Sleep induction device and method based on user's condition information

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sleep induction device and method based on user status information, including a layer unit having a plurality of components; a sensor unit provided in the layer unit and configured to sense user status information at least twice; a memory unit storing updated user status information sensed by the sensor unit; a control unit generating a sleep induction signal based on the updated user status information stored in the memory unit; and a stimulus generator generating a sleep induction stimulus based on the signal generated by the control unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleep induction device and method based on user state information, and more particularly to a sleep induction device and method based on user state information that monitors changes in the user's state information in response to stimuli and generates a sleep induction signal that reflects the changes. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, as people's standard and quality of living have improved, interest in "good sleep" has increased, and in particular, the industry that provides various sleep induction devices or services using the latest science and technology has grown significantly. In response, many devices and services to improve sleep quality have been commercialized, such as a sleep care service that provides advice on sleep environment, habits, and posture through consultation with experts, and a service that monitors sleep status by detecting the user's breathing sound when wearing a wearable device.

[0003] Specifically, various devices and services have been developed that receive input of information such as a user's physical information, status information, and sleeping habits, or collect information such as a user's status information and sleeping habits through individual devices connected to the user in a contact or contactless manner, and function to induce "good sleep" based on such user information, thereby enabling induction of a sleep state based on user-specific status information.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2268804) relates to an apparatus and method for providing lighting and music according to sleep state using AI, and discloses a configuration for selecting lighting and music to induce a user's final sleep state based on the user's biometric information measured through a wearable device. In addition, many other technologies have been disclosed for inducing a user's sleep state based on user information measured by various methods.

[0005] However, conventional technologies only disclose methods for collecting user information in various ways and setting up an environment for inducing sleep based on the collected information, and have the disadvantage of being difficult to respond flexibly when the collected user information changes. The present invention has been proposed to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, and provides a sleep induction device and method based on user state information that continuously collects and monitors user information and reflects it to provide an optimal sleep state for each user, instead of simply inducing a sleep state based on user information collected only once. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2268804 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The invention aims to provide a sleep induction device and method based on user status information that can generate and provide a sleep induction signal that reflects the current user status information by sensing and collecting the user status information at any time.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleep induction device and method based on user state information that can generate and provide a more effective sleep induction signal to the user by monitoring the results of state changes in response to sleep induction stimuli provided to the user and generating a sleep induction signal based on the monitored results.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a sleep induction device and method based on user state information that can ultimately induce a sleep state in the user by repeatedly detecting state information and generating a sleep induction signal until the user's state information is determined to be a sleep state.

[0010] Meanwhile, the technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The sleep induction device based on user status information according to the present invention includes a layer unit having a plurality of components; a sensing unit provided within the layer unit and sensing user status information at least twice; a memory unit in which the user status information sensed by the sensing unit is updated and stored; a control unit that generates a sleep induction signal based on the user status information updated and stored in the memory unit; and a stimulus generation unit that generates a sleep induction stimulus based on the signal generated by the control unit.

[0012] In addition, in the sleep induction device based on user state information according to the present invention, the sensing unit includes at least one of a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a position sensor, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and a face recognition sensor.

[0013] In the sleep induction device based on user state information according to the present invention, the sensing unit senses the user state information before and after the stimulus is generated from the stimulus generating unit.

[0014] In the sleep induction device based on user state information according to the present invention, the memory unit is characterized in that the user state information sensed by the sensing unit is not deleted but is cumulatively updated.

[0015] In addition, in the sleep induction device based on user status information according to the present invention, the control unit adjusts at least one of the interval, intensity, duration, and intensity for each time period of the sleep induction signal based on the user status information updated and stored in the memory unit.

[0016] In addition, in the sleep induction device based on user status information according to the present invention, the control unit is characterized in that it modifies and generates a sleep induction signal when the user status information updated and stored in the memory unit exceeds or does not meet a predetermined reference value.

[0017] In addition, in the sleep induction device based on user state information according to the present invention, the control unit is characterized in that it does not generate a sleep induction signal when the user state information updated and stored in the memory unit is determined to be a sleeping state.

[0018] The sleep induction method based on user state information according to the present invention is a sleep induction method performed in a sleep induction device including a layer unit, a sensing unit, a memory unit, a control unit, and a stimulus generating unit, and includes the steps of: primarily sensing user state information from the sensing unit provided in the layer unit; storing the user state information primarily sensed from the sensing unit in the memory unit; generating a primary sleep induction signal from the control unit based on the user state information stored in the memory unit; generating a sleep induction stimulus from the stimulus generating unit based on the primary sleep induction signal generated from the control unit; secondarily sensing user state information after the sleep induction stimulus is generated from the sensing unit; updating and storing the user state information secondarily sensed from the sensing unit in the memory unit; and generating a secondary sleep induction signal from the control unit based on the user state information updated and stored in the memory unit.

