Sleep aids and programs

Abstract

A sleep assistance device (100) includes a biometric data acquisition unit (101), an inference information generation unit (102), and a driving control unit (103). The biometric data acquisition unit (101) acquires biometric data from sleepwear. The sleepwear includes a biometric sensor which is in contact with a certain part of a person and measures biometric data, and a driving device that imparts a prescribed physical stimulation for encouraging the person to sleep. The inference information generation unit (102) generates inference information in which the sleeping state of the person is inferred on the basis of trends in the biometric data. The driving control unit (103) controls the driving device by outputting an instruction signal based on the inference information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleep assistance device, a sleep assistance method, a sleep assistance system, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a program stored thereon. [Background technology]

[0002] Technologies have been developed to promote optimal sleep in people. Getting infants to sleep is particularly difficult to control.

[0003] For example, the sleep quality evaluation device described in Patent Document 1 has a biovibration detection means, a biosignal detection means, a biosignal intensity variance calculation means, a sleep stage determination means, and a sleep evaluation means. The biovibration detection means detects the biovibration of an infant. The biosignal detection means detects a biosignal from an output signal of the biovibration detection means. The biosignal intensity variance calculation means calculates a variance value of the intensity of the biosignal obtained by the biosignal detection means for a predetermined time. The sleep stage determination means determines the sleep stage of the infant from the variance value of the biosignal intensity obtained by the biosignal intensity variance calculation means. The sleep evaluation means determines the quality of the infant's sleep from the infant's sleep stage obtained by the sleep stage determination means.

[0004] The information processing device described in Patent Document 2 has an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a registration unit. The acquisition unit acquires body movement information indicating the body movement of the infant detected by a detection device attached to an article worn by the infant, and body temperature information indicating the body temperature of the infant. The determination unit determines an event related to the infant based on the body movement information and body temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit. The registration unit registers information indicating the event determined by the determination unit in a specified recording device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-019879 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-002234 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, even if the above-mentioned techniques are used to determine a person's state, they do not solve the problem of wanting to induce sleep.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a sleep assistance device etc. that promotes optimal sleep. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A sleep assistance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a biometric data acquisition means, an estimated information generation means, and a drive control means. The biometric data acquisition means acquires biometric data from the sleeping clothes. The sleeping clothes include a biosensor that contacts a specific part of the person to measure the person's biometric data, and a drive device that gives the person a specific physical stimulus to promote sleep. The estimated information generation means generates estimated information that estimates the person's sleeping state based on a tendency of the biometric data. The drive control means controls the drive device by outputting an instruction signal based on the estimated information.

[0009] In a sleep assistance method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer executes the following method. The computer acquires biometric data from a sleep garment that includes a biosensor that contacts a specific part of the person to measure the person's biometric data, and a drive device that applies a specific physical stimulus to the person to encourage sleep. The computer generates estimated information that estimates the person's sleep state based on a tendency of the biometric data. The computer controls the drive device by outputting an instruction signal based on the estimated information.

[0010] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following steps. The computer acquires biometric data from a sleep garment having a biosensor that contacts a specific part of the person to measure the person's biometric data, and a drive device that applies a specific physical stimulus to the person to induce sleep. The computer generates inferred information that estimates the person's sleep state based on a tendency of the biometric data. The computer controls the drive device by outputting an instruction signal based on the inferred information. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a sleep assistance device or the like that promotes optimal sleep. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sleep assistance device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 3 is a flowchart showing a sleep assistance method according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sleep assistance system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management terminal according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of clothing according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing a sleep assistance method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sleep assistance device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a sleep assistance method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a message image of the sleep support system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sleep assistance device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11]13 is a flowchart showing a sleep assistance method according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a message image of the sleep support system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sleep support device 100 according to the first embodiment. The sleep support device 100 cooperates with a predetermined sleep garment worn by a person when sleeping to promote sleep. The sleep support device 100 may be formed, for example, by a computer having a communication function. The sleep support device 100 mainly includes a biometric data acquisition unit 101, an estimated information generation unit 102, and a drive control unit 103.

