Communication systems and communication methods

Abstract

To recommend behavioral changes capable of preserving sleep quality to users.SOLUTION: In a communication system 1, a server device 10 stores an allowable condition in which a value based on a first pressure distribution corresponding to a first posture of a user in which the user's sleep quality score becomes less than a target value is associated with a first allowable time within which the first posture is allowed. A cushion 40 with a pressure sensor uses a pressure detection sensor to detect a pressure distribution applied to the seat surface of the cushion 40 with the pressure sensor when the user is seated. A terminal 20 collects the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor. If the similarity between a value based on a second pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor of the cushion 40 with the pressure sensor on which the user is currently seated and the value based on the first pressure distribution is within a predetermined range and a total time indicating the value based on the second pressure distribution exceeds the first allowable time, the server device 10 causes the terminal 20 to recommend correcting the posture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the opportunity to work from home due to remote work has been increasing. Also, students are increasingly having the opportunity to take classes at home through online classes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, due to the prolongation of remote work or online classes, there has been a problem that users suffer from physical problems such as lack of exercise and accompanying deterioration in the quality of sleep.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a communication system and a communication method capable of recommending behavioral modifications to users that can maintain the quality of sleep.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides a communication system comprising a cushion with a pressure sensor on which a user sits, a terminal that communicates with the cushion with the pressure sensor, and a server device that communicates with the terminal, wherein the cushion with the pressure sensor has a pressure sensing sensor that detects the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the cushion when the user sits on it, the terminal has a first collection unit that collects the pressure distribution detected by the pressure sensing sensor, and an output unit that outputs information transmitted from the server device, and the server device communicates the user's sleep quality The device is characterized by having a storage unit that stores tolerance conditions, which associate a first tolerance time for which the first posture is permissible with a first value based on the pressure distribution that corresponds to the first posture of the user in which the score is less than the target value, and a recommendation unit that, if the similarity between a second value based on the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor of the cushion with a pressure sensor in which the user is currently sitting and the first value based on the pressure distribution is within a predetermined range, and the total time indicating the second value based on the pressure distribution exceeds the first tolerance time, causes the terminal to output recommendation information recommending that the user correct their posture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to recommend behavioral changes to users that can maintain sleep quality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the processing between the learning unit and the tolerance condition setting unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure for the acceptable conditions. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the communication process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing other processing steps of the communication process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating other processes between the learning unit and the tolerance condition setting unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a computer running a program. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the communication system and communication method according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the communication system and communication method according to the present application are not limited by these embodiments.

[0010] [Embodiment] In the following embodiments, the processing flow of the communication system and communication method according to the embodiments will be described in order, and finally, the effects of the embodiments will be described.

[0011] In this embodiment, it is assumed that prolonged periods of poor posture lead to poor blood flow and reduced sleep quality, and therefore, behavioral changes related to posture are recommended to the user to maintain sleep quality.

[0012] Specifically, the communication system according to the embodiment recommends the user's sitting posture so that the user's sleep quality score reaches a target value. The communication system aims to achieve the target value of the user's sleep quality score by guiding the user to the correct posture if the user maintains a posture that prevents them from maintaining the target value of their sleep quality score for a period of time longer than permitted.

[0013] In a communication system, based on the relationship between the posture of a user estimated from an image of the user when seated and the sleep quality of the user, a posture of the user when seated that is clearly significant in terms of the relationship with sleep quality is determined.

[0014] Then, in the communication system, a pressure distribution of the pressure applied to the seating surface of the cushion with a pressure sensor on which the user sits, corresponding to the posture, is determined, and an allowable condition regarding this pressure distribution is set. And in the communication system, when a value regarding the pressure distribution when the user sits detected by the cushion with a pressure sensor exceeds the allowable condition, the user is induced to have a correct posture by recommending to the user to correct the posture.

[0015] Note that in the embodiment, based on the pressure distribution applied to the seating surface of the cushion with a pressure sensor, the center of gravity of the seating surface when the user sits is determined, and a case where a recommendation is made when this center of gravity exceeds the allowable condition will be described as an example.

