Sleep evaluation system

Abstract

To provide a sleep evaluation system for analyzing sleep of an object person and improving quality of sleep.SOLUTION: A sleep evaluation system includes an information processing device and a plurality of sensors. A first sensor measures activity amount data indicating an activity amount of an object person. A second sensor measures vital data indicating a vital sign of the object person. The information processing device includes a determination part for determining L times of sleep whose quality of the object person's sleep is good, using behavioral data indicating the object person's behavior, a calculation part for calculating a plurality of sleep parameters of each of the L times of sleep, using at least one of the activity amount data and the vital data corresponding to each of the L times of sleep, and an analysis part for determining the range of each value of the plurality of sleep parameters when the quality of the object person's sleep is good, using the plurality of sleep parameters of each of the L times of sleep, the L being an integer greater than or equal to 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleep evaluation system.

Background Art

[0002] For infants, high-quality sleep leads to healthy physical and mental growth. However, in recent years, the number of infants with sleep problems, such as having difficulty falling asleep even after getting into bed, not getting enough sleep at appropriate times, and not sleeping in a relaxed state, has been increasing.

[0003] In order to get good-quality sleep, it is necessary to grasp the current sleep quality and improve it as needed.

[0004] As means for measuring sleep quality, various sensors and application programs have been developed. Such sensors and application programs are, for example, assumed to measure the sleep quality of adults.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Infant sleep is different from adult sleep in terms of quantity, quality, pattern, etc. Also, the sleep state of infants changes as they grow. Therefore, it is necessary to realize a new function that can improve the sleep quality of infants. The same can be said for children with developmental disorders.

[0007] The present invention provides a sleep evaluation system that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a sleep evaluation system comprising an information processing device and a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor measures activity data indicating the activity level of a subject. The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject. The information processing device comprises a generation unit, a determination unit, a calculation unit, and an analysis unit. The generation unit generates behavior data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to user operations on the information processing device. The determination unit uses the behavior data to determine L sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality. The calculation unit uses at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep cycles to calculate a plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles. The analysis unit uses the plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles to determine the range of values ​​for each of the plurality of sleep parameters when the subject has good sleep quality. L is an integer of 1 or more.

[0009] The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of acquiring data from a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor measures activity level data indicating the activity level of a subject. The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject. The information processing device comprises a generation unit, a determination unit, a calculation unit, and an analysis unit. The generation unit generates behavior data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to user operations on the information processing device. The determination unit uses the behavior data to determine L sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality. The calculation unit uses at least one of the activity level data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep cycles to calculate a plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles. The analysis unit uses the plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles to determine the range of values ​​for each of the plurality of sleep parameters when the subject has good sleep quality. L is an integer of 1 or more.

[0010] The present invention relates to a sleep evaluation method for controlling an information processing device capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors. The multiple sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor measures activity level data indicating the activity level of a subject. The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject. The sleep evaluation method generates behavior data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to user operations on the information processing device using the generation unit of the information processing device. The sleep evaluation method uses the behavior data to determine L sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality using the behavior data to determine L sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality using the determination unit of the information processing device. The sleep evaluation method uses the activity level data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep cycles to calculate multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles using the calculation unit of the information processing device. The sleep evaluation method uses the multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles to determine the range of values ​​for each of the multiple sleep parameters when the subject has good sleep quality using the analysis unit of the information processing device. L is an integer of 1 or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a sleep evaluation system that can solve the above problems can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing device included in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device included in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of behavioral data used in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a determination result of the quality of sleep of an infant using behavior data in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of sleep parameters used in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of sleep parameters for a plurality of days used in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of sleep parameters determined to have good sleep quality and accumulated in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference range table used in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of sleep parameters of a day for which the quality of sleep is to be evaluated in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of notification of sleep evaluation information in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for obtaining a reference range executed in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for calculating sleep parameters executed in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for evaluation and notification processing executed in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of an information processing apparatus included in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an information processing apparatus included in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing (a) an example of sleep parameters for a plurality of days and (b) an example of the relationship between sleep parameters and sleep quality, which are used in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a reference range of total sleep time of an infant, which is used in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a first example of a relative evaluation result of sleep quality in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second example of a relative evaluation result of sleep quality in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of sleep parameters in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a relative evaluation result of sleep quality using the priority order of sleep parameters in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of notification of sleep evaluation information in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of relative evaluation processing executed in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of evaluation and notification processing executed in the sleep evaluation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of the sleep evaluation system according to the third embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First Embodiment) First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The sleep evaluation system 1A is a system for supporting a user 31 who is responsible for childcare or caregiving for a subject 30. The sleep evaluation system 1A provides the user 31 with information to improve the quality of sleep of the subject 30, for example.

