Awakening support system, awakening support method, and awakening support program

Abstract

To provide an awakening support system capable of helping a user wake up more comfortably, an awakening support method, and an awakening support program.SOLUTION: An awakening support system 10 helps a user to transition the condition from sleep to wakefulness by illuminating the user with light from a light source. The awakening support system learns brightness information based on the brightness of the light source 11 at the wake-up timing of the user during a predetermined time. Based on the learning result, the brightness of the light source 11 at the target awakening time set in advance by the user is determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an awakening assistance system, an awakening assistance method, and an awakening assistance program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, optical alarm clocks that use light to wake up sleepers have been proposed as alarm clocks that allow them to wake up comfortably. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an optical alarm clock that can wake up a sleeper by changing the timing at which light starts to be emitted in accordance with the depth of sleep of the sleeper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-104831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The optical alarm clock disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 changes the timing at which light starts to be emitted, but it is not possible to adjust the maximum brightness when waking up. Therefore, if the brightness of the optical alarm clock does not suit the user, there is a risk that the user will not be able to wake up comfortably.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an awakening assistance system, an awakening assistance method, and an awakening assistance program that promote more comfortable awakening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The awakening assistance system according to the present disclosure includes: 1. A wake-up assistance system that shifts a user from a sleep state to a wake-up state by irradiating the user with light from a light source, learning brightness information based on the brightness of the light source at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period; Based on the learning results, the brightness of the light source at the target wake-up time preset by the user is determined.

[0007] The awakening assistance system according to the present disclosure learns the brightness information of a light source at the user's awakening timing, and irradiates the user with light of the learned brightness from the light source at a preset target awakening time. As a result, the system irradiates the user with light of an appropriate brightness, thereby facilitating a more comfortable awakening.

[0008] The wake-up assistance system further measures the brightness of the surrounding environment, the brightness information is a brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source at the time when the user wakes up, The brightness of the surrounding environment may be detected at the target wake-up time, and the brightness of the light source may be determined based on the brightness of the learning result. With this configuration, the brightness of the light source can be adjusted so that the brightness perceived by the user remains the same even if the indoor environment changes, for example, thereby promoting a more comfortable awakening.

[0009] The awakening assistance system further determines a direction of the user's face, the brightness information is brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source based on the orientation of the face at the time when the user wakes up, The direction of the user's face may be detected at the target awakening time, and the brightness of the light source may be determined based on the learning result. With this configuration, the brightness of the light source is adjusted so that the brightness perceived by the user remains the same even when the user turns over in bed, for example, thereby promoting a more comfortable awakening.

[0010] If the user is asleep for a predetermined time or more after the target wake-up time, the brightness of the light source may be changed to the maximum value. With this configuration, even if the user is unable to wake up at the preset target wake-up time, the brightness of the light source is adjusted to the maximum brightness after the predetermined time, so that the user can be forced to wake up.

[0011] The awakening assistance method according to the present disclosure includes: 1. A wake-up assistance method for transitioning a user from a sleeping state to an awake state by irradiating the user with light from a light source, comprising: learning brightness information based on the brightness of the light source at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period; Based on the learning results, the computer executes a process to determine the brightness of the light source at the target wake-up time preset by the user.

[0012] The awakening assistance method according to the present disclosure learns the brightness information of a light source at the user's awakening timing, and irradiates the user with light of the learned brightness from the light source at a preset target awakening time. As a result, light of an appropriate brightness is irradiated to the user, thereby facilitating the user's awakening in a more comfortable manner.

[0013] The awakening assistance program according to the present disclosure includes: 1. A wake-up assistance program for transitioning a user from a sleep state to an wake-up state by irradiating the user with light from a light source, learning brightness information based on the brightness of the light source at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period; The computer is caused to execute a process for determining the brightness of the light source at the target wake-up time preset by the user based on the learning result.

[0014] The awakening assistance program according to the present disclosure learns the brightness information of a light source at the user's awakening timing, and irradiates the user with light of the learned brightness from the light source at a preset target awakening time. As a result, light of an appropriate brightness is irradiated to the user, thereby facilitating the user's awakening in a more comfortable manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide an awakening assistance system, an awakening assistance method, and an awakening assistance program that promote more comfortable awakening. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an awakening assistance system 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an awakening assistance method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an awakening assistance system 20 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an awakening assistance method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an awakening assistance system 30 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an example showing a first correction angle p and a second correction angle y according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an awakening assistance method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an awakening assistance device 40 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an awakening assistance method according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] (Embodiment 1) <Awakening Support System> First, an awakening assistance system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the awakening assistance system 10 according to the first embodiment. The awakening assistance system 10 includes a learning unit 12 and a determination unit 13. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light source 11 is not included in the awakening assistance system 10, but this is not limiting and the light source 11 may be included in the awakening assistance system 10. The awakening assistance system 10 irradiates the user with light from the light source 11, thereby transitioning the user from a sleeping state to a waking state. The timing at which the user transitions from a sleeping state to a waking state is referred to as the awakening timing.