[0015] The biometric data acquisition unit 101 acquires biometric data of a person wearing the clothing from a predetermined sleeping garment. The sleeping garment includes a biometric sensor and a drive unit. The sleep support device 100 is communicatively connected to the biometric sensor and the drive unit. The sleep support device 100 may be included in the clothing, or may be installed at a location away from the clothing. In this case, the sleep support device 100 and the clothing are wirelessly connected. The wireless communication may be short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be Wi-Fi or a telephone communication line.

[0016] The biosensor in the garment comes into contact with a predetermined part of the person wearing the garment to measure the biometric data of the person, such as data on at least one of the body surface temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.

[0017] The garment has a drive device that provides a predetermined physical stimulus to induce sleep to the person. The predetermined physical stimulus here refers to a stimulus that has an element that induces sleep to the person, such as vibration, rocking, sound, smell, heat, and combinations of these.

[0018] The estimated information generating unit 102 receives the biometric data from the biometric data acquiring unit 101 and recognizes the trend of the received biometric data. The estimated information generating unit 102 generates estimated information from the trend of the biometric data. Here, the trend of the biometric data indicates whether the degree of wakefulness of a person is moving toward a sleep state. The trend of the biometric data can be understood, for example, by a combination of multiple pieces of biometric data. The multiple pieces of biometric data may be various types of biometric data, such as a combination of body surface temperature and respiratory rate. Furthermore, the multiple pieces of biometric data may be, for example, multiple pieces of data at different times of one type.

[0019] The estimated information is information that estimates a person's sleep state and is derived from the relationship between biometric data and the depth of sleep. The estimated information may be information including an index value indicating the depth of sleep of the person, for example. The estimated information may be relative or qualitative information indicating the depth of sleep of the person.

[0020] The drive control unit 103 controls the drive device of the garment. More specifically, the drive control unit 103 receives estimated information, generates an instruction signal corresponding to the received estimated information, and outputs this to the garment. The instruction signal sets, for example, the strength, time, type, etc. of the drive device. The drive device performs an operation according to the instruction signal received from the drive control unit 103.

[0021] Next, a process executed by sleep support device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing a sleep support method according to the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 2 is started by, for example, being triggered by the start of communication with clothing.

[0022] First, the biometric data acquiring unit 101 acquires biometric data from a sleeping garment having a biometric sensor and a drive unit (step S11). After acquiring the biometric data, the biometric data acquiring unit 101 supplies the acquired biometric data to the estimated information generating unit 102.

[0023] Next, the estimated information generating unit 102 generates estimated information that estimates the sleeping state of the person from the tendency of the biological data received from the biological data acquiring unit 101 (step S12). After generating the estimated information, the estimated information generating unit 102 supplies the generated estimated information to the drive control unit 103.

[0024] Next, the drive control unit 103 generates an instruction signal according to the received estimated information and outputs the signal. The drive control unit 103 controls the drive device by outputting the instruction signal (step S13). Once the drive device has been controlled, the series of processes ends.

[0025] The sleep support device according to the first embodiment has been described above. The sleep support device 100 includes a processor and a storage device as components not shown. The storage device included in the sleep support device 100 includes a storage device including a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a solid state drive (SSD). In this case, the storage device included in the sleep support device 100 stores a computer program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) for executing the above-mentioned sleep support method. The processor also reads the computer program from the storage device into a buffer memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and executes the program.

[0026] Each of the components of the sleep support device 100 may be realized by dedicated hardware. In addition, a part or all of each component may be realized by a general-purpose or dedicated circuit, processor, or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or may be configured by multiple chips connected via a bus. A part or all of each component of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc. and a program. In addition, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc. can be used as a processor. The description of the configuration described here may also be applied to other devices or systems described below in this disclosure.

[0027] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of sleep support device 100 are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally arranged or distributed. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, cloud computing system, etc., in a form in which each is connected via a communication network. Furthermore, the functions of sleep support device 100 may be provided in a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0028] The above describes the first embodiment. The sleep support device 100 according to the first embodiment controls a drive device that applies physical stimuli to a person wearing the clothes to promote sleep, in accordance with biometric data of the person. Thus, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a sleep support device or the like that promotes sleep in an optimal manner.

[0029] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the sleep support device differs from that of the first embodiment. Also, the second embodiment is a sleep support system including the sleep support device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sleep support system 1 according to the second embodiment. The sleep support system 1 shown in FIG. 3 is a system that allows a user P1 to put an infant P2 to sleep. The sleep support system 1 mainly comprises a sleep support device 100, a management terminal 300, and clothing 400.