[0019] In addition, in the sleep induction method based on user status information according to the present invention, the step of updating and storing the user status information secondarily sensed by the sensing unit in the memory unit is characterized in that the user status information first sensed by the sensing unit is cumulatively updated without being deleted.

[0020] In addition, in the sleep induction method based on user status information according to the present invention, the step of generating a primary sleep induction signal from the control unit is characterized in that at least one of the interval, intensity, duration, and intensity for each time period of the sleep induction signal is adjusted according to the user status information stored in the memory unit.

[0021] In addition, in the sleep induction method based on user status information according to the present invention, the step of generating a secondary sleep induction signal from the control unit is characterized in that, when the user status information updated and stored in the memory unit exceeds or does not meet a predetermined reference value, at least one of the interval, intensity, duration, and intensity for each time period of the primary sleep induction signal is changed and generated.

[0022] In addition, the sleep induction method based on user status information according to the present invention is characterized in that after the step of generating a secondary sleep induction signal from the control unit, the method further includes the step of generating a sleep induction stimulus from a stimulus generating unit based on the secondary sleep induction signal generated by the control unit.

[0023] In addition, in the sleep induction method based on user status information according to the present invention, after the step of generating a sleep-inducing stimulus from the stimulus generating unit in response to the second sleep-inducing signal generated by the control unit, the following steps are repeated n times: (n-1) sensing the user's status information n times after the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from the sensing unit; (n-2) updating and storing the user's status information sensed n times from the sensing unit; (n-3) generating an nth sleep-inducing signal from the control unit in response to the updated user's status information stored in the memory unit; and (n-4) generating a sleep-inducing stimulus from the stimulus generating unit in response to the nth sleep-inducing signal generated by the control unit.

[0024] In addition, in the sleep induction method based on user state information according to the present invention, when the user state information sensed n times by the control unit is determined to be a sleeping state, the repetitive execution of steps (n-1) to (n-4) is interrupted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, by sensing and collecting user status information at any time, generating a sleep-inducing signal based on the sensed current user status information, and providing a sleep-inducing stimulus, it is possible to more effectively induce a sleep state in the user.

[0026] In addition, according to the present invention, the results of state changes in response to sleep-inducing stimuli provided to the user are monitored, and the interval, intensity, time, etc. of the sleep-inducing signal are adjusted and changed based on the monitored results, thereby generating and providing a more effective and optimal sleep-inducing signal to the user.

[0027] In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to immediately monitor whether the sleep-inducing stimulus provided to the user is actually suitable for inducing a sleep state, and by adjusting and modifying the sleep-inducing signal based on the current user status information to reflect this, the time it takes for the user to be induced into a sleep state can be shortened.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the process of sensing state information and generating a sleep-inducing signal is repeated until the user's state information is determined to be a sleep state, and ultimately, the sleep-inducing signal is continuously generated and a sleep-inducing stimulus is provided until the user reaches a sleep state.

[0029] Meanwhile, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a sleep induction device based on user condition information according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram for explaining user status information stored in a memory unit of a sleep induction device based on user status information of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a sleep induction method based on user condition information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sleep induction method based on user condition information according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a sleep-inducing signal based on user state information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a sleep-inducing signal based on user state information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6a] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for generating a sleep-inducing signal based on user state information according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for generating a sleep-inducing signal based on user state information according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a sleep induction device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The purpose, technical configuration, and effects of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0032] The embodiments disclosed in this specification are not to be construed or used to limit the scope of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the description including the embodiments of this specification has various applications. Therefore, any embodiments described in the detailed description of the present invention are merely examples for better explaining the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0033] The functional blocks shown in the drawings and described below are merely examples of possible implementations. In other implementations, other functional blocks may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the detailed description. Also, although one or more functional blocks of the present invention are shown as individual blocks, one or more of the functional blocks of the present invention may be a combination of various hardware and software configurations that perform the same function.