[0016] [Communication System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a terminal 20 used by a user, wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 worn by the user, a cushion 40 with a pressure sensor on which the user sits, and a server device 10 that recommends behavioral variations related to posture to the user. Also, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the specific configuration and the number of each device are not particularly limited.

[0017] The wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 have various sensors and transmit the sensor information of the various sensors through communication with the terminal 20. The wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 have, for example, vital sensors and acceleration sensors, and measure vital information such as the heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, body temperature, and respiratory rate, as well as movement and the number of steps of the user wearing the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2. The wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 transmit the detected vital information and the sensor information of the acceleration sensors to the terminal 20 using wireless communication. For example, the wearable device 30-1 is a wristwatch type, and the wearable device 30-2 is a ring type.

[0018] The cushion 40 with a pressure sensor has a pressure detection sensor that detects the pressure distribution of the pressure applied to the seating surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor, and transmits the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor through wireless communication with the terminal 20. It is transmitted to the terminal 20 using wireless communication.

[0019] The terminal 20 is a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet, and is a portable terminal device that can communicate with an arbitrary server device 10 via a wireless communication network. The terminal 20 may be an information processing device such as a notebook PC.

[0020] The terminal 20 collects the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor, and determines the position of the center of gravity of the seating surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor when the user is seated from each of the collected pressure distributions. Then, the terminal 20 attaches a time stamp (detection time) to each of the determined positions of the center of gravity, and transmits it to the server device 10 as center of gravity information. Note that the terminal 20 may transmit the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor to the server device 10.

[0021] The terminal 20 outputs, on the screen and / or by voice, the recommendation information for recommending behavior variations related to posture transmitted from the server device 10. The terminal 20 outputs recommendation information for recommending correcting the posture.

[0022] Terminal 20 has an imaging unit. Terminal 20 captures an image of the user while seated and transmits the captured image to the server device 10. Terminal 20 collects the user's vital information and acceleration sensor information detected by wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2, and transmits the collected vital information and acceleration sensor information to the server device 10.

[0023] The server device 10 estimates the user's sitting posture based on images of the user while seated. The server device 10 then compares the timestamp (imaging time) of each image of the user while seated with the timestamp attached to the center of gravity information, and associates the position of the center of gravity of the seat corresponding to each of the user's sitting postures.

[0024] The server device 10 measures the user's sleep quality based on the user's vital information measured by the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2. The server device 10 may also measure the user's sleep quality using the user's vital information along with sensor information from the accelerometers measured by the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2.

[0025] The server device 10 uses a model that has learned the relationship between the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality to set tolerance conditions for the center of gravity of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40. These tolerance conditions associate the position of the first center of gravity of the seat surface corresponding to the first posture of the user in which the user's sleep quality score falls below the target value with the first tolerance time for which the first posture is acceptable.

[0026] Then, if the center of gravity of the seat surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor is within a predetermined range of the first center of gravity of the acceptable conditions and the first acceptable time is exceeded, the server device 10 will output recommendation information to the terminal 20 recommending that the user correct their posture. By correcting their sitting posture in accordance with this recommendation, the user can change to a posture that maintains sleep quality within a predetermined range.

[0027] In this embodiment, the example described is when the terminal 20 captures an image of the user while they are seated. However, an image capture device for capturing the user may be provided separately from the terminal to obtain an image of the user while they are seated.

[0028] [Terminal] Next, the terminal 20 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal 20 has an imaging unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, a communication unit 24, and an input / output unit 25.

[0029] The imaging unit 21 captures images. The imaging unit 21 has camera and video functions realized by an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and captures still images and moving images. The imaging unit 21 captures images of the user while seated.

[0030] The communication unit 24 is implemented using a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and controls communication between the control unit 23 and external devices via telecommunication lines such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. For example, the communication unit 24 controls communication between the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2, communication between the pressure sensor cushion 40, and communication between the server device 10.

