Sleep monitoring and stimulation delivery system and method using a mobile device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system and method using a mobile device, including at least one layer unit having a plurality of components; a sensor unit for sensing biosignals of a user lying on the layer unit; a mount unit located inside or outside the layer unit and for mounting a mobile device; a memory unit for storing user biometric information collected by the sensor unit; and a calculation unit for analyzing a user's sleep state based on the user biometric information stored in the memory unit, wherein the calculation unit, the sensor unit, and the memory unit are operated when the mobile device mounted on the mount unit is linked to the calculation unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleep monitoring and stimulus delivery system and method using a mobile device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, as people's standard and quality of living have improved, interest in "good sleep" has increased, and in particular, industries offering various sleep induction devices or services using the latest science and technology have grown significantly. In response to this, many devices and services for improving sleep quality have been commercialized, such as a slip care service that provides advice on sleep environment, habits, posture, etc. through consultation with experts, and a service that monitors sleep status by detecting the user's breathing when wearing a wearable device. Specifically, various devices and services have been developed that receive input of information such as a user's physical information, status information, and sleep habits, or collect information such as a user's status information and sleep habits through separate equipment, and function to induce "good sleep" based on such user information, thereby enabling induction of a sleep state based on the user's status information.

[0003] In order to accurately grasp a user's sleep state, it can be said that equipment for measuring the user's condition information, biological information, etc. is essential, but in order to do so, the user has no choice but to wear separate equipment, which inevitably causes inconvenience to the user while sleeping. In other words, in order to induce a user to have a "good sleep," it is important to grasp the user's sleep state more accurately, but in the conventional case, there is a limitation in that the user's "good sleep" is inevitably disturbed by the separate device that the user wears to grasp the user's sleep state.

[0004] The present invention has been proposed to overcome the limitations of the prior art, and aims to provide a sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system and method using a mobile device that can more accurately monitor a user's sleep state and provide improvement suggestions without disturbing the user's sleep. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system and method using a mobile device that can collect a user's biometric information through a mobile device attached to a structure such as a mattress on which the user sleeps and accurately determine the user's sleep state.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to utilize a vibration means provided in a mobile device so that a mobile device provided in a mattress generates vibration stimulation while the user is sleeping, thereby affecting the user's sleep state.

[0007] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system and method using a mobile device that can collect biometric information of a user using a mobile device placed on the user or a mattress on which the user sleeps, and monitor the user's sleep state based on the collected biometric information of the user and provide stimuli that can improve the user's sleep state.

[0008] 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]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device according to the present invention includes at least one layer unit having a plurality of components; a sensing unit for sensing biosignals of a user lying on the layer unit; a mounting unit located inside or outside the layer unit and mounting a mobile device thereon; a memory unit for storing user biometric information collected by the sensing unit; and a calculation unit for analyzing a user's sleep state based on the user biometric information stored in the memory unit; and the calculation unit, sensing unit, and memory unit may be driven by a mobile device mounted on the mounting unit in conjunction with the calculation unit.

[0010] In the system, the mobile device may be provided in a form that can be attached to or detached from the surface of or inside the stationary unit.

[0011] Meanwhile, a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include at least one layer unit; and a mounting unit located inside the layer unit for mounting a mobile device; and the mobile device mounted on the mounting unit may detect biosignals of a user lying on the layer unit or generate vibration stimulation in the direction of an upper surface of the layer unit.

[0012] In the system, the stationary portion may be provided at a position in contact with the uppermost surface of the layer portion.

[0013] Meanwhile, in a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing method using a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the method is performed by a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device including a layer unit, a sensing unit for sensing a user's biological signals, a mobile device mounted on a mounting unit, a memory unit, and a computing unit, and the method may include a step of collecting biological information of a user lying on the layer unit by the sensing unit; a step of storing the user's biological information in the memory unit; a step of analyzing the user's sleep state by the computing unit based on the user's biological information stored in the memory unit; and a step of vibrating the mobile device according to the user's sleep state to generate vibration stimulation.

[0014] In addition, in a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing method using a mobile device according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the method is performed by a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device including a layer unit and a mobile device placed on a base unit, and the method may include the steps of: collecting biometric information of a user lying on the layer unit by the mobile device; storing the user biometric information in the mobile device; analyzing the user's sleep state based on the user biometric information by the mobile device; and vibrating the mobile device according to the user's sleep state to generate vibration stimuli. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, by collecting a user's biological information through a mobile device attached to a structure such as a mattress on which the user sleeps and determining the user's sleep state, the user's sleep state can be monitored more accurately without disturbing the user's sleep.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention has the effect of providing vibration stimulation to a user while sleeping by utilizing a vibration means provided in a mobile device, even if the mattress is not originally designed for improving sleep.