[0015] Subject 30 is an infant or a child with a developmental disability. Subject 30 is wearing underwear or absorbent material. Absorbent material is, for example, a disposable diaper or a cloth diaper.

[0016] User 31 is a user of the sleep evaluation system 1A. User 31 may be, for example, a family member of Subject 30, or a person engaged in childcare / assistance at the childcare / support facility where Subject 30 is enrolled. Here, we illustrate the case where there is one user 31, but there may be two or more users 31.

[0017] The following primarily illustrates a sleep assessment system 1A that provides information to caregivers to improve the sleep quality of infants and toddlers, when the target person 30 is an infant or toddler and the user 31 is a caregiver. The target person 30, who is an infant or toddler, will also be referred to as infant 30. The user 31, who is a caregiver, will also be referred to as caregiver 31. In the following description, a sleep assessment system 1A that provides information to caregivers to improve the sleep quality of children with developmental disabilities can be similarly implemented by replacing infant 30 with a child with a developmental disability and caregiver 31 with a caregiver.

[0018] The configuration of the sleep evaluation system 1A will now be described. The sleep evaluation system 1A includes, for example, an information processing device 21 and a plurality of sensors 4.

[0019] The information processing device 21 is an information processing device used by the caregiver 31. The information processing device 21 can be implemented, for example, as an embedded system built into a mobile information terminal, tablet computer, personal computer, or infant monitoring robot. The mobile information terminal is, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

[0020] The information processing device 21 analyzes data relating to the infant 30 and provides information indicating the quality of the infant's sleep (hereinafter also referred to as sleep evaluation information). The information processing device 21 provides the sleep evaluation information to the caregiver 31, for example, by displaying it on a screen.

[0021] Multiple sensors 4 are sensors that measure the state of an infant 30. Multiple sensors 4 include, for example, a communication unit for transmitting data (signals) including measurement results to an external device. The communication unit transmits the data including measurement results to the information processing device 21, for example, in real time. Various short-range wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi can be used as the communication method by the communication unit. Alternatively, multiple sensors 4 may include a storage unit that can be read by the information processing device 21. The storage unit stores data indicating the measurement results. The data stored in the storage unit is transmitted, for example, via wireless communication through the communication unit and read by the information processing device 21.

[0022] The multiple sensors 4 include, for example, an activity level sensor 41 and a vital signs sensor 42.

[0023] The activity sensor 41 is a sensor that measures (monitors) the activity level of an infant 30 at predetermined time intervals. The activity sensor 41 can be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor. A non-contact type activity sensor 41 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar. The non-contact type activity sensor 41 is installed, for example, in a position where the infant 30 can be observed. A position where the infant 30 can be observed is, for example, a wall, pillar, ceiling, or furniture. A contact type activity sensor 41 can be realized, for example, by an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The contact type activity sensor 41 can be detachably attached, for example, to the inside of the clothing worn by the infant 30 or to the outer surface of an absorbent article or underwear worn by the infant 30. The activity sensor 41 may also be a belt-type sensor. A belt-type activity sensor 41 can be attached, for example, by wrapping it around the arm or leg of the infant 30. Alternatively, the activity sensor 41 may be a sheet-shaped pressure sensor. The sheet-shaped activity sensor 41 is intended to capture these movements as changes in the pressure pattern experienced by the activity sensor 41. The sheet-shaped activity sensor 41 is installed so as to be placed under the body of the infant 30 when he or she is lying down. The infant 30's body movements include flapping his or her arms and legs, rolling over, etc. The infant 30's body movements can be expressed, for example, as the activity level of at least a part of the infant 30's body. Alternatively, the infant 30's body movements can be expressed, for example, as the activity intensity of at least a part of the infant 30's body, or as the product of the activity level and activity intensity. The activity level and activity intensity are determined, for example, based on accelerations measured in the X, Y, and Z axis directions, respectively. The X axis is, for example, the vertical direction of the infant 30's body (i.e., the up and down direction when standing upright). The Y axis is the horizontal direction of the infant 30's body (i.e., the left and right direction when standing upright). The Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis mentioned above (i.e., the front-to-back direction when standing upright). Activity level is the sum of instantaneous activity intensity over a certain period of time (for example, 2 minutes).

