Information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

A new configuration is provided that measures the user's sleep state as well as the distance to the user. [Solution] The information processing device includes a detection unit including a Doppler sensor 30, a distance measuring unit that measures the distance to the user based on the output from the Doppler sensor, and a sleep state measuring unit 2708 that measures the user's sleep state in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a user's sleep state based on the output from a Doppler sensor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for processing biological signals such as a user's breathing, heartbeat, and body movement to determine the sleep depth of the living body have been proposed (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-14708).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The conventional technology assumes that there is one user as the determination target for determining the sleep state, and does not pay any attention to the distance to the user. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a new configuration for measuring the distance to the user in addition to the sleep state of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a detection unit including a Doppler sensor, a distance measurement unit that measures the distance to a user based on the output from the Doppler sensor, and a sleep state measurement unit that measures the sleep state of the user in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor.

[0006] According to this configuration, since the distance to the user and the sleep state of the user can be measured in real time using the same Doppler sensor, processing using both measurement results of the distance to the user and the sleep state of the user can be realized.

[0007] The sleep state measurement unit may measure the sleep state of users who are within a predetermined range that is narrower than the measurement range that the distance measurement unit can measure, based on the measurement results of the distance measurement unit. With this configuration, for example, even if multiple users are sleeping, the sleep state can be measured only for users who are within the predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations in which the sleep state of users who are not the target of measurement is mistakenly measured.

[0008] The information processing device may further include a presence determination unit that determines whether or not a user is present based on the measurement results of the distance measuring unit. The presence determination unit may determine that a user is not present if the measured distance to the user is not within a predetermined range. With this configuration, for example, if multiple users are sleeping, it is possible to appropriately determine when the user being measured has left their bed.

[0009] The information processing device may further include a guidance providing unit that provides guidance to assist in pre-adjusting the relative positional relationship between the installation location of the information processing device and the user's sleeping location. With this configuration, the user can position the information processing device appropriately according to the guidance.

[0010] The guidance unit may output at least one of an image and / or sound indicating whether the user's sleeping position is within a predetermined range. With this configuration, the user can visually or audibly know where to place the information processing device.

[0011] The information processing device may further include a setting reception unit that receives a predetermined range setting from the user. With this configuration, an appropriate measurement target range can be set according to the user's sleeping environment.

[0012] The settings reception unit may request input from at least one of the user's sleeping location and the number of people sleeping. This configuration allows for setting an appropriate measurement range depending on the user's sleeping conditions.

[0013] The setting reception unit may change a predetermined range based on the measurement results of the user's sleep state. With this configuration, the measurement target range can be appropriately set based on the results measured by the user.

[0014] The information processing device may further include a display editing unit that displays the measurement results of the user's sleep state and accepts editing operations from the user regarding the measurement results. The setting reception unit may change a predetermined range in response to the editing operation received by the display editing unit. With this configuration, the measurement target range can be appropriately pre-adjusted in response to editing operations performed arbitrarily by the user.

[0015] The distance measuring unit may calculate the amount of movement for each distance from the Doppler sensor based on the output from the Doppler sensor, and estimate the distance at which the amount of movement is maximum as the distance to the user. With this configuration, it is possible to determine the distance at which there is a high probability that the person is the user.

[0016] The distance measuring unit may use the user's breathing motion as the measure of movement. With this configuration, the distance to the user can be measured even when the user is sleeping.

[0017] According to another embodiment, an information processing method is provided for an information processing device having a detection unit including a Doppler sensor. The information processing method includes the steps of measuring the distance to a user based on the output from the Doppler sensor and measuring the user's sleep state in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor.

[0018] With this configuration, the same Doppler sensor can be used to measure the distance to the user and the user's sleep state in real time, enabling processing that utilizes the measurement results of both the distance to the user and the user's sleep state.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided an information processing program executed by a computer including a detection unit including a Doppler sensor. The information processing program causes the computer to perform steps of measuring a distance to a user based on an output from the Doppler sensor and measuring a sleep state of the user in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor.

[0020] According to this configuration, since the same Doppler sensor can be used to measure the distance to the user and the sleep state of the user in real time, it is possible to realize processing that utilizes the measurement results of both the distance to the user and the sleep state of the user.

[0021] A system according to yet another embodiment includes a detection device including a Doppler sensor and a control device. The control device includes a distance measurement unit that measures the distance to the user based on an output from the Doppler sensor, and a sleep state measurement unit that measures the sleep state of the user in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, in addition to the sleep state of the user, a new configuration for measuring the distance to the user can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic block diagram showing a basic configuration of a sleep management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic block diagram showing a basic configuration of a sleep alarm device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic block diagram showing a basic configuration of a server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic block diagram showing a basic configuration of a terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a usage form of a sleep alarm device according to the present embodiment. ​ [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the measurement method of the Doppler sensor in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the result of Fourier transforming the detection signal of the Doppler sensor of a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates a method for measuring distance using the user's breathing as the target of a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates a method for calculating the presence score in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the relationship between the effective measurement range and the presence score in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates a method for determining the bed-sitting state in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates an example of preventing mismeasurement using the effective measurement range in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the processing during operation of a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of guidance for assisting in determining the placement position of a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of guidance for assisting in setting the effective measurement range in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of guidance for assisting in setting the effective measurement range in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure illustrates an example of the process for reviewing the setting of the effective measurement range in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 19]This figure illustrates another example of the process for reviewing the setting of the effective measurement range in a sleep alarm device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0025] The information processing device in this embodiment will be described as a sleep alarm device, for example. The device may be portable (also called mobile) or stationary.

[0026] [A. Sleep Management System Configuration] First, we will outline the overall configuration of the sleep management system 1 according to this embodiment and an example of the configuration of each device.

[0027] (a1: Sleep Management System 1) Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the basic configuration of a sleep management system 1 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, the sleep management system 1 includes a sleep alarm device 2, a network 4, a server 6, and a terminal 8.

[0028] Information can be exchanged between the sleep alarm device 2, the server 6, and the terminal 8 via network 4. Network 4 may employ either wireless or wired communication methods.