[0017] In addition, the present invention allows for continuous monitoring of the user's sleep state and providing suggestions for improving the sleep state by periodically / non-periodically collecting the user's biometric information using a mobile device placed on the user or the mattress on which the user sleeps, and providing a stimulation signal that can induce a "good sleep" state based on the user's sleep state determined based on the collected biometric information.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention enables accurate analysis of sleep states and generation of optimal stimulation signals for each user by mapping and storing user biometric information collected from a mobile device for each user. As a result, even if multiple users simply lie down on a shared mattress, individually or together, sleep monitoring and improvement for each user using a mobile device is possible.

[0019] 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]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the stationary unit and the mobile device attached. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an auxiliary vibration member is further provided. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a mobile device in more detail. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a memory unit in more detail. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the stationary unit and the mobile device are attached in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for monitoring sleep and providing a stimulus using a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for monitoring sleep and providing stimuli using a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for monitoring sleep and providing a stimulus using a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for monitoring sleep and providing stimuli using a mobile device in more detail, according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] The embodiments disclosed herein should not 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 the present 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system 100 using a mobile device according to the present invention may include at least one layer unit 110 having a plurality of components, and a mobile device 120 located inside or outside the layer unit 110, which collects and stores user biometric information and analyzes the user's sleep state based on the stored user biometric information. Also, a sensing unit 130 including a vibration sensing unit 131 for sensing vibration signals and / or a pressure sensing unit 132 for sensing pressure signals may be provided on the layer unit 110. Furthermore, the system 100 may include a computing unit 150 that is linked with the mobile device 120 and generates signals for overall control of the system 100.

[0027] In brief, the system 100 according to the first embodiment may be implemented such that the sensing unit 130 and the computing unit 150 are both provided on the mattress, and the system 100 is activated to perform the sleep monitoring and / or stimulus provision functions only when the user places the smartphone in the placement unit 140. Each detailed configuration will be examined below.

[0028] The layer unit 110 can be understood as a member having a storage space in which the components described below can be arranged. 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 can be implemented as a stack of multiple components, ultimately serving as a space where a user sleeps, such as a mattress. According to an embodiment, the layer unit 110 may be a mat placed on a mattress, or may be a member made of wood or metal, rather than a fibrous material such as cotton. 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, in this detailed description, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the layer unit 110 will be assumed to be a mattress.

[0029] The mobile device 120 is located inside or outside the layer unit 110 and can interface with the system 100 to control the system 100 or receive signals acquired by the system 100, more specifically, the sensing unit 130. If necessary, the mobile device 120 can vibrate the layer unit 110 using a vibration means provided independently to provide vibration stimulation to a user lying on the mattress. The mobile device 120 can be provided in a form that can be attached or detached to or from the surface of the layer unit. Preferably, the mobile device 120 can be located in an optional mounting unit 140 formed inside the layer unit 110, or in an optional mounting unit 140 provided outside the layer unit 110, and can function as a function for sensing and collecting user biometric information and a stimulus source for providing a stimulus signal to the user. Furthermore, since the mobile device 120 has a relatively small size and shape, it may be mounted inside a specially constructed mounting unit 140 to protect / mount the mobile device 120 before placing it in the storage box, if necessary. Here, the housing is preferably made of a material, thickness, and shape that allows the user's biosignals to be effectively sensed and collected through a sensor unit of the mobile device 120. Incidentally, the mounting unit 140 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted inside the layer unit 110.

[0030] As a design example of the holder 140 for positioning the mobile device, the holder 140 may be designed as a drawer that can be opened and closed on the side of the mattress, allowing the mobile device (i.e., smartphone) to be placed at any position within the interior space of the mattress. When the drawer is closed, the mobile device 120 may be placed in a certain space within the mattress, more specifically, within the space where the layer unit 110 is present. Alternatively, the holder 140 may be designed in such a position and structure that it is covered by the upper surface of the mattress, allowing the user to open the lid of the holder 140 installed within the mattress as if opening a lid and place the mobile device 120 therein. As another example, the holder 140 may be designed and installed so that it is always located outside the mattress. However, for example, the holder 140, which can hold the mobile device 120, may be formed to be dockable within a bed frame on which the mattress is placed, allowing the user to easily connect their mobile device (smartphone) to the sleep monitoring and stimulus delivery system. In the above, the term "the mobile device 120 is placed in the stationary unit 140" does not simply mean that the mobile device 120 is placed in the stationary unit 140, but may also mean that the mobile device 120 is connected to the sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system via a wired or wireless connection so that it can exchange control commands or information. The mobile device 120 generally refers to a computing device that has a shape, size, and weight that can be easily carried or worn by a user and can be moved around. The mobile device 120 may generally include a display screen with touch input, a small keyboard, a microphone, a speaker, and various types of sensors. For example, the mobile device 120 may include a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile computer, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a pager, or the like.That is, the sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention can use any small terminal capable of sensing and collecting a user's biometric information, and the type of the mobile device 120, the location, shape, and method in which the mobile device 120 is installed, etc. are not limited to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] 1, the system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a sensing unit 130, which is provided on the layer unit 110 and configured to sense and acquire a biosignal from a user. The sensing unit 130 may include one of a plurality of types of sensors capable of sensing a user's biosignal, for example, a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an acceleration sensor, an acoustic sensor, a PVDF (Polyvinylidene Film) sensor, an EMFi (ElectroMechanical Film) sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and a face recognition sensor, or may be configured by a combination of at least one of the above sensors.