[0034] Furthermore, a phrase "including a certain component" simply refers to the presence of the component as an "open" phrase and is not to be understood as excluding additional components. Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components may also be present in between.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sleep induction device based on user condition information according to the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a sleep induction device 100 based on user state information according to the present invention includes at least one layer unit 110 having a plurality of components, a sensing unit 120 provided within the layer unit 110 and sensing user state information, a memory unit 130 storing the user state information sensed by the sensing unit 120, a control unit 140 generating a sleep induction signal based on the user state information stored in the memory unit 130, and a stimulus generating unit 150 generating a sleep induction stimulus based on the signal generated by the control unit 140.

[0037] The layer unit 110 can be understood as a member having a storage space in which the components described below can be placed. Given that the layer unit 110 has a storage space, there is no limitation on the material or shape of the layer unit 110. The layer unit 110 may be a space in which a user sleeps, such as a mattress, or any one of multiple surfaces constituting a mattress. The layer unit 110 may also be a mat placed on a mattress, or may be a member made of a fiber material other than cotton, such as wood or metal. Thus, given that the layer unit 110 has a certain storage space, there is no limitation on the material or shape of the layer unit 110. However, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the following detailed description will continue assuming that the layer unit 110 is a mattress.

[0038] The sensing unit 120 is provided on the layer unit 110 and configured to sense and acquire status information from a user. The sensing unit 120 may include a variety of sensors capable of sensing user status information, such as a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a position sensor, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and a face recognition sensor, and may be configured with a combination of at least one of the sensors.

[0039] Specifically, the sensing unit 120 can obtain status information such as a user's weight and position information through a pressure sensor, or a user's vibration signal through a vibration sensor, thereby obtaining status information such as a heart rate, breathing status, and movement status. The sensing unit 120 can also recognize a user's voice through an acoustic sensor, and can receive feedback information by sensing a user's gesture through a motion sensor.

[0040] As such, the sensing unit 120 of the present invention is configured to sense various status information of the user located on the layer unit 110, and adjusting the type, number, layout, etc. of sensors used to sense more precise and specific user status information is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] The sensing unit 120 senses the user's state information positioned on the layer unit 110 at least twice. Specifically, the sensing unit 120 senses the user's state information before and after the stimulus is generated from the stimulus generating unit 150.

[0042] This is to apply a closed loop control method, which is one of the system and device control methods, to the sleep induction device 100 of the present invention, and by generating a sleep induction signal in the control unit 140 by reflecting the result value of the stimulation generated by the sleep induction signal, i.e., user feedback information on the sleep induction stimulation, it is possible to reduce the error range with respect to the target value for inducing sleep in the user.

[0043] Therefore, the present invention does not acquire user status information only once (in the case of the prior art, the first time before the user falls asleep) and generate a sleep induction signal suitable for the user based on that information, but rather acquires user status information even after a stimulus is generated from the stimulus generating unit 150 and generates a sleep induction signal reflecting that information from the control unit 140 by sensing the user status information at least twice or more times from the sensing unit 120, for example, before and after a stimulus is generated from the stimulus generating unit 150.

[0044] The memory unit 130 is configured to store user status information sensed by the sensing unit 120, and may be an external device that is embedded in the sleep induction device 100 or connected to the sleep induction device 100 via a communication method such as wired or wireless.

[0045] Here, the memory unit 130 may store detected user status information, and may update and store user status information detected at least two times by the detection unit 120. That is, the memory unit 130 updates and stores the corresponding information value every time the user status information is updated by the detection unit 120, and previously detected user status information may be cumulatively updated without being deleted, thereby making it possible to continuously monitor the user status information value.

[0046] In addition, the memory unit 130 continuously monitors and stores user state information, so that information can be stored by classifying the user into a sleeping or non-sleeping state. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating user state information stored in a memory unit of a sleep induction device based on user state information of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the memory unit 130 periodically collects biometric information such as a specific user's heart rate information and respiratory cycle, and can store the user's non-sleeping state information, non-sleeping-sleeping state information, sleeping state information, etc., by classifying the user's state information. The control unit 140 can generate and change a sleep induction signal according to the user state information classified in the memory unit 130.

[0047] The control unit 140 is configured to generate a sleep-inducing signal for inducing sleep of the user based on the user's state information stored in the memory unit 130. The control unit 140 may also be understood as a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU may also be called a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or microcomputer. The CPU may be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented using hardware, the CPU may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing device (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. When implemented using firmware or software, the firmware or software may be configured to include modules, procedures, or functions that perform the above functions or operations.