[0029] The sleep alarm device 2 manages the user's sleep. The sleep alarm device 2 has an alarm function to wake the user and a sensor function to non-contactually detect signals corresponding to the user's movements. When the notification conditions are met, the sleep alarm device 2 outputs an alarm sound from a speaker or the like, which is an example of a notification unit, and stops outputting the alarm sound when the notification stop conditions are met.

[0030] Server 6 stores the sleep data acquired by the sleep alarm device 2. Terminal 8 sets the alarm function of the sleep alarm device 2 and also acquires and displays information about the user's sleep state. Terminal 8 may be a portable device such as a mobile phone or smartphone, or a stationary device such as a personal computer.

[0031] (a2: Sleep alarm device 2) Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the basic configuration of a sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 2, the sleep alarm device 2 includes a clock 20, a display 21, a speaker 22, a memory 23, a communication device 24, an LED 25, an illuminance sensor 26, a CPU 27, a microphone 28, an input device 29, a Doppler sensor 30, and an internal bus 32. Each component is connected by the internal bus 32.

[0032] The CPU 27 is an example of a processor and corresponds to an information processing unit for realizing various information processing tasks performed by the sleep alarm device 2. The CPU 27 performs various information processing tasks using the memory 23.

[0033] Memory 23 stores the processing program 231 executed in the sleep alarm device 2. Figure 2 illustrates a case where memory 23 is a storage unit built into the sleep alarm device 2, but it may also be a storage medium that can be attached to or removed from the sleep alarm device 2, such as an optical disc or cartridge, or it may be both such a storage unit and a storage medium.

[0034] The CPU 27 implements various functions and various functional blocks based on the processing program 231 stored in memory 23.

[0035] The clock 20 has the function of measuring time. The display 21 displays information such as the time. The speaker 22 outputs an alarm sound as a notification sound. The communication device 24 is for communicating with external devices (e.g., server 6 and terminal 8, etc.) via the network 4. This is the surface. LED 25 lights up according to the instructions, illuminating the area around the sleep alarm device 2. Microphone 28 accepts external voice input. Input device 29 has various operation buttons.

[0036] The Doppler sensor 30 constitutes at least a part of the detection unit and irradiates the object to be measured with radio waves (microwaves) to detect a signal (reflected wave) corresponding to the movement of the object to be measured (typically the user) in a non-contact manner.

[0037] (a3: Server 6) Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the basic configuration of server 6 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, server 6 includes a CPU 60, memory 62, communication device 64, and internal bus 66. Each component is connected by the internal bus 66.

[0038] The CPU 60 is an example of a processor and corresponds to an information processing unit that implements various information processing tasks performed on the server 6. The CPU 60 uses memory 62 to perform various information processing tasks.

[0039] Memory 62 stores various programs executed on server 6. Figure 3 illustrates a case where memory 62 is a storage unit built into server 6, but it may also be a storage medium that can be attached to or removed from server 6, such as an optical disc or cartridge, or it may be both such a storage unit and a storage medium.

[0040] The communication device 64 is an interface for communicating with external devices (for example, the sleep alarm device 2 and terminal 8) via the network 4.

[0041] (a4: Terminal 8) Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the basic configuration of terminal 8 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 4, terminal 8 includes a CPU 80, a display 82, a communication device 84, a memory 86, an input device 88, and an internal bus 89. Each part is connected by the internal bus 89.

[0042] CPU 80 is an example of a processor and corresponds to an information processing unit that implements various information processing tasks performed on terminal 8. CPU 80 uses memory 86 to perform various information processing tasks.

[0043] Memory 86 stores various programs executed on terminal 8. Figure 4 illustrates a case where memory 86 is a storage unit built into terminal 8, but it may also be a storage medium that can be attached to or removed from terminal 8, such as a memory card, or it may be both such a storage unit and a storage medium.

[0044] The communication device 84 is an interface for communicating with external devices (for example, the sleep alarm device 2 and the server 6) via the network 4.

[0045] The input device 88 includes any buttons, keys, touch panel, etc. [B. Usage patterns of sleep alarm device 2] Next, we will describe an example of the location in which the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment is used.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the sleep alarm device 2 is used according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 5, the sleep alarm device 2 is placed adjacent to the user's bed BD, etc.

[0047] The sleep alarm device 2 emits an incident wave from the Doppler sensor 30 towards the user and receives a reflected wave that may be generated when the incident wave is reflected by the user. Based on the emitted incident wave and the received reflected wave, the sleep alarm device 2 measures various information about the user. The observation area of ​​the sleep alarm device 2 corresponds to a predetermined area (predetermined range) of the user's bed BD.

[0048] The sleep alarm device 2 may have both a clock function and an alarm function. In this case, the sleep alarm device 2 may output an alarm sound from the speaker 22 when the notification conditions are met. Also, the display 21 shows "AM6:00" as the current time measured by the clock 20, for example.

[0049] [C.Functional configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment will be described. The sleep alarm device 2 is capable of measuring various information about the user using a Doppler sensor 30.

[0050] Various user-related information includes (1) the distance to the user, (2) the magnitude of the user's movements, (3) the user's sleep state, (4) the user's bedtime, (5) whether the user is preparing for sleep, and (6) whether the user is asleep. Various processes are executed using this information. It is not necessary to be able to measure all of this information; functions to measure it as needed should be implemented as appropriate.

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 6, the sleep alarm device 2 acquires or calculates information necessary to perform various sleep-related processes as described later. More specifically, the sleep alarm device 2 includes, as its functional configuration, a Fourier transform unit 2701, a body movement detection unit 2702, a first distance measurement unit 2703, a detection result storage unit 2704, a second distance measurement unit 2705, a presence determination unit 2706, a setting reception unit 2707, a sleep state measurement unit 2708, a bed-sitting state determination unit 2709, a sleep preparation state determination unit 2710, a sleep onset determination unit 2711, a sleep state storage unit 2712, a sleep analysis unit 2713, and a processing execution unit 2720.

[0052] These functions may also be implemented by the CPU 27 of the sleep alarm device 2 executing processing programs 231 stored or loaded in memory 23 in a predetermined order. The functions included in the sleep alarm device 2 will be described in detail below.