[0024] The activity sensor 41 includes a communication unit that transmits data showing the time-series body movements (e.g., activity level) of the infant 30 to the information processing device 21. For example, the activity sensor 41 transmits data showing the time-series body movements within a single unit period to the information processing device 21 for each unit period. The unit period is, for example, 1 second, 10 seconds, or 1 minute. Alternatively, the activity sensor 41 may transmit data showing the body movements in real time to the information processing device 21 in response to detecting an activity. The activity sensor 41 includes a small information processing device for detecting the presence or absence of body movements from measured acceleration, etc., and for determining the activity level. The data showing body movements is also called activity level data. The activity level data may include information about the time when the corresponding body movement was measured. Furthermore, the body movement data is not limited to the activity level, but may also be raw data such as acceleration data used to determine the activity level, or pressure patterns measured by a sheet-shaped sensor used to determine the state of activity.

[0025] The vital sensor 42 is a sensor that measures the vital signs of an infant 30 at predetermined intervals. The vital signs include, for example, heart rate (including parameters calculated from heart rate and heart rate variability), respiratory rate, and skin temperature. Skin temperature is, for example, the temperature of the extremities of the infant 30's body (e.g., hands, feet). The vital sensor 42 is installed on the infant 30 in the same manner as, for example, the activity level sensor 41. The vital sensor 42 can be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor. A non-contact vital sensor 42 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar. A contact vital sensor 42 is, for example, a wearable biosensor that measures heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature.

[0026] The vital sensor 42 includes a communication unit that transmits data showing time-series heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature to the information processing device 21. For example, the vital sensor 42 transmits data showing time-series heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature within a single unit period to the information processing device 21 for each unit period. Alternatively, the vital sensor 42 may transmit data showing at least one of the measured heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature to the information processing device 21 in real time, depending on whether it has measured at least one of these. The data showing heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature is also referred to as vital data. The vital data may include information on the time when the corresponding heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature were measured.

[0027] The activity level sensor 41 and the vital sensor 42 may be implemented as a single integrated device.

[0028] Furthermore, the multiple sensors 4 may also include an imaging device 43.

[0029] The imaging device 43 is a camera that generates video data of the infant 30. The imaging device 43 is, for example, an RGB camera, a monochrome camera, or a spectral camera. The video data includes a time-series of multiple images of the infant 30. Each of the multiple images is, for example, an image of the entire body of the infant 30. Each of the multiple images may be an image of a part of the body of the infant 30. The video data includes information about the time (e.g., date and time) when each of the multiple images was generated.

[0030] The imaging device 43 is installed in a position where it can image the infant 30, for example. The imaging device 43 is installed in one of the following: a wall, a pillar, a ceiling, or a piece of furniture.

[0031] The imaging device 43 includes, for example, a communication unit for transmitting moving image data to an external device. The communication unit can communicate with, for example, the information processing device 21. The communication unit transmits moving image data to the information processing device 21. Any short-range wireless communication method, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, can be used as the communication method by the communication unit.

[0032] Furthermore, the imaging device 43 may be equipped with a storage unit (i.e., a storage medium) that can be read by the information processing device 21. The storage unit stores motion image data. The motion image data stored in the storage unit is read by the information processing device 21, for example, by wireless communication or by wired communication via a cable connecting the information processing device 21 and the imaging device 43.