[0048] Here, the control unit 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention may generate a sleep-inducing signal according to the user's state information updated and stored in the memory unit 130. That is, the control unit 140 adjusts at least one of the interval, intensity, duration, and intensity for each time period of the sleep-inducing signal according to the user's state information stored in the memory unit 130. In particular, if the user's state information updated and stored in the memory unit 130 exceeds or does not meet a predetermined reference value, the control unit 140 may change and generate the sleep-inducing signal, or may not generate the sleep-inducing signal if the user's state information updated and stored in the memory unit 130 is determined to be a sleeping state.

[0049] Through this, the control unit 140 of the present invention adjusts and generates a sleep-inducing signal by reflecting the user's state information updated and stored in the memory unit 130, thereby generating a sleep-inducing signal in a manner that reduces the error between the target value for inducing the user into a sleep state and the current user state information value.

[0050] The stimulus generator 150 is configured to generate a sleep-inducing stimulus according to a signal generated from the controller 140, and may include a vibration generating module or a sound generating module. The vibration generating module or the sound generating module may be driven to generate a vibration stimulus or a sound stimulus based on a principle similar to that of a woofer speaker, and may be driven to simultaneously output a vibration stimulus and a sound stimulus when a stronger stimulus is desired. That is, the stimulus generator 150 of the present invention may induce sleep in a manner suitable for or preferred by the user, among vibration stimulus, sound stimulus, or vibration + sound stimulus.

[0051] As described above, the sleep induction device 100 according to the present invention detects user state information at least twice from the sensing unit 120 and updates and stores it in the memory unit 130, thereby not only storing the user state information classified as sleeping / not sleeping, but also continuously monitoring and storing it. The control unit 140 adjusts and generates the interval, intensity, time, etc. of the sleep induction signal according to the user state information updated and stored in the memory unit 130, thereby generating a sleep induction signal that is most appropriate for the current user state information.

[0052] That is, the sleep induction device 100 according to the present invention is not controlled by unilaterally providing the same sleep induction signals and stimuli to the user, but continuously receives feedback of the user's state information based on the results of the sleep induction stimuli provided to the user, and provides the user with adjusted / changed sleep induction signals and stimuli that reflect the state information values ​​received as feedback, thereby gradually reducing the error from the target state information value corresponding to the actual user's sleep state and achieving the effect of providing an optimal sleep state.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for inducing sleep based on user condition information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the present invention provides a sleep induction method performed in a sleep induction device including a layer unit, a sensor unit, a memory unit, a control unit, and a stimulus generator, and includes step S100 of primarily sensing user status information from the sensor unit provided in the layer unit, step S200 of storing the user status information primarily sensed from the sensor unit in the memory unit, step S300 of generating a primary sleep induction signal from the control unit based on the user status information stored in the memory unit, step S400 of generating a sleep-inducing stimulus from the stimulus generator based on the primary sleep-inducing signal generated from the control unit, step S500 of secondarily sensing user status information after the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from the sensor unit, step S600 of updating the user status information secondarily sensed from the sensor unit and storing it in the memory unit, step S700 of generating a secondary sleep-inducing signal from the control unit based on the user status information updated and stored in the memory unit, and step S800 of generating a sleep-inducing stimulus from the stimulus generator based on the secondary sleep-inducing signal generated by the control unit.

[0055] The configuration in which the user's status information is sensed at least twice by the sensing unit of the present invention and the sensed user's status information is updated and stored in the memory unit is similar to the content described in Figures 1 and 2 above. Therefore, hereinafter, the sleep induction method of the present invention, which is controlled in a closed-loop manner, will be described in more detail.

[0056] First, in step S100, user status information is primarily sensed from a sensor provided in the layer unit, and at least one of the user's weight, height, body proportions, identification information, and sleep state is sensed through the sensor, which includes at least one of a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a position sensor, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and a face recognition sensor. The sensor can sense not only the user's physical information, but also individual user identification information such as face and voice, and biometric information such as heart rate and respiratory cycle.

[0057] Next, step S200 is performed in which user status information primarily sensed by the sensing unit is stored in a memory unit. In step S200, the user status information primarily sensed by the sensing unit may be mapped and stored for each user, or information on the user's sleeping or non-sleeping state may be classified and stored.

[0058] Thereafter, the control unit generates a primary sleep-inducing signal according to the user's state information stored in the memory unit (step S300). Specifically, the control unit generates the sleep-inducing signal so that the user's state information stored in the memory unit reaches a target value corresponding to a sleep state. For example, the control unit may generate the sleep-inducing signal so that at least one of interval, intensity, duration, and intensity for each time period of the sleep-inducing signal is adjusted.