[0031] The communication unit 24 receives sensor information from the accelerometers and the user's vital information from the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2. The communication unit 24 transmits the sensor information from the accelerometers of the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 and the user's vital information to the server device 10. The communication unit 24 receives the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor from the cushion with pressure sensors 40. The communication unit 24 transmits the position of each center of gravity (center of gravity information) obtained from the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor of the cushion with pressure sensors 40 to the server device 10. The communication unit 24 transmits the image of the user sitting, captured by the imaging unit 21, to the server device 10. The communication unit 24 receives recommendation information from the server device 10 that recommends correcting posture.

[0032] The input / output unit 25 outputs various types of information and receives input from the user. The input / output unit 25 includes, for example, an LCD screen, a touch panel, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The input / output unit 25 outputs an image or sound indicating recommendation information that recommends correcting posture.

[0033] The memory unit 22 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 23. For example, the memory unit 22 may be a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. The memory unit 22 stores the image 221 of the user seated, captured by the imaging unit 21, pressure distribution information 222 transmitted from the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor, and the user's vital information 223 and sensor information 224 transmitted from wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2.

[0034] The control unit 23 has an internal memory for storing programs that define various processing procedures and required data, and executes various processes using these. Here, the control unit 23 is an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 23 includes an imaging control unit 231, a pressure distribution collection unit 232, a vital information collection unit 233, a sensor information collection unit 234, and a recommendation output control unit 235.

[0035] The imaging control unit 231 controls the imaging process of the imaging unit 21. The imaging control unit 231 may select images of the user seated from among the images captured by the imaging unit 21 and store them in the storage unit 22. The imaging control unit 231 may also assist the user in the imaging operation so that the imaging unit 21 can capture images of the user seated.

[0036] The pressure distribution collection unit 232 collects the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor, as detected by the pressure detection sensor of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor. The pressure distribution collection unit 232 collects the pressure distribution by periodically requesting transmission from the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor. From each collected pressure distribution, the pressure distribution collection unit 232 determines the position of the center of gravity of the seat surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor when a user is seated. The pressure distribution collection unit 232 then transmits the center of gravity information, with a timestamp (detection time) attached to each determined center of gravity position, to the server device 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0037] The vital information collection unit 233 collects vital information detected by wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 from wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2. The vital information collection unit 233 collects vital information by periodically requesting information transmission from wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2, for example.

[0038] The sensor information collection unit 234 collects sensor information from the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 regarding the acceleration sensor detected by the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2. The sensor information collection unit 234 collects acceleration sensor information by periodically requesting information transmission from the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2, for example. Alternatively, the sensor information collection unit 234 may collect acceleration sensor information by receiving sensor information transmitted from the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 when an acceleration of a predetermined value or higher is detected.

[0039] The recommendation output control unit 235 controls the input / output unit 25 to output recommendation information, which recommends correcting posture, transmitted from the server device 10.

[0040] [Server equipment] Next, the server device 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the server device 10 has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0041] The communication unit 11 is implemented using a NIC or the like and controls communication between the control unit 13 and external devices via telecommunication lines such as LANs or the Internet. For example, the communication unit 11 controls communication with the terminal 20. The communication unit 11 receives from the terminal 20 an image of the user sitting, information on the center of gravity of the seat surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor when the user is sitting, the user's vital information, and sensor information from the acceleration sensors of the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 worn by the user. The communication unit 11 sends recommendation information to the terminal 20 to recommend activities to the user.

[0042] The memory unit 12 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 13. For example, the memory unit 12 may be a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. The memory unit 12 stores the image group 121, the center of gravity information group 122, the posture estimation model 123, the vital information group 124, the sensor information group 125, the sleep quality measurement model 126, the relationship estimation model 127 (model), and the permissible conditions 128 transmitted from the terminal 20.

[0043] Image group 121 consists of images of the user seated, sent from terminal 20. Each image is accompanied by user identification information and a timestamp.

