Information processing device, system, program, and method

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can provide various sounds to a user based on the user's sleep state.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: sound selection means for selecting sound to be output from a sound candidate group; sound output means for outputting the selected sound when an output condition is satisfied; sleep state estimation means for estimating a sleep state of a user based on measurement results of a sensor for measuring body movements of the user; sleep time calculation means for calculating sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user; and additional means for adding new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated sleep time of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and system that estimates a sleep state, a program intended for the information processing device, and a method executed by the information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known devices that enrich the messages and characters that are output in response to user operations. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-106872 (Patent Document 1) discloses an alarm clock that executes a process of increasing experience points when an operation is performed to stop an alarm when an alarm sounds, or when an operation is performed to stop an alarm when an alarm that has been paused by a snooze function sounds again, and a process of increasing the level and increasing the variety of messages that are output when a predetermined experience point value is reached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-106872 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional devices, it is not assumed that the sleep state of the user is estimated. The present disclosure is directed to a mechanism that can provide various sounds to the user based on the sleep state of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to one embodiment includes a sound selection means for selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates, a sound output means for outputting the selected sound when an output condition is satisfied, a sleep state estimation means for estimating a user's sleep state based on measurement results of a sensor for measuring the user's body movements, a sleep time calculation means for calculating the user's sleep time based on the estimated sleep state of the user, and an addition means for adding a new sound to the group of sound candidates based on the calculated sleep time of the user.

[0006] According to this configuration, the output device calculates the user's sleep time based on the estimated sleep state of the user, and adds a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated sleep time of the user. Therefore, in order to increase the variety of sounds to be output, the user needs to sleep. In other words, the output of a new sound can be associated with the user's motivation to get more sleep.

[0007] The adding means may add a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated cumulative total of the user's sleeping hours. According to this configuration, since the new sound is added based on the cumulative total of the user's sleeping hours, it is possible to motivate the user to sleep as long as possible.

[0008] The adding means may add a new sound when the calculated cumulative total of the user's sleeping time reaches a predetermined threshold. With this configuration, the developer can arbitrarily adjust when the sound is added.

[0009] The predetermined threshold may include a plurality of thresholds. In this case, the adding unit may add a new sound each time the calculated cumulative total of the user's sleep time reaches any one of the plurality of thresholds. With this configuration, sounds can be added in stages using the plurality of thresholds.

[0010] The difference between the second threshold and the third threshold next to the second threshold may be larger than the difference between the first threshold and the second threshold next to the first threshold included in the plurality of thresholds. According to this configuration, sounds are added immediately after the start of use, so that the user can enjoy using the information processing device. Also, the time until all sounds are added can be made longer, so that the user can enjoy using the information processing device for a longer period of time.

[0011] The information processing device may further include an evaluation means for performing an evaluation based on the calculated immediately preceding sleep time after the user wakes up. In this case, the adding means may add a new sound based on the evaluation result by the evaluation means. According to this configuration, by evaluating the user's sleep time based on the calculated immediately preceding sleep time after the user wakes up, the condition for adding a new sound can be appropriately determined.

[0012] The adding means may determine the new sound to be added by drawing lots. With this configuration, the user cannot predict the new sound to be added, so that the user can feel a sense of expectation and can be given a stronger motivation to get sleep.

[0013] The probability that each sound that has not been added to the sound candidate group will be determined as a new sound may be the same for each sound. With this configuration, sounds that have not been added to the sound candidate group are selected and added to the sound candidate group with the same probability, so that the variety of sounds to be output can be increased without being biased toward a specific sound.

[0014] The information processing device may further include a determination means for determining whether or not to enable a process for adding a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated user's sleeping time. In this case, the adding means may add a new sound to the sound candidate group when the process for adding a new sound is enabled. According to this configuration, a new sound is not necessarily added based on the calculated user's sleeping time, so that a sense of expectation can be given to the user. Also, since it may be determined that a new sound will not be added, the user can be motivated to get some sleep.

[0015] The sound selection means may select a sound to be output from the sound candidate group by lottery. With this configuration, the sound to be output from the output device changes by lottery, which can give the user a sense of expectation.

[0016] The probability that a sound included in the sound candidate group will be selected as the sound to be output by lottery may be set higher the longer the user's sleep time immediately before the output condition is satisfied. With this configuration, the sounds that are likely to be output change based on the user's sleep time, so that the user can be motivated to get some sleep so that a wider variety of sounds can be output.

[0017] The sound selection means may select sounds to be output from a larger number of sounds when the calculated sleeping time of the user exceeds a predetermined time, as compared to when the calculated sleeping time does not exceed the predetermined time. According to this configuration, the output device outputs a larger number of types of sounds as the sleeping time increases, so that the user can be motivated to get some sleep.

[0018] The probability that some of the sounds included in the sound candidate group will be selected as the sound to be output may be set higher the longer the user sleeps. With this configuration, the probability that a particular sound included in the sound candidate group will be selected remains low if the user does not sleep for a long time, so that the user can be motivated to get some sleep.

[0019] The probability that each of the sounds included in the sound candidate group will be selected as the sound to be output may be equal to each other. With this configuration, it is possible to output each of the sounds included in the sound candidate group with equal probability.

[0020] The more recently a sound is added to the sound candidate group, the higher the probability that the sound will be selected as the sound to be output. With this configuration, the newly added sound becomes more likely to be output when the user sleeps, so that the user can more reliably feel the results of their sleep.

[0021] The sound selection means may select sounds to be output from the sound candidate group in a predetermined order. According to this configuration, the sounds included in the sound candidate group are output in sequence, so that each sound can be reliably heard by the user.

[0022] A sound may be added to the sound candidate group in units of a sound set consisting of a plurality of sounds. In this case, the sound selection means may select a sound to be output in units of a sound set, and determine the sound to be output from among the sounds included in the selected sound set. With this configuration, the output can be switched between sounds included in the selected sound set, thereby increasing the variety of sounds to be output.

[0023] The sound selection means may select, when a switching condition is satisfied after the start of sound output, a sound that is different from the previously selected sound among the sounds included in the sound set as the sound to be output next. With this configuration, the user can listen to the sound included in the selected sound set.