[0053] (c1: Doppler sensor 30 and Fourier transform unit 2701) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may be configured to use a Doppler sensor 30 to detect in real time the distance to a measurement target (typically a user) within the measurement range, and the movement of the measurement target.

[0054] The Doppler sensor 30 irradiates an incident wave onto the object to be measured and receives the reflected wave that may be generated when the incident wave is reflected by the object. The movement of the object to be measured is detected by utilizing the phenomenon that the frequency of the reflected wave changes from the frequency of the incident wave when the object moves. As measurement methods using the Doppler sensor 30, the continuous wave (CW) method and the frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) method are known. In this embodiment, either method may be adopted, but as a typical example, the processing when the FMCW method is adopted will be described.

[0055] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the measurement method of the Doppler sensor 30 of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 7(a), the frequency of the incident wave irradiated from the Doppler sensor 30 is repeatedly changed (swept) at predetermined intervals. In Figure 7, the repetition period T is set to the center frequency f0. m Examples of monotonically changing (monotonically increasing and monotonically decreasing) within the frequency bandwidth df are shown for each. That is, Figure 7 shows a waveform in which the frequency changes in a sawtooth pattern.

[0056] By changing the frequency in this way, the frequency of the reflected wave will also change accordingly. However, the magnitude of the delay time between the incident wave and the reflected wave, and the magnitude of the frequency difference (Doppler shift) between the incident wave and the reflected wave will change depending on the distance to the object being measured (i.e., the position of the object being measured relative to the Doppler sensor 30) and its movement.

[0057] The mixer in the Doppler sensor 30 mixes the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, thereby outputting a detection signal at an intermediate frequency. The output detection signal has a beat frequency f as shown in Figure 7(b). B It will contain as its main component. Beat frequency f B This corresponds to the frequency difference between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, and reflects the distance to the object being measured and the movement of the object being measured. Beat frequency f B By performing a Fourier transform on the time waveform of the detection signal whose main component is , information indicating the distance to the object being measured and the magnitude of the object's movement can be obtained.

[0058] Figure 8 shows an example of the result of a Fourier transform of the detection signal of the Doppler sensor 30 of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 8, by performing a Fourier transform on the detection signal of the Doppler sensor 30, detection results (distance-motion information) showing the relationship between distance and motion can be obtained. More specifically, in the Fourier transform result shown in Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents distance and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of motion. Although Figure 8 shows distance and magnitude of motion continuously, the magnitude of motion may also be defined for each interval divided at predetermined distances. In the following explanation, the number that identifies each interval may be referred to as "index".

[0059] In the example detection result shown in Figure 8, two peaks appear; the position of each peak indicates distance, and the height of each peak indicates the magnitude of movement. In the example shown in Figure 8, it can be seen that the object being measured is located at distances d1 and d2.

[0060] The Fourier transform unit 2701 performs a Fourier transform on the detection signal of the Doppler sensor 30 over a predetermined period. Any method can be used for the Fourier transform, but typically, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) may be used. The detection signal to be subjected to the Fourier transform may be separated into time waveforms obtained in the frequency increasing section and time waveforms obtained in the frequency decreasing section. For example, one or more time waveforms obtained in the frequency increasing section of the repetition period shown in Figure 7 may be subjected to a Fourier transform, or one or more time waveforms obtained in the frequency decreasing section of the repetition period shown in Figure 7 may be subjected to a Fourier transform.

[0061] The Fourier transform result (distance-motion information) output from the Fourier transform unit 2701 is updated at each iteration period or at integer multiples of the iteration period. In the following explanation, each of the Fourier transform results (distance-motion information) may also be referred to as a "frame".

[0062] The Fourier transform unit 2701 may be incorporated into a part of the Doppler sensor 30. Therefore, the detection unit for the distance to the user and / or the user's movement may consist of the Doppler sensor 30 alone, or it may include both the Doppler sensor 30 and the Fourier transform unit 2701. Furthermore, multiple Doppler sensors 30 may be used.

[0063] (c2: Motion detection unit 2702) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may use a Doppler sensor 30 to detect relatively large body movements, such as turning over in bed or waving one's arms. These can be distinguished from minute movements caused by the user's breathing or heartbeat by, for example, the amount of change in the incident and reflected waves, or by their periodicity.

[0064] In this specification, relatively large user movements such as turning over in bed or waving one's arms are referred to as "body movements," and these, along with minute movements such as breathing and heart rate, are sometimes referred to simply as "movement."

[0065] Furthermore, the sleep alarm device 2 may be configured to detect the magnitude of the user's body movement based on a detection signal from the Doppler sensor 30 corresponding to the user's movement. In the following description, the index indicating the magnitude of the user's body movement may be referred to as the "body movement score."

[0066] The body movement score is an indicator that shows the probability of relatively large body movements by the user (such as getting into bed or turning over in bed). In this embodiment, the body movement score is set to increase as the user moves their body more.

[0067] The motion detection unit 2702 (Figure 6) refers to the result of the Fourier transform (distance-motion information) output from the Fourier transform unit 2701 to identify the peak with the maximum magnitude of motion, and outputs the magnitude of the motion at the identified peak as the magnitude of the user's body movement (body movement score). For example, the body movement score may be output as a normalized value within a range that includes decimal values ​​from 0 to 1.

[0068] Furthermore, to improve detection accuracy, the system may determine that user movement has occurred and output the magnitude of user movement only if the magnitude of the identified peak movement exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other words, if the magnitude of the identified peak movement is below a predetermined threshold, the user movement (movement score) may be determined to be zero.

[0069] When using the FMCW method as shown in Figure 8, the signal strength (i.e., magnitude of motion) for each distance is calculated, the peaks existing in the relationship between the calculated distance and magnitude of motion are detected, and the body movement score is determined from the magnitude of the motion at those peaks.

[0070] (c3: First distance measuring unit 2703 and second distance measuring unit 2705) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may be configured to measure the distance to the user, which is the target of measurement, based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30. As a method for measuring the distance to the user, at least one of two measurement methods that utilize the magnitude of motion, as described below, can be employed.