[0044] The center of gravity information group 122 is a group of center of gravity information for the seat surface of the pressure sensor-equipped cushion 40 on which the user sits, transmitted from the terminal 20. Each center of gravity information is associated with the user's identification information and a timestamp.

[0045] The posture estimation model 123 is a model that estimates the posture of a person in an image. The posture estimation model 123 learns, for example, the joint points of a person from a person in an image, and estimates the posture of a person by connecting the points of contact between people in a still or moving image.

[0046] The vital information group 124 is a set of vital information of the user transmitted from terminal 20. Each vital information item is accompanied by the user's identification information and a timestamp.

[0047] Sensor information group 125 is a set of sensor information from the accelerometers of wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 worn by the user, transmitted from terminal 20. Each sensor information is accompanied by user identification information and a timestamp.

[0048] The sleep quality measurement model 126 is a model that measures a user's sleep quality based on the user's vital information. The sleep quality measurement model 126 learns the vital information of the user being measured over a predetermined period (for example, two weeks), measures the progression of sleep onset time, wakefulness, REM sleep, light sleep, and deep sleep, and calculates a sleep quality score based on the measurement results.

[0049] The relationship estimation model 127 is a model that has learned the relationship between the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality. The user's sitting posture is estimated by the posture estimation unit 133 (described later) based on images of the user sitting. The user's sleep quality is measured by the sleep quality measurement unit 136 based on the user's vital information. When the relationship estimation model 127 receives time-series changes in the user's sitting posture as input, it estimates the user's sleep quality for that day. The relationship estimation model 127 is provided for each user to be recommended, and learns the relationship between the corresponding user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality.

[0050] The tolerance condition 128 is a condition set with respect to the center of gravity of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40. The tolerance condition 128 associates the position of the first center of gravity of the seat surface corresponding to the first posture of a user in which the user's sleep quality score falls below the target value with the first allowable time for which the first posture is permissible. The tolerance condition 128 is pre-set for each user based on the relationship between the sitting posture of the user being recommended and the user's sleep quality.

[0051] The control unit 13 has an internal memory for storing programs that define various processing procedures and required data, and executes various processes using these. Here, the control unit 13 is an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU, or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 13 includes an image acquisition unit 131, a center of gravity information acquisition unit 132, a posture estimation unit 133, a vital information acquisition unit 134, a sensor information acquisition unit 135, a sleep quality measurement unit 136, a learning unit 137, an acceptable condition setting unit 138, and a recommendation unit 139.

[0052] The image acquisition unit 131 receives an image of the user sitting on the terminal 20 from the terminal 20, thereby acquiring an image of the user while they are seated. The image acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired image in the storage unit 12, corresponding it to the user's identification information.

[0053] The center of gravity information acquisition unit 132 receives center of gravity information from the terminal 20 and acquires the center of gravity position of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user sits. The center of gravity information acquisition unit 132 stores the acquired center of gravity information in the storage unit 12, corresponding it to the user's identification information.

[0054] The posture estimation unit 133 estimates the user's sitting posture based on images of the user while seated. The posture estimation unit 133 reads images of the user to be estimated from the image group 121, inputs them into the posture estimation model 123, and estimates the user's sitting posture by obtaining the output of the posture estimation model 123. The posture estimation unit 133 associates the estimated sitting posture of the user with the center of gravity information of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user sits when assuming that posture, for each posture.

[0055] The vital information acquisition unit 134 receives vital information from the terminal 20, specifically from wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 worn by the user of the terminal 20, thereby acquiring the vital information of the user who is the target of estimation.

[0056] The sensor information acquisition unit 135 receives sensor information from the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 worn by the user from the terminal 20, thereby acquiring sensor information from the acceleration sensors of the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 worn by the user, which are the target of estimation.

[0057] The sleep quality measurement unit 136 measures the user's sleep quality based on the vital information of the person being measured. The sleep quality measurement unit 136 reads the vital information of the person being measured from the vital information group 124, inputs it into the sleep quality measurement model 126, and measures the user's sleep quality by obtaining the output of the sleep quality measurement model 126.