[0024] The switching condition may include that the output duration of the currently output sound reaches a predetermined time. According to this configuration, when the same sound is output for the output duration, the output is switched to the next sound, so that the user can enjoy a variety of sounds.

[0025] The information processing device may further include a pause means for temporarily stopping the output of sound by the sound output means in response to a user's operation. In this case, the switching condition may include that the output of sound is temporarily stopped. According to this configuration, when the output of sound is temporarily stopped, the next sound to be output is different from the previous sound, allowing the user to enjoy a variety of sounds.

[0026] The sound output means may be configured to re-output the sound whose output has been terminated if a re-output condition is satisfied within a predetermined period of time after the output of the sound has been terminated. With this configuration, even if the user misses the sound output when the output condition is satisfied or is unable to fully hear the sound, the same sound can be heard later.

[0027] The information processing device may further include a detection means for detecting shaking occurring in the information processing device. In this case, the re-output condition may include that shaking of the information processing device is detected. According to this configuration, the sound is re-output by the user shaking the information processing device, so that the user can listen to the sound again with a simple operation.

[0028] In the information processing device, the sensor may be an acceleration sensor. With this configuration, the acceleration sensor can be used to estimate the sleep state of the user.

[0029] The information processing device may further include an acquisition unit for acquiring a sound from another information processing device different from the information processing device. According to this configuration, by acquiring the sound from the other information processing device, it is possible to increase the variety of sounds output from the output device.

[0030] According to another embodiment, there is provided a system having a sound generating unit, the system including: a sound selecting means for selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates; a sound output means for outputting the selected sound from the sound generating unit when an output condition is satisfied; a sleep state estimating means for estimating a sleep state of a user based on a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a body movement of the user; a sleep time calculating means for calculating a sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user; and an adding means for adding a new sound to the group of sound candidates based on the calculated sleep time of the user.

[0031] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a program executed by a computer configured to output a sound, the program causing the computer to execute the steps of: selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates, outputting the selected sound when an output condition is satisfied, estimating a sleep state of a user based on a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a body movement of the user, calculating a sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user, and adding a new sound to the group of sound candidates based on the calculated sleep time of the user.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a method executed by an information processing device configured to output a sound, the method including the steps of selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates, outputting the selected sound when an output condition is satisfied, estimating a sleep state of a user based on a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a body movement of the user, calculating a sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user, and adding a new sound to the group of sound candidates based on the calculated sleep time of the user. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the present disclosure, various sounds can be provided to a user based on the user's sleep state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of an output device of the system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating a sound adding process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a sound selection and output process according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an output device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a sleep state estimated by an output device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams for illustrating an example of conditions used in the sound adding process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a sound adding process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for sound adding processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10]13 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure of the sound adding process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for sound selection and output processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for illustrating an example of a method for determining sounds to be selected by the output device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a sound selection method of the output device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for illustrating another example of the sound selection method of the output device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a sound changing process of the output device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for re-outputting sound according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The present embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0036] [A. Overall configuration example] First, an example of the overall configuration of a system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0037] 1, a system 1 includes an output device 100 as an example of an information processing device configured to output sound. The output device 100 may be configured as a kind of alarm clock.

[0038] The system 1 may further include a mobile terminal 200 capable of exchanging data with the output device 100 through wireless or wired communication. However, the mobile terminal 200 is not an essential component.

[0039] The mobile terminal 200 may be an information processing device configured to execute any application. The mobile terminal 200 may be configured as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a game device, etc. The mobile terminal 200 may also transmit one or more sounds to the output device 100 in response to a user operation or the like.

[0040] When connecting the output device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 by wireless communication, any wireless system such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), wireless LAN (IEEE802.11), or infrared communication can be adopted.

[0041] [B. Example of Hardware Configuration of Output Device 100] Next, an example of a hardware configuration of output device 100 in system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of output device 100 of system 1 according to the present embodiment. With reference to Fig. 2, output device 100 is an example of a computer, and includes, as main components, a processor 102, a memory 104, a storage 106, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 110, an acceleration sensor 112, a display unit 114, a vibration unit 116, a sound generation unit 118, a wireless communication unit 120, and an operation unit 122. These components are electrically connected via a bus 124.

[0043] The processor 102 is a processing entity (processing means) for executing the processes provided by the output device 100. The processor 102 reads a system program 108 stored in the storage 106 and loads it in the memory 104 to realize the processes described below. The system program 108 includes instruction codes for realizing the processes described below.

[0044] The memory 104 is a storage device accessible by the processor 102, and is implemented using a volatile storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The storage 106 is implemented using a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory.

[0045] In addition to the system program 108, the storage 106 stores sound data 130 and a sound management table 140.

[0046] The RTC 110 manages the time and provides information indicating the current time to the processor 102 and the like.

[0047] The acceleration sensor 112 is a sensor that detects the movement occurring in the output device 100, and is used to estimate the sleeping state of the user as described later.

[0048] The display unit 114 is a component that visually provides information to the user, and is configured using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a liquid crystal display.

[0049] The vibration unit 116 applies vibration to the user.

[0050] The sound generating unit 118 is a component that provides any auditory information to the user, and is configured using, for example, a speaker or a buzzer.

[0051] The wireless communication unit 120 exchanges data with the mobile terminal 200 via wireless signals.

[0052] The operation unit 122 is a component that accepts user operations, and is composed of devices such as push buttons, an operation lever, a touch panel, and a mouse.

[0053] The processing performed in the output device 100 may be realized by a processor executing a program, or part or all of the processing may be realized by a hardwired circuit such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or an FPGA (field programmable gate array).

[0054] In this specification, the term "processor" includes not only a processing circuit that executes processing according to instruction codes written in a program, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a graphics processing unit (GPU), but also a hardwired circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. In a hardwired circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA, a circuit corresponding to the processing to be executed is formed in advance. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "processor" also includes a circuit in which multiple functions are integrated, such as a system on chip (SoC).

[0055] [C. Processing Overview] Next, an overview of the processing in the output device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The output device 100 executes a sound adding process for adding a new sound to a sound candidate group based on the user's sleeping time, and a sound selecting and outputting process for selecting a sound to be output from the sound candidate group and outputting the selected sound when an output condition is satisfied.

