Control method, program, and control device

Abstract

A control method according to one aspect of this disclosure is a control method of a device that adjusts temperature around a bed of a user. The control method comprises: acquiring either measurement information of a sensor or setting information of the device (Step S101); estimating the temperature around the bed and states of the user, i.e. getting into bed, starting sleeping, or falling asleep, on the basis of the measurement information or the setting information (Step S102); and changing the temperature around the bed to a second temperature being 0.5˚C or more lower than a first temperature, after getting into bed, starting sleeping, or falling asleep of the user and before the end of a non-shallow sleeping state of the user (Step S103), the first temperature being temperature around the bed before the user gets into bed, starts sleeping, or falls asleep.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and program for controlling a device that adjusts the temperature around a user's bed, and a control device for the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose methods for directly controlling the body temperature of a user when falling asleep or while falling asleep, or for controlling the temperature of the environment in which the user is present, thereby encouraging the user to sleep comfortably. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4228974 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-264704 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 2987981 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-296642 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a control method and the like that can encourage a user to achieve a more comfortable sleep state than before. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an apparatus that adjusts the temperature around a user's bed, which obtains either measurement information from a sensor or setting information from the apparatus, and estimates the temperature around the bed and the user's going to bed, starting to sleep, or falling asleep based on either the measurement information or the setting information. If the temperature around the bed before the user goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep is set to a first temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep and before the user's non-light sleep state ends.

[0006] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the above control method.

[0007] In addition, a control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device for a device that adjusts the temperature around a user's bed, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires either measurement information from a sensor or setting information of the device, an estimation unit that estimates the temperature around the bed and the user's going to bed, starting to sleep, or falling asleep based on either the measurement information or the setting information, and a control unit that, when the temperature around the bed before the user goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep is a first temperature, causes the device to change the temperature around the bed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep and before the user's non-light sleep state ends.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the control method and the like according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to encourage the user to achieve a more comfortable sleep state than before. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a control system including a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of a sleep cycle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the temperature control procedure of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing a first example of the change over time in temperature around the bed controlled by the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing a second example of the change over time in temperature around the bed controlled by the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing a third example of the change over time in temperature around the bed controlled by the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the experimental results of the change over time in the depth of sleep of the user and the change over time in the temperature around the bed controlled by the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing another example of experimental results of the change over time in the depth of sleep of a user, obtained by using a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing another example of experimental results of changes over time in the depth of sleep of a user according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) Conventionally, there are technologies for controlling temperature to allow a user to sleep comfortably, in other words, to promote a good night's sleep. For example, there is a technology for maintaining a constant room temperature in the room where the user sleeps. Another technology is for changing the room temperature in a V-shape, for example, by lowering the room temperature until the midpoint of the user's entire sleep time and then raising the room temperature from that midpoint. Another technology is for lowering the room temperature for 180 minutes after the user goes to bed and falls asleep, maintaining the temperature for the next 60 minutes, and then raising the room temperature again.

[0012] In conventional room temperature control, the temperature of the room where the user sleeps can be lowered at night when the user falls asleep (i.e., sleeps) to encourage sleepiness in the user, while the temperature of the room where the user sleeps can be raised in the morning when the user wakes up (i.e., wakes up) to encourage activity (i.e., to make it easier to wake up).

[0013] In this way, by controlling the room temperature in the room where the user sleeps, the user can be encouraged to sleep comfortably.

[0014] Here, in order for a user to achieve a comfortable sleep state, the 90-minute cycle of full-length sleep and light sleep (also called a sleep cycle or circadian rhythm) created by the biological clock is important. In particular, users who are unable to achieve a comfortable sleep state may be unable to successfully generate a sleep cycle. By appropriately alternating full-length sleep and light sleep, the user can feel a comfortable sleep. Therefore, by appropriately alternating full-length sleep and light sleep in the user, the user can be encouraged to achieve a comfortable sleep state.

[0015] After careful consideration, the inventors of the present application have discovered a method for helping a user fall asleep appropriately and furthermore, for encouraging the user to enter a sleep cycle appropriately, thereby encouraging the user to enter a more comfortable sleep state than before.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0017] The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0018] In the following description, the state in which the user goes to bed and is doing work such as reading with their eyes open may be referred to as "going to bed (conscious state)." Also, the state in which the user goes to bed, closes their eyes without doing work such as reading, and decides to go to sleep may be referred to as "starting to sleep (conscious state)." Also, the state in which the user has entered a sleep state may be referred to as "onset of sleep (unconscious state)." Also, the state in which the user has woken up may be referred to as "awakening."