[0059] Next, a sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from a stimulus generator in response to the primary sleep-inducing signal generated by the controller (S400). The stimulus generator may include at least one of a vibration generating module and a sound generating module, and the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from the stimulus generator (S400) in an optimal manner based on user-specific status information, and the vibration or sound is output to the user.

[0060] Thereafter, step S500 is performed in which user status information after the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated by the sensor. That is, the present invention is characterized by applying a closed-loop method in which a sleep-inducing signal is adjusted and provided in response to user feedback information, rather than continuously providing a sleep-inducing signal to the user in the same manner as a once-generated signal. Therefore, step S500 is performed in which user status information is secondarily sensed as a result of the primary sleep-inducing signal.

[0061] Next, step S600 is performed in which the user's status information secondarily sensed by the sensing unit is updated and stored in the memory unit. Step S600 is performed so that the corresponding information value is updated and stored every time the user's status information is updated, but the user's status information primarily sensed and stored in step S200 may be cumulatively updated without being deleted, thereby making it possible to continuously monitor and collect the user's status information value. Therefore, the present invention not only updates and stores the user's status information, which is the result of the sleep-inducing stimulus provided from the stimulus generating unit, to the current value, but also distinguishes and collects how biometric information such as heart rate and respiratory cycle changes depending on the user's non-sleep state, sleep state, or non-sleep-sleeping state.

[0062] Thereafter, the control unit performs step S700 of generating a secondary sleep-inducing signal based on the updated user status information stored in the memory unit. At this time, if the updated user status information stored in the memory unit does not exceed or satisfy a predetermined reference value, the control unit may generate a secondary sleep-inducing signal in which at least one of the interval, intensity, duration, and intensity for each time period of the primary sleep-inducing signal is changed.

[0063] That is, the present invention generates a sleep-inducing signal that can induce a sleep state of a user using state information corresponding to the user's sleep state as a predetermined target value, and is characterized in that it can adjust and generate a secondary sleep-inducing signal to reduce the error from the target value by secondarily sensing the user's state information as a result value of the sleep-inducing signal and stimulation provided to the user and comparing it with the user's state information corresponding to the target value. Through this, the present invention can provide the user with a "good sleep" state more effectively and can shorten the time it takes for the user to reach the "good sleep" state.

[0064] Next, step S800 is performed in which a sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from the stimulus generator in response to the secondary sleep-inducing signal generated by the control unit. Step S800 may be performed in a manner similar to step S400 described above, but may be modified in various ways, such as providing a stronger or weaker stimulus for a longer or shorter period of time to induce the user into a sleep state.

[0065] After step S800, the user may reach the sleep state, which is the goal of the present invention, or may not be able to reach the sleep state yet. Since the ultimate goal of the present invention is to induce the user to a "good sleep" state, the process of sensing the user's state information and providing the sleep-inducing stimulus accordingly may be repeated until the goal is achieved.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a sleep induction method based on user status information according to another embodiment of the present invention. If the user does not reach a sleep state even after step S800, the process of sensing the user's status information and providing a sleep induction stimulus accordingly is repeated n times.

[0067] Hereinafter, the process performed after step S800 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0068] After step S800, the sensing unit senses user status information n times as a result value of the sleep-inducing stimulus generated by the second sleep-inducing signal (step n-1), and then the n-th sensed user status information is updated and stored in the memory unit (step n-2).Then, the control unit generates an n-th sleep-inducing signal based on the updated user status information stored in the memory unit (step n-3), and the stimulus generator generates a sleep-inducing stimulus based on the n-th sleep-inducing signal generated by the control unit (step n-4).

[0069] 4 is not necessarily performed only to induce a user in an awake state (non-asleep state) to a sleep state, but can also be performed to induce a user in a sleep state (sleep state) to a specific sleep stage or to cause the user to leave a specific sleep stage. Sleep can be divided into REM sleep and non-REM sleep, and each non-REM sleep can be further divided into several sleep stages. The sleep induction device according to the present invention can thus repeat the process of sensing user state information, updating and storing the sensed state information, and generating any sleep induction signal in order to induce the user from REM sleep to non-REM sleep or from a specific stage during non-REM sleep to another stage even when the user is asleep.

[0070] Meanwhile, the above steps are not limited to examples applied only to inducing a user to sleep, but may also be applied to waking up a user. For example, when state information indicating a pattern of a user waking up from a sleep state is detected, the sleep inducing device may update and store the detected state information, and generate a stimulus with an adjusted intensity so that the user does not feel inconvenienced during the waking up process, or a stimulus with an appropriate cycle for waking up the user (e.g., a stimulus with a cycle shorter by a percentage determined based on the user's heart rate value).

