152 that outputs sound. When the CPU 11 determines that a schedule is registered at the recommended nap time, it causes the first main notification to be made at the recommended nap time using only the display unit 151. When the CPU 11 determines that no schedule is registered at the recommended nap time, it causes a second pre-notification and a second main notification, different from the first main notification, to be made at the recommended nap time using at least one of the display unit 151 and the sound notification unit 152. This allows the first main notification to be made in a manner that does not interfere with the schedule when a schedule is registered at the recommended nap time. Also, when no schedule is registered at the recommended nap time, an effective notification can be made by combining multiple notification methods.

[0051] Furthermore, the CPU 11 changes the notification mode of at least one of the first pre-notification and the second pre-notification according to the passage of time. This effectively allows the user to recognize that the recommended nap time is approaching. In addition, the CPU 11 (control unit, control means) can choose whether or not to consider whether or not a schedule is registered in the schedule information when setting the nap notification mode to specify the mode of notification related to naps. The CPU 11 can switch the nap notification setting between ON and AUTO. When the nap notification setting is ON, regardless of whether or not a schedule is registered in the schedule information for the recommended nap time, the CPU 11 will issue a second pre-notification a predetermined time before the recommended nap time and a second main notification at the recommended nap time. Furthermore, when the nap notification setting is AUTO, if a schedule is registered in the schedule information for the recommended nap time, the CPU 11 will issue the first pre-notification and the first main notification, and if no schedule is registered for the recommended nap time, the CPU 11 will issue the second pre-notification and the second main notification. Therefore, since the user can choose between ON and AUTO settings, the second pre-notification and the second main notification can always be performed if the user desires it.

[0052] Furthermore, in the notification control method according to this embodiment, the CPU 11 causes the notification unit 15 to perform the first advance notification using the method described above. In addition, the program 131 according to this embodiment causes the CPU 11 to function as a control means, and the control means causes the notification unit 15 to perform the first advance notification using the method described above. As a result, appropriate notifications can be made to the user, assuming that they will not be able to take a nap.

[0053] Furthermore, the communication system 1 according to this embodiment includes an electronic clock 10 and a smartphone 20. The smartphone 20 stores schedule information 232 related to the user's schedule. The electronic clock 10 has a notification unit 15, a CPU 11, and a short-range wireless communication unit 16 that sends and receives data with the smartphone 20. The CPU 11 calculates a recommended nap time based on the user's wake-up time, which is determined by a predetermined method, and determines whether or not a schedule is registered at the recommended nap time in the schedule information 232 (schedule information 132) obtained from the smartphone 20 via the short-range wireless communication unit 16. If it determines that a schedule is registered at the recommended nap time, it causes the notification unit 15 to send a first advance notification regarding the nap a predetermined time before the recommended nap time. This makes it possible to provide the user with appropriate notification assuming that they will not be able to take a nap.

[0054] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the embodiments described above, the notification control processing shown in Figures 12 and 13 was explained using an example in which the CPU 11 of the electronic clock 10 is executed, but the notification control processing may also be executed by the CPU 21 of the smartphone 20. In this case, the CPU 21 of the smartphone 20 may transmit control information to the electronic clock 10, causing the notification unit 15 of the electronic clock 10 to perform the first pre-notification, the first main notification, the second pre-notification, and the second main notification. Alternatively, the CPU 21 of the smartphone 20 may cause the first pre-notification, the first main notification, the second pre-notification, and the second main notification to be performed by a notification unit (not shown) provided in the smartphone 20. Alternatively, the first pre-notification, the first main notification, the second pre-notification, and the second main notification may be performed by both the notification unit of the smartphone 20 and the notification unit 15 of the electronic clock 10. In these cases, the smartphone 20 corresponds to the "electronic device," and the CPU 21 corresponds to the "control unit."

[0055] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates an electronic clock 10 having a digital display unit 151, the present invention may also be applied to an electronic clock 10 having an analog display unit 151. In this case, a function hand provided on the display unit 151 may indicate a warning message related to napping, or a small hand on a sub-dial (a small dial provided within the main dial) may display a recommended time for napping.

[0056] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example of determining the user's wake-up time based on the output data of the sensor unit 18, the method of determining the wake-up time is not limited to this. For example, the user may use a wake-up time that has been registered in advance by the user as the user's wake-up time. Also, in the above embodiment, the peak of drowsiness was set to 8 hours after the wake-up time, and the recommended nap time was set to 7 hours after the wake-up time, which is 1 hour before the peak of drowsiness. Furthermore, the pre-notification timing was set to 6 hours after the wake-up time, which is 1 hour before the recommended nap time. However, the timing is not limited to these times and can be set to any timing.