[0019] In the following explanation, specific numerical values ​​are used for time, temperature, etc. For example, 60 minutes does not mean exactly 60 minutes, but also includes an error of a few percent. The same applies to other expressions using numerical values.

[0020] (Embodiment) [composition] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a control system 500 including a control device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0021] The control system 500 is a system that controls the comfortable sleep of the user U by adjusting (controlling) the temperature around the bed 400 (hereinafter simply referred to as the bed area), which is bedding such as a futon or bed used by the user U when sleeping.

[0022] For example, the control system 500 includes a control device 100, a sensor unit 200, and a temperature adjustment device 300. In the control system 500, for example, the control device 100 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 based on the temperature around the bed of the user U measured by the sensor unit 200, thereby controlling the environmental temperature (e.g., room temperature) around the bed 400 of the user U who has started to sleep. In this way, the sleep state of the user U is controlled to be comfortable when going to bed, while falling asleep, and when waking up (awakening), etc.

[0023] The control device 100 may control the ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature) around the bed 400 of the user U who has gone to bed or fallen asleep, instead of the start of sleep. In the following description, the control device 100 is assumed to control the ambient temperature around the bed 400 of the user U who has started to sleep.

[0024] The sensor unit 200 includes, for example, a thermometer for measuring the temperature around the bed of the user U. The sensor unit 200 is communicably connected to the control device 100 and outputs temperature information indicating the measured temperature to the control device 100.

[0025] The sensor unit 200 (more specifically, a thermometer included in the sensor unit 200) is placed around the bed. The term "around the bed" refers to the area around the bed 400 used by the user U to sleep, such as the area next to the user U's pillow. For example, the temperature inside the futon is unlikely to change even if the room temperature is changed if the futon is thick. Therefore, for example, the temperature of the user U's torso, which is covered with the futon, is unlikely to change even if the room temperature is changed. Therefore, for example, the control device 100 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to adjust the temperature around the user U's face. In this way, the control device 100 changes the temperature around the user U's face, thereby promoting comfortable sleep for the user U. Therefore, for example, the thermometer included in the sensor unit 200 is placed near the pillow near the user U's face. For example, the thermometer included in the sensor unit 200 may be placed vertically above the bed 400 (for example, at a position approximately 50 cm vertically above the bed 400). This allows the control device 100 to appropriately measure the temperature at a position that effectively affects the user U using the sensor unit 200.

[0026] The sensor unit 200 may include not only a sensor for measuring temperature such as a thermometer, but also a plurality of other sensors. For example, the sensor unit 200 may include a sensor for measuring that the user U has started to sleep on the bed 400. The sensor may be any sensor, and may be, for example, a pressure sensor or the like placed on the bed. The sensor unit 200 outputs, for example, sleep start information indicating that the user U has started to sleep to the control device 100.

[0027] In this way, the sensor unit 200 transmits measurement information such as measured temperature information and sleep start information to the control device 100.

[0028] The temperature adjustment device 300 is a device that adjusts the temperature around the bed of the user U. The temperature adjustment device 300 is controlled by the control device 100, for example, to release air adjusted to a predetermined temperature at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment device 300 is an air conditioner.

[0029] The temperature adjustment device 300 is not limited to an air conditioner as long as it can adjust the temperature around the bed of the user U. The temperature adjustment device 300 may be an electric blanket, a Peltier element, or the like.

[0030] The control device 100 is a control device that controls a temperature adjustment device 300 that adjusts the temperature around the bed of a user U. The control device 100 is, for example, a computer. The control device 100 is connected to the sensor unit 200 and the temperature adjustment device 300 so as to be able to communicate with them. The control device 100 may be connected to the sensor unit 200 and the temperature adjustment device 300 so as to be able to communicate with them via wired communication or wireless communication.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0032] The control device 100 includes an acquisition unit 110, an estimation unit 120, and a control unit .

[0033] The acquisition unit 110 is a communication interface that acquires measurement information from the sensor unit 200. For example, the acquisition unit 110 is a communication adapter to which a communication cable (not shown) connected to the sensor unit 200 is connected.