[0071] More specifically, at least one of the following methods can be employed: a method for measuring distance based on the user's body movements (first distance measuring unit 2703) and a method for measuring distance based on the user's breathing (detection result storage unit 2704 and second distance measuring unit 2705). That is, at least one of the first distance measuring unit 2703 and the second distance measuring unit 2705 corresponds to a distance measuring unit that measures the distance to the user based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30.

[0072] (i) First distance measuring unit 2703 As shown in Figure 8, the first distance measuring unit 2703 identifies the peak appearing in the detection result (distance-motion information) showing the relationship between distance and motion output from the Fourier transform unit 2701 as the distance at which the user's body movement was detected, and outputs it as the distance to the user (labeled "Distance (Distance based on body movement detection)" in Figure 6).

[0073] By measuring distance based on the user's body movements, it is possible to achieve high-speed and highly accurate distance measurement.

[0074] (ii) Detection result storage unit 2704 and second distance measuring unit 2705 The second distance measuring unit 2705 measures distance by targeting small movements such as the user's breathing. Normally, the movement component caused by the user's breathing is relatively small, making it difficult to measure for each frame. Therefore, the second distance measuring unit 2705 improves measurement accuracy by using detection results (distance-motion information) from multiple frames.

[0075] Figure 9 illustrates a method for measuring distance using the user's breathing as the target of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 9, the cumulative detection result can be calculated by accumulating the detection results (distance-motion information) acquired over a predetermined period for each distance. For example, the predetermined period may be set to accumulate detection results acquired over a period of several to more than ten seconds.

[0076] Furthermore, by referring to the calculated cumulative detection results, the peak with the largest cumulative motion value may be identified, and the distance corresponding to the identified peak may be output as the measured distance (distance based on respiration detection). Alternatively, the magnitude of the identified peak may be output as a value indicating small movement.

[0077] More specifically, the detection result storage unit 2704 stores the detection results of each frame over a predetermined period. The detection result storage unit 2704 can be implemented, for example, using a ring buffer, to retain the detection results of each frame only for the period during which they should be stored, and then automatically delete them by overwriting them with new detection results. The second distance measurement unit 2705 obtains a graph of integrated motion values ​​as shown in Figure 9 by accumulating the magnitude of motion based on the detection results accumulated in the detection result storage unit 2704 over a predetermined period for each distance. The value of the distance (index) at which the integrated motion value peaks is then adopted as the distance (distance based on respiration detection).

[0078] By utilizing the cumulative detection result obtained by accumulating detection results across multiple frames, the distance to the user can be accurately measured even in situations with minimal body movement. In other words, even small movements of the user can be measured.

[0079] (c4: Existence determination unit 2706) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may be configured to determine whether or not a user is present within the measurement range based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30. The presence determination unit 2706 calculates a "presence score" as an index for determining whether or not such a user is present within the measurement range. The presence determination unit 2706 determines whether or not a user is present based on the measurement result (cumulative detection result) of the second distance measurement unit 2705.

[0080] The presence score is an index that indicates the likelihood that a user is present within the measurement range, calculated based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30, by determining the magnitude of movement within the measurement range (or a predetermined effective measurement range or an effective measurement range arbitrarily set by the user). For example, the presence score may be output as a normalized value within a range that includes decimal values ​​from 0 to 1.

[0081] The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment utilizes a new finding that, in an environment where no user is present, a characteristic waveform appears in the graph of the cumulative detection result calculated by the second distance measuring unit 2705.

[0082] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the method for calculating the presence score in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 10, measurements are taken in several bedrooms of different sizes and shapes while the user is not present, and cumulative detection results are calculated for each environment. For each of the calculated cumulative detection result graphs, the maximum cumulative motion value shown in each graph is adopted for each distance, and a graph is created using the adopted values ​​to predetermine the absence model.

[0083] The absence model created in this way is compared with the measured cumulative detection results, and the similarity of their shapes is evaluated to calculate the presence score. Alternatively, the absence model and the cumulative detection results may be normalized before calculating the similarity.

[0084] If the presence score is designed to be higher the more likely a user is to be within the measurement range, then the presence score will be lower the greater the similarity between the absence model and the cumulative detection result.

[0085] Therefore, if both the similarity score and the existence score are normalized to a range including decimal values ​​from 0 to 1, the existence score can be calculated as (1 - similarity score).

[0086] In the above explanation, an example was shown in which the presence score is calculated based on the similarity of shape with the absent model. However, instead of determining similarity in this way, the presence score may be increased if the measured cumulative detection results do not exceed the values ​​of the absent model at many locations (indexes).

[0087] It should also be considered that users other than the target user may be present within the measurement range. In this case, the system will end up measuring users other than the target user. Therefore, it may be possible to set an effective measurement range so that only specific users are targeted for measurement. The effective measurement range will be a narrower range than the measurement range in which distance can be measured.

[0088] The setting reception unit 2707 accepts user input from the input device 29 or microphone 28 to set the effective measurement range. The effective measurement range may be pre-set by default, but it may also be set or changed arbitrarily by the setting reception unit 2707.

[0089] The presence determination unit 2706 determines that the user is absent if the distance measured by the second distance measurement unit 2705 (distance based on breathing detection) falls outside the effective measurement range.

[0090] Typically, the effective measurement range is set to a predetermined distance from the sleep alarm device 2 (e.g., 100 cm). If the measured distance to the user exceeds this distance, the presence score is fixed at "0". The effective measurement range may define only one of the upper and lower limits of the distance from the sleep alarm device 2, or both upper and lower limits may be defined. Below, we will basically describe an example where an upper limit of the distance from the sleep alarm device 2 is set.

[0091] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the effective measurement range and the presence score in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Figure 11(a) shows an example in which the position (index) of the peak appearing in the cumulative detection result is within the effective measurement range. In the example shown in Figure 11(a), the presence score indicates some value (≠0) that suggests the possibility of a user being present.

[0092] In contrast, Figure 11(b) shows the position (index) of the peak appearing in the cumulative detection result. This shows an example where the user is outside the effective measurement range. In the example shown in Figure 11(b), although there is a high probability that a user is present within the measurement range, it can be determined that no user is present within the effective measurement range, so the presence score is fixed at "0". In other words, the presence determination unit 2706 determines that no user is present if the measured distance to the user (distance (distance based on respiratory detection)) is not within the effective measurement range.