[0056] The output device 100 according to the present embodiment is capable of outputting a plurality of sounds. In the following description, an example is shown in which sounds are classified by an attribute called "mood." That is, a plurality of sounds are prepared corresponding to a plurality of moods. By preparing sounds that take such "moods" into consideration, the user can feel as if the output device 100 is a "living thing." This makes it easier for the user to feel attached to the output device 100. However, any type of sound may be prepared and output.

[0057] In this specification, "sound" is a general term for an expression that a user can perceive through hearing. The term "sound" refers to a unit output from the output device 100, and whether or not a sound is output from the output device 100 is managed for each "sound."

[0058] In this specification, "sound data" refers to music data for producing sound output. For example, sound data is composed of data coded according to a known music format.

[0059] In this specification, a "sound set" refers to a collection of multiple "sounds." That is, a "sound set" is made up of multiple "sounds." For example, a "sound set" may be made up of multiple "sounds" that have common or similar attributes.

[0060] In this specification, the term "sound candidate group" refers to a collection of sounds that are logically permitted to be output from the output device 100. A plurality of sounds are prepared in advance in the output device 100, and the output device 100 changes some or all of the prepared plurality of sounds to a usable state based on the user's sleep time. Sounds may be added to the "sound candidate group" in units of sound sets.

[0061] 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sound adding process according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, sound management table 140 includes information on prepared sounds 132 and information on whether each sound 132 has been added to sound candidate group 134.

[0062] For example, sounds 132-1 to 132-7 (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as "sounds 132") corresponding to the respective moods are prepared in the output device 100. Each of the sounds 132 is associated with a specific sound data 130.

[0063] The elements of the sound candidate group may not be individual sounds 132, but may be a sound set consisting of multiple sounds 132. In this case, one or multiple sounds 132 included in the sound set all correspond to the same "mood." Details of the sound set will be described later.

[0064] In the initial state, some of the sounds 132 are available for use, i.e., some of the sounds 132 have already been added to the sound candidate group 134.

[0065] Based on the user's sleeping hours, the output device 100 adds, to the sound candidate group 134, any of the sounds 132 prepared in advance that have not been added to the sound candidate group 134. The details of the process of adding the sound 132 to the sound candidate group 134 (sound addition process) will be described later.

[0066] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sound selection and output process according to the present embodiment. With reference to Fig. 4, the output device 100 selects a sound 132 to be output from a sound candidate group 134. The output device 100 outputs the selected sound when an output condition is satisfied.

[0067] 4A includes sounds 132-1, 132-5, and 132-6, so the output device 100 selects one sound 132 from among these three sounds 132.

[0068] 4B shows a state in which the sound 132-3 has been added to the sound candidate group 134 by the sound addition process. That is, the sound candidate group 134 includes sounds 132-1, 132-3, 132-5, and 132-6. Therefore, the output device 100 selects one sound 132 from these four sounds 132.

[0069] The output device 100 may be configured to implement only one of the sound adding process and the sound selecting and output process.

[0070] [D. Functional configuration example] Next, an example of a functional configuration of output device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0071] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the output device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 5, the output device 100 includes, as main functional components, a sleep state estimation module 150, a sleep time calculation module 152, an addition module 154, an output management module 156, a sound selection module 158, a sound output module 160, and a sound acquisition module 162. These functional components are typically realized by the processor 102 of the output device 100 executing the system program 108.

[0072] The sleep state estimation module 150 estimates the sleep state of the user based on the measurement results of a sensor for measuring the user's body movements. The user's body movements are measured by, for example, the acceleration sensor 112. Typically, the output device 100 is placed on bedding (such as a mattress) on which the user sleeps so that the user's body movements occurring during sleep can be detected.

[0073] The sleep state estimated by the sleep state estimation module 150 may include, for example, a sleeping state and an awake state (awake state). As the sleeping state, REM sleep and non-REM sleep may be further distinguished, and the depth of sleep may be output. The sleep state estimation module 150 may estimate the sleep state and output the estimation result only when the user's body movement can be appropriately measured. For example, when the user is not present in the measurement range or the user is not in a state to go to sleep, the estimation result of the sleep state may not be output.

[0074] The measurement of the user's body movements and the estimation of the user's sleep state may be performed using other sensors instead of the acceleration sensor 112. Also, any known algorithm may be used for estimating the user's sleep state.

[0075] The sleep time calculation module 152 calculates the user's sleep time based on the user's sleep state estimated by the sleep state estimation module 150. More specifically, the sleep time calculation module 152 accumulates the time during which the user is asleep among the sleep states of the user sequentially output by the sleep state estimation module 150. The sleep time calculation module 152 outputs, as the user's sleep time, for example, a cumulative total of sleep time (from an arbitrary initial state) and / or sleep time in a recent predetermined period (for example, 24 hours or one week).

[0076] The addition module 154 adds a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated sleep time of the user. In the present embodiment, as an example, the sound candidate group is managed using the sound management table 140. More specifically, a plurality of identifiers are defined in the sound management table 140, and one or a plurality of sound data 130 are associated with each of the identifiers. Furthermore, in the sound management table 140, information indicating whether or not each of the identifiers is available is added. The addition module 154 adds a new sound to the sound candidate group by updating the information indicating whether or not the sound is available, which is included in the sound management table 140. The management of the sound candidate group using the sound management table 140 will be described in detail later.

[0077] The output management module 156 determines whether the output condition is satisfied. When the output device 100 is configured as an alarm clock, the output management module 156 determines whether a preset start time has arrived based on the current time provided by the RTC 110. For example, the user may be allowed to operate the output device 100 and / or the mobile terminal 200 to arbitrarily set the start time.

[0078] In this way, the output condition may include the arrival of a preset start time, and it may be determined that the output condition is satisfied if the user is in a light sleep when the preset start time approaches.

[0079] The sound selection module 158 selects a sound to be output from the sound candidate group. The method by which the sound selection module 158 selects a sound will be described in detail later.

[0080] The sound output module 160 outputs the selected sound when the output condition is satisfied. More specifically, when the output management module 156 determines that the output condition is satisfied, the sound output module 160 plays the sound data 130 corresponding to the sound selected by the sound selection module 158. The sound generation unit 118 generates a sound according to a signal generated by the playback of the sound data 130.