[0034] It should be noted that, for example, there may be a case where the relationship between the control mode of the temperature around the bed by the temperature adjustment device 300 and the temperature around the bed is determined in advance. In this case, for example, the control device 100 can control the temperature around the bed to an appropriate temperature by controlling the temperature adjustment device 300 even if there is no temperature information indicating the temperature around the bed from the sensor unit 200. In this way, when the control device 100 is provided in advance with temperature relationship information indicating the relationship between the control of the temperature around the bed by the temperature adjustment device 300 and the temperature around the bed, the control device 100 may control the temperature adjustment device 300 based on the temperature relationship information.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the user U may operate the temperature adjustment device 300 to set a timing for stopping the operation of the temperature adjustment device 300 at the timing when the user U starts to sleep. In other words, the time when the user U starts to sleep may be predetermined by the user U. In this case, for example, the control device 100 can start controlling the temperature adjustment device 300 by estimating that the user U has started to sleep based on sleep start time information indicating the predetermined time when the user U starts to sleep, even if the control device 100 does not acquire sleep start information indicating that the user U has started to sleep from the sensor unit 200.

[0036] In this way, the control device 100 acquires either the measurement information from the sensor unit 200 or the setting information 141 of the temperature adjustment device 300, and controls the temperature adjustment device 300 based on either of the acquired information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires either the measurement information from the sensor unit 200 or the setting information 141 of the temperature adjustment device 300.

[0037] The setting information 141 may be acquired from an external device, such as the temperature adjustment device 300, that is communicably connected to the control device 100.

[0038] The control device 100 may also include an operation unit such as a button, keyboard, or touch panel operated by the user U to acquire the setting information 141 from the user U. The control device 100 may store the information received by the operation unit as the setting information 141 in the storage unit 140.

[0039] Furthermore, if the control device 100 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 based on the setting information 141 including the temperature relationship information and sleep start time information described above, rather than on the measurement information obtained from the sensor unit 200, the control system 500 does not need to be equipped with the sensor unit 200.

[0040] Furthermore, the acquiring unit 110 acquires third temperature information including, for example, a third temperature which is the temperature during sleep of the user U. The third temperature information is information including, for example, a third temperature which is a temperature (optimum temperature) at which the user U feels comfortable during sleep.

[0041] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires wake-up setting information including the set wake-up time of the user U (that is, the time at which the user U wakes up).

[0042] The acquisition unit 110 acquires the third temperature information and the wake-up setting information from the above-mentioned operation unit that has accepted an operation from the user U, for example.

[0043] The estimation unit 120 is a processing unit that estimates (calculates) the temperature around the bed and the user U's going to bed, starting to sleep, or falling asleep (for example, the timing when the user U goes to bed, such as the time when the user U goes to bed; in this embodiment, the timing when the user U starts to sleep) based on either the measurement information or the setting information 141 acquired by the acquisition unit 110.

[0044] The estimation unit 120 is realized by, for example, a control program stored in the storage unit 140 and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the control program.

[0045] The control unit 130 is a processing unit that controls the temperature adjustment device 300 so that, when the temperature around the bed before the user U goes to bed, before starting to sleep, or before falling asleep (in this embodiment, before starting to sleep) is set to a first temperature, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature from after the user U goes to bed, after starting to sleep, or after falling asleep (in this embodiment, after starting to sleep, more specifically, the time when the user U closes their eyes and starts to fall asleep) until before the user U's non-light sleep state ends (i.e., before the user U transitions to a light sleep state).

[0046] Here, the light sleep state refers to a state of light sleep depth in which the user U is easily woken up by voices or sounds. Also, the state before the non-light sleep state ends refers to the period in the sleep cycle after falling asleep and before the user enters the first non-light sleep state and before the user enters the light sleep state.

[0047] For example, the sensor unit 200 may further include a sleep sensor for detecting whether the user U is in light sleep or not. The sleep sensor may be any type, such as a vibration detection sensor or a radio wave sensor, for detecting the sleeping state of the user U by detecting, for example, the user U's turning over in bed, breathing, heartbeat, etc.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of a sleep cycle (sleep curve). Specifically, FIG. 3(a) is a graph showing an example of a sleep cycle of a user U, and FIG. 3(b) is a graph showing an example of a change in temperature around the bed. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 3(a) indicates the time elapsed since the user U fell asleep, and the vertical axis indicates the depth of sleep (sleep stage) of the user U. The sleep depth is a measure of the depth of sleep; the higher the value (upper side of the graph), the lighter the user U's sleep, and the lower the value (lower side of the graph), the less light the user U's sleep.