[0093] By setting such an effective measurement range, for example, in a situation where both the user being measured and a user not being measured are sleeping within the measurement range of the sleep alarm device 2, if the user being measured wakes up first, it is possible to avoid situations where the device continues to measure the remaining user not being measured, resulting in the output of incorrect measurement results.

[0094] (c5: Sleep state measurement unit 2708) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may be configured to measure the user's sleep state in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30. More specifically, the sleep state measurement unit 2708 (Figure 6) measures the user's sleep state in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30.

[0095] A user's sleep state may include, for example, five categories: absence, wake / presence, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. It may also include fewer or more categories.

[0096] Typically, the sleep state measurement unit 2708 may be implemented using a pre-trained model created using machine learning techniques. In this case, an incident wave is irradiated from the Doppler sensor 30 onto any subject to acquire a detection signal (or a detection result obtained by Fourier transforming the detection signal), and in parallel, the subject is measured using a known method to acquire sleep state values. A trained model can be generated by tagging the sleep state values ​​corresponding to the detection signal or detection result, and a trained model can be generated using the generated trained model with a known method.

[0097] By using a trained model created in such an arbitrary way, a sleep state measurement unit 2708 can be realized to measure the user's sleep state in real time based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30.

[0098] Figure 6 illustrates a configuration in which the detection result (distance-motion information) output from the Fourier transform unit 2701 is input to the sleep state measurement unit 2708. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the detection signal from the Doppler sensor 30 may be input directly to the sleep state measurement unit 2708.

[0099] Furthermore, the sleep state measurement unit 2708 receives an existence score calculated by the existence determination unit 2706. The existence score is an index for determining whether or not a user is present within the measurement range (or effective measurement range). If the value of this existence score falls below a predetermined threshold (for example, 0.05), the system may be forced to output "absent" as the sleep state. As described above, the existence determination unit 2706 outputs a valid existence score only when a user is present within the effective measurement range, based on the distance measured by the second distance measurement unit 2705. By utilizing such an existence score, the sleep state measurement unit 2708 can measure the sleep state of users who are within an effective measurement range that is narrower than the measurement range that the second distance measurement unit 2705 can measure, based on the measurement results of the second distance measurement unit 2705. In other words, it is possible to prevent the sleep state of users who are outside the effective measurement range from being incorrectly measured.

[0100] Figure 6 shows an example configuration in which the presence score calculated by the presence determination unit 2706 outputs "absent" as the sleep state when the value falls below a predetermined threshold. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and any configuration that can measure the sleep state of users within the effective measurement range may be adopted. For example, the sleep state may be measured using only the components within the effective measurement range from the detection result (distance-motion information) output from the Fourier transform unit 2701.

[0101] By employing the sleep state measurement unit 2708 described above, the user's sleep state can be measured in real time using the Doppler sensor 30.

[0102] (c6: Bed status determination unit 2709) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may be configured to determine the user's bedtime based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30. The bedtime status may include, for example, four types: awake, at rest, asleep, and absent.

[0103] Typically, the bed-occupancy status determination unit 2709 determines the bed-occupancy status based on the presence score, body movement score, sleep state (absent, awake, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep), and user state (active, stationary, absent).

[0104] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining the bedtime status in a sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0105] Referring to Figure 12, the bed-sitting state determination unit 2709 holds a state machine SM corresponding to each state of bed-sitting. Specifically, the state machine SM includes an absent state ST1, an awake state ST2, a resting state ST3, and a sleeping state ST4.

[0106] The absent state ST1 has a defined transition TR1 to the awake state ST2. The awake state ST2 has defined transitions TR1 to the absent state ST1, TR5 to the resting state ST3, and TR7 to the sleeping state ST4. The resting state ST3 has defined transitions TR3 to the absent state ST1, TR6 to the awake state ST2, and TR9 to the sleeping state ST4.

[0107] The following explains each transition condition. The transition TR1 from the absent state ST1 to the awake state ST2 is executed on the condition that the user is awake. This transition condition may be, for example, that the presence score value exceeds a predetermined threshold TH1 (e.g., 0.95) for a predetermined period of time, or that the sleep state is "wake / presence". The threshold TH1 may be determined based on a range of presence score values ​​in which the user is considered to be sufficiently likely to be present.

[0108] The transition TR2 from the awake state ST2 to the absent state ST1 is executed on the condition that the user is not present. This transition condition may be, for example, that the presence score value remains below a predetermined threshold TH2 (e.g., 0.05) for a predetermined period of time. The threshold TH2 may be determined based on a range of presence score values ​​in which it is considered sufficiently likely that the user is absent.

[0109] Furthermore, the transition TR3 from the resting state ST3 to the absent state ST1, and the transition TR4 from the sleeping state ST4 to the absent state ST1, may be performed under the same conditions as transition TR2.

[0110] The transition TR5 from the awake state ST2 to the resting state ST3 is typically executed on the condition that the resting condition CND1 is met. Similarly, the transition TR6 from the resting state ST3 to the awake state ST2 is typically executed on the condition that the resting condition CND1 is not met.

[0111] The rest condition CND1 has two states: it is met when the user's body movement is relatively small, and it is not met when the user's body movement is relatively large. More specifically, in the rest condition CND1, if the state is "not met" and the body movement score is less than the threshold TH4, and the presence score is greater than the threshold TH1, the state transitions to "met". On the other hand, if the state is "met", the body movement score exceeds the threshold TH3, or the presence score falls below the threshold TH1, the state transitions to "not met".

[0112] Here, threshold TH3 may be determined based on a range of motion score values ​​in which the user's body movements are considered sufficiently large. Threshold TH4 may be determined based on a range of motion score values ​​in which the user's body movements are considered sufficiently small.

[0113] In other words, the conditions for the rest condition CND1 to be met are that the user is present and their body movements are sufficiently small. Conversely, the conditions for the rest condition CND1 to be not met are that the user's body movements are sufficiently large, or that the user is absent.