[0030] 3 is connected to a management terminal 300 via a network N1 so as to be able to communicate with the management terminal 300. The sleep support device 100 is a computer or a dedicated information processing device having a communication function. The network N1 is a predetermined communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, or a telephone communication line.

[0031] Sleep support device 100 acquires biometric data from management terminal 300 via network N1. The biometric data that management terminal 300 supplies to sleep support device 100 is acquired by management terminal 300 from clothing 400. Sleep support device 100 also generates an instruction signal for controlling a drive device from the biometric data received from management terminal 300, and outputs the instruction signal to management terminal 300 via network N1.

[0032] The management terminal 300 is a terminal used by the user P1 to manage the control of the garment 400. The management terminal 300 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The management terminal 300 is communicatively connected to the garment 400 via wireless communication. The management terminal 300 is also communicatively connected to the sleep support device 100 via a network N1. This allows the management terminal 300 to acquire biometric data from the garment 400 and provide the acquired biometric data to the sleep support device 100.

[0033] Furthermore, the management terminal 300 receives an instruction signal for controlling a drive device of the garment 400 from the sleep support device 100. When the management terminal 300 receives an instruction signal from the sleep support device 100, it supplies the received instruction signal to the garment 400. This allows the management terminal 300 to control the drive device of the garment 400.

[0034] The garment 400 is a sleeping garment worn by the infant P2 when sleeping. The garment 400 has a biosensor and a drive device, and is connected to the management terminal 300 so as to be capable of wireless communication. In this way, the garment 400 supplies bioinformation to the management terminal 300. The garment 400 also receives an instruction signal from the management terminal 300 to drive the drive device.

[0035] The functions of the sleep support device 100 in this embodiment will be described below. The drive control unit 103 in this embodiment outputs an instruction signal for driving the drive device for a predetermined first period. That is, the drive device of the garment 400 that receives this instruction signal drives the drive device for the predetermined first period.

[0036] Furthermore, the drive control unit 103 according to this embodiment controls the drive device after the first period has elapsed, based on the tendency of the biometric data when the drive device is controlled over the first period. That is, the drive control unit 103 controls the drive device of the garment 400 by feedback control. Here, the tendency of the biometric data during the first period refers to, for example, the difference between first estimated information generated from the biometric data at an arbitrary first time during the first period, and second estimated information generated from the biometric data at a second time after the first time. In this case, the drive control unit 103 generates an instruction signal for controlling the drive device based on the difference between the first estimated information and the second estimated information.

[0037] Alternatively, instead of the above-mentioned configuration, the estimated information generating section 102 of the sleep assistance device 100 may generate predetermined estimated information using the difference between the biological data at the first time and the biological data at the second time.

[0038] The drive control unit 103 may control the drive device after the first period has elapsed based on a comparison between the biometric data before the start of the first period and the biometric data after the start of the first period. That is, in this case, the drive control unit 103 compares, for example, third estimated information generated from the biometric data before the start of the first period with fourth estimated information generated from the biometric data at a predetermined time after the start of the first period, and generates an instruction signal from the result of this comparison.

[0039] The drive control unit 103 may control the drive device so that the index value included in the estimated information changes from a first index value indicating a relatively light sleep state to a second index value indicating a relatively deep sleep state. That is, in the case of the above example, the drive control unit 103 determines the state of the infant P2 from the difference between the index value of the first estimated information and the index value of the second estimated information, and controls the drive device thereafter. Note that the specific control of the drive device in this case may be performed according to a preset algorithm. The drive control unit 103 may perform the feedback control as described above, may perform control according to a preset pattern, or may perform control according to a trained model generated by machine learning.

[0040] Next, the management terminal 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management terminal 300 according to the second embodiment. The management terminal 300 has, as its main components, a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, a control unit 330, a display unit 340, and an information input unit 350.

[0041] The communication unit 310 is an interface for connecting to the sleep assistance device 100 via the network N1 so as to be able to communicate with the sleep assistance device 100. The communication unit 310 also serves as an interface for wireless communication with the garment 400.