[0018] The light source 11 emits light toward the user. The light source 11 is, for example, an incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent lamp, or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light. The light source 11 may be at least one light source. Furthermore, when two or more light sources are used, different types of light sources may be used. The color of the light emitted by the light source 11 is, for example, a bluish color that is easy on the eyes. However, the color is not limited to this, and may be an incandescent color.

[0019] The light source 11 starts waking up at a target awakening time T g The brightness of the light source 11 is faded in toward the time T (T is T) on the n+1th day (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and represents the number of days). s ≦T≦T g ) is expressed using the following formula 1.

[0020]

number

[0021] However, T s is the irradiation start time of the light source 11 set by the user on the n+1th day. T g is the target wake-up time set by the user on the n+1th day. B g1is the brightness of the learning results up to the nth day.

[0022] The brightness B of the light source 11 expressed by the above formula 1 is s Irradiation starts at time T g Learning result brightness B g1 So, the brightness of the learning result B g1 However, the brightness B g1 The interpolation format is not limited to this, and may be polynomial interpolation, Lagrange interpolation, or Newton interpolation. g1 When brightness B is calculated by quadratic interpolation, the brightness B of the light source 11 changes more significantly as time passes. Here, brightness B g1 is expressed using the following Equation 2.

[0023]

number

[0024] however, B x is the brightness of the light source 11 at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n).

[0025] Brightness B expressed using Equation 2 g1 is the brightness B of light source 11 at the wake-up timing for n days. x is the average value of

[0026] In addition, the brightness B on the first day when the user starts using the awakening assistance system 10 g1 is not the brightness of the learning result but a predetermined initial value. The brightness B of the learning result after the second day when the user uses the awakening assistance system 10 g1 is expressed using the above formula 2, and is the brightness obtained as a result of learning by the learning unit 12, which will be described later.

[0027] The learning unit 12 calculates the brightness B of the light source 11 at the wake-up timing of the predetermined period.x Furthermore, the determining unit 13 determines the brightness information based on the brightness B g1 Based on this, the target wake-up time T g The brightness information learned by the learning unit 12 is the brightness B of the light source 11 at the wake-up timing. x However, as in the embodiment described later, the brightness B x The brightness may be corrected. 1 , when the light source 11 is not included in the awakening assistance system 10, the control signal for the brightness B of the light source determined by the determination unit 13 is transmitted to the light source 11. In this case, the light source 11 may include a control unit (not shown), and the control unit may receive the control signal for the brightness B of the light source from the determination unit 13 and control the brightness of the light source 11. On the other hand, when the light source 11 is included in the awakening assistance system 10, the determination unit 13 may determine and control the brightness B of the light source 11. Furthermore, the method of transmission and reception between the light source 11 and the awakening assistance system 10 may be wired or wireless. The wireless network includes, for example, a wireless communication network using a communication line standard such as LTE. The wireless network may also include a wireless communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a fifth-generation mobile communication system.

[0028] An example of learning by the learning unit 12 will be described with reference to Table 1. Table 1 shows an example of learning by the learning unit 12 according to the first embodiment. Table 1 shows the brightness B of the light source 11 at the timing of awakening for 10 days when the awakening assistance system 10 according to the first embodiment was used. x For example, on the third day shown in Table 1, the brightness B3 of the light source 11 at the time of awakening is 66 lux. In other words, on the third day shown in Table 1, the user transitioned from a sleeping state to an awakening state at the time when light with a brightness of 66 lux was emitted from the light source 11.

[0029] [Table 1]

[0030] The learning unit 12 calculates the brightness B of the light source 11 at the wake-up timing for 10 days shown in Table 1. x Here, the brightness B of the light source 11 at the time of awakening is stored. x may be stored in a database (not shown).

[0031] The determination unit 13 determines the brightness B of the light source 11 shown in Table 1. x Based on this, the target wake-up time for the 11th day, T g Determine the brightness B of the light source 11 at the target awakening time T on the 11th day. g The brightness B of the light source 11 in g1 Furthermore, the brightness of the learning results B g1 is the brightness B as shown in Equation 2. x The brightness B of the learning result is g1 This is 56 lux.

[0032] Learning result brightness B g1 is the brightness B of the light source 11 at the time of awakening. x For example, the learning result B g1 The brightness of the light source 11 at the time of awakening is B x It may be the maximum or minimum value of

[0033] The learning unit 12 can also select the day to learn. For example, assume that the user wakes up at 8:00 PM on the fourth day shown in Table 1, and wakes up at 7:00 AM on the other days. In this case, the learning unit 12 selects brightness B4, excluding brightness B5. 1~3 and brightness B 5~10 You may also learn:

[0034] Furthermore, the learning unit 12 can reset the learning day. For example, suppose that the commuting location on the fourth to tenth days shown in Table 1 is different from the commuting location on the first to third days shown in Table 1, and the wake-up time has changed. In this case, the learning unit 12 resets the brightness B before the wake-up time was changed. 1~3 Without learning, brightness B from the 4th to the 10th day 4~10 At this time, the learning unit 12 may learn the brightness B 1~3 may be transferred to a database (not shown).