[0049] The sleep cycle alternates between light sleep and full sleep approximately every 90 minutes. After falling asleep, the user U enters full sleep, and then enters light sleep approximately 90 minutes later. In light sleep, the user U is more likely to be awakened by changes in the external environment than in full sleep. Therefore, to prevent the user U from waking up, the control device 100 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to lower the temperature around the bed by 0.5°C or more from the time the user U falls asleep until the time the user U enters light sleep. Therefore, for example, the time before the user U enters light sleep may be within 90 minutes of the user U falling asleep. Alternatively, it may be within 60 minutes of the user U falling asleep. Note that these times are merely examples, and an error of approximately 10% is acceptable.

[0050] For example, as shown in section A1 of Fig. 3(b), the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from a first temperature (temperature t1) to a second temperature (temperature t2) at a temperature change rate of 1°C / h (temperature change amount Δt1). Thereafter, for example, as shown in section A2 of Fig. 3(b), the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 so that the second temperature does not change.

[0051] The first temperature is, for example, a temperature measured by the sensor unit 200. Alternatively, the first temperature may be, for example, a temperature estimated by the control device 100 based on information indicating the current operating state acquired from the temperature adjustment device 300 and the setting information 141 when the temperature adjustment device 300 has been operated in advance by the user U.

[0052] The second temperature is, for example, a temperature calculated by the control device 100 from the first temperature. The second temperature is, for example, a temperature that is 0.5°C to 1.5°C (more specifically, 1°C) lower than the first temperature. When the first temperature is determined in advance, for example, by operating the temperature adjustment device 300 before the user U starts sleeping, second temperature information indicating the second temperature may be stored in advance in the storage unit 140.

[0053] For example, when the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from a first temperature to a second temperature, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed at a rate of -1.5°C / h or more and -0.5°C / h or less.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from a first temperature to a second temperature, the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 so that the amount of change in the temperature around the bed over time is constant.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, when the acquisition unit 110 acquires third temperature information including the third temperature, which is the temperature of the user U while sleeping, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed from the second temperature to the third temperature within 60 minutes after changing it to the second temperature. Furthermore, for example, after changing the temperature around the bed from the second temperature to the third temperature, the control unit 130 maintains it at the third temperature.

[0056] Also, for example, when the acquisition unit 110 acquires wake-up setting information including the set wake-up time of the user U, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed to raise it by 0.5°C or more and 1.5°C or less over 60 minutes until the set wake-up time.

[0057] For example, as shown in section A3 of (b) of Figure 3, the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to raise the temperature around the bed from the second temperature over 60 minutes so that the temperature change is 1°C / h (temperature change amount Δt2).

[0058] Alternatively, when the acquisition unit 110 has acquired the third temperature information and the wake-up setting information, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed over 60 minutes until the wake-up setting time so that the temperature around the bed at the wake-up setting time becomes a fourth temperature that is 0.5°C to 1.5°C higher than the third temperature.

[0059] The fourth temperature is, for example, a temperature calculated by the control unit 130 based on the third temperature.

[0060] The control unit 130 is realized by, for example, a communication interface for communicating with the temperature adjustment device 300, a control program stored in the storage unit 140, and a CPU that executes the control program.

[0061] The storage unit 140 is, for example, a recording device that stores control programs executed by the estimation unit 120 and the control unit 130, setting information 141, etc. The setting information 141 is, for example, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

[0062] [Operation] The operation of the control device 100 configured as above will be described below.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0064] First, the acquisition unit 110 acquires either the measurement information from the sensor unit 200 or the setting information 141 of the temperature adjustment device 300 from the storage unit 140 (step S101).

[0065] Next, the estimation unit 120 estimates the temperature around the bed and the start of sleep of the user U based on either the measurement information or the setting information 141 acquired by the acquisition unit 110 (step S102).

[0066] Next, if the temperature around the bed before user U starts to sleep is set as the first temperature, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after user U starts to sleep and before user U enters a non-light sleep state (step S103).

[0067] For example, when the third temperature is equal to or higher than the second temperature and equal to or lower than the first temperature, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed to a second temperature that is equal to or higher than the first temperature and is 0.5°C to 1.5°C lower than the first temperature from the time the user U starts to sleep until the user U enters a non-light sleep state. Also, for example, when the third temperature is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed to a second temperature that is 1.5°C lower than the first temperature (for example, the same temperature as the third temperature) from the time the user U starts to sleep until the user U enters a non-light sleep state.