[0058] The learning unit 137 trains the relationship estimation model 127 on the relationship between the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality. The learning unit 137 sets up a relationship estimation model 127 for each user to be recommended, and trains each model on the relationship between the corresponding user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality.

[0059] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the learning unit 137 and the tolerance condition setting unit 138 shown in Figure 3. The learning unit 137 uses the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality measurement results as training data to train the relationship between the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality in the relationship estimation model 127 (Figure 4 (1)). For example, the learning unit 137 learns the relationship between the integral value of the time the user does not maintain the correct posture and the sleep quality score.

[0060] The tolerance condition setting unit 138 then uses the relationship estimation model 127 to detect if the time a user spends in an incorrect posture while sitting exceeds a predetermined percentage of the total sitting time, and if this is clearly significant in relation to sleep quality.

[0061] For example, the tolerance condition setting unit 138 detects that for user A, if the total time spent in postures T1, T2, and T3 while sitting is 10% or more of the total sitting time per day, then the sleep quality score is less than 85 out of 100. If a sleep quality score of 85 or higher is desirable, the tolerance condition setting unit 138 sets the tolerance conditions for user A so that the time spent in postures T1, T2, and T3 does not exceed 10% of the total sitting time per day.

[0062] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure for the tolerance conditions 128. For user A, the tolerance condition setting unit 138 sets a first tolerance time (e.g., 30 minutes) for which it is acceptable to assume these postures T1, T2, and T3, based on the average of the total sitting time per day. The tolerance condition setting unit 138 acquires the center of gravity positions CA1, CA2, and CA3 (see Figure 4) of user A corresponding to these postures T1, T2, and T3, and sets them as the first center of gravity for the tolerance conditions. Similarly, for user B, the tolerance condition setting unit 138 sets a first center of gravity corresponding to the posture in which the sleep quality score is less than 85 out of 100, and its tolerance time (first tolerance time).

[0063] Thus, the tolerance condition setting unit 138 sets tolerance conditions 128 regarding the center of gravity of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 when the user is seated, based on the relationship between the user's seated posture and the user's sleep quality (Figure 4 (2)). The tolerance condition setting unit 138 sets tolerance conditions 128 using a relationship estimation model 127 that has learned the relationship between the user's seated posture and the user's sleep quality.

[0064] During operation, the recommendation unit 139 outputs recommendation information to the terminal 20 recommending that the user correct their posture if the second center of gravity of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user is currently sitting is within a predetermined range of the first center of gravity of the allowable condition 128, and the total time indicating the second center of gravity exceeds the first allowable time.

[0065] The recommendation unit 139 may determine the second posture associated with the second center of gravity and specifically recommend what needs to be corrected in the second posture and how to correct it. For example, if the second posture associated with the second center of gravity is a posture with crossed legs, the recommendation unit 139 will create recommendation information such as "Stop crossing your legs." Also, if the second posture associated with the second center of gravity is a posture with elbows on the table, the recommendation unit 139 will create recommendation information such as "Avoid resting your elbows on the table."

[0066] [Setting acceptable conditions] Next, we will describe the process by which the communication system 1 sets the acceptable conditions. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the communication process according to the embodiment.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, terminal 20 captures an image of the user while seated (step S1) and transmits the captured image to server device 10 (step S3). Terminal 20 collects the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40 on which the user is seated (step S2). From the collected pressure distribution, terminal 20 determines the position of the center of gravity of the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40 when the user is seated and transmits this center of gravity information to server device 10 (step S4).

[0068] The server device 10 estimates the user's seated posture based on images of the user while seated (step S5). The server device 10 also associates the position of the center of gravity of the seat with each of the user's seated postures.

[0069] The terminal 20 then collects the user's vital information and acceleration sensor information detected by the wearable devices 30-1 and 30-2 (steps S6 and S8), and transmits the collected vital information and acceleration sensor information to the server device 10 (steps S7 and S9).