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing device 21. The information processing device 21 includes, for example, a CPU 51, RAM 52, a touchscreen display 53, a storage device 54, a first communication unit 55, a second communication unit 56, a vibration unit 57, and a speaker 58.

[0034] The CPU 51 is a processor that controls the operation of various components within the information processing device 21.

[0035] RAM52 is volatile memory. RAM52 is, for example, DRAM. The memory area of ​​RAM52 is allocated as a storage area for data used by the OS521, application programs (for example, a sleep evaluation program 522), and the CPU51.

[0036] The touchscreen display 53 is an input / output device. The touchscreen display 53 comprises, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel. The touchscreen display 53 displays an image on the LCD screen based on a display signal generated by the CPU 51.

[0037] The touch panel is positioned on the top surface of the LCD. The touch panel is a capacitive pointing device for inputting data on the LCD screen. The touch panel detects the contact position on the screen where a finger touches. The touch panel can send signals indicating the detected contact position to various parts of the information processing device 21 (e.g., CPU 51). By observing the time-series changes in the detected contact position, the CPU 51, for example, can detect finger movement.

[0038] The touchscreen display 53 shows images including information to be notified to the caregiver 31 and a graphical user interface (GUI) that prompts the caregiver 31 to input information. The caregiver 31 can input information about the infant's behavior and sleep to the information processing device 21, for example, by operating the GUI using the touch panel.

[0039] The storage device 54 is a storage device equipped with non-volatile memory. The storage device 54 is, for example, a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage device 54 stores programs and data for controlling the operation of the information processing device 21. The storage device 54 stores, for example, behavioral data 541, activity level data 542, vital data 543, sleep parameters 544, and a reference range table 545.

[0040] Behavioral data 541 is data that shows the behavior of the infant 30 related to sleep. The behavior of the infant 30 related to sleep includes the actions and state of the infant 30 at waking time, during the day, and at night. More specifically, the behavior of the infant 30 related to sleep includes, for example, how the infant 30 wakes up, their mood at waking time, their behavior during the day, their mood during the day, how they behave when waking up in the middle of the night, and their mood when waking up in the middle of the night. Each of the behaviors of the infant 30 related to sleep is used as a criterion item for determining the quality of the infant 30's sleep. Behavioral data 541 is generated (input) based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21. Operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21 include, for example, operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the touch panel of the GUI displayed on the LCD of the touchscreen display 53.

[0041] Activity data 542 is data obtained by the activity sensor 41 that shows the body movements (e.g., activity level) of the infant 30.

[0042] Vital data 543 is data showing the vital signs of 30 infants acquired by the vital sensor 42.

[0043] The sleep parameter 544 is a parameter for evaluating the sleep quality of infants 30. The sleep parameter 544 is calculated, for example, using at least one of activity level data 542 and vital data 543.

[0044] Reference range table 545 provides information indicating the range of values ​​for sleep parameter 544 when infants 30 have good sleep quality. The range of values ​​for sleep parameter 544 when infants 30 have good sleep quality is also referred to as the reference range for sleep parameter 544. A specific example of reference range table 545 will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0045] The storage device 54 may further store motion image data. Motion image data is data that includes a time series of images of the infant 30, generated by the imaging device 43.

[0046] The first communication unit 55 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the information processing device 21 and the outside world. The first communication unit 55 performs communication with, for example, a server device (not shown). The first communication unit 55 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

[0047] The second communication unit 56 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the information processing device 21 and the outside world. The second communication unit 56 performs communication with, for example, the activity level sensor 41 and the vital sensor 42. The second communication unit 56 may further perform communication with the imaging device 43. The second communication unit 56 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

[0048] The vibrating unit 57 is an output device having a vibration mechanism. The vibration mechanism is implemented, for example, as a motor with an eccentric weight attached to a rotating shaft. The vibrating unit 57 vibrates the information processing device 21 based on a signal generated by the CPU 51. The signal generated by the CPU 51 may be a signal in which at least one of the vibration magnitude, vibration duration, and vibration pattern is specified.

[0049] Speaker 58 is an output device. Speaker 58 outputs sound based on an audio signal generated by, for example, CPU 51.