[0035] The determination unit 13 determines the target awakening time T g If the user is in a sleeping state for a predetermined time or more from the time of the light source 11 illuminating the user, the brightness B of the light source 11 may be changed to the maximum value. At this time, the determination unit 13 may change the color of the light that the light source 11 irradiates the user with.

[0036] <Awakening support method> Next, a description will be given of the awakening assistance method according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the awakening assistance method according to embodiment 1.

[0037] First, the learning unit 12 learns the brightness B x Next, the determining unit 13 determines the brightness information based on the learned brightness B g1 Based on this, the target wake-up time T g The brightness B of the light source 11 in the above state is determined (step ST2).

[0038] The awakening assistance system 10 according to the first embodiment may be distributed across a plurality of devices, or may be physically located in a single device.

[0039] In this way, the awakening assistance system 10 according to the first embodiment learns brightness information of the light source 11 at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period, and irradiates the user with light of the learned brightness from the light source 11 at a preset target awakening time. That is, by using the awakening assistance system according to the first embodiment, light of an appropriate brightness is irradiated to the user, thereby facilitating a more comfortable awakening.

[0040] (Embodiment 2) <Awakening Support System> Next, an awakening assistance system 20 according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the awakening assistance system 20 according to the second embodiment. The awakening assistance system 20 includes an illuminance sensor 23, a learning unit 22, and a determination unit 24. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the light source 21 is not included in the awakening assistance system 20, but this is not limiting, and the light source 21 may be included in the awakening assistance system 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the illuminance sensor 23 is included in the awakening assistance system 20, but this is not limiting, and the illuminance sensor 23 may not be included in the awakening assistance system 20. The awakening assistance system 20 irradiates the user with light from the light source 21, thereby transitioning the user from a sleeping state to an awakening state.

[0041] The illuminance sensor 23 measures the brightness of the user's surrounding environment. At least one illuminance sensor 23 is installed in the user's surrounding environment. When multiple illuminance sensors 23 are installed in the user's surrounding environment, the brightness of the user's surrounding environment is determined as the average value of the multiple illuminance sensors 23, the maximum value of the multiple illuminance sensors 23, or the minimum value of the multiple illuminance sensors 23. The illuminance sensor 23 is, for example, a light meter, a terminal device, or a smart watch. The more illuminance sensors 23 are installed in the user's surrounding environment, the higher the accuracy of the brightness of the user's surrounding environment determined by the illuminance sensor 23.

[0042] The brightness perceived by the user at the time of awakening is the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source 21. f2 is expressed by the following Equation 3.

[0043]

number

[0044] where B is the brightness of the light source 21. E is the brightness of the user's surrounding environment measured using the illuminance sensor 23. a is a constant for calculating the brightness perceived by the user, and is defined by the distance from the light source 21 to the user, etc.

[0045] The light source 21 starts waking up at a target awakening time T g The brightness of the light source 11 is faded in toward the time T (T is T) on the n+1th day (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and represents the number of days). s ≦T≦T g ) is expressed using the following equation 4.

[0046]

number

[0047] However, T s is the irradiation start time of the light source 21 set by the user on the n+1th day. T g is the target wake-up time set by the user on the n+1th day. E T is the brightness of the user's surrounding environment measured by the illuminance sensor 23 at time T on the n+1th day. a is a constant for calculating the brightness perceived by the user, and is defined by the distance from the light source 21 to the user, etc. B g2 is the brightness of the learning results up to the nth day.

[0048] The brightness B of the light source 21 expressed by the above formula 4 is the brightness B of the light source 21 when the light source 21 is turned on at time T s Irradiation starts at time T g Learning result brightness B g2 Brightness based on (B g2 +E Tg ) / a, the brightness of the learning result B g2 However, the brightness B g2 The interpolation format is not limited to this, and may be polynomial interpolation, Lagrange interpolation, or Newton interpolation. g2 When calculating the brightness B of the light source 21 by quadratic interpolation, the brightness B of the light source 21 changes more significantly as time passes. Here, brightness B g2 is expressed using the following Equation 5.

[0049]

number

[0050] However, B f2x is the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source 21 at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). B x is the brightness of the light source 21 at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). E x is the brightness of the illuminance sensor 23 at the wake-up timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). a is a constant for calculating the brightness perceived by the user, and is defined by the distance from the light source 21 to the user, etc.

[0051] Brightness B expressed using Equation 5 g2 is the brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source 21 at the wake-up timing for n days. f2x is the average value of

[0052] In addition, the brightness B on the first day when the user starts using the awakening assistance system 10 g2 is not the brightness of the learning result but a predetermined initial value. The brightness B of the learning result after the second day when the user uses the awakening assistance system 20 g1 is expressed using the above formula 5, and is the brightness obtained as a result of learning by the learning unit 22, which will be described later.