[0081] The sound acquisition module 162 acquires sound from another information processing device (for example, the mobile terminal 200) different from the output device 100. More specifically, the sound acquisition module 162 acquires new sound data 130 by communicating with the mobile terminal 200 via the wireless communication unit 120, and stores the new sound data 130 in the storage 106. Also, an entry corresponding to the sound (sound data 130) acquired from the mobile terminal 200 is added to the sound management table 140.

[0082] Note that the sound (sound data 130) acquired from the mobile terminal 200 does not have to be added to the sound candidate group immediately after acquisition, or may be added thereto.

[0083] [E. Estimation of sleep state and calculation of sleep time] Next, the estimation of the user's sleep state and the calculation of the sleep time will be described in detail.

[0084] The sleep state estimation module 150 of the output device 100 estimates the sleep state of the user based on the measurement result of a sensor for measuring the user's body movement. Typically, the measurement result of the sensor for measuring the user's body movement is output from the acceleration sensor 112. Any known algorithm can be adopted as the algorithm for estimating the user's sleep state based on the user's body movement.

[0085] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sleep state estimated by the data output device 100 according to the present embodiment. With reference to Fig. 6, the sleep state estimation module 150 of the data output device 100 outputs, for example, an index indicating the depth of sleep as an estimation result of the sleep state every time the user wakes up.

[0086] The sleep time calculation module 152 of the output device 100 sets a predetermined judgment value Th for an index indicating the depth of sleep, and can calculate the period during which the depth of sleep exceeds the judgment value Th as the user's sleep time.

[0087] The user's sleeping hours may be accumulated from an arbitrary initial state, or may be calculated for the most recent predetermined period (for example, every 24 hours or every week).

[0088] Through the above-described process, the output device 100 estimates the user's sleep state and calculates the user's sleep time.

[0089] [F. Additional sound processing] Next, the details of the sound adding process will be described. In the sound adding process, a new sound is added to the sound candidate group based on the user's sleeping hours.

[0090] (f1: Typical processing example) As an example of a condition for adding a sound, the calculated cumulative total sleep time of the user may be used, that is, a new sound may be added to the sound candidate group based on the cumulative total sleep time of the user.

[0091] 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a condition used in the sound adding process according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 7, threshold value table 170 defines a plurality of cumulative sleeping hours of a user for which the sound adding process is executed.

[0092] The addition module 154 of the output device 100 adds a new sound to the sound candidate group when the calculated cumulative sleeping time of the user reaches any of the thresholds defined in the threshold table 170. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the sound addition process may be executed each time the cumulative sleeping time reaches 10 hr, 20 hr, 40 hr, 80 hr, 200 hr, 500 hr, 1000 hr, ...

[0093] In this way, a plurality of thresholds for executing the sound adding process may be set. In this case, the adding module 154 of the output device 100 adds a new sound to the sound candidate group every time the calculated cumulative total of the user's sleep time reaches any one of the plurality of thresholds.

[0094] In addition, when multiple thresholds are set, the interval between adjacent thresholds may be the same or may vary. In threshold table 170 shown in Fig. 7, the interval between adjacent thresholds is set to gradually increase.

[0095] More specifically, the difference (20 hr) between the second threshold (20 hr) and the third threshold (40 hr) is larger than the difference (10 hr) between the first threshold (10 hr) and the second threshold (20 hr) included in threshold table 170. The same is true for the subsequent thresholds. By setting the thresholds in this way, sounds are added immediately after starting to use the information processing device, allowing the user to enjoy using the information processing device, and the time until all sounds are added can be extended, allowing the user to enjoy using the information processing device for a longer period of time.

[0096] 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the sound adding process according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG 8, for example, it is assumed that sounds 132-1, 132-5, and 132-6 are added to sound candidate group 134 among sounds 132-1 to 132-7.

[0097] In this case, the sound 132 to be added to the sound candidate group 134 is selected from among the sounds 132-2, 132-3, 132-4, and 132-7 that have not yet been added to the sound candidate group 134.

[0098] The new sound to be added to the sound candidate group 134 may be determined in a predetermined order. For example, among the sounds 132-2, 132-3, 132-4, and 132-7 that have not yet been added to the sound candidate group 134, the sound 132 arranged at the beginning or the end may be determined as the new sound to be added to the sound candidate group 134.

[0099] Alternatively, the new sound 132 to be added to the sound candidate group 134 may be determined by lottery. That is, the adding module 154 of the output device 100 may determine the new sound 132 to be added by lottery. Note that the order in which at least some of the sounds 132 are added may be determined in advance, without being determined by lottery. For example, among the sounds 132-1 to 132-7, sounds 132-1 to 132-6 may be added randomly by lottery, but 132-7 may always be added last.

[0100] Here, the probabilities that each of the sounds 132 that have not been added to the sound candidate group 134 will be determined as a new sound 132 may be the same for each sound. In other words, the probabilities that each of the sounds 132-2, 132-3, 132-4, and 132-7 shown in FIG. 8 will be determined as a new sound to be added to the sound candidate group 134 may be the same for each sound.

[0101] The probability that a sound 132 will be determined as a new sound to be added to the sound candidate group 134 may be varied based on the attributes and additional information of the sound 132.

[0102] 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sound adding process according to the present embodiment. Typically, each step shown in FIG. 9 is realized by the processor 102 of the output device 100 executing the system program 108.

[0103] 9, the output device 100 acquires a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a user's body movement (step S100), and estimates the user's sleep state (step S102). The output device 100 determines whether the estimated user's sleep state (sleep depth) exceeds a predetermined judgment value (step S104).

[0104] If the estimated user's sleep state (sleep depth) exceeds a predetermined judgment value (YES in step S104), the output device 100 increments the cumulative total of the user's sleep time (step S106). On the other hand, if the estimated user's sleep state (sleep depth) does not exceed the predetermined judgment value (NO in step S104), the process of step S106 is skipped.

[0105] Next, the output device 100 determines whether or not a condition for starting a determination for adding a sound is satisfied (step S108). For example, when it is determined that the user is sufficiently awakened from the sleep state of the user, the condition for starting a determination for adding a sound is satisfied.

[0106] If the conditions for starting the sound addition determination are not met (NO in step S108), the subsequent processes are skipped and the processes from step S100 onwards are repeated.