[0068] The process executed by the control unit 130 for the third temperature will be described in detail later.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed from the first temperature to the second temperature within 90 minutes after the user U starts to sleep. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 130 changes the temperature around the bed from the first temperature to the second temperature within 60 minutes after the user U starts to sleep.

[0070] The more gradual the temperature change around the bed, the more comfortable the sleep of the user U. Therefore, the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300, for example, so that the amount of change in temperature around the bed over time becomes constant (for example, so that the amount of temperature change Δt1 indicating the slope of the graph shown in FIG. 3 becomes constant).

[0071] Next, the acquisition unit 110 acquires wake-up setting information including the set wake-up time of the user U (step S104).

[0072] Next, the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed so that it increases by 0.5°C to 1.5°C over 60 minutes until the set wake-up time included in the wake-up setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 (step S105). The control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300, for example, so that the amount of change in the temperature around the bed over time becomes constant (for example, so that the amount of temperature change Δt1 shown in FIG. 3 becomes constant).

[0073] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the temperature control procedure (step S103 shown in FIG. 4) of the control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0074] As described above, the control unit 130 controls the temperature around the bed based on the third temperature information including the third temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 110, which is the temperature of the user U while sleeping, for example.

[0075] First, the acquisition unit 110 acquires third temperature information including a third temperature, which is the temperature of the user U while sleeping (step S201).

[0076] Next, the estimation unit 120 determines whether the third temperature included in the third temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 is equal to or higher than the second temperature (step S202). For example, the estimation unit 120 estimates the first temperature based on the measurement information or setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 in step S101, and estimates the second temperature from the estimated first temperature. The second temperature is calculated as, for example, the first temperature minus 1°C.

[0077] If the estimation unit 120 determines that the third temperature is higher than or equal to the second temperature (Yes in step S202), the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from the first temperature to the second temperature at a temperature change rate of -1.5°C / h or higher and -0.5°C / h or lower (step S203).

[0078] Next, the estimation unit 120 determines whether the third temperature included in the third temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 is equal to the second temperature (step S204).

[0079] If the estimation unit 120 determines that the third temperature is equal to the second temperature (Yes in step S204), the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to maintain the temperature around the bed at the second temperature (=third temperature) (step S205).

[0080] Fig. 6 is a graph showing a first example of the change over time in the temperature around the bed controlled by the control device 100 according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a graph showing the change over time in the temperature around the bed when the control device 100 executes steps S201, S202, S203, S204, and S205.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 130, for example, controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from a first temperature (temperature t1) to a second temperature (temperature t2) when the user U starts to sleep, and then maintains the temperature at the second temperature.

[0082] 5, if the estimation unit 120 determines that the third temperature is not equal to the second temperature (No in step S204), the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from the second temperature to the third temperature and maintain it at the third temperature (step S206). The amount of temperature change when changing from the second temperature to the third temperature is not particularly limited. For example, the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed to the third temperature within 60 minutes after changing it to the second temperature.

[0083] Fig. 7 is a graph showing a second example of the change over time in the temperature around the bed controlled by the control device 100 according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a graph showing the change over time in the temperature around the bed when the control device 100 executes steps S201, S202, S203, S204, and S206.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 130, for example, controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from a first temperature (temperature t1) to a second temperature (temperature t2) when the user U starts to sleep, and then changes the temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature (temperature t3), and then maintains the temperature at the third temperature.

[0085] Referring again to FIG. 5, if the estimation unit 120 determines that the third temperature is lower than the second temperature (No in step S202), the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from the first temperature to the second temperature at a temperature change rate less than -1.5°C / h (step S207).

[0086] Next, the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from the second temperature to the third temperature by the same amount of temperature change as in step S207, and maintain it at the third temperature (step S208).

[0087] Fig. 8 is a graph showing a third example of the change over time in the temperature around the bed controlled by the control device 100 according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a graph showing the change over time in the temperature around the bed when the control device 100 executes steps S201, S202, S207, and S208.

[0088] 8, the control unit 130, for example, controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from a first temperature (temperature t1) to a second temperature (temperature t2) when the user U starts to sleep, and then changes the temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature (temperature t3), and then maintains the temperature at the third temperature. Here, in this example, the control unit 130, for example, controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed when the user U starts to sleep so that the amount of change in the temperature around the bed over time from the first temperature to the third temperature remains constant (for example, so that the amount of temperature change Δt1 shown in FIG. 8 remains constant).