[0053] The learning unit 22 calculates brightness B, which is the brightness of the light source 21 minus the brightness of the user's surrounding environment, at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period. f2x Furthermore, the determining unit 24 determines the brightness B g2 Based on this, the target wake-up time T g Determine the brightness B of the light source at Here, the method of transmission and reception between the light source 21 and the awakening assistance system 20 and the method of control of the light source 21 by the decision unit 24 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0054] An example of learning by the learning unit 22 will be described with reference to Table 2. Table 2 is a table showing an example of learning by the learning unit 22 according to the second embodiment. Table 2 shows the brightness at each awakening timing for 10 days when the awakening assistance system 20 according to the second embodiment was used. In Table 2, the constant a for calculating the brightness perceived by the user is set to 1. For example, on the third day shown in Table 2, the user senses brightness B, which is the brightness of the light source 21 minus the brightness of the user's surrounding environment, at the awakening timing. f23 In other words, the user transitioned from a sleeping state to a waking state at the time when light source 21 emitted light with a brightness of 66 lux.

[0055] [Table 2]

[0056] The learning unit 22 calculates the brightness B of the light source 21 at the wake-up timing for 10 days shown in Table 2. x and the brightness E of the user's surrounding environment at the time of awakening x Here, the brightness B of the light source 21 at the time of awakening is stored. x and the brightness E of the user's surrounding environment at the time of awakening x may be stored in a database (not shown).

[0057] The learning unit 22 uses the brightness B of the light source 21 shown in Table 2. x to the brightness of the user's surroundings E x The brightness B is the brightness of the light source 21 minus the brightness of the surrounding environment. f2x For example, on the third day shown in Table 2, the learning unit 22 subtracts the brightness E3 of the surrounding environment, which is 25 lux, from the brightness B3 of the light source 21, which is 66 lux, to calculate the brightness B f23 This is calculated as 41 lux.

[0058] The determination unit 24 determines the brightness B f2x Based on this, the target wake-up time for the 11th day, T g The brightness B of the light source 21 is determined. The target awakening time T g The brightness B of the light source 21 in g2 The brightness is based on (B g2 +E Tg ) / a. Furthermore, the brightness of the learning result B g2 is the brightness B as shown in Equation 5. f2x The brightness B of the learning result is g2 This gives 41 lux.

[0059] Learning result brightness B g2 is the brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source 21 at the time of awakening. f2xFor example, the learning result B g2 The brightness of is the brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source 21 at the time of awakening. f2x It may be the maximum or minimum value of

[0060] Other configurations and operations of the learning unit 22 and the determining unit 24 are similar to those of the learning unit 12 and the determining unit 13 according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0061] <Awakening support method> Next, a description will be given of an awakening assistance method according to embodiment 2. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the awakening assistance method according to embodiment 2.

[0062] First, the illuminance sensor 23 detects the brightness E of the user's surrounding environment. x Next, the learning unit 22 detects brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source 21 at the user's awakening timing for the predetermined period. f2x Next, the determining unit 24 determines the brightness B g2 Based on this, the target wake-up time T g The brightness B of the light source 21 in the above state is determined (step ST03).

[0063] The awakening assistance system 20 according to the second embodiment may be distributed across a plurality of devices, or may be physically located in a single device.

[0064] In this way, in the awakening assistance system 20 according to the second embodiment, brightness B is calculated by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source at the awakening timing of the user for a predetermined period. f2x The awakening assistance system 20 learns the target awakening time T g Learning result brightness B g2The light source 21 emits light B of brightness based on the brightness of the light source 21 to the user. In other words, by using the awakening assistance system 20, the brightness perceived by the user is not affected by, for example, changes in the indoor environment, changes in wake-up time, or changes in brightness due to the seasons. In other words, by using the awakening assistance system 20, the brightness of the light source 21 is adjusted so that the brightness perceived by the user is the same, thereby promoting a more comfortable awakening.

[0065] (Embodiment 3) <Awakening Support System> Next, an awakening assistance system 30 according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the awakening assistance system 30 according to the second embodiment. The awakening assistance system 30 includes an image sensor 33, a learning unit 32, and a determination unit 34. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the light source 31 is not included in the awakening assistance system 30, but this is not a limitation, and the light source 31 may be included in the awakening assistance system 30. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the image sensor 33 is included in the awakening assistance system 30, but this is not a limitation, and the image sensor 33 may not be included in the awakening assistance system 30. The awakening assistance system 30 transitions the user from a sleeping state to an awakening state by irradiating the user with light from the light source 31.

[0066] The image sensor 33 determines the orientation of the user's face. At least one image sensor 33 is installed in the user's surrounding environment. The more image sensors 33 installed in the surrounding environment, the higher the accuracy of the orientation of the user's face determined by the image sensor 33. The image sensor 33 is, for example, a camera installed in the room, a terminal device, or a smartwatch.

[0067] The brightness perceived by the user at the time of awakening is the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 31 based on the direction of the user's face. f3 is expressed by the following Equation 6.

number

[0068] where B is the brightness of the light source 31. l is the shortest distance between the light source 31 and the face. p is the first correction angle. y is the second correction angle. L(l) is the correlation function between distance and angle. θ(p,y) is the correlation function between angle and illuminance.

[0069] The first correction angle p and the second correction angle y will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is an example showing the first correction angle p and the second correction angle y according to the third embodiment. A line extending the shortest distance l between the light source 31 and the face 36 is designated as line L1. A line parallel to the z-axis direction in FIG. 6 and extending from the face center point A1 is designated as line L2. A line connecting the face center point A1 and the eye 35 is designated as line L3. The first correction angle p is the angle formed by the line L1 and the line L2. The second correction angle y is the angle formed by the line L2 and the line L3.