[0042] The storage unit 320 is a storage device including a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), or an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), etc. The storage unit 320 stores, for example, an application program executed by the management terminal 300 so that the sleep assistance system 1 executes the sleep assistance method according to the present embodiment.

[0043] The control unit 330 includes a calculation device such as a CPU, and has a function for controlling the management terminal 300. The control unit 330 mainly includes a biosensor control unit 331, a drive device control unit 332, and a program execution unit 333. The biosensor control unit 331 acquires biodata from the biosensor of the garment 400, and supplies the acquired biodata to the sleep support device 100 via the communication unit 310. The drive device control unit 332 supplies an instruction signal received from the sleep support device 100 to the garment 400. The program execution unit 333 executes an application program stored in the storage unit 320.

[0044] The display unit 340 includes a display means such as a liquid crystal panel or organic electroluminescence, and displays predetermined information so that the user P1 can visually confirm it. The information input unit 350 accepts information input by the user P1. The information input unit 350 may be a keyboard or a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 340. By using the display unit 340 and the information input unit 350, the user P1 operates an application program executed by the management terminal 300.

[0045] Next, the garment 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the garment 400 according to the second embodiment. The garment 400 is a garment worn by the infant P2 when sleeping, and includes a stimulating device 410. The stimulating device 410 includes a biosensor 411, a driving device 412, and a communication unit 414 as main components.

[0046] The biosensor 411 measures biodata including at least one of the body surface temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate of the user P1, and transmits the measured biodata to the management terminal 300 via the communication unit 414. The biosensor 411 may transmit the biodata in response to an instruction from the management terminal 300, or may transmit the biodata at preset intervals. The driving device 412 includes a driving unit 413 for giving a predetermined physical stimulus to the infant P2. The driving unit 413 is, for example, a speaker including a diaphragm and a coil, a vibrator including a motor or a piezoelectric element, a heating element that generates heat by electrical resistance, an emitter that emits gas that emits a predetermined odor, or the like. The driving device 412 drives the driving unit 413 in response to an instruction signal received from the management terminal 300.

[0047] The communication unit 414 is an interface for wireless communication with the management terminal 300. The stimulating device 410 may have a battery in addition to the above-mentioned configuration. The above-mentioned configuration does not have to be in a single integrated form. In other words, the stimulating device 410 may be distributed and arranged at predetermined locations on the garment 400. The garment 400 may have at least one of a biosensor 411 and a driving device 412 at a position corresponding to the vicinity of a person's thoracic vertebrae or cervical vertebrae.

[0048] Next, a sleep support method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the sleep support method according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 6, the processing from step S12 onwards is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0049] After step S12, sleep support device 100 controls the drive device according to the above-mentioned algorithm in response to the estimated information received from estimated information generator 102 (step S20). That is, drive controller 103 generates an instruction signal for controlling the drive device and supplies this to management terminal 300 via network N1. At this time, sleep support device 100 starts a timer for measuring the first period.

[0050] Next, sleep support device 100 determines whether a first period has elapsed since generating an instruction signal to control a drive device (step S21). If it is determined that the first period has not elapsed (step S21: NO), sleep support device 100 repeats step S21. If it is determined that the first period has elapsed (step S21: YES), sleep support device 100 resets the timer and proceeds to step S22.

[0051] In step S22, sleep support device 100 determines whether or not to end the series of processes (step S22). If it is not determined that the series of processes should be ended (step S22: NO), sleep support device 100 returns to step S11 and repeats the process. In this case, for example, in step S20, drive control unit 103 controls the drive device after the first period has elapsed based on the tendency of the estimated information in the first period. On the other hand, if it is determined that the series of processes should be ended (step S22: YES), sleep support device 100 ends the process.

[0052] The above describes the processing of sleep support device 100 in this embodiment. In step S20, drive control unit 103 may compare the estimated information before the start of the first period with the estimated information after the start of the first period. In this case, drive control unit 103 may control the drive device after the first period has elapsed according to the result of this comparison.

[0053] In the sleep support system 1 described above, multiple management terminals 300 may be connected to the sleep support device 100. In this case, each of the multiple management terminals 300 is connected to a separate garment 400. The sleep support device 100 outputs an instruction signal to each drive device of the multiple garments 400 according to the respective biological data.

[0054] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a sleep assistance device, a sleep assistance method, and a sleep assistance system that promote optimal sleep.