[0089] As described above, the control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 based on the third temperature, thereby appropriately controlling the temperature around the bed.

[0090] Note that, for example, in step S105, the control unit 130 may control the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed over 60 minutes until the set wake-up time so that the temperature around the bed at the set wake-up time becomes a fourth temperature (temperature t4 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8) that is 0.5°C to 1.5°C higher than the third temperature. The control unit 130 controls the temperature adjustment device 300, for example, so that the amount of change in the temperature around the bed over time becomes constant (for example, so that the amount of temperature change Δt2 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 becomes constant).

[0091] [Experimental Results] Fig. 9 is a graph showing the experimental results of the time change in the depth of sleep of the user U and the time change in the temperature around the bed controlled by the control device 100 according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 9(a) is a graph showing the experimental results of the time change in the depth of sleep of the user U, and Fig. 9(b) is a graph showing the time change in the temperature around the bed controlled by the control device 100 according to the embodiment when obtaining the experimental results shown in Fig. 9(a).

[0092] The vertical axis of the graph shown in (a) of FIG. 9 indicates the depth of sleep of the user U. Stage 1 indicates that the user U is not in light sleep. Stages 2 and 3 indicate that the user U is in light sleep. Stage 4 indicates that the user U is in bed and awake, that is, awake. Stage 5 indicates that the user U has gotten out of bed.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the control device 100 executes the above-mentioned steps S201, S202, S203, S204, and S205.

[0094] 9, the control device 100 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the temperature around the bed from 25.6°C to 25.0°C over a period of 47 minutes after the user U goes to bed. As a result, the user U appropriately transitions from an awake state to a non-light sleep state.

[0095] Furthermore, the control device 100 controls the temperature adjustment device 300 to maintain the temperature around the bed at 25.0° C.±0.2° C. This allows the user U to alternate between light sleep and non-light sleep in an appropriate manner.

[0096] In this way, the control device 100 can encourage the user U to get into a comfortable sleeping state.

[0097] Fig. 10 is a graph showing another example of experimental results of the time change in the depth of sleep of the user U, performed by the control device 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a graph showing another example of experimental results of the time change in the depth of sleep of the user U, according to a comparative example. The comparative example shown in Fig. 11 is a graph showing the experimental results of the time change in the depth of sleep of the user U, when the temperature around the bed was not particularly controlled.

[0098] 10, when the temperature around the bed is controlled by the control device 100, it can be seen that the depth of sleep of the user U clearly alternates between deep and deep sleep states. This shows that the user U is in a comfortable sleeping state because light sleep and not-light sleep alternate appropriately.

[0099] On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in Fig. 11, the depth of sleep of the user U is not as low as in the experimental result shown in Fig. 10, and it can be seen that the low and high sleep states do not clearly alternate. This shows that the user U is not in a comfortable sleeping state because light sleep and not-light sleep do not alternate appropriately.

[0100] [Effects, etc.] As described above, a control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for a device (e.g., temperature adjustment device 300) that adjusts the temperature around a user U's bed, and acquires either measurement information from a sensor (e.g., sensor unit 200) or setting information 141 of the device (step S101). Based on either the measurement information or setting information 141, the temperature around the bed and the user U's going to bed, starting to sleep, or falling asleep are estimated (step S102). If the temperature around the bed before user U goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep is set as a first temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after user U goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep and before the user U's non-light sleep state ends (step S103). For example, a control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure estimates the temperature around the bed and when the user U goes to bed based on either measurement information or setting information 141, and if the temperature around the bed before the user U goes to bed is a first temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user U goes to bed and before the user U ends a non-light sleep state. Alternatively, a control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure estimates the temperature around the bed and when the user U starts to sleep based on either measurement information or setting information 141, and if the temperature around the bed before the user U starts to sleep is a first temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user U starts to sleep and before the user U ends a non-light sleep state. Alternatively, a control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure estimates the temperature around the bed and the user U's falling asleep based on either measurement information or setting information 141, and if the temperature around the bed before the user U falls asleep is set to a first temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user U falls asleep and before the user U's non-light sleep state ends.