[0070] The light source 31 starts waking up at a target awakening time T g The brightness of the light source 31 is faded in toward the time T (T is T) on the n+1th day (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and represents the number of days). s ≦T≦T g ) is expressed using the following equation 7.

[0071]

number

[0072] However, T s is the irradiation start time of the light source 21 set by the user on the n+1th day. T g is the target wake-up time set by the user on the n+1th day. l Tis the shortest distance between the light source 31 and the face at time T on the n+1th day. p T is the first correction angle at time T on the n+1th day. y T is the second correction angle at time T on the n+1th day. L(l T ) is the correlation value between distance and angle at time T on the n+1th day. θ(p T , y T ) is the correlation value between angle and illuminance at time T on the n+1th day. B g3 is the brightness of the learning results up to the nth day.

[0073] The brightness B of the light source 31 expressed by the above formula 7 is the brightness B of the light source 31 at time T s Irradiation starts at time T g Learning result brightness B g3 Brightness B based on g3 / (L(l Tg )θ(p Tg ,y Tg )) so that the brightness of the learning result B g3 However, the brightness B g3 The interpolation format is not limited to this, and may be polynomial interpolation, Lagrange interpolation, or Newton interpolation. g3 When brightness B is calculated by quadratic interpolation, the brightness B of the light source 31 changes more significantly as time passes. Here, brightness B g3 is expressed using the following Equation 8.

[0074]

number

[0075] However, B f3x is the brightness of the light source 31 corrected based on the direction of the user's face at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). B x is the brightness of the light source 31 at the wake-up timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). l x is the shortest distance between the light source 31 and the face at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). p x is the first correction angle at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). y x is the second correction angle at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). L(l x ) is the correlation value between the distance and the angle at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). θ(p x , y x ) is the correlation value between the angle and the illuminance at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n).

[0076] Brightness B expressed using Equation 8 g3 is the brightness B obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 31 based on the direction of the user's face at the wakefulness timing for n days. f3x is the average value of

[0077] In addition, the brightness B on the first day when the user starts using the awakening assistance system 30 g3 is not the brightness of the learning result but a predetermined initial value. The brightness B of the learning result after the second day when the user uses the awakening assistance system 30 g3 is expressed using the above formula 8, and is the brightness obtained as a result of learning by the learning unit 32, which will be described later.

[0078] The learning unit 32 calculates brightness B corrected based on the orientation of the user's face from the brightness of the light source 31 at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period. f3x Furthermore, the determining unit 34 determines the brightness B g3 Based on this, the target wake-up time T g Determine the brightness B of the light source at Here, the method of transmission and reception between the light source 31 and the awakening assistance system 30 and the method of control of the light source 31 by the decision unit 34 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0079] An example of learning by the learning unit 32 will be described with reference to Table 3. Table 3 is a table showing an example of learning by the learning unit 32 according to the third embodiment. Table 3 shows the brightness at each awakening timing for 10 days when the awakening assistance system 30 according to the third embodiment was used. For example, on the third day shown in Table 3, the user adjusted the brightness B , which is the brightness of the light source 31 corrected based on the direction of the user's face, at the awakening timing. f33 In other words, the timing at which light with a brightness of 66 lux is emitted from the light source 31 indicates that the user has transitioned from a sleeping state to a waking state.

[0080] [Table 3]

[0081] The learning unit 32 calculates the brightness B of the light source 31 at the wake-up timing for 10 days shown in Table 3. x and the correlation value L(l x ) and the correlation value θ(p x , y x ) and are stored. Here, the brightness B of the light source 31 at the time of awakening is x and the correlation value L(l x ) and the correlation value θ(p x , y x ) may be stored in a database (not shown).

[0082] The learning unit 32 uses the brightness B of the light source 31 shown in Table 3. x Brightness B corrected based on the user's face direction f3xFor example, on the third day shown in Table 2, the learning unit 32 multiplies the brightness B3 of the light source 31, which is 66 lux, by 0.7, which is the correlation value L(l3) between the distance and the angle, and 0.8, which is the correlation value θ(p3, y3) between the angle and the illuminance. As a result, the learning unit 32 calculates the brightness B3 of the light source 31, which is corrected based on the direction of the user's face. f33 The brightness B of the light source 31 calculated by the learning unit 32 is calculated as 37 lux. x Brightness B corrected based on the user's face direction f3x is rounded to the nearest whole number.

[0083] The determination unit 34 determines the brightness B f3x Based on this, the target wake-up time for the 11th day, T g The brightness B of the light source 31 is determined. The target awakening time T g The brightness B of the light source 31 in g3 The brightness is based on B g3 / (L(l Tg )θ(p Tg ,y Tg )) Furthermore, the brightness of the learning result B g3 is the brightness B as shown in Equation 8. f3x Referring to Table 3 and Equation 8, the brightness B g3 The brightness of the learning result is 33 lux. g3 is rounded to the nearest whole number.