[0032] Specifically, the sensor 130 may include a pressure sensor 132 that senses the user's movements of lying down or standing up on the layer unit 110 or the user's weight or position information through a pressure sensor, or a vibration sensor 131 that senses the user's vibration signal through a vibration sensor, and status information such as heart rate, breathing status, and movement status can be obtained through these sensors. As described above, the sensor 130 of the present invention is configured to sense various biosignals of the user positioned 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.

[0033] In the above description, it has been mentioned that the mobile device 120 is placed within the holder 140, and an exemplary structure is shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are cross-sectional views of a mattress, illustrating the holder 140 provided to allow the mobile device 120 to be positioned within the mattress, i.e., between the first layer 110(a) and the second layer 110(b). The mobile device 120 can be placed within the holder 140, and preferably, the holder 140 can be customized to fit the mobile device 120 so that the mobile device 120 can be stably placed in a fixed position. In addition, the holder 140 does not necessarily have to be box-shaped with all six sides closed, and may have an open top. When the mattress is in a box shape with all six sides closed, the mobile device 120 can be placed in close contact with the upper surface of the support part 140, thereby allowing the vibration stimulus to be transmitted to the upper surface of the mattress through the support part 140. When the support part 140 does not have an upper surface (is open), the mobile device 120 can be placed in close contact with the surface of the opposing layer 110(b), thereby allowing the vibration stimulus to be transmitted to the upper surface of the mattress through the layer 110(b).

[0034] Meanwhile, the mounting unit 140 is not limited to being used only for accommodating the mobile device 120 therein, but may also be used to transmit vibrations to the upper surface of the mattress when the mobile device 120 vibrates. The mobile device 120 has its own vibration means, and the mounting unit 140 for providing vibration stimulation to the user may be made of wood, metal, or synthetic resin, so that the vibration stimulation generated by the mobile device 120 can be further transmitted to the user.

[0035] 2(a) and 2(b), the attributes of the vibration can be determined by varying the lengths of the sides of the hexahedron, as in 140a and 140b. For example, the stationary unit 140a may be designed to transmit a vibration stimulus with a higher frequency (shorter period) to a user over a relatively small area, while 140b may be designed to transmit a vibration stimulus with a lower frequency (longer period) to a user over a relatively larger area.

[0036] 3, an auxiliary vibration member 141 may be further provided on the upper surfaces of the mounting unit 140 and the mobile device 120. The vibration signal generated by the mobile device 120 is small in magnitude, so the vibration stimulus may not be completely transmitted to the user. However, by further providing the auxiliary vibration member 141 on the upper surfaces of the mounting unit 140 and the mobile device 120, it is possible to reduce the attenuation of vibration energy during the transmission process. The auxiliary vibration member 141 may be preferably provided between layers, and particularly, based on the point where the vibration signal is generated by the mobile device 120, the auxiliary vibration member 141 may be located on the surface that abuts the point, thereby further securing a space into which the auxiliary vibration member 141 can be inserted and improving the vibration transmission effect.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating in more detail a mobile device 120 that can be used in a sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile device 120 may include various types of built-in sensors, for example, at least one of a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a position sensor, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, a face recognition sensor, a biometric recognition sensor, and a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0038] As will be described later, the mobile device 120 can detect the user's weight and position information through a pressure sensor, and can obtain status information such as heart rate, breathing status, and movement status by detecting the user's vibration signal through a vibration sensor. These sensor functions can be used to monitor the user's sleep status when placed on a mattress (layer) that does not originally have detailed components for sleep monitoring. In addition, the mobile device 120 can recognize the user's voice through an acoustic sensor and receive movement information by detecting the user's gestures through a motion sensor. These sensor functions can also be used to monitor the user's sleep status.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the above-mentioned memory unit in more detail.

[0040] 5, the memory unit is configured to store collected user biometric information (pressure signals, vibration signals, etc.), and may be embedded in the sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system 100 of the present invention or may be incorporated in the mobile device 120. Alternatively, the memory unit may be an external device connected to the system 100 via a communication method such as wired or wireless.