[0101] According to this method, the temperature around the bed can be lowered by 0.5°C or more when the user U goes to bed, starts sleeping, or falls asleep. For example, lowering the temperature around the bed by 1°C after the user U closes their eyes is thought to trigger the user U to autonomously lower their core body temperature. Therefore, this method allows the user U to fall asleep appropriately. Conventionally, there is a method of continuously lowering the temperature of the room where the user U sleeps to encourage the user U to fall asleep. If the room temperature is continuously lowered, it becomes too cold, which hinders the user U from maintaining their sleep state. In particular, in a light sleep state, the user U is more likely to be woken by changes in the external environment than in a non-light sleep state. Therefore, even if the user U can fall asleep appropriately, their subsequent sleep cannot be comfortable. Furthermore, conventional methods simply continuously lower the temperature of the room where the user U sleeps, and do not necessarily lower the temperature around the bed appropriately to encourage the user U to fall asleep appropriately. Therefore, in the control method according to the present disclosure, the temperature around the bed is lowered by 0.5°C or more after the user U goes to bed, after the user U starts sleeping, or after the user U falls asleep and before the user U ends a non-light sleep state. This allows the user U to be appropriately encouraged to fall asleep and prevents the user U from waking up easily after falling asleep. In other words, the control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure can encourage the user U to achieve a more comfortable sleep state than conventionally. Furthermore, the control method according to the present disclosure can encourage the user U to achieve a more comfortable sleep state regardless of the season.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, the control method according to the present disclosure further acquires third temperature information including a third temperature, which is the temperature of the user U while sleeping (step S201), and changes the temperature around the bed from the second temperature to the third temperature within 60 minutes after changing it to the second temperature (e.g., step S206).

[0103] This allows the user U to fall asleep appropriately and sleep at a temperature that the user U prefers.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the control method according to the present disclosure further acquires wake-up setting information including the user U's wake-up setting time (step S104), and changes the temperature around the bed over 60 minutes until the wake-up setting time so that the temperature around the bed at the wake-up setting time becomes a fourth temperature that is 0.5°C to 1.5°C higher than the third temperature.

[0105] Alternatively, for example, the control method according to the present disclosure changes the temperature around the bed so that it rises by 0.5° C. or more and 1.5° C. or less over 60 minutes until the set wake-up time (step S105).

[0106] It is believed that gradually raising the temperature around the bed by about 1°C about 60 minutes before the user U wakes up can give the user U an opportunity to autonomously raise their core body temperature. However, if the temperature around the bed is raised too quickly, there is a concern that the user U may suddenly wake up because it is too hot, which will ruin the pleasant awakening experience. Therefore, by gradually raising the temperature around the bed by about 1°C about 60 minutes before the user U wakes up, the user U can be woken up comfortably.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, the control method according to the present disclosure further changes the temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature, and then maintains the third temperature (step S205, step S206, or step S208).

[0108] This makes it possible to make the user U less susceptible to temperature changes that would wake the user U, making it easier for the user U to maintain a comfortable sleeping state.

[0109] Also, for example, in the control to change to the second temperature (step S103), the temperature around the bed is controlled so that the amount of change in temperature over time is constant.

[0110] If the temperature around the bed is changed suddenly, the user U may be bothered by the temperature change and may not be able to fall asleep properly. Therefore, this makes it possible to make the user U less aware of the temperature change and enable them to fall asleep properly.

[0111] Also, for example, in the control to change to the second temperature (step S103), the temperature is changed at a rate of −1.5° C. / h or more and −0.5° C. / h or less.

[0112] This can encourage the user U to fall asleep so that the user U does not feel too cold and does not feel too hot.

[0113] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiments, all or some of the components of the control device 100 and the like may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a HDD or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the information processing system and the like of the above-described embodiments is the following program.

[0114] That is, this program is a program that causes a computer to execute the above-mentioned control method, and acquires either measurement information from a sensor (e.g., sensor unit 200) or setting information 141 of the above-mentioned device (step S101), and estimates the temperature around the bed and user U's going to bed, starting to sleep, or falling asleep based on either the measurement information or setting information 141 (step S102), and if the temperature around the bed before user U goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep is set as a first temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after user U goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep and before user U's non-light sleep state ends (step S103).

[0115] This provides the same effects as the control method according to the present disclosure described above.

[0116] Furthermore, the control device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device for a device (e.g., a temperature adjustment device 300) that adjusts the temperature around a user U's bed, and includes an acquisition unit 110 that acquires either measurement information from a sensor (e.g., a sensor unit 200) or setting information 141 of the device, an estimation unit 120 that estimates the temperature around the bed and the user U's going to bed, starting to sleep, or falling asleep based on either the measurement information or the setting information 141, and a control unit 130 that, when the temperature around the bed before the user U goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep is set as a first temperature, changes the temperature around the bed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user U goes to bed, starts to sleep, or falls asleep and before the user U's non-light sleep state ends.