[0084] Learning result brightness B g3 is the brightness B obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 31 based on the direction of the user's face at the time of awakening. f3x For example, the learning result B g3 The brightness of the light source 31 at the time of awakening is corrected based on the direction of the user's face to obtain the brightness B. f3x It may be the maximum or minimum value of

[0085] Other configurations and operations of the learning unit 32 and the determining unit 34 are similar to those of the learning unit 12 and the determining unit 13 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] <Awakening support method> Next, a description will be given of an awakening assistance method according to embodiment 3. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the awakening assistance method according to embodiment 3.

[0087] First, the image sensor 33 detects the orientation of the user's face (step ST001). Next, the learning unit 32 calculates brightness B , which is the brightness of the light source 31 for a predetermined period corrected based on the orientation of the user's face. f3x Next, the determining unit 34 determines the brightness B g3 Based on this, the target wake-up time T g The brightness B of the light source 21 in the above state is determined (step ST003).

[0088] The awakening assistance system 30 according to the third embodiment may be distributed across a plurality of devices, or may be physically located in a single device.

[0089] In this way, the awakening assistance system 30 according to the third embodiment corrects the brightness of the light source 31 based on the orientation of the user's face at the awakening timing of the user for a predetermined period, and outputs brightness B f3x The awakening assistance system 30 learns the target awakening time T g Learning result brightness B g3 Light source 31 emits light B of brightness based on the brightness of the light source 31 to the user. In other words, by using awakening assistance system 30, the brightness perceived by the user is not affected by, for example, changes in sleeping position from day to day or changes in the location of the alarm clock. In other words, by using awakening assistance system 30, the brightness of light source 31 is adjusted so that the brightness perceived by the user is the same, thereby encouraging the user to wake up more comfortably.

[0090] (Embodiment 4) <Awakening Support Device> Next, an awakening assistance device 40 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the awakening assistance device 40 according to the fourth embodiment. The awakening assistance device 40 has a movable unit 50 and a fixed unit 60. The movable unit 50 and the fixed unit 60 are connected via a connecting unit 61. The movable unit 50 rotates around a central axis C1 of the connecting unit 61. Furthermore, the movable unit 50 also rotates in the x and y directions with the connecting unit 61 as a fixed end. The awakening assistance device 40 detects the brightness of the user's surrounding environment and the direction of the user's face, and irradiates the user with light from a light source 51, thereby transitioning the user from a sleeping state to an awake state.

[0091] The movable part 50 has a light source 51 and a camera 53. The camera 53 has the same configuration and operation as the image sensor 33 according to the third embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The fixed unit 60 has a learning unit 62, a determination unit 68, an illuminance sensor 63, a display unit 64, an operation unit 65, a terminal unit 66, and a power supply 67. The illuminance sensor 63 has the same configuration and operation as the illuminance sensor 23 according to the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Here, the light source 51, learning unit 62, determination unit 68, display unit 64, operation unit 65, terminal unit 66, and power supply 67 will be described.

[0092] The brightness perceived by the user at the time of awakening is the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face. Brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face f4 is expressed by the following Equation 9.

[0093]

number

[0094] where B is the brightness of the light source 51. l is the shortest distance between the light source 51 and the face. p is the first correction angle. y is the second correction angle. L(l) is the correlation function between distance and angle. θ(p,y) is the correlation function between angle and illuminance. E is the brightness of the user's surrounding environment measured using the illuminance sensor 63. is. a is a constant for calculating the brightness perceived by the user, and is defined by the distance from the light source 21 to the user, etc.

[0095] The light source 51 starts emitting light from the irradiation start time Ts preset by the user until the target awakening time T g The brightness of the light source 51 is faded in toward the time T (T is T) on the n+1th day (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and represents the number of days). s ≦T≦T g ) is expressed using the following formula 10.

[0096]

number

[0097] However, T s is the irradiation start time of the light source 51 set by the user at the n+1th time. T g is the target wake-up time set by the user on the n+1th day. E T is the brightness of the user's surrounding environment measured by the illuminance sensor 63 at time T on the n+1th day. l T is the shortest distance between the light source 51 and the face at time T on the n+1th day. p T is the first correction angle at time T on the n+1th day. y T is the second correction angle at time T on the n+1th day. L(l T ) is the correlation value between distance and angle at time T on the n+1th day. θ(pT , y T ) is the correlation value between angle and illuminance at time T on the n+1th day. a is a constant for calculating the brightness perceived by the user, and is defined by the distance from the light source 21 to the user, etc. B g4 is the brightness of the learning results up to the nth day.

[0098] The brightness B of the light source 51 expressed by the above formula 10 is s Irradiation starts at time T g Learning result brightness B g4 Brightness based on (B g4 +E Tg ) / (aL(l Tg )θ(p Tg ,y Tg )) so that the brightness of the learning result B g4 However, the brightness B g4 The interpolation format is not limited to this, and may be polynomial interpolation, Lagrange interpolation, or Newton interpolation. g4 When the brightness B of the light source 51 is calculated by quadratic interpolation, the brightness B of the light source 31 changes more significantly as time passes. Here, brightness B g4 is expressed using the following Equation 8.

number

[0099] However, B f4x is the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness of the light source 51 corrected based on the direction of the user's face at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). B x is the brightness of the light source 51 at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer between 1 and n). l xis the shortest distance between the light source 51 and the face at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). p x is the first correction angle at the awakening timing on the xth day (where x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). y x is the second correction angle at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). L(l x ) is the correlation value between the distance and the angle at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). θ(p x , y x ) is the correlation value between the angle and the illuminance at the awakening timing on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n). E x is the brightness of the user's surrounding environment measured by the illuminance sensor 63 at the time of awakening on the xth day (x is an integer satisfying 1≦x≦n).