[0107] If the condition for starting the sound addition judgment is satisfied (YES in step S108), the output device 100 judges whether or not the accumulated total of the user's sleeping time has reached any of the threshold values ​​defined in the threshold value table 170 (step S110). If the accumulated total of the user's sleeping time has not reached any of the threshold values ​​defined in the threshold value table 170 (NO in step S110), the subsequent processing is skipped and the processing from step S100 onwards is repeated.

[0108] If the cumulative total of the user's sleeping hours reaches any of the threshold values ​​defined in the threshold value table 170 (YES in step S110), the output device 100 extracts sounds 132 that have not been added to the sound candidate group 134 (step S112) and determines which sounds 132 to add from the extracted sounds 132 (step S114). Then, the output device 100 adds the determined sounds 132 to the sound candidate group 134 (step S116). Then, the processing from step S100 onwards is repeated.

[0109] (f2: Decision on whether to enable additional sound processing) In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, an example is shown in which the process of adding a sound is executed if the accumulated sleep time of the user reaches any of the threshold values ​​defined in the threshold table 170, but whether or not to execute the process of adding a sound may also be determined by lottery.

[0110] That is, the output device 100 may execute a process of determining whether or not to enable a process of adding a new sound 132 to the sound candidate group 134 based on the calculated sleeping time of the user. In this case, the sound 132 is added to the sound candidate group 134 only when the process of adding a new sound 132 is enabled.

[0111] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure of the sound adding processing according to the present embodiment. Compared with the flowchart shown in Fig. 9, the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 additionally includes step S120 which is executed after step S110.

[0112] That is, if the cumulative total of the user's sleeping time reaches any of the threshold values ​​defined in the threshold table 170 (YES in step S110), the output device 100 judges whether or not to activate a process of adding a new sound 132 to the sound candidate group 134 (step S120). The judgment in step S120 may be made based on the user's sleeping time in the most recent predetermined period, or the cumulative length of the user's sleeping time. Alternatively, it may be determined by lottery. However, the probability of the lottery may be changed based on the user's sleeping time. For example, the longer the user's sleeping time, the higher the probability of activation (i.e., the probability of lifting the ban).

[0113] If it is determined that the process of adding a new sound 132 to the sound candidate group 134 is enabled (YES in step S120), the output device 100 executes the processes in step S112 and onward. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process of adding a new sound 132 to the sound candidate group 134 is not enabled (NO in step S120), the subsequent processes are skipped and the processes in step S100 and onward are repeated.

[0114] In this manner, the adding module 154 of the output device 100 adds the new sound 132 to the sound candidate set 134 when the process of adding a new sound is enabled.

[0115] (f3: Example of evaluation of user's sleep time) In the above explanation, we have mainly described an example of using the accumulated user's sleeping time, but this is not limited to the above, and in the process of adding a new sound 132 to the sound candidate set 134, the ``user's sleeping time'' may be used in any manner.

[0116] For example, points may be calculated based on the amount of sleep per predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours or one week), and when the cumulative total of the calculated points reaches a predetermined threshold, a new sound 132 may be added to the sound candidate group 134.

[0117] More specifically, based on the length of sleep time per night, if the user sleeps long, 2 points can be awarded, if the user sleeps normal, 1 point, if the user sleeps short, 0 points, etc. Points can be awarded per night, per week, or per month.

[0118] In addition, when the cumulative points are used, instead of or in addition to the processes of steps S106 and S110 shown in FIG. 9, processes such as a process for determining points, a process for calculating the cumulative points, and a process for determining whether the cumulative points have reached a predetermined threshold value are executed.

[0119] 10 may be executed using points calculated based on the sleep duration for each predetermined period. In other words, it may be determined whether or not to enable the process of adding a new sound 132 to the sound candidate group 134 based on the calculated points.

[0120] In this way, the output device 100 may have an evaluation function that performs an evaluation based on the calculated previous sleep time after the user wakes up (after getting up). The "last sleep time" basically means the time required for one sleep (usually one night's sleep) from when the user is determined to be asleep to when the user wakes up. Note that during one sleep, the user may sleep lightly or wake up in the middle of the sleep, but even in such a case, it is generally treated as one sleep.

[0121] By performing an evaluation based on the immediately preceding sleep time after the user wakes up, the user's sleep time can be substantially evaluated every day. At this time, the addition module 154 of the output device 100 adds a new sound 132 to the sound candidate group 134 based on the evaluation result by the evaluation function.

[0122] The above-mentioned process of evaluating the user's sleeping time for each predetermined period can be adopted instead of the process using the accumulated sleeping time of the user, or in addition to the process using the accumulated sleeping time of the user.

[0123] [G. Sound selection / output processing] Next, the sound selection and output process will be described in detail. As described with reference to Fig. 4, in the sound selection and output process, a sound 132 to be output is selected from a sound candidate group 134. Then, the selected sound is output.

[0124] (g1: Processing procedure) 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the sound selection and output processing according to the present embodiment. Typically, each step shown in FIG. 11 is realized by the processor 102 of the output device 100 executing the system program 108.

[0125] 11, the output device 100 determines whether or not the output condition is satisfied (step S200). If the output condition is not satisfied (NO in step S200), the process of step S200 is repeated.

[0126] Here, the output condition typically means that a start time (i.e., a set wake-up time) previously set by the user has arrived. Also, if the user is in a light sleep when the previously set start time approaches, it may be determined that the output condition is satisfied.

[0127] If the output condition is satisfied (YES in step S200), the output device 100 calculates the user's sleeping time in a predetermined period before the output condition is satisfied (step S202).

[0128] Here, the user's sleeping time in the predetermined period before the output condition is satisfied is a value measured based on the measurement results by the acceleration sensor 112. Therefore, the predetermined period may be, for example, a period from the set start time to 12 hours before, or a period from when it is determined that the user is asleep to the start time.

[0129] The output device 100 performs an evaluation based on the sleep time of the current sleep based on the calculated sleep time of the user in the predetermined period (step S204). For example, the user's sleep time can be classified into three types, such as "long", "normal", and "short". Note that the process of step S204 is executed as necessary and may be omitted as appropriate.