[0057] Furthermore, electronic devices are not limited to electronic clocks 10, and information devices are not limited to smartphones 20. For example, electronic devices may be wearable devices such as sensing devices that detect body movements, activity trackers, and smart rings, or portable devices such as smartphones and notebook PCs. Also, information devices may be any device that can communicate data with electronic devices, and may be tablet terminals or notebook PCs.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention may also be applied to an electronic clock 10 that operates independently without communication connection to a smartphone 20. In this case, information related to the user's schedule is generated in the electronic clock 10 and stored in the storage unit 13 as schedule information 132.

[0059] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the notification unit 15 comprises a display unit 151, an audible signal unit 152, and a vibration unit 153, the configuration of the notification unit 15 is not limited to this. In the notification unit 15, components of the display unit 151, audible signal unit 152, and vibration unit 153 that are not used for notification may be omitted. In addition, the notification unit 15 may be equipped with a light source (not shown), and notification may be performed by the emission of light from the light source.

[0060] Furthermore, while the above description discloses an example in which the flash memory of storage units 13 and 23 is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, the invention is not limited to this example. Other computer-readable mediums that can be used include information recording media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), and CD-ROMs. In addition, carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0061] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component of the communication system 1 in the above embodiment can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0062] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...Communication system, 10...Electronic clock (electronic device), 11...CPU (control unit, control means), 15...Notification unit, 20...Smartphone (information device), 132, 232...Scheduled information

Claims

1. Based on the user's wake-up time, identified by a predetermined method, the recommended nap time is calculated. In the schedule information relating to the user's schedule, determine whether or not a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time. If it is determined that the aforementioned schedule is registered at the aforementioned recommended nap time, the notification unit is instructed to issue a first advance notification regarding the nap a predetermined time before the aforementioned recommended nap time. An electronic device equipped with a control unit.

2. The first advance notice includes a warning message that draws attention to the fact that napping is not possible, using at least one of text, images, and audio. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The notification unit has a display unit and a sound notification unit that outputs sound. When the control unit determines that the scheduled nap time is registered, The first advance notification is given by at least one of the display unit and the sound notification unit at a predetermined time before the recommended nap time. The first notification is made by the display unit only at the recommended nap time. The electronic device according to claim 1.

4. If the control unit determines in the schedule information that no schedule is registered for the recommended nap time, it will cause the notification unit to issue a second advance notification, different from the first advance notification, a predetermined time before the recommended nap time. The second advance notification includes a message encouraging the user to take a nap. The electronic device according to claim 1.

5. The second advance notification further includes at least one of the following: displaying the recommended time for napping, displaying a countdown time until the recommended time for napping, and displaying advice regarding falling asleep. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The notification unit has a display unit and a sound notification unit that outputs sound. The control unit, If it is determined that the aforementioned schedule is registered at the aforementioned recommended nap time, the first notification will be issued only by the display unit at the aforementioned recommended nap time. If it is determined that the aforementioned schedule is not registered at the aforementioned recommended nap time, the display unit and the sound unit shall cause at least one of them to issue a second main notification at the aforementioned recommended nap time, which is different from the second pre-notification and the first main notification. The electronic device according to claim 4.

7. The control unit changes at least one of the first and second pre-notification modes in accordance with the passage of time. The electronic device according to claim 4.

8. The control unit can switch between ON and AUTO for a nap notification setting that specifies the type of notification related to naps. If the nap notification setting is ON, regardless of whether the schedule is registered in the schedule information for the recommended nap time, the second pre-notification will be made a predetermined time before the recommended nap time, and the second main notification will be made at the recommended nap time. If the nap notification setting is set to AUTO, the first pre-notification and the first main notification are to be issued if a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time in the schedule information, and the second pre-notification and the second main notification are to be issued if no schedule is registered for the recommended nap time. The electronic device according to claim 6.

9. A notification control method executed by a computer, Based on the user's wake-up time, identified by a predetermined method, the recommended nap time is calculated. In the schedule information relating to the user's schedule, determine whether or not a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time. If it is determined that the aforementioned schedule is registered at the aforementioned recommended nap time, the notification unit is instructed to issue a first advance notification regarding the nap a predetermined time before the aforementioned recommended nap time. Notification control method.

10. A program that makes a computer function as a control device, The control means is Based on the user's wake-up time, identified by a predetermined method, the recommended nap time is calculated. In the schedule information relating to the user's schedule, determine whether or not a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time. If it is determined that the aforementioned schedule is registered at the aforementioned recommended nap time, the notification unit is instructed to issue a first advance notification regarding the nap a predetermined time before the aforementioned recommended nap time. program.

11. An information device that stores schedule information related to the user's schedule, An electronic device having a notification unit, a control unit, and a communication unit that transmits and receives data between the information device and the electronic device, Equipped with, The control unit, Based on the user's wake-up time, which is determined by a predetermined method, a recommended nap time is calculated. The system determines whether or not a schedule is registered for the recommended nap time in the schedule information obtained from the information device via the communication unit. If it is determined that the aforementioned schedule is registered at the aforementioned recommended nap time, the notification unit is instructed to issue a first advance notification regarding the nap a predetermined time before the aforementioned recommended nap time. Notification system.

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