[0041] Here, the memory unit may store user status information mapped for each of a plurality of users. For example, the memory unit may store physical information such as height and weight of user A or identification information for distinguishing a plurality of users, and may store collected biometric information such as face information, voice information, and heart rate information.

[0042] Meanwhile, the calculation unit 150 controls the entire system 100 in cooperation with the mobile device 120. The calculation unit 150 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-mentioned functions or operations.

[0043] In some embodiments, the computing unit 150 may be omitted from the essential components. The system 100 may be designed so that the mobile device 120 already has its own high-performance central processing unit, which replaces the computing unit 150.

[0044] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the system 100 may further include a memory unit. According to an embodiment, the memory unit, like the computing unit 150, may be implemented to utilize the memory included in the mobile device 120, but preferably, the system 100 may be designed to include a separate computing unit and memory unit.

[0045] The calculation unit 150 can analyze the user's sleep state based on the acquired user's biological information.

[0046] The calculation unit 150 may monitor the user's current sleep state based on at least one piece of information or a combination of multiple pieces of significant information among the acquired user biometric information. For example, the calculation unit 150 may classify the user into a sleep state or a non-sleep state based on the user's heart rate information (e.g., heart rate variation rate, etc.), respiration rate information (e.g., respiration variation rate, etc.), pulse rate information, movement information, etc. stored in the memory unit, and the sleep state or the non-sleep state may be further classified into smaller stages.

[0047] Specifically, the calculation unit 150 may apply a specific filtering condition to the user's biometric information stored in the memory unit to extract only valid data necessary for sleep state analysis, and may analyze the current user's sleep state more accurately based on the valid data. At this time, the calculation unit 150 may extract the user's biometric information or analyze and monitor the sleep state based on the user's sleep state information previously input by the user or a third party, or the user's sleep state information already stored in the memory unit.

[0048] Furthermore, the results of the user's sleep state analyzed by the calculation unit 150 may be stored in the memory unit, and the sleep states of the users may be mapped and stored for each user. For example, sleep state information determined based on biometric information of user A or information on a range of predetermined threshold values ​​for determining whether user A is asleep or not may also be mapped and stored.

[0049] According to the present invention, biometric information, sleep state information, critical value range information, etc. are mapped and stored for multiple users along with user identification information in the memory unit, so that even if multiple users share the sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system 100 according to the present invention, accurate biometric information collection, sleep state monitoring, and improvement can be performed for each specific user.

[0050] In addition, according to the present invention, the memory unit does not simply store only the user's biometric information sporadically, but also stores sleep state information analyzed based on the user's biometric information in a mapped format. This allows the user's sleep state to be monitored more accurately based on the information stored in the memory unit, and an effective improvement plan for inducing a sleep state to the user can be provided by utilizing the user-specific sleep state information stored in the memory unit and a predetermined critical value range.

[0051] That is, according to the present invention, the biometric information of the user sensed by the system 100 is stored in a memory unit, the computing unit 150 analyzes the sleep state information of the user based on the user biometric information stored in the memory unit, and the analyzed sleep state information of the user is stored again in the memory unit. As a result, the present invention can more accurately monitor the sleep state of the user by utilizing the biometric information and sleep state information of each user stored in the memory unit, and can also generate the most effective stimulation signal to induce the user into a sleep state based on the monitored sleep state information of the user.

[0052] 6 is a diagram illustrating a system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is characterized in that only the layer unit 110, i.e., the mounting unit 140, exists within the mattress. That is, the system 100 according to the second embodiment is substantially embodied such that biosignal sensing, sleep state analysis, and vibration generation control are performed solely by the mobile device 120, and it can be understood that the mobile device 120 constitutes the system 100 itself.

[0053] 7 illustrates a state in which the holding unit 140 and the mobile device 120 are provided within the layer unit. In this embodiment, since the mobile device 120 must sense a biosignal, the holding unit 140 and the mobile device 120 may be provided in close contact with the upper surface of the uppermost layer 110(b) so as to be in close contact with the user's body as much as possible. The mobile device 120 generally includes an acceleration sensor, which detects changes in speed per unit time to recognize the movement of an object. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor may be used to sense the user's biosignal. Preferably, the holding unit 140 may be positioned so that the mobile device 120 is located close to the center of the user's heart (the position closest in linear distance to the center of the heart). More preferably, the holding unit 140 may be positioned so that any surface of the mobile device 120 is in close contact with the user's back. Furthermore, the support unit 140 does not necessarily have to be provided only on a layer, but may be manufactured in a form that can be worn by the user, so that the mobile device 120 can be placed on the chest of a lying user, more precisely, on the chest closest to the user's heart. In this manner, the acceleration sensor of the mobile device 120 placed close to the user's heart can detect vibrations generated by the heartbeat of the mobile device 120 in the form of accelerometer data, and a respiration signal and a ballistocardiogram signal of the user can be extracted from the detected accelerometer data.