[0130] Next, the output device 100 determines the sounds 132 to be selected that are included in the sound candidate group 134 (step S206). At this time, only some of the sounds 132 included in the sound candidate group 134 may be extracted as selection targets based on the length of the sleep time during the current sleep. By changing the selection targets in this manner, it is possible to control so that the longer the sleep time, the more sounds 132 are selected as selection targets.

[0131] The output device 100 selects the sound 132 to be output from among the sounds 132 to be selected (step S208). Then, the output device 100 outputs the selected sound 132 from the sound generating unit 118 (step S210). Note that the sound data 130 corresponding to the selected sound 132 may be repeatedly played back.

[0132] After outputting the sound 132, the output device 100 determines whether or not a user operation for temporarily stopping the output of the sound 132 has been received (step S212). The user operation for temporarily stopping the output of the sound 132 is, for example, an operation for activating a function called snooze.

[0133] When a user operation to temporarily stop the output of the sound 132 is received (YES in step S212), the data output device 100 temporarily stops the output of the sound 132 (step S214). Then, the data output device 100 waits for a predetermined period of time after the output of the sound 132 is temporarily stopped (step S216).

[0134] After waiting for a predetermined period of time, the output device 100 outputs the sound 132 again from the sound generating unit 118 (step S218). If the sound set to which the currently selected sound 132 belongs includes another sound 132, the selection may be changed to the other sound 132.

[0135] Next, the data output device 100 determines whether or not the condition for terminating the output of the sound 132 is satisfied (step S220). If the condition for terminating the output of the sound 132 is not satisfied (NO in step S220), the processing from step S212 onwards is repeated. On the other hand, if the condition for terminating the output of the sound 132 is satisfied (YES in step S220), the processing ends.

[0136] If a user operation to temporarily stop the output of the sound 132 has not been received (NO in step S212), the output device 100 determines whether or not a switching condition for the sound 132 has been satisfied (step S222). For example, when the output duration of the currently output sound 132 reaches a predetermined time, it may be determined that the switching condition for the sound 132 has been satisfied.

[0137] When the switching condition for the sound 132 is satisfied (YES in step S224), the output device 100 changes the selection to another sound 132 included in the sound set to which the currently selected sound 132 belongs (step S224), and outputs the changed sound 132 again from the sound generating unit 118 (step S226). Then, the process of step S220 is executed. Note that even if the switching condition for the sound 132 is satisfied, if the sound set to which the currently selected sound 132 belongs does not include multiple sounds 132, the processes of steps S224 and S226 are skipped.

[0138] If the switching condition for the sound 132 is not satisfied (NO in step S224), the processes in steps S226 and S228 are skipped.

[0139] 11 shows an example of processing in which selection of sound 132 to be output is started when a condition for starting output of sound 132 (output condition) is satisfied, but the condition for starting output of sound 132 and the condition for starting selection of sound 132 may be set independently. In other words, it is sufficient that sound 132 to be output is selected before the process for outputting sound 132 is started, and therefore the timing for selecting sound 132 may be determined arbitrarily.

[0140] (g2: Determining the sound to be selected (S206)) In the method of determining the sounds 132 to be selected in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, all sounds 132 added to the sound candidate group 134 may be selected.

[0141] Alternatively, only some of the sounds 132 added to the sound candidate group 134 may be selected based on any information.

[0142] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining sounds 132 to be selected by sound output device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 12, sound management table 140 includes information on prepared sounds 132-1 to 132-7, information on whether each sound 132 has been added to sound candidate group 134, and information on whether the sound is a selection target (hereinafter also referred to as "selection target attribute").

[0143] More specifically, sound management table 140 includes selection attribute 136-1 when the sleep time of the current sleep is "long," selection attribute 136-2 when the sleep time of the current sleep is "normal," and selection attribute 136-3 when the sleep time of the current sleep is "short."

[0144] In the example shown in Fig. 12, the sounds 132 to be selected when the sleeping time is "normal" are a subset of the sounds 132 to be selected when the sleeping time is "long", and the sounds 132 to be selected when the sleeping time is "short" are a subset of the sounds 132 to be selected when the sleeping time is "long" and are also a subset of the sounds 132 to be selected when the sleeping time is "normal". By adopting such a set relationship, it is possible to reliably make the number of sounds 132 to be selected when the sleeping time is "long" larger than the number of sounds 132 to be selected when the sleeping time is "normal" and "short". However, it is not necessary to necessarily maintain such a subset relationship.

[0145] The output device 100 performs an evaluation based on the sleep time of the current sleep (see step S204 in FIG. 11), and determines the sound 132 to be selected by referring to the selection object attribute 136 corresponding to the evaluation result.

[0146] In this manner, the sound selection module 158 of the output device 100 may select from a larger number of sounds 132 to output when the calculated sleep time of the user exceeds a predetermined time period than when the calculated sleep time does not exceed the predetermined time period.

[0147] (g3: Sound selection (S208)) 11, the sound 132 to be output in a predetermined order may be selected from among the sounds 132 to be selected. That is, the sound selection module 158 of the output device 100 may select the sounds 132 to be output in a predetermined order based on the identifiers of the sounds 132 to be selected. By employing such a method, the user can hear all of the sounds 132 included in the sound candidate group 134.

[0148] As another method for selecting the sound 132 to be output, a method may be adopted in which the sound 132 to be output is selected by lottery from among the sounds 132 to be selected. That is, the sound selection module 158 of the output device 100 selects the sound 132 to be output by lottery from among the sounds 132 to be selected. By adopting such a method, it is possible to give a sense of surprise to the user.

[0149] At this time, the probability for selecting the sound 132 may be changed based on the evaluation result based on the sleeping time of the current sleep.

[0150] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a method for selecting sound 132 of output device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 13, sound management table 140 includes information on prepared sounds 132-1 to 132-7, information on whether each sound 132 has been added to sound candidate group 134, and information indicating the probability of selection (hereinafter also referred to as "selection probability setting").

[0151] More specifically, the sound management table 140 includes a selection probability setting 138-1 when the evaluation result of the sleep time in the current sleep is “long,” a selection probability setting 138-2 when the evaluation result of the sleep time in the current sleep is “normal,” and a selection probability setting 138-3 when the evaluation result of the sleep time in the current sleep is “short.” Note that the value shown in the selection probability setting 138 is a kind of weighting coefficient, and the larger the value, the higher the probability of selection.