[0070] The server device 10 measures the user's sleep quality based on the user's vital information received in step S7 (step S10). The server device 10 performs a learning process to train the relationship between the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality in the relationship estimation model 127 (step S11).

[0071] Then, the server device 10 uses the relationship estimation model 127 to set the tolerance conditions 128 regarding the center of gravity of the seat surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor when the user is seated (step S12).

[0072] [Recommendation processing] Next, the processing during operation of the communication system 1 will be described. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing other processing steps of the communication processing according to the embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, terminal 20 receives the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40 on which the user is currently sitting (step S21). From the collected pressure distribution, terminal 20 determines the position of the center of gravity of the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40 when the user is sitting on it, and transmits this center of gravity information to the server device 10 (step S22).

[0074] The server device 10 refers to the received center of gravity information and the history of the user's center of gravity information for that day, and determines whether the center of gravity (second center of gravity) of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user is sitting exceeds the allowable condition 128 (step S23). The server device 10 determines that the allowable condition 128 is exceeded if the second center of gravity is located within the predetermined range of the first center of gravity and the total time indicating the second center of gravity exceeds the first allowable time.

[0075] If the center of gravity (second center of gravity) of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user is sitting does not exceed the allowable condition 128 (step S23: No), the server device 10 waits for the transmission of the center of gravity information in step S22.

[0076] If the center of gravity (second center of gravity) of the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user is sitting exceeds the tolerance condition 128 (step S23: Yes), the server device 10 creates recommendation information recommending that the user correct their posture and sends it to the terminal 20 (steps S24, S25). The terminal 20 outputs the recommendation information received from the server device 10 on the screen and / or by voice (step S26).

[0077] [Effects of the embodiment] In this embodiment, the communication system 1 determines the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the cushion with a pressure sensor on which the user sits, corresponding to the user's posture when seated, and sets acceptable conditions for this pressure distribution. Then, if the value of the pressure distribution when the user is seated, as detected by the cushion with a pressure sensor 40, exceeds the acceptable conditions, the communication system 1 recommends to the user to correct their posture, thereby guiding the user to adopt the correct posture.

[0078] Therefore, according to the communication system 1, based on the detection results of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor, if it is determined that the user has maintained a posture that prevents them from maintaining a sleep quality score at the target value for a period of time longer than permitted, the system guides the user to adopt the correct posture in order to help the user achieve the target value of their sleep quality score.

[0079] Furthermore, the communication system 1 may set acceptable pressure distributions for the pressure applied to the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40, and make recommendations by comparing the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40 in which the user is currently sitting with the acceptable conditions. In this case, the terminal 20 collects the pressure distributions for the pressure applied to the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40 and transmits them to the server device 10. The server device 10 associates the pressure distributions for the pressure applied to the seat surface of the pressure-sensor-equipped cushion 40 corresponding to each of the user's sitting postures.

[0080] Figure 8 illustrates other processes performed by the learning unit 137 and the tolerance condition setting unit 138 shown in Figure 3. The learning unit 137 trains the relationship between the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality in the relationship estimation model 127 (Figure 8(1)).

[0081] The tolerance condition setting unit 138 detects that, if a sleep quality score of 85 or higher is desirable, for example, for user A, if the total time spent in postures T1, T2, and T3 while sitting is 10% or more of the total sitting time, then the sleep quality score is less than 85 out of 100. The tolerance condition setting unit 138 sets the tolerance conditions for user A so that the time spent in postures T1, T2, and T3 does not exceed 10% of the total sitting time (Figure 8 (2)).

[0082] The tolerance condition setting unit 138 then sets a first tolerance time (for example, 30 minutes) for user A, based on the average of the total sitting time, during which these postures T1, T2, and T3 are acceptable. The tolerance condition setting unit 138 acquires the pressure distributions PA1, PA2, PA3 (see Figure 8) of the seat surface of the cushion 40 with pressure sensors for user A, corresponding to these postures T1, T2, and T3, and sets them as the first pressure distribution of the tolerance conditions.