[0114] The transition TR8 from the awake state ST2 to the sleep state ST4, and the transition TR9 from the resting state ST3 to the sleep state ST4, are typically executed on the condition that the sleep determination condition CND2 is met. Similarly, the transition TR7 from the sleep state ST4 to the awake state ST2 is typically executed on the condition that the sleep determination condition CND2 is not met, or that the sleep state is "wake / presence".

[0115] The sleep status determination condition CND2 has two states: it is true when the user is presumed to be asleep, and false otherwise. More specifically, in the sleep status determination condition CND2, if the state is "false" and the sleep state (light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep) continues for a predetermined period of time, it transitions to "true". On the other hand, if the sleep state is "true" and the sleep state becomes anything other than sleep (light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep) (i.e., absent or awake), it transitions to "false".

[0116] As described above, the bed-occupancy status determination unit 2709 sequentially determines the transition conditions corresponding to each state and decides which of the four states the patient is in.

[0117] Alternatively, instead of implementing the state machine SM itself as shown in Figure 12, an implementation that sequentially updates state flags based on each transition condition may be adopted.

[0118] Furthermore, since both the sleep state measurement unit 2708 and the bed-sitting state determination unit 2709 will output a "absent" status, it is sufficient to use one or both pieces of information depending on the situation.

[0119] (c7: Sleep readiness determination unit 2710) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may be configured to determine whether the user is ready for sleep based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30. The sleep readiness determination unit 2710 has a sleep readiness flag that indicates whether the user is ready for sleep. Set / reset.

[0120] The sleep-ready state refers to a state in which the user is ready to go to sleep or is planning to go to sleep. This state may include, for example, the user being in bed or being in bed and at rest. Furthermore, additional conditions may be added, such as the surrounding environment being turned off or dimmed to prepare for sleep, based on the ambient light sensor 26.

[0121] Typically, the sleep readiness determination unit 2710 determines whether or not the user is in a sleep readiness state based on the bed state (sleeping, resting, awake, absent) measured by the bed state determination unit 2709, and / or information about the surrounding environment detected by the illuminance sensor 26. The sleep readiness determination unit 2710 sets / resets the sleep readiness flag according to the determination result.

[0122] (c8: Sleep onset determination section 2711) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment may be configured to determine whether or not the user has fallen asleep based on the output from the Doppler sensor 30. The sleep determination unit 2711 sets / resets a sleep state flag indicating whether or not the user has fallen asleep.

[0123] Typically, the sleep onset determination unit 2711 determines whether the user has fallen asleep based on the user's sleep state output from the sleep state measurement unit 2708. Specifically, if the user's sleep state is light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep, the unit determines that the user has fallen asleep and sets (activates) the sleep onset flag.

[0124] (c9: Sleep state storage unit 2712 and sleep analysis unit 2713) The sleep state storage unit 2712 stores the sleep state measured by the sleep state measurement unit 2708 over a predetermined period. In addition to the sleep state measured by the sleep state measurement unit 2708, related information may also be stored.

[0125] The sleep analysis unit 2713 analyzes the sleep state and related information stored in the sleep state storage unit 2712. For example, the sleep analysis unit 2713 calculates the quality of sleep of the user while they are sleeping.

[0126] (c10: Processing execution unit 2720) The sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment uses the various information obtained through the processing described above to perform various processes as described later. The processing execution unit 2720 uses the distance measured based on the user's body movements, the distance measured based on the user's breathing, body movement score, presence score, sleep state, bedtime state, sleep preparation state flag, sleep onset state flag, sleep analysis results, etc., to perform various processes.

[0127] The display 21, speaker 22, communication device 24, LED 25, etc., may be driven according to the execution of various processes by the processing execution unit 2720.

[0128] The processing execution unit 2720 includes a guidance provision unit 2722 to assist in setting the effective measurement range, and a display editing unit 2724 that displays the measurement results of the user's sleep state and accepts editing operations by the user on said measurement results. Details of the functions provided by the guidance provision unit 2722 and the display editing unit 2724 will be described later.

[0129] [D. Processing related to the effective measurement range] Next, the processing related to the effective measurement range (received by the setting reception unit 2707 in Figure 6) in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0130] (d1: Application example) Figure 13 illustrates an example of preventing mismeasurements using the effective measurement range in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 13(a), we assume a situation where two users are sleeping side by side. Here, the user at the bottom of the figure is the target of measurement by the sleep alarm device 2.

[0131] In this situation, as shown in Figure 13(b), it is conceivable that the user being measured may get out of bed. In this case, if a user who is not the target of measurement is still within the measurement range of the sleep alarm device 2, the sleep alarm device 2 will continue measuring, treating the user who is not the target as the target.

[0132] By appropriately setting the effective measurement range as described above, the possibility of such measurement errors can be reduced.

[0133] (d2: Processing during operation) Next, the operation process of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0134] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing during operation of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Each step shown in Figure 14 is typically achieved by the CPU 27 of the sleep alarm device 2 executing a processing program 231 stored in memory 23.

[0135] Referring to Figure 14, the sleep alarm device 2 performs a Fourier transform on the detection signal output from the Doppler sensor 30 to calculate a detection result (distance-motion information) that shows the relationship between distance and motion (step S100).

[0136] The sleep alarm device 2 measures the distance to the user (the distance at which the user's movement was detected) and a motion score indicating the magnitude of the user's movement by searching for peaks that appear in the calculated detection result (distance - motion information) (step S102).

[0137] Next, the sleep alarm device 2 stores the calculated detection results (distance-motion information) (step S104) and determines whether or not a predetermined number of detection results have been stored (step S106).

[0138] If a predetermined number of detection results have been accumulated (YES in step S106), the sleep alarm device 2 calculates an accumulated detection result from the predetermined number of detection results (step S108). The sleep alarm device 2 measures the distance to the user (distance measured using the user's breathing) by searching for peaks that appear in the calculated accumulated detection result (step S110). The sleep alarm device 2 also calculates an existence score based on the calculated accumulated detection result (step S112).

[0139] Furthermore, the sleep alarm device 2 determines whether the measured distance to the user (distance measured using the user's breathing) is within a predetermined effective measurement range (step S114). If the measured distance to the user (distance measured using the user's breathing) is not within a predetermined effective measurement range (NO in step S114), the sleep alarm device 2 fixes the presence score to "0" (step S116) and outputs "absent" as the sleep state (step S118). Then, the process from step S100 onward is repeated.