[0050] Next, we will explain the program that CPU51 executes.

[0051] The CPU 51 executes various programs loaded from the storage device 54 into the RAM 52. The programs executed by the CPU 51 include the operating system (OS) 521 and the sleep evaluation program 522.

[0052] OS521 is a program for controlling the basic operation of various components within the information processing device 21. The CPU 51, which runs OS521, controls, for example, input / output, file management, memory management, and communication.

[0053] The sleep evaluation program 522 is a program for evaluating the sleep quality of infants 30. More specifically, the sleep evaluation program 522 is configured to execute functions on the information processing device 21 for generating behavioral data 541, for receiving activity level data 542 and vital data 543 from the sensor 4, and for analyzing the data and providing sleep evaluation information to the caregiver 31. The sleep evaluation program 522 may also be configured to execute functions on the information processing device 21 for processing feedback data for the sleep evaluation information.

[0054] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the CPU 51 that executes the sleep evaluation program 522. Please note that in the following text, the information processing device 21, centered on the CPU 51 configured to execute the sleep evaluation program 522, may also be referred to as "CPU 51".

[0055] The CPU 51 of the information processing device 21 includes, for example, a notification processing unit 61, a generation processing unit 62, a reception processing unit 63, a storage processing unit 64, a determination unit 65, a sleep parameter calculation unit 66, an analysis unit 67, and an evaluation unit 68. The notification processing unit 61, generation processing unit 62, reception processing unit 63, storage processing unit 64, determination unit 65, sleep parameter calculation unit 66, analysis unit 67, and evaluation unit 68 are functional configurations provided to the CPU 51 by, for example, executing a sleep evaluation program 522.

[0056] The notification processing unit 61 performs (A) processing to allow the caregiver 31 to input information regarding the behavior of the infant 30, and (B) processing to notify the caregiver 31 of the sleep evaluation information of the infant 30.

[0057] (A) The process for allowing the caregiver 31 to input information about the behavior of the infant 30 is, for example, the process of displaying an image containing a GUI for inputting information about the behavior of the infant 30 (hereinafter referred to as the information input image) on the touchscreen display 53. The GUI for inputting information is, for example, a button for selecting the actual behavior of the infant 30 from a list of possible behaviors of the infant 30, or a text area for inputting text that represents the behavior of the infant 30.

[0058] More specifically, the notification processing unit 61 generates a display signal for displaying an information input image, for example. The notification processing unit 61 sends the generated display signal to the touchscreen display 53. Based on the received display signal, the touchscreen display 53 displays the information input image on the screen. The displayed information input image prompts the caregiver 31 to input information about the behavior of the infant 30. The caregiver 31 inputs information about the behavior of the infant 30 by operating the touch panel on the displayed information input image.

[0059] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 61 may use at least one of the vibration unit 57 and the speaker 58 to prompt the caregiver 31 to input information.

[0060] Specifically, the notification processing unit 61 may send a signal to the vibration unit 57 requesting vibration when an information input image is displayed. The vibration unit 57 vibrates the information processing device 21 based on the received signal. By vibrating the information processing device 21, the caregiver 31 can be prompted to confirm the information input image displayed on the screen. This vibration may have a specific vibration pattern. The caregiver 31 can recognize that an information input image has been displayed when the information processing device 21 vibrates with a specific vibration pattern.

[0061] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 61 may send an audio signal associated with the information input image to the speaker 58. The speaker 58 outputs audio based on the received audio signal. This audio may be an audio recording of a specific message or an alarm sound. The audio can prompt the caregiver 31 to confirm the information input image displayed on the screen.

[0062] (B) The process for notifying the caregiver 31 of the sleep evaluation information of the infant 30 is, for example, the process of displaying an image notifying the sleep evaluation information (hereinafter referred to as the notification image) on the touchscreen display 53. The notification image may include a GUI for inputting an evaluation of the notified sleep evaluation information. The GUI for inputting an evaluation of the notified sleep evaluation information is, for example, a button for inputting whether the notified sleep evaluation information was appropriate or to what extent it was appropriate.