[0055] <Embodiment 3> Next, a description will be given of embodiment 3. The sleep support device of embodiment 3 differs from the sleep support device 100 described above in that the sleep support device has a notification unit.

[0056] 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sleep assistance device 120 according to the third embodiment. The sleep assistance device 120 further includes a notification unit 104.

[0057] The notification unit 104 has a function of transmitting a predetermined message to the management terminal 300. The predetermined message is information for notifying the user P1 who uses the management terminal 300, and for example, notifies the user P1 that the baby P2 is gradually transitioning to sleep. Alternatively, the predetermined message may notify the user P2 that the transition to sleep is not progressing smoothly. The sleep assistance device 120 has a plurality of messages for notifying the user P1, and may select which message to notify the user P1 according to the situation.

[0058] For example, when the index value included in the estimated information exceeds a predetermined threshold value after a predetermined third period has elapsed since the start of the first period, the notification unit 104 notifies the sleep manager of a message indicating that the transition to sleep is proceeding smoothly. Also, for example, when the index value included in the estimated information does not exceed a predetermined threshold value after a predetermined third period has elapsed since the start of the first period, the notification unit 104 notifies the sleep manager of a message indicating that the transition to sleep is not proceeding smoothly. Furthermore, when the transition to sleep is not proceeding smoothly, the notification unit 104 may notify a message including advice to encourage sleep.

[0059] Next, the process executed by sleep support device 120 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a sleep support method according to the third embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 8 differs from the process according to the second embodiment in that a process is added between step S21 and step S22.

[0060] In step S20, the drive control unit 103 starts controlling the drive device. At this time, the sleep assistance device 120 starts a timer for measuring the first and second periods.

[0061] In step S21, if it is not determined that the first period has elapsed (step S21: NO), sleep support device 120 repeats step S21. If it is determined that the first period has elapsed (step S21: YES), sleep support device 120 resets the timer for measuring the first period and proceeds to step S31.

[0062] In step S31, sleep support device 120 determines whether or not a second period has elapsed since control of the drive device was started (step S31). If it is determined that the second period has not elapsed since control of the drive device was started (step S31: NO), sleep support device 120 returns to step S11. If it is determined that the second period has elapsed since control of the drive device was started (step S31: YES), sleep support device 120 resets a timer for measuring the second period and proceeds to step S32.

[0063] In step S32, sleep support device 120 determines whether index value DA included in the estimated information exceeds a predetermined threshold Dth (step S32). In the example shown here, it is assumed that the closer to a sleeping state infant P2 is, the higher index value DA becomes. However, index value DA is not limited to this. If it is determined that index value DA exceeds predetermined threshold Dth (step S32: YES), sleep support device 120 proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if it is determined that index value DA does not exceed predetermined threshold Dth (step S32: NO), sleep support device 120 proceeds to step S34.

[0064] In step S33, the notification unit 104 notifies the management terminal 300 of the first message (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S22. Here, the first message includes content indicating that the introduction into sleep is proceeding smoothly.

[0065] In step S34, the notification unit 104 notifies the management terminal 300 of the second message (step S34), and the process proceeds to step S22. Here, the second message includes content indicating that the introduction into sleep is not proceeding smoothly.

[0066] In step S22, sleep support device 120 determines whether or not to end the series of processes (step S22). If it is determined not to end the series of processes (step S22: NO), sleep support device 100 returns to step S11 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined to end the series of processes (step S22: YES), sleep support device 100 ends the process.

[0067] Next, an example of a message related to sleep support system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a message image of the sleep support system according to embodiment 3. Image 341 shown in Fig. 9 is an example of an image displayed on display unit 340 of management terminal 300.

[0068] The image 341 is an image of an application program for the user P1 to operate the sleep support system 1. The image 341 shows a status display 342 indicating that the drive unit 413 of the garment 400 is operating. The image 341 also shows a message 343 corresponding to the second message shown in FIG. 8. The message 343 shows a message saying "I can't seem to sleep" indicating that the sleep support system is not making good progress in inducing sleep. The message 343 also shows a message saying "It may be a little hot" as information suggesting an improvement in the situation. With such a message, the sleep support device 120 can suppress the anxiety of the user P1.