[0140] On the other hand, the measured distance to the user (the distance measured using the user's breathing) is expected If the measurement is within the defined effective measurement range (YES in step S114), the sleep alarm device 2 measures the user's sleep state based on the calculated detection result (distance-motion information) (step S120). Then, the process from step S100 onward is repeated.

[0141] If the detection results for a predetermined number of frames have not been accumulated (NO in step S106), the processes in steps S106 to S120 are skipped, and the processes from step S100 onward are repeated.

[0142] (d3: Initial setup process) Next, the initial setup process for the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0143] The sleep alarm device 2 has a guidance unit 2722 (Figure 6) to assist the user in initial setup. The guidance unit 2722 may also provide guidance to assist in pre-adjusting the relative positional relationship between the installation location of the sleep alarm device 2 and the user's sleeping location. Either visual or auditory guidance may be employed.

[0144] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of guidance to assist in determining the placement position of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Figure 15 shows an example in which guidance is provided indicating whether the user's sleeping position is within the effective measurement range.

[0145] In Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the distance from the sleep alarm device 2 to the user is displayed in real time. Typically, the distance displayed is the distance based on the user's body movements, measured in real time by the first distance measuring unit 2703 (Figure 6). The user adjusts the relative position between their sleeping position and the installation position of the sleep alarm device 2 according to the guidance shown in Figure 15(a) or Figure 15(b).

[0146] Figure 15(a) illustrates guidance that shows the distance to the user using a bar display. The display 21 of the sleep alarm device 2 displays a bar 2103 of a length corresponding to the distance to the user, which is measured sequentially, corresponding to a measurement range display 2102 that indicates the range in which the sleep alarm device 2 can measure distance (measurement range). Furthermore, an effective measurement range display 2104, which indicates a predetermined effective measurement range, is displayed in association with the measurement range display 2102. The user adjusts the position of the sleep alarm device 2, or their own sleeping position, so that the bar 2103 is within the effective measurement range display 2104, according to the guidance message 2101. By providing the user with such guidance, the sleep alarm device 2 can take appropriate measurements.

[0147] Figure 15(b) illustrates guidance that shows the distance to the user numerically. The display 21 of the sleep alarm device 2 shows a numerical value 2107 indicating the distance to the user, which is being measured sequentially. The user adjusts the position of the sleep alarm device 2, or their own sleeping position, according to the guidance message 2106, so that the numerical value 2107 falls within the specified range. Providing such guidance to the user enables accurate measurement by the sleep alarm device 2.

[0148] Figures 15(a) and 15(b) show a typical example where guidance is visually provided on the display 21 of the sleep alarm device 2. However, guidance may also be provided audibly using the speaker 22 of the sleep alarm device 2, or in conjunction with the speaker 22 of the sleep alarm device 2. In this case, voice messages regarding the distance to the user, etc., may be output from the speaker 22.

[0149] Alternatively, the sleep alarm device 2 may transmit information or commands to the terminal 8 to provide guidance, thereby providing guidance to the display 82 of the terminal 8. Furthermore, the terminal 8 may output voice messages from a speaker or the like (not shown).

[0150] Thus, the guidance unit 2722 may output at least one of an image and / or sound indicating whether the user's sleeping position is within the effective measurement range.

[0151] Similarly, regarding the guidance functions described below, at least one of the sleep alarm device 2 and the terminal 8 can provide the user with information visually or audibly.

[0152] (d4: Processing when setting the effective measurement range) Next, the process for setting the effective measurement range of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0153] The effective measurement range may be pre-set by default, but it may also be possible for users to set or change it as they wish. Guidance may be provided for such users to set or change the effective measurement range as they wish.

[0154] For example, the effective measurement range could be set using the distance measurement result to the user.

[0155] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of guidance for assisting in setting the effective measurement range in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. In the guidance shown in Figure 16, a graph 2110 is displayed that shows the temporal change in the distance measured when the user actually goes to sleep or when the user tries to sleep. Note that graph 2210 may be updated sequentially according to the distance measured in real time.

[0156] The user sets the effective measurement range by adjusting the upper limit setting bar 2112 and the lower limit setting bar 2113, referring to the distance displayed on the graph 2110, in accordance with the guidance message 2101. This setting is provided to the presence determination unit 2706 via the setting reception unit 2707 (see Figure 6 for both).

[0157] Figure 16 shows both the upper limit setting bar 2112 and the lower limit setting bar 2113, but only one of them may be displayed. Providing such guidance to the user allows the user to be prompted to input their sleeping position.

[0158] As another example, it may be possible to set the number of people who sleep in the same sleeping area (for example, one bed). In other words, the effective setting range may be appropriately changed depending on whether there is one or multiple users who may be sleeping simultaneously within the measurement range of the sleep alarm device 2.

[0159] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of guidance for assisting in setting the effective measurement range in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. The guidance shown in Figure 17 provides guidance for accepting the setting of the number of people sleeping in the same sleeping range.

[0160] The user, following guidance message 2101, selects either the increase button 2122 or the decrease button 2123 to change the number 2121, which indicates the number of people sleeping in the same sleeping area. The value is set to this value. The setting reception unit 2707 may set the effective setting range appropriately according to the number of people set via guidance as shown in Figure 17 and provide it to the existence determination unit 2706 (see Figure 6 for both). By providing such guidance to the user, the user can be requested to input the number of people sleeping in their beds.

[0161] Furthermore, the system may accept input regarding the size of the bedding (such as length in centimeters or bed size like single / semi-double / double), and consider this input information when setting the valid range of settings.

[0162] By providing users with guidance as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the effective measurement range can be appropriately set.

[0163] (d5: Processing when reviewing the setting of the effective measurement range) Next, the process for reviewing the setting of the effective measurement range of the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0164] The effective measurement range set by the procedure described above may be reviewed as needed in accordance with the actual measurement results. For example, the effective measurement range may be changed based on the measurement results of the user's sleep state.