[0071] Meanwhile, the return process performed after step S800 of Fig. 4 can be performed to respond to a sudden change in the user's state. For example, if the user's state information is detected while continuous vibration or sound stimulation is being applied and indicates a pattern of the user trying to wake up from sleep, the sleep induction device updates and stores the user's state information in the memory, and then reduces the intensity of the stimulation, in other words, adjusts and generates the sleep induction signal again, thereby responding to the situation where the user tries to wake up from sleep.

[0072] That is, the ultimate goal of the present invention is to induce the user's state (heart rate, respiratory rate, etc.) so that the user is placed in an optimal sleeping environment or optimal weather environment, and to this end, the process of sensing the user's state information and adjusting / changing and generating a sleep-inducing signal based on the sensed state is repeated n times. In other words, unlike the prior art that unilaterally provides a sleep-inducing signal and stimuli to the user, the present invention is characterized by repeating the process of "collecting user's state information - providing a sleep-inducing signal and stimuli based on the collected user's state information" until the user's state information reaches a target value, thereby more quickly and effectively inducing the user's sleep state.

[0073] Hereinafter, a method for generating a sleep-inducing signal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, which induces a user to sleep until the user's state information reaches a target value.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5a, state information corresponding to the user's sleep state can be set as a target value, and sleep-inducing signals and stimuli can be provided primarily and secondarily until the user's state information decreases to the corresponding target value.

[0075] Taking the user's heart rate as an example, the sleep induction device of the present invention can continuously sense the user's current heart rate through a sensor, set a heart rate corresponding to the user's sleep state as a target value, and generate a sleep induction signal to lower the heart rate by the previously set target value compared to the current heart rate. If the user's heart rate does not reach the target value even after the first stimulation generated by the sleep induction signal, the sleep induction signal can be generated again based on the user's current heart rate to provide a second stimulation, and the sleep induction signal can be continuously generated to provide stimulation until the user's heart rate reaches the target value (the user's sleep state).

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5b, state information corresponding to the user's sleep state can be set as a target value, and sleep-inducing signals and stimuli can be provided primarily and secondarily until the user's state information increases to the corresponding target value.

[0077] Taking the user's respiratory cycle as an example, the sleep induction device of the present invention can continuously sense the user's current respiratory cycle through a sensor, set a respiratory cycle corresponding to the user's sleep state as a target value, and generate a sleep induction signal to increase the respiratory cycle by the previously set target value compared to the current respiratory cycle. If the user's respiratory cycle does not reach the target value even after the first stimulation generated by the sleep induction signal, the present invention can continuously generate the sleep induction signal and provide stimulation by again generating the sleep induction signal based on the user's current respiratory cycle and providing a second stimulation at the time of inspiration until the user's respiratory cycle reaches the target value (user's sleep state).

[0078] That is, the present invention is characterized by repeating the process of setting state information (e.g., heart rate, respiratory cycle, etc.) corresponding to the user's sleep state as a target value, collecting the user's state information until the target value is reached, and generating a sleep-inducing signal based on the collected state information. In particular, the sleep-inducing signal is generated based on the collected user's state information, gradually reducing the error between the target value and the current state information to reach the final target value. As a result, the present invention can provide sleep-inducing stimulation in a manner such as intensity and time that is most appropriate for the user's current state, thereby quickly and effectively providing the user with a "good sleep" state.

[0079] In addition, the present invention can induce sleep in a manner that corrects the target value when there is a large discrepancy between the user's state information, which is the result of the sleep-inducing stimulus provided to the user, and the target value.

[0080] 6a and 6b are diagrams illustrating a method for generating a sleep-inducing signal based on a user's state information according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6a, if there is no significant change in the user's state information despite providing the first and second stimuli to the user, it is possible to determine that the autonomic nervous system is not properly regulated by the stimuli provided to the user and increase the set target value to generate a sleep-inducing signal.

[0081] Taking the user's heart rate as an example, if there is not much change in the user's heart rate after the first and second stimuli are provided and the error in the target value does not decrease significantly, the previously set target value may be set upward to be closer to the user's current heart rate, thereby generating a sleep-inducing signal. Thus, by providing a third stimulus to the user's body so that an upper target value with a smaller error than the previously set target value based on the current heart rate is induced, a larger change in the user's heart rate may be induced.