[0063] Specifically, the notification processing unit 61 generates a display signal for displaying a notification image, for example. The notification processing unit 61 sends the generated display signal to the touchscreen display 53. The touchscreen display 53 displays the notification image on the screen based on the received display signal. The caregiver 31 can obtain sleep evaluation information of the infant 30 by viewing the displayed notification image.

[0064] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 61 may use at least one of the vibration unit 57 and the speaker 58 to prompt the caregiver 31 to confirm the sleep evaluation information.

[0065] Specifically, the notification processing unit 61 sends a signal to the vibration unit 57 requesting vibration based on the received sleep evaluation information. The vibration unit 57 vibrates the information processing device 21 based on the received signal. By vibrating the information processing device 21, the caregiver 31 can be prompted to check the notification image displayed on the screen. This vibration may have a specific vibration pattern. The caregiver 31 can recognize that sleep evaluation information has been notified when the information processing device 21 vibrates with a specific vibration pattern.

[0066] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 61 sends an audio signal based on the sleep evaluation information to the speaker 58. The speaker 58 outputs audio based on the received audio signal. This audio may be a voice reading a specific message or an alarm sound. The caregiver 31 can recognize the sleep evaluation information through the audio. Alternatively, the audio can prompt the caregiver 31 to check the notification image displayed on the screen.

[0067] The generation processing unit 62 generates data based on operations performed by the caregiver 31. The data based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 includes, for example, behavior data 541. The generation processing unit 62 generates behavior data 541 based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the touchscreen display 53 on which an information input image is displayed. The generation processing unit 62 stores the generated behavior data 541 in the storage device 54, associating it with a date (or date, time, and minute).

[0068] The data based on the actions of the caregiver 31 may further include feedback data. The feedback data indicates an evaluation of the notified sleep assessment information. More specifically, the feedback data indicates, for example, the result of the caregiver 31's judgment on whether the notified information was appropriate or not. The generation processing unit 62 generates feedback data, for example, based on the actions of the caregiver 31 on the touchscreen display 53 on which the notification image is displayed. The generation processing unit 62 may use the feedback data to update the reference range table 545 in cooperation with the analysis unit 67.

[0069] The receiving processing unit 63 receives data from the activity level sensor 41 and the vital sensor 42 via the second communication unit 56. The data received via the second communication unit 56 is time-series activity level data 542 and time-series vital data 543. The receiving processing unit 63 sends the received data to the storage processing unit 64.

[0070] The storage processing unit 64 stores the data sent from the receiving processing unit 63 in the storage device 54. For example, the storage processing unit 64 stores activity data 542 and vital data 543 in the storage device 54, associating them with the date and time. The associated date and time are the date and time when each corresponding data was measured, and are sent from each sensor along with the data, but if they are sent in real time, they may be added by the receiving processing unit 63 when the data is received.

[0071] The determination unit 65 uses the behavioral data 541 stored in the storage device 54 to determine the sleep quality of the infants 30 each day. Specifically, the determination unit 65 calculates, for example, the number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality from among the multiple judgment criterion items included in the daily behavioral data 541. Then, if the number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality exceeds a threshold, the determination unit 65 determines that the sleep quality of the infants 30 for that day is good. A specific example of how the sleep quality of the infants 30 is determined using the behavioral data 541 will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0072] The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 calculates a sleep parameter 544 corresponding to each sleep period of the infant 30, for example, using at least one of the activity data 542 and vital data 543 stored in the storage device 54. The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 may further calculate the sleep parameter 544 using information input by the caregiver 31 (for example, the time when putting the infant to sleep started). Alternatively, the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 may calculate the sleep parameter 544 using video data generated by the imaging device 43. The calculated sleep parameter 544 is stored in the storage device 54.

[0073] Note that a single sleep cycle refers to, for example, nighttime sleep. More specifically, a single sleep cycle is the longest period of sleep within a 24-hour period including nighttime (for example, from 12:00 PM on one day to 12:00 PM on the next day). A single sleep cycle can span across two days. Below, a single sleep cycle will be identified by the date on which it began. For example, sleep from 8:00 PM on April 1st to 6:00 AM on April 2nd will be identified as sleep on April 1st. In other words, sleep on one day may span across to the next day.