[0054] Incidentally, the position of the stationary part 140 on the layer can be customized by the user. For example, when designing a mattress (layer), the position where the heartbeat movement signal is best detected when the user lies on the mattress can be determined in advance, and the stationary part 140 can be formed at that position to effectively obtain the user's biological signals.

[0055] Meanwhile, when extracting a respiratory signal and a ballistocardiogram signal from the accelerometer data, a dedicated application (software) installed in the mobile device 120 is used. Furthermore, the dedicated application (software) is equipped with a learning-capable artificial intelligence algorithm, and repeated analysis of the accelerometer data can be implemented to extract more accurate respiratory signals and ballistocardiogram signals.

[0056] In the above description, only an example in which the acceleration sensor of the mobile device 120 detects the user's biosignals has been described. However, if the mobile device 120 is equipped with a sensing means that can function as a vibration sensor or pressure sensor in addition to the acceleration sensor, the user's biosignals may be detected when the user lies down on the layer 110(b), and vibration stimulation may be provided to the user by the vibration means that the mobile device 120 is independently equipped with.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, the mobile device 120 can analyze the user's sleep state based on the user's biosignal obtained independently, and by changing the vibration pattern according to the analysis result, it is possible to deliver stimuli that are useful for improving the user's sleep.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, the system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to the system introduced in FIG. 1, but may further include a stimulus generator 160 that generates a stimulus signal to induce a sleep state in the user.

[0060] Here, the stimulus generating unit 160 may be configured to generate a stimulus signal so that the user's sleep state falls within the range of the predetermined critical value when the sleep state of the user analyzed by the calculation unit 150 or the mobile device 120 exceeds or falls below the range of the predetermined critical value.

[0061] The stimulus generating unit 160 generates a stimulus signal for inducing the user into a sleeping state when the sleep state of the user analyzed by the computing unit 150 or the mobile device 120 exceeds or falls short of a predetermined critical value range corresponding to the sleep state information of the user stored in the memory unit. Here, the predetermined critical value range for determining that the user is in a sleeping state may be set based on the user's biometric information stored in the memory unit, and the stimulus generating unit 160 generates a stimulus signal based on the user's biometric information and the user's sleep state information stored in the memory unit, but may generate different stimulus signals for each of a plurality of users.

[0062] The stimulus signal generated by the stimulus generating unit 160 may include at least one of a vibration signal and an audio signal, and the stimulus signal may be coupled with the mobile device 120 so that a combination of stimulus signals can be provided to the user. For example, the stimulus generating unit 160 may generate a vibration stimulus with a relatively higher intensity and a short period, while the mobile device 120 placed on the stationary unit 140 may generate a vibration stimulus with a relatively lower intensity and a long period, thereby transmitting various types of stimuli to the user. It is also possible for the stimulus generating unit 160 to generate a vibration stimulus and the mobile device 120 to generate an audio stimulus at the same time. Note that although FIG. 8 illustrates the stimulus generating unit 160 being provided in the center of the mattress and the stationary unit 140 being provided toward the head of the person in a lying position, it should be understood that the position of the stationary unit 140 may vary.

[0063] Meanwhile, the vibration signal or the sound signal may be provided in a manner that can induce the user into a sleep state most quickly and effectively according to the sleep state information of each user, and for example, only one of the vibration signal or the sound signal may be provided, or the vibration signal and the sound signal may be provided simultaneously, or the vibration signal or the sound signal may be provided alternately at a predetermined interval. That is, the stimulation signal generated from the stimulation generating unit 160 may be provided in various forms, such as an optimal method for inducing the user into a sleep state or a preferred method previously set by the user, and the optimal method for inducing the user into a sleep state may be set or recommended based on the user-specific information stored in the memory unit.

[0064] In addition, the stimulus generator 160 may periodically or aperiodically analyze the user's sleep state analyzed by the calculation unit 150 or the mobile device 120, and may generate the stimulus signal by changing the intensity or time of the stimulus signal in real time. Furthermore, the stimulus generator 160 of the present invention periodically or aperiodically analyzes the user's sleep state analyzed by the calculation unit 150 or the mobile device 120, and stops generating the stimulus signal when the user's sleep state is within a predetermined critical value range.