[0152] Furthermore, the probabilities set for each sound 132 in each selection probability setting 138 are not the same. For example, in selection probability setting 138-1, a higher selection probability is set for "cheerful_1" and "cheerful_2" compared to the other sounds 132 (moods). On the other hand, in selection probability setting 138-3, a higher selection probability is set for "bad mood_1", "bad mood_2", "sleepy_1", and "sleepy_2" compared to the other sounds 132 (moods).

[0153] In this manner, the probability that some sounds 132 included in the sound candidate group 134 will be selected as the sound 132 to be output may be different from the probability that other sounds 132 included in the sound candidate group 134 will be selected as the sound 132 to be output.

[0154] The output device 100 performs an evaluation based on the sleep time of the current sleep (see step S204 in FIG. 11), and determines the probability of selection of each sound 132 included in the selection target by referring to the selection probability setting 138 corresponding to the evaluation result. Then, the output device 100 selects the sound 132 to be output by lottery based on the determined selection probability of each sound 132.

[0155] In this way, the probability (selection probability setting 138) that a sound 132 included in the sound candidate group 134 will be selected as the sound 132 to be output by lottery may be set higher the longer the user sleeps during a specified period before the output condition is satisfied.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 12, when changing the sound 132 to be selected from among the sounds 132 included in the sound candidate group 134, the probability of the corresponding sound 132 in the selection probability setting 138 shown in FIG. 13 can be set to "zero" to obtain substantially the same result.

[0157] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of a method for selecting a sound 132 of the output device 100 according to the present embodiment. With reference to Fig. 14, in each of the selection probability settings 138-1, 138-2, and 138-3, the probability is set to "zero" for sounds 132 excluded from the selection targets. By adopting such a selection probability setting 138, the selection targets can be made different according to the length of the sleep time in the current sleep, and the probability that each sound 132 is selected can also be made different.

[0158] In addition to the case where a selection probability is set in advance for each sound 132, the selection probability may be dynamically changed. For example, a sound 132 that has been added to the sound candidate group 134 recently may be made more likely to be selected. In other words, the more recently a sound 132 has been added to the sound candidate group 134, the higher the probability that it will be selected as the sound 132 to be output. Furthermore, immediately after a new sound 132 is added, the newly added sound 132 may always be selected.

[0159] Setting the selection probability in this way can increase the likelihood that the user will hear the sound 132 that has recently been added to the sound candidate group 134.

[0160] (g4: Sound changes (S218 and S226)) Next, the sound change process (S218 and S226) in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

[0161] 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a sound change process of the output device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, sounds 132 are added to the sound candidate group 134 in units of sound sets 133 each consisting of a plurality of sounds 132.

[0162] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the mood "spoiled" is associated with a sound set 133-1 consisting of sounds 132-1. The mood "cheerful_1" is associated with a sound set 133-2 consisting of sounds 132-2A, 132-2B, and 132-2C. The mood "cheerful_2" is associated with a sound set 133-3 consisting of sounds 132-3A and 132-3B. The mood "bad mood_1" is associated with a sound set 133-4 consisting of sounds 132-4A, 132-4B, and 132-4C.

[0163] 15, the sound 132 to be output is selected for each sound set 133. Then, one or more sounds 132 included in the selected sound set 133 are output. That is, the sound selection module 158 of the output device 100 selects the sound 132 to be output for each sound set 133, and determines the sound 132 to be output from among the sounds 132 included in the selected sound set 133.

[0164] When the sound set 133 includes a plurality of sounds 132, the output device 100 appropriately switches the sound 132 to be output in response to the satisfaction of any switching condition.

[0165] For example, when the sound set 133 "Energetic_1" is selected, a voice (sound 132-2A) for waking up the user is output in a tone that gives an impression of "energetic." If a switching condition is satisfied after the output of sound 132-2A, the voice is switched to a voice (sound 132-2B) for waking up the user in a slightly harsher tone. Furthermore, if a switching condition is satisfied after the output of sound 132-2B, the voice is switched to a voice (sound 132-2C) for waking up the user in an even harsher tone.

[0166] In this way, when the switching condition is satisfied after the output of the sound 132 has started, the sound selection module 158 of the output device 100 selects a sound 132 different from the previously selected sound 132 from among the sounds 132 included in the selected sound set 133 as the next sound 132 to be output.

[0167] As a condition for switching the sound 132 (step S224 in FIG. 11), the output duration of the currently output sound 132 may be set to a predetermined time. That is, if the output of the sound 132 is not temporarily stopped (NO in S212 in FIG. 11), the output of the sound 132 continues, and when the output duration of the sound 132 being output reaches a predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes), the type of sound 132 to be output may be changed.

[0168] In addition, when the playback time of the sound 132 is, for example, about several seconds, the same sound 132 is repeatedly played in order to continue outputting the sound 132. The condition for switching the sound 132 may be that the number of repetitions of the same sound 132 reaches a predetermined number.

[0169] A condition for switching to another sound 132 may be that the output of the sound 132 has been temporarily stopped. The output device 100 may be configured to be able to temporarily stop the output of the sound 132 by a user operation (S212 and S214 in FIG. 11). In this case, the type of sound 132 to be output may be changed when the output of the sound 132 has been temporarily stopped. However, since the output of the sound 132 is in a temporarily stopped state, the changed sound 132 is not actually output until a predetermined time has elapsed and the output condition is satisfied again.

[0170] [H. Sound re-output processing] Next, a process for re-outputting the previously output sound 132 will be described.

[0171] 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure for re-outputting sound according to the present embodiment. Typically, each step shown in FIG. 16 is realized by the processor 102 of the audio output device 100 executing the system program 108.

[0172] 16, the data output device 100 determines whether or not the re-output condition of the sound 132 is satisfied (step S300). If the re-output condition of the sound 132 is not satisfied (NO in step S300), the process from step S300 onwards is repeated.

[0173] If the condition for re-outputting the sound 132 is satisfied (YES in step S300), the data output device 100 judges whether the time elapsed since the most recent output of the sound 132 is completed is within a predetermined period (step S302). If the time elapsed since the most recent output of the sound 132 is completed exceeds the predetermined period (NO in step S300), the process from step S300 onwards is repeated.