[0100] Brightness B expressed using Equation 11 g4 is the brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face at the wakefulness timing for n days. f4x is the average value of

[0101] The brightness B on the first day when the user starts using the awakening assistance device 40 g4 is not the brightness of the learning result but a predetermined initial value. The brightness B of the learning result on the second day and after the user uses the awakening assistance device 40 g4 is expressed using the above formula 11, and is the brightness obtained as a result of learning by the learning unit 62, which will be described later.

[0102] The learning unit 62 calculates brightness B, which is the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period. f4x Furthermore, the learning unit 62 learns the brightness B g4 Based on this, the target wake-up time Tg The brightness B of the light source at

[0103] An example of learning by the learning unit 62 will be described with reference to Table 4. Table 4 is a table showing an example of learning by the learning unit 62 according to the second embodiment. Table 4 shows the brightness at each awakening timing for 10 days when the awakening assistance device 40 according to the fourth embodiment was used. In Table 4, the constant a for calculating the brightness perceived by the user is set to 1. For example, on the third day shown in Table 4, the user senses brightness B at the awakening timing, which is obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face. f43 In other words, the timing at which light with a brightness of 66 lux is emitted from the light source 51 indicates that the user has transitioned from a sleeping state to a waking state.

[0104] [Table 4]

[0105] The learning unit 62 calculates the brightness B of the light source 51 at the waking timing for 10 days shown in Table 4. x and the brightness E of the user's surrounding environment at the time of awakening. x and the correlation value L(l x ) and the correlation value θ(p x , y x ) and are stored. Here, the brightness B of the light source 51 at the time of awakening is x and the brightness E of the user's surrounding environment at the time of awakening. x and the correlation value L(l x ) and the correlation value θ(p x , y x ) may be stored in a database (not shown).

[0106] The learning unit 62 uses the brightness B of the light source 51 shown in Table 4. xBrightness B is the brightness corrected based on the user's face direction minus the brightness of the user's surrounding environment. f4x For example, on the third day shown in Table 2, the learning unit 62 multiplies the brightness B3 of the light source 51, which is 66 lux, by 0.7, which is the correlation value L(l3) between the distance and the angle, and 0.8, which is the correlation value θ(p3, y3) between the angle and the illuminance. As a result, the learning unit 62 calculates the brightness of the light source 51 corrected based on the direction of the user's face as 37 lux. However, the brightness of the light source 51 corrected based on the direction of the user's face is rounded to the nearest integer. Next, the learning unit 62 subtracts the brightness E3 of the surrounding environment, 25 lux, from the brightness 37 lux obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face. As a result, the learning unit 62 obtains brightness B, which is the brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the surrounding environment, 25 lux, from the brightness 37 lux obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face. f43 This is calculated as 12 lux.

[0107] The determination unit 68 determines the brightness B f4x Based on this, the target wake-up time for the 11th day, T g The brightness B of the light source 51 at the target awakening time T on the 11th day is determined and controlled. g The brightness B of the light source 51 in g4 The brightness is based on (B g4 +E Tg ) / (aL(l Tg )θ(p Tg ,y Tg )) Furthermore, the brightness of the learning result B g4 is the brightness B as shown in Equation 11. f4x Referring to Table 4 and Equation 11, the brightness B g4 The brightness of the learning result is 33 lux. g4 is rounded to the nearest whole number.

[0108] Learning result brightness B g4is the brightness B obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face at the time of awakening. f4x For example, the learning result B g4 The brightness of the light source 51 at the time of awakening is corrected based on the direction of the user's face, and the brightness of the user's surrounding environment is subtracted from the brightness of the light source 51 at the time of awakening. f4x It may be the maximum or minimum value of

[0109] Other configurations and operations of the learning unit 62 and the determining unit 68 are similar to those of the learning unit 12 and the determining unit 13 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] Display unit 64 displays the current time and the target awakening time. Display unit 64 may also display the current date and day of the week. Display unit 64 may be provided with a backlight so that display unit 64 is bright while the user is operating operation unit 65.

[0111] Operation unit 65 is an operation button for setting and changing the current time and the target awakening time displayed on display unit 64. In the example shown in Fig. 8, operation unit 65 is a contact-type button, but is not limited to this and may be a non-contact button. Furthermore, operation unit 65 may set and change the target awakening time in response to the user's voice.

[0112] Power supply 67 is of the push button type, and the user can control the on / off of the power supply to awakening assistance device 40. In the example shown in FIG. 8, power supply 67 is a contact button, but is not limited to this and may be a contactless button. Furthermore, power supply 67 may control the on / off of the power supply to awakening assistance device 40 in response to the user's voice.