[0065] That is, according to the present invention, the stimulus generator 160 not only generates and changes a stimulus signal for inducing the user into a sleep state based on the user's sleep state analyzed by the calculation unit 150, but also periodically or non-periodically analyzes the user's sleep state, and if the user is determined to be in a state within a predetermined critical value range based on the result of the stimulus signal, the stimulus generator 160 can stop generating the stimulus signal. Therefore, the present invention can not only more accurately monitor the user's sleep state based on collected user biometric information, but also generate a stimulus signal based on the monitored user's sleep state to induce the user into a sleep state, and if the user is determined to be in a sleep state, stop generating the stimulus signal, thereby maintaining the sleep state and improving sleep activity without disturbing the user's sleep.

[0066] Hereinafter, a method for monitoring sleep and providing a stimulus using a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for monitoring sleep and providing a stimulus using a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 9, a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing method performed in a sleep monitoring and stimulus providing system using a mobile device including a layer unit, a mobile device, a memory unit, and a computing unit includes step S100 of collecting user biometric information from a sensor provided in the layer unit, step S200 of storing the collected user biometric information in a memory unit, and step S300 of analyzing the user's sleep state in the computing unit based on the user biometric information stored in the memory unit.

[0069] Here, step S100 of collecting user biometric information is performed while the user is lying down and sleeping on the layer unit, and particularly, is performed through a sensor when the mobile device is placed on a stand. The sensor includes at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a position sensor, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, a face recognition sensor, a biometric recognition sensor, and a fingerprint recognition sensor. Specifically, step S100 of collecting user biometric information may be performed by detecting the user's weight or position information through the pressure sensor, or by detecting the user's vibration signal through the vibration sensor to obtain status information such as heart rate, breathing status, and movement status. Alternatively, step S100 of collecting user biometric information may be performed by recognizing the user's voice through an acoustic sensor of the sensor, or by detecting the user's gesture through a motion sensor of the sensor to receive movement information.

[0070] Next, step S200 is performed to store the user biometric information in a memory unit. Step S200 may be performed such that the collected user biometric information is mapped and stored for each of a plurality of users. For example, the memory unit may map and store physical information such as height and weight of user A or identification information for distinguishing a plurality of users, and may also map and store collected biometric information such as face information, voice information, and heart rate information of user A (see FIG. 5).

[0071] Thereafter, the computing unit analyzes the user's sleep state based on the user's biometric information stored in the memory unit (step S300). The step S300 may be performed by monitoring the user's current sleep state based on at least one piece of user's biometric information stored in the memory unit (step S200) or a combination of a plurality of significant pieces of information.

[0072] For example, in step S300 in which the user's sleep state is analyzed, the user's sleep state can be monitored through the user's heart rate information (e.g., heart rate variation rate, etc.), respiratory rate information (e.g., respiratory rate variation rate, etc.), pulse rate information, movement information, etc. stored in the memory unit, and the user's sleep state or non-sleep state can be classified into more detailed stages.

[0073] Specifically, the step S300 of analyzing the user's sleep state may further include a step of extracting only valid data required for analyzing the sleep state by applying a specific filtering condition to the user's biometric information stored in the memory unit in the calculation unit, and the current user's sleep state may be analyzed more accurately based on the extracted valid data. At this time, the user's biometric information may be extracted or the sleep state may be analyzed and monitored based on the user's sleep state information previously input by the user or a third party or the user's sleep state information already stored in the memory unit.

[0074] That is, in another embodiment of the present invention, after step S300 in which the user's sleep state is analyzed, the analyzed user's sleep state is stored in a memory unit, so that it can be used for analyzing the user's sleep state.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for monitoring sleep and providing stimuli using a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, after step S300 in which the computing unit analyzes the user's sleep state, step S400 in which the user's sleep state analyzed by the computing unit is stored in the memory unit may be performed.

[0076] Here, step S400 may be performed so that the sleep state of each user is mapped and stored for each user. Furthermore, sleep state information determined based on the biometric information of user A or information on a predetermined threshold range for determining whether user A is asleep or not may also be mapped and stored (see FIG. 5).

[0077] That is, according to the present invention, biometric information, sleep state information, critical value range information, etc. are mapped and stored for multiple users along with user identification information in the memory unit, so that even if multiple users use a shared mattress simultaneously or sequentially, accurate biometric information collection, sleep state monitoring, and improvement for each specific user are possible.

[0078] In addition, according to the present invention, the memory unit does not simply store only the user's biometric information sporadically, but also stores sleep state information analyzed based on the user's biometric information in a mapped format. This makes it possible to more accurately monitor the user's sleep state based on the information stored in the memory unit, and also to provide an effective improvement plan for inducing a sleep state for the user by utilizing the user-specific sleep state information stored in the memory unit and a predetermined critical value range.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for monitoring sleep and providing stimuli using a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, a method for generating a stimulating signal for inducing a user into a sleep state using user biometric information and sleep state information stored in a memory unit will be described.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 11, after step S300 in which the calculation unit analyzes the user's sleep state, step S500 may be further performed in which it is determined whether the user's sleep state analyzed by the calculation unit is within a predetermined critical value range, step S600 in which a stimulus generating unit generates a stimulus signal so that the user's sleep state is within the predetermined critical value range if the user's sleep state exceeds or falls short of the predetermined critical value range, and step S700 in which the stimulus signal generated by the stimulus generating unit is transmitted to a mobile device and provided to the user.