[0069] Image 341 also displays, below message 343, an image prompting user P1 to perform an operation as to whether or not to continue using sleep support system 1. By displaying in this manner, sleep support system 1 increases options for user P1 and improves convenience.

[0070] The above describes embodiment 3. According to embodiment 3, it is possible to provide a sleep assistance device, a sleep assistance method, and a sleep assistance system that promote optimal sleep and are highly convenient to use.

[0071] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sleep support device 130 according to the fourth embodiment. Sleep support device 130 has a feature information receiving unit 105. Furthermore, sleep support device 130 differs from the above-described sleep support devices in the processing of estimated information generating unit 102 and drive control unit 103.

[0072] In this embodiment, the drive control unit 103 stops driving the drive device when the index value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value after a predetermined second period has elapsed since the start of the first period. This allows the sleep support system 1 to prevent the baby P2 from becoming uncomfortable when the baby P2 is not encouraged to sleep. In such a case, the sleep support system 1 notifies the user P1 by a message indicating the stop of the drive device via the notification unit 104 described below.

[0073] The notification unit 104 transmits a predetermined message to the management terminal 300. The predetermined message may be set according to the contents of the characteristic information.

[0074] The characteristic information receiving unit 105 receives the characteristic information of a person from the management terminal 300. Here, the characteristic information of a person may include, for example, the person's age or age in months, sex, height, weight, etc. In addition to the above information, the characteristic information of a person may also include information regarding the person's past sleeping hours.

[0075] The estimated information generating unit 102 in this embodiment generates estimated information according to the above-mentioned characteristic information. More specifically, the estimated information generating unit 102 generates estimated information according to the acquired biometric data and characteristic information from the biometric data and characteristic information. The estimated information generating unit 102 may store in advance patterns of combinations of biometric data and estimated information and statistical information. The estimated information generating unit 102 may also generate estimated information from the biometric data and characteristic information by using a predetermined trained model. This allows the sleep assistance device 130 to execute processing according to the characteristics of the person using the sleep assistance system.

[0076] In addition, the drive control unit 103 in this embodiment may generate an instruction signal according to the feature information accepted by the feature information accepting unit 105. For example, the drive control unit 103 may weaken the strength of the physical stimulation emitted by the drive device when used by a 12-month-old baby, or shorten the driving period, compared to the strength when used by a 36-month-old baby. In this embodiment, the user P1 inputs feature information to the management terminal 300 by using the display unit 340 and the information input unit 350.

[0077] Next, the processing of sleep support device 130 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a sleep support method according to the fourth embodiment. The flowchart of Fig. 11 differs from the flowchart of Fig. 8 in that step S40 is included before step S11. The flowchart of Fig. 11 also differs from the flowchart of Fig. 8 in the processing after step S32.

[0078] First, the characteristic information receiving unit 105 of the sleep assistance device receives the characteristic information of the baby P2 from the management terminal 300 via the network N1 (step S40). The characteristic information receiving unit 105 supplies the received characteristic information to the estimated information generating unit .

[0079] In step S12 of the present embodiment, the estimated information generating unit 102 generates estimated information from the biometric data and the feature information (step S12). The estimated information generating unit 102 supplies the generated estimated information to the drive control unit 103.

[0080] In step S32 of the present embodiment, if it is not determined that index value DA exceeds predetermined threshold value Dth (step S32: NO), sleep assistance device 120 proceeds to step S41.

[0081] In step S41, sleep assistance device 130 notifies management terminal 300 of a predetermined message and supplies driving device 412 with an instruction signal to stop driving unit 413 (step S41), and ends the series of processes.

[0082] Next, an example of a message image according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a message image of the sleep support system according to the fourth embodiment. An image 341 shown in Fig. 12 shows a status display 342 indicating that the drive unit 413 of the garment 400 is stopped. The image 341 also includes a first message 345 and a second message 346. The first message 345 displays "The drive device has been stopped" to notify the user P1 of the status of the drive device. The first message 345 also displays "It seems that you cannot sleep now" to notify the result of the estimated information.

[0083] The second message 346 displays "advice for when you can't sleep." The content of the second message 346 may be based on the feature information. The content of the second message 346 may also be based on the biometric data.