[0082] Meanwhile, it is also possible to generate a sleep-inducing signal by adjusting the target value downward, but taking the user's respiratory cycle as an example, if there is not much change in the user's respiratory cycle after the first and second stimuli are provided and the error in the target value does not decrease significantly, as shown in Fig. 6b, the previously set target value can be set downward to be closer to the current user's respiratory cycle, so that the sleep-inducing signal is generated. In this way, by providing stimulation to the user's body so as to induce a lower target value with an even smaller error than the previously set target value based on the current respiratory cycle, a larger change can be induced in the user's respiratory cycle.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention can instantly and flexibly change and generate a sleep-inducing signal for inducing the user into a sleep state based on the user's status information by constantly sensing and collecting the user's status information. Although not specifically shown and described, the method for changing / adjusting the sleep-inducing signal and stimulation provided to the user based on the user's status information collected in real time can be embodied in various ways, and the technical features and embodiments of the present invention for this purpose should not be construed as being limited to the content shown and described in this specification.

[0084] In this way, the present invention continuously collects user status information (heart rate, respiratory cycle, etc.) even after a sleep-inducing stimulus is provided to the user, thereby enabling the user's status information to be ascertained as a result of the sleep-inducing stimulus and determining whether the stimulus provided to the user was effective in inducing sleep. Therefore, the present invention can adjust and set a target value upward or downward based on the current user status information collected after the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated, thereby generating an optimal sleep-inducing signal that can effectively induce the user into a sleep state.

[0085] Meanwhile, Figure 7 is a diagram showing the operation of a sleep induction device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the above description of Figures 5 and 6, only an embodiment in which a sleep induction signal is generated by referring to only one of the user's heart rate or respiratory cycle has been described, but the sleep induction signal can also be generated by referring to multiple state information, i.e., both the heart rate and respiratory cycle.

[0086] Fig. 7 shows the stimulation time points at which a sleep-inducing signal is applied to a user. Figs. 5 and 6 also show the time points at which stimulation should be applied depending on whether the user's heart rate or respiratory cycle has reached a target value with reference to status information, but Fig. 7 relates to the time point in the user's respiratory cycle at which stimulation should be applied to the user, and it should be understood that Fig. 7 is a graph for determining the stimulation time points within the cycle at which stimulation is applied.

[0087] 7, when the user's sleep state is to be induced to a deeper sleep stage, i.e., when the user's heart rate is to be induced to slower, the sleep induction device can be controlled to apply stimulation only during the user's exhalation during the breathing cycle. Referring to FIG. 7, the y-axis represents lung volume and the x-axis represents time, but it will be understood that the lung volume on the vertical axis is merely a reference used to distinguish between exhalation and inhalation, and that any number of different references can be used to grasp the user's breathing cycle, for example, values ​​obtained by the sleep induction device according to the present invention using a pressure sensor and / or a vibration sensor, or values ​​calculated by processing such values.

[0088] 7, it can be seen that the sleep induction device starts applying stimulation when lung volume increases but then decreases, and stops the stimulation when lung volume increases again. That is, when attempting to slow a user's heart rate, it is more effective to apply stimulation to induce a slower heart rate when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. Therefore, the sleep induction device according to the present invention can be designed to apply stimulation only during exhalation, which is more affected by the parasympathetic nervous system. On the other hand, when attempting to wake the user, i.e., when attempting to induce a faster heart rate, the sleep induction device can be controlled to apply stimulation only during inhalation in the user's breathing cycle.

[0089] 7, in another embodiment, the sleep inducing device according to the present invention can be designed to adjust the intensity of the stimulus at the start and end of exhalation. For example, it can be designed to apply a relatively large stimulus at the start of exhalation and a relatively small stimulus at the end of exhalation, and the intensity of the stimulus can be controlled to gradually decrease (decay) between the start and end points. Furthermore, the sleep inducing device according to the present invention can also perform a calculation to predict how long exhalation will last from the start of exhalation. For example, for exhalation #1, the sleep inducing device can calculate that exhalation will last about 2.5 seconds by referring to the accumulated user status information. When gradually decreasing the intensity of the stimulus, the sleep inducing device can determine the amount of decrease in the stimulus by referring to the exhalation duration. In the case of #2 exhalation, a different breathing state is observed compared to #1 exhalation, i.e., the inhalation is longer than usual and the breathing volume is greater than usual, indicating that the exhalation occurs later. When an irregular breathing state is detected like this, the sleep induction device can calculate the end point of the corresponding exhalation and / or the amount of stimulation reduction by further increasing the utilization ratio of data acquired in the immediately preceding inhalation state. That is, when calculating the end point of exhalation (and / or the amount of stimulation reduction) in #2 exhalation, the sleep induction device can further increase the weight of the user's state information weighted value in the immediately preceding inhalation section denoted as Pr.