[0081] The step S500 of determining whether the user's sleep state is within a predetermined threshold range is performed based on the user's predetermined threshold information stored in the memory unit. The predetermined threshold information is set based on the user's biometric information stored in the memory unit, and refers to a biometric information range within which the user can be determined to be in a sleeping state, and may be set for each user.

[0082] Next, if it is determined in step S500 that the user's sleep state exceeds or does not reach the predetermined threshold range, step S600 is performed in which a stimulus signal is generated from a stimulus generator. Step S600 is generated based on the user's biometric information stored in the memory unit, and the biometric information of the corresponding user is either pre-set or generated so as to be within a predetermined threshold range (a biometric information range within which the corresponding user can be determined to be in a sleep state) for the corresponding user stored in the memory unit, and can be generated for multiple users.

[0083] Here, the stimulation signal generated in step S600 includes at least one of a vibration signal or an audio signal, and the vibration signal or the audio signal can be provided to the user by a configuration / function provided in the mobile device.

[0084] The vibration signal or the sound signal may be provided in a manner that can induce the user into a sleep state most quickly and effectively according to the sleep state information of each user, and for example, only one of the vibration signal or the sound signal may be provided, or the vibration signal and the sound signal may be provided simultaneously, or the vibration signal or the sound signal may be provided alternately at predetermined intervals. That is, the stimulation signal generated from the stimulation generating unit may be provided in various forms, such as an optimal method for inducing the user into a sleep state or a preferred method previously set by the user, and the optimal method for inducing the user into a sleep state may be set or recommended based on the user-specific information stored in the memory unit.

[0085] Furthermore, after the user stimulation signal generation and provision process, the user's biometric information collection and storage process may be performed periodically or aperiodically through the mobile device, and as a result of the repetition, the user's sleep state analysis result is updated, and the intensity or duration of the user stimulation signal generated from the stimulation generator may be changed in real time according to the updated user sleep state analysis result. Specifically, if it is determined that the user's biometric information, collected and analyzed as a result of the provision of the user stimulation signal, is approaching a sleep state, the intensity and duration of the provided stimulation signal may be reduced, and if it is determined that the user's biometric information, collected and analyzed as a result of the provision of the user stimulation signal, is moving away from a sleep state or is not significantly different from the previous state, the intensity and duration of the provided stimulation signal may be increased.

[0086] That is, according to the present invention, in addition to monitoring a user's sleep state based on user biometric information collected through a mobile device, the method further includes generating a stimulation signal to induce the user into a sleep state. In particular, the step of generating the stimulation signal is performed based on a predetermined threshold value range set based on the user biometric information collected through the mobile device, i.e., a biometric information range to which the user can be determined to be in a sleep state.

[0087] Therefore, the present invention is characterized in that it is possible to collect biometric information of a user sleeping on a mattress through a mobile device, and also to more accurately monitor the sleep state of the user based on the collected biometric information and generate an optimal stimulation signal that can induce the user into a sleep state, thereby improving the user's sleep state, and that the process of collecting biometric information and providing a stimulation signal is performed using a mobile device that does not disturb the user's sleep.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a diagram for more specifically explaining a method for monitoring sleep and providing a stimulus using a mobile device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] 12, a process of collecting biometric information of a user lying on the mattress through a mobile device and storing the collected user biometric information in a memory unit is repeatedly performed. This process may be performed periodically or aperiodically, and more precisely, the process may be used to collect the user biometric information, monitor the user's sleep state, or generate a stimulation signal that induces the user's sleep state.

[0090] Next, a monitoring process is performed to analyze the sleep state of the user based on the user's biometric information stored in the memory unit. This process may be performed by analyzing the user's heart rate information, respiratory rate information, movement information, etc., and may be cumulatively updated and analyzed through a previously performed process of collecting and storing the user's biometric information.

[0091] Then, a process of determining the analyzed user's sleep state is performed. The process of determining the user's sleep state may be performed based on whether the user's biometric information is within a predetermined threshold range. The threshold range refers to a range of biometric information within which the user can be determined to be in a sleep state, and may be mapped and set for each user.