[0083] During operation, the recommendation unit 139 outputs recommendation information to the terminal 20 recommending that the user correct their posture if the similarity between the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user is currently sitting (second pressure distribution) and the first pressure distribution of the tolerance condition 128 is within a predetermined range, and the total time showing the second pressure distribution exceeds the first tolerance time.

[0084] Furthermore, the server device 10 may set tolerance conditions not only for the center of gravity or pressure distribution, but also for other values ​​based on the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user is sitting. If the similarity between the value based on the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the pressure sensor cushion 40 on which the user is currently sitting (the value based on the second pressure distribution) and the value set as a tolerance condition (the value based on the first pressure distribution) is within a predetermined range, and the total time showing the value based on the second pressure distribution exceeds the first tolerance time, the server device 10 will output recommendation information to the terminal 20 recommending that the user correct their posture.

[0085] Furthermore, on days when the value based on the pressure distribution on the seat surface of the cushion 40 with a pressure sensor exceeds an acceptable condition, the server device 10 may output recommendation information to the terminal 20 before bedtime, such as, "You may have had poor sleep quality because you spent a lot of time in poor posture. We recommend stretching before going to bed."

[0086] [System configuration, etc.] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Moreover, each processing function performed by each device can be implemented, in whole or in any part, by a CPU or GPU and programs that are analyzed and executed by said CPU or GPU, or by hardware using wired logic.

[0087] Furthermore, among the processes described in this embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

[0088] [program] Furthermore, it is also possible to create a program that describes the processing performed by the components of the communication system 1 described in the above embodiment in a language that can be executed by a computer. For example, it is possible to create a program that describes the processing performed by the components of the communication system 1 in the embodiment in a language that can be executed by a computer. In this case, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained by having a computer execute the program. Moreover, the same processing as in the above embodiment may be realized by recording such a program on a computer-readable recording medium and having a computer read and execute the program recorded on this recording medium.

[0089] Figure 9 shows a computer running a program. As illustrated in Figure 9, computer 1000 includes, for example, memory 1010, CPU 1020, hard disk drive interface 1030, disk drive interface 1040, serial port interface 1050, video adapter 1060, and network interface 1070, all of which are connected by bus 1080.

[0090] Memory 1010 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) 1011 and RAM 1012, as illustrated in Figure 9. ROM 1011 stores, for example, a boot program such as BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to the hard disk drive 1090, as illustrated in Figure 9. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to the disk drive 1100. For example, a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1100. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to, for example, a mouse 1110 and a keyboard 1120. The video adapter 1060 is connected to, for example, a display 1130.

[0091] Here, as illustrated in Figure 9, the hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, the OS 1091, the application program 1092, the program module 1093, and the program data 1094. In other words, the above-mentioned program is stored in the hard disk drive 1090, for example, as a program module in which instructions to be executed by the computer 1000 are described.

[0092] Furthermore, the various data described in the above embodiment are stored as program data in, for example, memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090. The CPU 1020 then reads the program module 1093 and program data 1094 stored in memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090 into RAM 1012 as needed and executes various processing procedures.

[0093] Furthermore, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 related to the program are not limited to being stored on the hard disk drive 1090, but may also be stored on a removable storage medium, for example, and read by the CPU 1020 via a disk drive or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 related to the program may be stored on another computer connected via a network (LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.) and read by the CPU 1020 via the network interface 1070.