[0113] Terminal unit 66 is a terminal that allows the awakening assistance device 40 to be connected to another terminal device or a power outlet. The awakening assistance device 40 can send and receive data to and from another terminal device by connecting a wired cable to terminal unit 66. Furthermore, the awakening assistance device 40 can be charged from a power outlet by connecting a wired cable to terminal unit 66. The method of transmission and reception between awakening assistance device 40 and other terminal devices may be wired or wireless. The wireless network includes, for example, a wireless communication network using a communication line standard such as LTE. The wireless network may also include a wireless communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a fifth-generation mobile communication system.

[0114] <Awakening support method> Next, a description will be given of an awakening assistance method according to embodiment 4. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the awakening assistance method according to embodiment 4.

[0115] First, the camera 53 detects the orientation of the user's face (step ST0001). Next, the illuminance sensor 63 detects the brightness of the user's surrounding environment (step ST0002). Next, the learning unit 62 calculates brightness B, which is the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 for a predetermined period based on the orientation of the user's face. f4x Next, the determining unit 68 determines the brightness B g4 Based on this, the target wake-up time T g The brightness B of the light source 51 in the image is determined and controlled (step ST0004).

[0116] In this way, the awakening assistance device 40 according to the fourth embodiment calculates the brightness B , which is the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness of the user's surrounding environment from the brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source 51 based on the direction of the user's face at the awakening timing of the predetermined period. f4x The awakening assistance device 40 learns the target awakening time T g Brightness B of the learning result g4Light source 51 emits light B of brightness based on the brightness of the light source 51 to the user. That is, by using awakening assistance device 40, the brightness perceived by the user is not affected by, for example, differences in sleeping position from day to day and seasonal variations in brightness. In other words, by using awakening assistance device 40, the brightness of light source 51 is adjusted so that the brightness perceived by the user is the same, thereby encouraging the user to wake up more comfortably.

[0117] The awakening assistance device according to the fourth embodiment is not limited to a single physical device. That is, the awakening assistance device may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, the light source 51 may be physically configured as a single light source device, and the learning unit 62 and the determination unit 68 may be configured as a single personal computer.

[0118] Furthermore, some or all of the processes in the above-described awakening assistance systems 10, 20, and 30 and the awakening assistance device 40 can be realized as a computer program. Such programs can be stored in various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and provided to a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, and hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The programs may also be provided to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable media can provide the programs to a computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication paths.

[0119] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10, 20, 30 Awakening Support System 11, 21, 31, 51 light source 12, 22, 32, 62 Learning Department 13, 24, 34, 68 Decision Section 23, 63 Illuminance sensor 33 Image Sensor 53 Camera 35 eyes 36 Face 40 Awakening Support Device 50 Moving parts 60 Fixed part 61 Connecting part 64 Display section 65 Operation section 66 Terminal section 67 Power supply C1 center axis l distance L1, L2, L3 straight line A1 Face center point

Claims

1. 1. A wake-up assistance system that shifts a user from a sleep state to a wake-up state by irradiating the user with light from a light source, learning brightness information based on the brightness of the light source at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period; determining the brightness of the light source at the target wake-up time preset by the user based on the learning result; Further measuring the brightness of the surrounding environment, the brightness information is brightness obtained by subtracting brightness of the surrounding environment from brightness of the light source at the time when the user wakes up, detecting the brightness of the surrounding environment at the target wake-up time, and determining the brightness of the light source based on the brightness of the learning result; Awakening support system.

2. The wake-up assistance system further determines a direction of the user's face, the brightness information is brightness obtained by correcting the brightness of the light source based on the orientation of the face at the time when the user wakes up, detecting a face direction of the user at the target awakening time, and determining the brightness of the light source based on the learning result; The wake-up assistance system according to claim 1 .

3. If the user has been asleep for a predetermined time or longer since the target wake-up time, the brightness of the light source is changed to a maximum value. The awakening assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 1. A wake-up assistance method for transitioning a user from a sleeping state to an awake state by irradiating the user with light from a light source, comprising: learning brightness information based on the brightness of the light source at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period; determining the brightness of the light source at the target wake-up time preset by the user based on the learning result; Further measuring the brightness of the surrounding environment, the brightness information is brightness obtained by subtracting brightness of the surrounding environment from brightness of the light source at the time when the user wakes up, detecting the brightness of the surrounding environment at the target wake-up time, and determining the brightness of the light source based on the brightness of the learning result; The computer performs the processing, Awakening support methods.

5. 1. A wake-up assistance program for transitioning a user from a sleep state to an wake-up state by irradiating the user with light from a light source, learning brightness information based on the brightness of the light source at the user's awakening timing for a predetermined period; determining the brightness of the light source at the target wake-up time preset by the user based on the learning result; Further measuring the brightness of the surrounding environment, the brightness information is brightness obtained by subtracting brightness of the surrounding environment from brightness of the light source at the time when the user wakes up, detecting the brightness of the surrounding environment at the target wake-up time, and determining the brightness of the light source based on the brightness of the learning result; Have the computer perform the process, Awakening support program.

Images