[0090] The present invention has been described above with reference to an apparatus and method for inducing sleep based on user condition information. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and applications described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, such modifications should not be understood as being distinct from the technical idea or scope of the present invention.

[0091] In particular, the configurations implementing the technical features of the present invention contained in the block diagrams and flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification imply logical boundaries between the configurations. However, in software or hardware embodiments, the configurations and functions shown may be implemented in the form of stand-alone software modules, monolithic software structures, code, services, or a combination thereof, and the functions may be embodied by being stored on a computer-executable medium having a processor capable of executing stored program code, instructions, etc., and therefore all such embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Therefore, although the accompanying drawings and the associated techniques illustrate the technical features of the present invention, the specific arrangement of software for realizing such technical features should not be inferred unless it is clearly stated. In other words, various embodiments as described above may exist, and since such embodiments may be partially modified while having the same technical features as the present invention, they also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0093] Also, while flowcharts depict operations in the figures in a particular order, this is done to obtain the most suitable results and should not be understood as necessarily performing such operations in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or as necessarily performing all of the operations shown. In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Additionally, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments; the program components and systems described may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged in multiple software products.

Claims

1. a layer portion having a plurality of structures; a sensing unit provided in the layer unit, for sensing user status information at least twice; a memory unit in which updated status information of the user sensed by the sensing unit is stored; a control unit that generates a sleep-inducing signal based on the updated user status information stored in the memory unit; and a stimulus generator that generates a sleep-inducing stimulus in response to a signal generated by the controller; Contains A sleep induction device based on user condition information.

2. The sensing unit Detecting user state information before and after the stimulus is generated from the stimulus generator The sleep induction device based on user condition information according to claim 1.

3. The memory unit The user's status information sensed by the sensing unit is not deleted but is cumulatively updated. The sleep induction device based on user condition information according to claim 1.

4. The control unit If the updated and stored user status information in the memory unit exceeds or does not meet a predetermined reference value, the sleep-inducing signal is modified and generated. The sleep induction device based on user condition information according to claim 1.

5. A sleep induction method performed by a sleep induction device including a layer unit, a sensing unit, a memory unit, a control unit, and a stimulus generating unit, a step of primarily sensing user state information from a sensing unit provided in the layer unit; storing user status information primarily sensed by the sensing unit in a memory unit; generating a primary sleep-inducing signal from the control unit based on the user's state information stored in the memory unit; generating a sleep-inducing stimulus from a stimulus generator in response to the primary sleep-inducing signal generated by the controller; a step of secondarily sensing state information of the user after the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from the sensing unit; updating and storing the user's state information secondarily sensed by the sensing unit in the memory unit; and generating a secondary sleep-inducing signal from the control unit according to the user's state information updated and stored in the memory unit; Contains A sleep induction method based on user condition information.

6. The step of updating and storing the user's state information secondarily sensed by the sensing unit in the memory unit includes: The user's status information primarily sensed by the sensing unit is not deleted but is cumulatively updated. The sleep induction method based on user condition information according to claim 5.

7. The step of generating a secondary sleep induction signal from the control unit includes: When the updated user status information stored in the memory unit exceeds or does not meet a predetermined reference value, at least one of the interval, intensity, duration, and intensity for each time period of the primary sleep-inducing signal is changed and generated. The sleep induction method based on user condition information according to claim 5.

8. After generating a secondary sleep induction signal from the control unit, generating a sleep-inducing stimulus from a stimulus generator in response to the secondary sleep-inducing signal generated by the controller; The sleep induction method based on user condition information according to claim 5.

9. After the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from the stimulus generator in response to the secondary sleep-inducing signal generated from the controller, (n-1) sensing user state information n times after the sleep-inducing stimulus is generated from the sensing unit; (n-2) updating and storing the user's status information sensed n times by the sensing unit in the memory unit; (n-3) generating an n-th sleep induction signal from the control unit according to the updated user status information stored in the memory unit; and (n-4) generating a sleep-inducing stimulus from the stimulus generator in response to the n-th sleep-inducing signal generated by the controller; this step is repeated n times. The sleep induction method based on user condition information according to claim 8.

Images