[0084] The fourth embodiment has been described above. While supporting the introduction of sleep in an appropriate manner, the sleep support device 130 stops the drive device if the introduction of sleep is not progressing smoothly. This allows the sleep support device 130 to reduce the burden on the person wearing the garment 400. Furthermore, when the drive device is stopped, the sleep support device 130 notifies a predetermined message. This allows the sleep support device 130 to reduce anxiety of the user. Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to provide a sleep support device, sleep support method, and sleep support system that promotes sleep in an appropriate manner, is convenient to use, and can be used with peace of mind.

[0085] Although the embodiment has been described above, the above-mentioned program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and supplied to a computer. The non-transitory computer-readable media includes various types of tangible recording media. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of the temporary computer-readable media include electric signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable media can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

[0086] <Example of hardware configuration> Hereinafter, a case will be described in which each functional configuration of the determination device according to the present disclosure is realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer. The determination device in the present disclosure can realize the above-mentioned functions by a computer 500 including the hardware configuration shown in the figure. The computer 500 may be a portable computer such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a stationary computer such as a PC. The computer 500 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize each device, or may be a general-purpose computer. The computer 500 can realize a desired function by installing a predetermined application.

[0088] The computer 500 has a bus 502, a processor 504, a memory 506, a storage device 508, an input / output interface 510 (an interface is also called an I / F (Interface)), and a network interface 512. The bus 502 is a data transmission path for the processor 504, the memory 506, the storage device 508, the input / output interface 510, and the network interface 512 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 504 and other components to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

[0089] The processor 504 is one of various processors such as a CPU, a GPU, an FPGA, etc. The memory 506 is a main storage device realized using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0090] The storage device 508 is an auxiliary storage device realized using a hard disk, an SSD, a memory card, a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The storage device 508 stores a program for realizing a desired function. The processor 504 reads the program into the memory 506 and executes it to realize each functional component of each device.

[0091] The input / output interface 510 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to an input / output device. For example, the input / output interface 510 is connected to an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display device.

[0092] The network interface 512 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to a network.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, the sleep support system 1 can be applied to a sleep support system for a specific care recipient. The specific care recipient is, for example, a person who is required to change posture during sleep, but has difficulty turning over naturally. In this case, the sleep support system acquires biological data of the care recipient while sleeping, and controls the drive unit to provide a physical stimulus to encourage the care recipient to turn over in response to the acquired biological data. In this case, the number of drive units provided on the clothing may be multiple. The drive control unit, for example, drives a drive unit located between the care recipient and the bed to encourage the care recipient to turn over in bed. The drive unit may have a pressure sensor to detect that it is sandwiched between the care recipient and the bed. With this configuration, the sleep support system can suppress bed sores in the care recipient.