[0165] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process for reviewing the setting of the effective measurement range in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 18, we will consider a case where the sleep state could not be measured in a specific section of the measurement results for the sleep state of any user (occurrence of unmeasured portion).

[0166] One reason for such unmeasured portions is that the user was not within the effective measurement range. Therefore, it may be possible to associate the time-series data of the user's sleep state with the time-series data of the distance to the user, and to change the effective measurement range setting by referring to the distance of the interval corresponding to the unmeasured portion.

[0167] In the example shown in Figure 18, since the distance to the user in the unmeasured section exceeds the previously set effective measurement range, the effective measurement range can be adjusted so that the distance to the user measured in that section falls within that range. Such adjustment of the effective measurement range can be achieved by the setting reception unit 2707 referring to the sleep state measurement results stored in the sleep state storage unit 2712 (see Figure 6 for both).

[0168] Furthermore, the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment provides the user with the measurement results of the sleep state, and can also change the measurement results of the sleep state in response to user input.

[0169] For example, if a user moves outside the effective measurement range due to turning over in their sleep, the sleep status measurement result will record "absence." In such cases, the user may be allowed to manually correct the measurement result to a value that indicates they were actually asleep.

[0170] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating another example of the process for reviewing the setting of the effective measurement range in the sleep alarm device 2 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 19, the display editing unit 2724 (Figure 6) of the sleep alarm device 2 displays the measurement result 2730 of the user's sleep state. The display destination may be the display 21 of the sleep alarm device 2 or the display 82 of the terminal 8. Furthermore, the measurement result 2730 of the user's sleep state is stored in the server 6, and the server 6 can be accessed from any information processing device such as a personal computer or smartphone. It may be provided as is.

[0171] A modification operation unit 2732 may be provided to allow the user to arbitrarily change the measurement results 2730 of the user's sleep state for a selected interval 2731 that the user has arbitrarily selected. Figure 19 shows an example in which the sleep state value for the selected interval 2731 in the measurement results 2730 is changed from "absent" to "sleeping". In this way, the display editing unit 2724 displays the measurement results of the user's sleep state and accepts editing operations by the user on said measurement results.

[0172] The effective measurement range may be changed in response to editing operations on the sleep state measurement results. As shown in Figure 19, in response to a change in the sleep state value from "absent" to "sleeping," the effective measurement range may be changed based on the distance to the user measured in the corresponding section. The method for changing the effective measurement range is the same as described above with reference to Figure 18. Thus, the setting reception unit 2707 may change the effective measurement range in response to editing operations received by the display editing unit 2724.

[0173] The effective measurement range can be appropriately reset by following the processing procedure described above. [E. Advantages] According to this embodiment, a new configuration is provided that measures the distance to the user in addition to the user's sleep state. With this configuration, since the distance to the user and the user's sleep state can be measured in real time using the same Doppler sensor, processing can be realized using the measurement results of both the distance to the user and the user's sleep state.

[0174] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0175] 1 Sleep management system, 2 Sleep alarm device, 4 Network, 6 Server, 8 Terminal, 20 Clock, 21, 82 Display, 22 Speaker, 23, 62, 86 Memory, 24, 64, 84 Communication device, 26 Illuminance sensor, 27, 60, 80 CPU, 28 Microphone, 29, 88 Input device, 30 Doppler sensor, 32, 66, 89 Internal bus, 231 Processing program, 2101, 2106 Guidance message, 2102 Measurement range display, 2103 Bar, 2104 Effective measurement range display, 2107, 2121 Numerical value, 2110, 2210 Graph, 2112 Upper limit setting bar, 2113 Lower limit setting bar, 2122 Increase button, 2123 Decrease button, 2701 Fourier transform section, 2702 2703 Body movement detection unit, 2704 First distance measurement unit, 2705 Detection result storage unit, 2706 Second distance measurement unit, 2706 Presence determination unit, 2707 Setting reception unit, 2708 Sleep state measurement unit, 2709 Bed state determination unit, 2710 Sleep preparation state determination unit, 2711 Fall asleep determination unit, 2712 Sleep state storage unit, 2713 Sleep analysis unit, 2720 Processing execution unit, 2722 Guidance provision unit, 2724 Display editing unit, 2730 Measurement result, 2731 Selected interval, 2732 Change operation unit, BD Bed, CND1 Rest determination condition, CND2 Sleep determination condition, SM State machine, ST1 Absence state, ST2 Awakening state, ST3 Rest state, ST4 Sleep state.

Claims

1. An information processing device having a sensor that measures the distance to an object by irradiating an incident wave toward the object and receiving a reflected wave generated by the reflection of the incident wave, A means for setting a first distance shorter than the maximum measurable distance of the sensor based on user input, An information processing device comprising means for determining that a user does not exist when the measured distance exceeds the first distance.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing processing corresponding to the absence of a user when the measured distance is within or equal to the first distance and the measured distance exceeds the first distance, and when the measured distance is within or equal to the first distance and the distance cannot be measured.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the determination, it is determined that a user is present if the measured distance is within the range of a second distance shorter than the first distance to the first distance.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second distance is set based on user input.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising means for displaying the maximum measurable distance of the sensor and the first distance.

6. The steps include: measuring the distance to an object by having a sensor irradiate an object with an incident wave and receiving a reflected wave generated by the reflection of the incident wave; The steps include setting a first distance shorter than the maximum measurable distance of the sensor based on user input, An information processing method comprising the step of determining that a user does not exist if the measured distance to the user exceeds the first distance.

7. An information processing program, wherein the information processing program is used by a computer. The steps include:

1. The sensor irradiates an object with an incident wave, and the distance to the object is measured based on the output of the reflected wave received from the reflection of the incident wave; The steps include setting a first distance shorter than the maximum measurable distance of the sensor based on user input, An information processing program that performs the step of determining that no user exists if the measured distance to the user exceeds the first distance.

8. It comprises a detection device including a sensor and a control device, The detection device measures the distance to the object by irradiating an incident wave toward the object and receiving the reflected wave generated by the reflection of the incident wave. The control device is A means for setting a first distance shorter than the maximum measurable distance of the sensor based on user input, An information processing system comprising means for determining that a user does not exist when the measured distance to the user exceeds the first distance.

Images