[0174] If the time that has elapsed since the output of the most recent sound 132 was completed is within the predetermined period (YES in step S302), the data output device 100 outputs the sound 132 that has been completed from the sound generating unit 118 (step S304). In step S304, basically, the sound data 130 corresponding to the sound 132 that has been completed is reproduced only once. Then, the processing from step S300 onwards is repeated.

[0175] In this manner, if the re-output condition is satisfied within a predetermined period of time after the output of the sound 132 is terminated, the sound output module 160 of the sound output device 100 re-outputs the sound 132 whose output has been terminated.

[0176] The re-output condition may be that a user operation is received. Specifically, the re-output condition may be that a user operation is received on the operation unit 122 of the output device 100, or that the user shakes the output device 100.

[0177] For example, it is possible to detect shaking occurring in the output device 100 based on the measurement result from the acceleration sensor 112. In this manner, the re-output condition may include that shaking of the output device 100 has been detected.

[0178] [I. Other embodiments] Although the configuration example for outputting sound has been described, light or vibration may be output in addition to or instead of sound. In this case, as with sound, variations in the light or vibration to be output may be added sequentially.

[0179] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1 System, 100 Output device, 102 Processor, 104 Memory, 106 Storage, 108 System program, 112 Acceleration sensor, 114 Display unit, 116 Vibration unit, 118 Sound generation unit, 120 Wireless communication unit, 122 Operation unit, 124 Bus, 130 Sound data, 132 Sound, 133 Sound set, 134 Sound candidate group, 136 Selection target attribute, 138 Selection probability setting, 140 Sound management table, 150 Sleep state estimation module, 152 Sleep time calculation module, 154 Additional module, 156 Output management module, 158 Sound selection module, 160 Sound output module, 162 Sound acquisition module, 170 Table, 200 Mobile terminal, Th Judgment value.

Claims

1. a sound selection means for selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates; a sound output means for outputting the selected sound when an output condition is satisfied; A sleep state estimation means for estimating a sleep state of the user based on a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a body movement of the user; a sleep time calculation means for calculating a sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user; and adding means for adding a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated sleeping time of the user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the adding means adds a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated cumulative total sleep time of the user.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the adding means adds the new sound when the calculated cumulative total of the user's sleeping time reaches a predetermined threshold value.

4. The predetermined threshold value includes a plurality of threshold values, The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the adding means adds the new sound each time the calculated cumulative total of the user's sleeping time reaches any one of the plurality of threshold values.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein a difference between the second threshold value and a third threshold value next to the second threshold value is larger than a difference between a first threshold value and a second threshold value next to the first threshold value included in the plurality of threshold values.

6. The method further includes: an evaluation unit that performs an evaluation based on the calculated immediately preceding sleep time after the user wakes up; 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adding means adds the new sound based on a result of the evaluation by the evaluating means.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the adding means determines the new sound to be added by a lottery.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein each of the sounds not added to the sound candidate group has the same probability of being determined as the new sound.

9. a determination unit that determines whether or not to enable a process of adding a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated sleep time of the user, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the adding means adds a new sound to the sound candidate group when the process of adding the new sound is enabled.

10. 10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sound selection means selects a sound to be output from the sound candidate group by lottery.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10 , wherein a probability that a sound included in the sound candidate group will be selected as a sound to be output by lottery is set to be higher the longer the user's sleep time immediately before the output condition is satisfied.

12. The information processing device according to claim 11 , wherein the sound selection means, when the calculated sleeping time of the user exceeds a predetermined time, selects a sound to be output from among a larger number of sounds than when the calculated sleeping time of the user does not exceed a predetermined time.

13. The information processing device according to claim 11 , wherein a probability that some of the sounds included in the sound candidate group will be selected as the sound to be output is set to be higher as a user's sleep time is longer.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein each of the sounds included in the group of sound candidates has the same probability of being selected as the sound to be output.

15. 15. The information processing device according to claim 11, wherein a sound that has been added more recently to the sound candidate group has a higher probability of being selected as the sound to be output.

16. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound selection means selects the sound to be output from the sound candidate group in a predetermined order.

17. sounds are added to the sound candidate group in units of sound sets each of which is made up of a plurality of sounds; The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sound selection means selects the sound to be output in units of a sound set, and determines the sound to be output from among the sounds included in the selected sound set.

18. The information processing device according to claim 17 , wherein the sound selection means selects, when a switching condition is satisfied after the output of the sound has started, a sound that is different from a previously selected sound among the sounds included in the sound set as the sound to be output next.

19. The information processing device according to claim 18 , wherein the switching condition includes a condition that an output duration of a currently output sound reaches a predetermined time.

20. a pause means for temporarily stopping the output of the sound by the sound output means in response to an operation by the user, The information processing device according to claim 18 , wherein the switching condition includes a condition that output of the sound is temporarily stopped.

21. 21. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sound output means re-outputs the sound whose output has been terminated when a re-output condition is satisfied within a predetermined period of time after the output of the sound has been terminated.

22. The information processing device further includes a detection unit for detecting a vibration generated in the information processing device, The information processing device according to claim 21 , wherein the re-output condition includes a condition that shaking of the information processing device is detected.

23. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the sensor is an acceleration sensor.

24. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring a sound from another information processing device different from said information processing device.

25. A system including a sound generating unit, a sound selection means for selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates; a sound output means for outputting the selected sound from the sound generating unit when an output condition is satisfied; A sleep state estimation means for estimating a sleep state of the user based on a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a body movement of the user; a sleep time calculation means for calculating a sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user; and adding means for adding a new sound to the set of candidate sounds based on the calculated user's sleep time.

26. 1. A program executed on a computer configured to output sound, the program causing the computer to: selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates; outputting the selected sound when an output condition is met; estimating a sleep state of the user based on a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a body movement of the user; calculating a sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user; and adding a new sound to the sound candidate group based on the calculated sleeping time of the user.

27. 1. A method performed on an information processing device configured to output sound, comprising: selecting a sound to be output from a group of sound candidates; outputting the selected sound when an output condition is met; estimating a sleep state of the user based on a measurement result of a sensor for measuring a body movement of the user; calculating a sleep time of the user based on the estimated sleep state of the user; and adding new sounds to the set of candidate sounds based on the calculated user's sleep time.

Images