[0092] If the user's sleep state determination result indicates that the user's biometric information is within a predetermined threshold range, the user is determined to be in a sleep state, and no additional stimulation is provided to the user. However, the process of collecting and storing the user's biometric information may be performed periodically or aperiodically through the mobile device, and if the user's biometric information exceeds or falls short of the predetermined threshold range as a result of the repeated operation, a stimulation signal may be generated.

[0093] If the user's biological information exceeds or falls short of a predetermined threshold value range as a result of the sleep state determination, the user is determined to be in a non-sleep state, and a stimulus signal capable of inducing the user into a sleep state is generated. The stimulus signal may include at least one of a vibration signal and an audio signal, and the vibration signal or the audio signal may be transmitted to the mobile device and provided to the user in the form of at least one of a vibration signal and an audio signal using a configuration / function provided in the mobile device.

[0094] Specifically, the vibration signal or the sound signal may be provided in a manner that can induce the corresponding user into a sleep state most quickly and effectively based on the sleep state information of each user, and may be generated differently for each of a plurality of users.

[0095] For example, only one of the vibration signal and the sound signal may be provided, or the vibration signal and the sound signal may be provided simultaneously, or the vibration signal and the sound signal may be provided alternately at predetermined intervals. That is, the stimulation signal generated by the stimulation generating unit may be provided in various forms, such as an optimal method for inducing a sleep state in the user or a preferred method previously set by the user, and the optimal method for inducing a sleep state in the user may be set or recommended based on the user information stored in the memory unit.

[0096] In addition, after the user stimulation signal generation and provision process, the user's biometric information collection and storage process can be performed periodically or aperiodically through the mobile device, and the intensity or time of the user stimulation signal generated from the stimulation generating unit can be changed in real time depending on the analyzed user's sleep state as a result of the repeated operation.

[0097] That is, if it is determined that the collected and analyzed user biometric information as a result of providing the user stimulation signal is approaching a sleep state, the intensity and duration of the provided stimulation signal may be reduced; if it is determined that the collected and analyzed user biometric information as a result of providing the user stimulation signal is moving away from a sleep state or is not significantly different from the previous state, the intensity and duration of the provided stimulation signal may be increased.

[0098] In other words, the present invention collects user biometric information through a mobile device and provides a stimulation signal for inducing the user into a sleep state, and this process is repeated periodically / non-periodically, thereby making it possible to monitor the user's sleep state without disturbing the user's sleep, and also has the advantage of being able to generate and change the stimulation signal in real time for inducing the user into a sleep state.

[0099] While the sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system and method using a mobile device according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and applications described above, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these modifications should not be understood as being distinct from the technical idea or scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. At least one layer portion having a plurality of structures; a sensing unit for sensing a biosignal of a user lying on the layer unit; a mounting unit located inside or outside the layer unit and configured to mount the mobile device; a memory unit in which the user's biometric information collected by the sensing unit is stored; and a calculation unit that analyzes the sleep state of the user based on the user's biological information stored in the memory unit; Including, The calculation unit, the sensing unit, and the memory unit are operated in a state where the mobile device placed on the mounting unit is linked to the calculation unit. A sleep monitoring and stimulation providing system using a mobile device.

2. The mobile device The device is provided in a form that can be attached and detached to the surface or inside of the mounting part. The mobile device-based sleep monitoring and stimulus delivery system of claim 1 .

3. At least one layer portion; and a mounting unit located inside the layer unit and configured to mount the mobile device; Including, A mobile device placed on the base detects a biosignal of a user lying on the layer unit, or generates a vibration stimulus in the direction of the upper surface of the layer unit. A sleep monitoring and stimulation providing system using a mobile device.

4. The base portion is provided at a position in contact with the uppermost surface of the layer portion. The mobile device-based sleep monitoring and stimulus delivery system of claim 3 .

5. A sleep monitoring and stimulus provision method performed in a sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system using a mobile device including a layer unit, a sensing unit for sensing a user's biological signal, a mobile device mounted in a mounting unit, a memory unit, and a calculation unit, collecting biometric information of a user lying on the layer unit by the sensing unit; storing the user biometric information in a memory unit; A step of analyzing the sleep state of the user by the calculation unit based on the user's biological information stored in the memory unit; and vibrating the mobile device to generate vibration stimulation according to the sleep state of the user; Contains A method for sleep monitoring and providing stimuli using a mobile device.

6. A sleep monitoring and stimulus provision method performed in a sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system using a mobile device, the sleep monitoring and stimulus provision system including a layer unit and a mobile device placed in a placement unit, collecting biometric information of the user lying on the layer unit by the mobile device; storing the user biometric information on the mobile device; analyzing a sleep state of the user based on the user biological information by the mobile device; and vibrating the mobile device to generate vibration stimulation according to the sleep state of the user; Contains A method for sleep monitoring and providing stimuli using a mobile device.

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