[0117] This provides the same effects as the control method according to the present disclosure described above.

[0118] (Other embodiments) Although the control method and the like according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure have been described based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the present embodiments and configurations constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0119] For example, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire the wake-up setting information acquired in step S104 in step S101.

[0120] Also, for example, the acquiring unit 110 may acquire the third temperature information acquired in step S201 in step S101.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 130 is maintaining the temperature around the bed at the second temperature or the third temperature, it is better not to cause the temperature adjustment device 300 to change the airflow volume, air direction, etc., stop and start operation, switch between cooling and heating, etc. This allows the control unit 130 to suppress the generation of noise by the temperature adjustment device 300, and therefore to suppress waking up of the user U when the temperature around the bed is maintained at the second temperature or the third temperature.

[0122] As described above, the above-described embodiments each show a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0123] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiments, all or some of the components of the control device according to the present disclosure may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory.

[0124] Furthermore, the components of the control device according to the present disclosure may be configured with one or more electronic circuits, each of which may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0125] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large-scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated on a single chip or on multiple chips. Although we refer to them as ICs or LSIs here, the names may vary depending on the degree of integration, and they may be called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Also, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, can be used for the same purpose.

[0126] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, they may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory on which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, they may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0127] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0128] The present disclosure is applicable to a control device that controls an appliance capable of controlling the temperature around a user's bed, and more specifically, to an air conditioning appliance or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100 control device 110 Acquisition Department 120 Estimation part 130 Control Unit 140 Storage section 141 Setting Information 200 Sensor unit 300 Temperature control equipment 400 beds 500 Control System A1, A2, A3 sections t1, t2, t3, t4 temperature Δt1, Δt2 Temperature change amount U User

Claims

1. A method for controlling a device that adjusts the temperature around a user's bed, comprising: Acquire either sensor measurement information or device setting information; Based on either the measurement information or the setting information, the temperature around the bed and the user's going to bed, starting to sleep, or falling asleep are estimated; When the temperature around the bed before the user goes to bed, before starting to sleep, or before falling asleep is set to a first temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user goes to bed, after starting to sleep, or after falling asleep and before the user's non-light sleep state ends, In the control of changing to the second temperature, the temperature around the bed is changed from the first temperature to the second temperature so that the rate of change in the temperature around the bed with respect to time is not less than -1.5°C / h and not more than -0.5°C / h. Control method.

2. Further, third temperature information including a third temperature that is the temperature of the user while sleeping is acquired, changing the temperature around the bed from the second temperature to the third temperature within 60 minutes after changing to the second temperature; The control method according to claim 1 .

3. moreover, acquire wake-up setting information including a wake-up setting time of the user; changing the temperature around the bed over 60 minutes until the set wake-up time so that the temperature around the bed at the set wake-up time becomes a fourth temperature that is 0.5°C to 1.5°C higher than the third temperature; The control method according to claim 2 .

4. Further, after changing the temperature from the second temperature to the third temperature, the temperature is maintained at the third temperature. The control method according to claim 2 or 3.

5. moreover, acquire wake-up setting information including a wake-up setting time of the user; The temperature around the bed is changed so as to increase by 0.5°C to 1.5°C over 60 minutes until the set wake-up time. The control method according to claim 1 .

6. In the control of changing to the second temperature, the temperature around the bed is controlled so that the amount of change in the temperature around the bed with respect to time is constant. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is executed by a computer. program.

8. A control device for a device that adjusts the temperature around a user's bed, an acquisition unit that acquires either measurement information of the sensor or setting information of the device; an estimation unit that estimates the temperature around the bed and whether the user has gone to bed, started to sleep, or fallen asleep based on either the measurement information or the setting information; a control unit that, when a temperature around the bed before the user goes to bed, before starting to sleep, or before falling asleep is set to a first temperature, causes the device to change the temperature around the bed to a second temperature that is 0.5°C or more lower than the first temperature after the user goes to bed, after starting to sleep, or after falling asleep and before the user ends a non-light sleep state; In the control of changing to the second temperature, the control unit changes the temperature around the bed from the first temperature to the second temperature so that the rate of change in the temperature around the bed with respect to time is not less than -1.5°C / h and not more than -0.5°C / h. Control device.

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