[0094] The embodiments described above and their variations are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents, as are included in the technology disclosed in this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Communication System 10 Server devices 11,24 Communications Department 12,22 Storage part 13,23 Control Unit 20 devices 21 Imaging Department 25 Input / output section 30-1, 30-2 Wearable devices 40 Cushions with Pressure Sensors 121 Image Group 122 Center of gravity information group 123 Pose Estimation Model 124 Vital Information Group 125 Sensor Information Group 126 Sleep Quality Measurement Models 127 Relationship Estimation Models 128 Tolerances 131 Image acquisition unit 132 Center of gravity information acquisition unit 133 Posture estimation section 134 Vital Information Acquisition Department 135 Sensor Information Acquisition Unit 136 Sleep Quality Measurement Department 137 Learning Department 138 Allowable Condition Setting Section 139 Recommendation Department 221 images 222 Pressure Distribution Information 223 Vital Information 224 Sensor Information 231 Imaging Control Unit 232 Pressure distribution collection unit 233 Vital Information Collection Department 234 Sensor Information Acquisition Unit 235 Recommendation Output Control Unit

Claims

1. A communication system comprising a cushion with a pressure sensor on which a user sits, a terminal that communicates with the cushion with the pressure sensor, and a server device that communicates with the terminal, The cushion with the pressure sensor is A pressure sensing sensor detects the pressure distribution applied to the seat surface of the cushion with the pressure sensor when the user is seated. It has, The aforementioned terminal is A first collection unit that collects the pressure distribution detected by the pressure detection sensor, An output unit that outputs information transmitted from the server device, It has, The server device is A storage unit stores tolerance conditions, which associate a first tolerance time for which the first posture is permissible with a first value based on the pressure distribution corresponding to the first posture of the user in which the user's sleep quality score falls below a target value. A recommendation unit that, if the similarity between the second pressure distribution value detected by the pressure sensor of the cushion with a pressure sensor on which the user is currently sitting and the first pressure distribution value is within a predetermined range, and the total time showing the second pressure distribution value exceeds the first allowable time, causes the terminal to output recommendation information recommending that the user correct their posture. A communication system characterized by having the following features.

2. The first posture of the user is a posture in which the user's sleep quality score is less than the target value, which is determined based on the relationship between the user's seated posture estimated from an image of the user while seated and the user's sleep quality measured from the user's vital information. The first allowable time is set based on the proportion of the total time spent in the first posture to the total time the user is seated. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the user's seated posture and the pressure distribution applied to the seat surface of the cushion with a pressure sensor when the user is seated in that posture are linked in advance.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the value based on the pressure distribution is the center of gravity.

4. The communication system is An imaging device for capturing images of the user while seated, A wearable device worn by the user and having sensors for measuring the user's vital information, It further possesses, The aforementioned terminal is A second collection unit that communicates with the wearable device and collects the user's vital information, It further possesses, The server device is An estimation unit that estimates the user's seated posture based on an image of the user while seated, Based on the aforementioned vital information, a measurement unit measures the user's sleep quality, A setting unit sets the acceptable conditions based on the relationship between the user's seated posture and the user's sleep quality, The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The server device is A learning unit that trains a model on the relationship between the user's sitting posture and the user's sleep quality. It further possesses, The communication system according to claim 4, characterized in that the setting unit sets the allowable conditions using the model.

6. A communication method performed by a communication system having a cushion with a pressure sensor on which a user sits, a terminal that communicates with the cushion with the pressure sensor, and a server device that communicates with the terminal, The server device has a storage unit that stores tolerance conditions, which associate a first tolerance time for which the first posture is permissible with a value based on a first pressure distribution on the seat surface of the cushion with a pressure sensor corresponding to the first posture of the user in which the user's sleep quality score falls below a target value. The cushion with the pressure sensor includes a step of using the pressure detection sensor to detect the pressure distribution applied to the seat surface of the cushion when the user sits on it, The terminal performs the steps of collecting the pressure distribution detected by the pressure sensing sensor, The server device, if the similarity between the second pressure distribution value detected by the pressure sensor on the cushion with the pressure sensor on which the user is currently sitting and the first pressure distribution value is within a predetermined range, and the total time showing the second pressure distribution value exceeds the first allowable time, outputs recommendation information to the terminal recommending that the user correct their posture. The terminal outputs recommendation information transmitted from the server device, A communication method characterized by including [something].

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