[0094] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) a biometric data acquisition means for acquiring the biometric data from a sleeping garment, the biometric data acquisition means having a biometric sensor that contacts a predetermined part of the person to measure the biometric data of the person, and a drive device that gives the person a predetermined physical stimulus to induce sleep; an estimated information generating means for generating estimated information that estimates a sleep state of the person based on a tendency of the biological data; a drive control means for controlling the drive device by outputting an instruction signal based on the estimated information; Sleep support device. (Appendix 2) the biometric data acquisition means acquires, as the biometric data, data relating to at least one of a body surface temperature, a heart rate, a blood pressure, and a respiratory rate of the person; 2. A sleep assistance device as described in claim 1. (Appendix 3) The drive control means outputs the instruction signal for driving the drive device for a predetermined first period. 3. A sleep assistance device as described in claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The drive control means controls the drive device after the first period has elapsed based on a trend of the biological data during the first period. 4. A sleep assistance device as described in appended claim 3. (Appendix 5) the drive control means controls the drive device after the first period has elapsed based on a comparison between the biological data before the start of the first period and the biological data after the start of the first period. 4. A sleep assistance device as described in appended claim 3. (Appendix 6) The estimated information generating means generates the estimated information including an index value indicating a depth of sleep of the person. 6. A sleep support device according to any one of claims 3 to 5. (Appendix 7) The drive control means controls the drive device so that the index value included in the estimated information indicates a second index value indicating a relatively deep sleep state from a first index value indicating a relatively light sleep state. 7. A sleep assistance device as described in appended claim 6. (Appendix 8) the drive control means stops driving the drive device when the index value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value after a predetermined second period has elapsed from the start of the first period. 8. A sleep assistance device according to claim 6 or 7. (Appendix 9) and notifying means for notifying the sleep manager of a predetermined message when the index value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value after a predetermined third period has elapsed from the start of the first period. 9. A sleep assistance device as described in claim 8. (Appendix 10) A characteristic information receiving unit that receives characteristic information of the person, the estimated information generating means generates the estimated information in response to the feature information. 10. A sleep support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) The person is an infant. A sleep support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. (Appendix 12) the garment configured to be wearable by the person, the garment having the biosensor and the drive device; A sleep support device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A sleep support system equipped with: (Appendix 13) the clothing has at least one of the biosensor and the drive device at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the person's thoracic vertebrae or cervical vertebrae; 13. A sleep assistance system as described in claim 12. (Appendix 14) The computer acquiring the biometric data from a sleeping garment having a biometric sensor that contacts a predetermined part of the person to measure the biometric data of the person and a drive device that applies a predetermined physical stimulus to the person to induce sleep; generating estimated information that estimates a sleep state of the person based on the tendency of the biological data; controlling the driving device by outputting an instruction signal based on the estimated information; Sleep support methods. (Appendix 15) acquiring the biometric data from a sleeping garment having a biometric sensor that contacts a predetermined part of the person to measure the biometric data of the person and a drive device that applies a predetermined physical stimulus to the person to induce sleep; generating estimated information that estimates a sleep state of the person based on the tendency of the biological data; controlling the driving device by outputting an instruction signal based on the estimated information; A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a program for causing a computer to execute a sleep assistance method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Sleep Support System 100 sleep support device 101 Biometric data acquisition unit 102 Estimated information generation unit 103 Drive control unit 104 Notification Department 105 Characteristics Information Reception Department 120 Sleep support device 130 Sleep support device 300 Management terminal 310 Communications Department 320 Storage section 330 Control Unit 331 Biometric sensor control unit 332 Drive unit control section 333 Program Execution Department 340 Display section 341 images 343 Messages 350 Information Input Section 400 Clothed 410 Stimulating device 411 Biometric Sensors 412 Drive unit 413 Drive unit 414 Communications Department N1 Network P1 User P2 Infants

Claims

1. a biometric data acquisition means for acquiring the biometric data from a sleeping garment, the biometric data acquisition means having a biometric sensor that contacts a predetermined part of the person to measure the biometric data of the person, and a drive device that gives the person a predetermined physical stimulus to induce sleep; an estimated information generating means for generating estimated information that estimates a sleep state of the person based on a tendency of the biological data; a drive control means for controlling the drive device by outputting an instruction signal based on the estimated information; the drive control means outputs the instruction signal for driving the drive device for a predetermined first period; The estimated information generating means generates the estimated information including an index value indicating a depth of sleep of the person, the drive control means stops driving the drive device when the index value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value after a predetermined second period has elapsed from the start of the first period. Sleep support device.

2. the biometric data acquisition means acquires, as the biometric data, data relating to at least one of a body surface temperature, a heart rate, a blood pressure, and a respiratory rate of the person; The sleep aid device according to claim 1 .

3. the drive control means controls the drive device after the first period has elapsed based on a trend of the biological data during the first period. The sleep aid device according to claim 1 .

4. the drive control means controls the drive device after the first period has elapsed based on a comparison between the biological data before the start of the first period and the biological data after the start of the first period. The sleep aid device according to claim 1 .

5. the drive control means controls the drive device so that the index value included in the estimated information indicates a second index value indicating a relatively deep sleep state from a first index value indicating a relatively light sleep state. The sleep aid device according to claim 1 .

6. acquiring the biometric data from a sleeping garment having a biometric sensor that contacts a predetermined part of the person to measure the biometric data of the person and a drive device that applies a predetermined physical stimulus to the person to induce sleep; generating estimated information that estimates a sleep state of the person based on the tendency of the biological data; controlling the drive device by outputting an instruction signal based on the estimated information; and outputting the instruction signal for driving the drive device for a predetermined first period; generating the estimated information including an index value indicative of a depth of sleep of the person; stopping the drive of the drive device when the index value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value after a predetermined second period has elapsed from the start of the first period; A sleep support method is performed by a computer. program.

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