[0074] The analysis unit 67 uses multiple sleep parameters 544 for days when the judgment unit 65 determines that the sleep quality is good to determine the range (reference range) of values ​​for each sleep parameter 544 when the sleep quality is good. The analysis unit 67 sets the determined reference range for each sleep parameter 544 in, for example, a reference range table 545. Specific examples of how to determine the reference range for each sleep parameter 544 will be described later with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0075] The evaluation unit 68 evaluates the sleep quality of the infants 30 on a specific day using the reference range table 545. The evaluation unit 68 evaluates the sleep quality of the infants 30 on a daily basis, for example. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 68 may evaluate the sleep quality of the infants 30 on the most recent day in response to an operation by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21 (more specifically, an operation requesting a determination of sleep quality).

[0076] Specifically, the evaluation unit 68 determines whether each of the multiple sleep parameters 544 for a particular day is within the reference range set in the reference range table 545. The particular day is, for example, the day on which the sleep parameters 544 were most recently acquired (stored). For example, if all of the multiple sleep parameters 544 for a particular day are within the corresponding reference range, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on that particular day is good. Conversely, if at least one of the multiple sleep parameters 544 for a particular day is outside the corresponding reference range, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on that particular day is poor. Based on the determination result, the evaluation unit 68 generates sleep evaluation information indicating the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on that particular day. The evaluation unit 68 then sends the generated sleep evaluation information to the notification processing unit 61. A specific example of evaluating the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on a particular day will be described later with reference to Figure 10.

[0077] As described above, the notification processing unit 61 uses the sleep evaluation information received from the evaluation unit 68 to process (B) the sleep evaluation information of the infant 30 and notifies the caregiver 31. This allows the caregiver 31 to recognize the quality of the infant 30's sleep on a particular day. The caregiver 31 can then take action to improve the quality of the infant 30's sleep as needed. Thus, the quality of the infant 30's sleep can be improved.

[0078] Here, we will describe the behavioral data 541 generated based on the operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21.

[0079] Figure 4 shows an example of the overview of each of the multiple items included in the behavioral data 541. The multiple items included in the behavioral data 541 are items (criterion items) used as criteria for judging the quality of sleep of the infant 30. The criteria items indicate the behavior of the infant 30 related to sleep. The criteria items include, for example, at least one of the following: an item regarding whether or not the infant woke up spontaneously, an item regarding whether or not the infant woke up refreshed, an item regarding whether or not the infant was in a good mood upon waking, an item regarding whether or not the infant was in a good mood during the day, an item regarding whether or not the infant was awake during the day, and an item regarding the behavior and mood during nighttime awakenings. The value of each criteria item is set based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21 (for example, operations on the touchscreen display 53). The caregiver 31 performs operations to set the value of each criteria item, for example, after the infant 30 has slept for the most recent day. The set value of each criteria item is used to judge the quality of sleep for that most recent day. More specifically, for example, to assess the quality of sleep of an infant on April 1st, the following criteria are used: the child's behavior and mood during nighttime awakenings on April 1st; whether or not the child woke up spontaneously on April 2nd; whether or not they woke up refreshed; whether or not they were in a good mood upon waking; whether or not they were in a good mood during the day; and whether or not they were awake during the day.

[0080] In the criteria for judging sleep for a given day, the item regarding whether or not the infant woke up spontaneously indicates whether or not the infant woke up spontaneously on that day. If the infant woke up spontaneously, the item regarding whether or not the infant woke up spontaneously is set to, for example, "Y". If the infant did not wake up spontaneously, the item regarding whether or not the infant woke up spontaneously is set to, for example, "N". The quality of sleep for the infant is better when "Y" is set for the item regarding whether or not the infant woke up spontaneously than when "N" is set.

[0081] The item regarding whether the infant woke up refreshed indicates whether the infant woke up refreshed on the corresponding day. If the infant woke up refreshed, the item regarding whether the infant woke up refreshed will be set to, for example, "Y". If the infant took a long time to wake up, the item regarding whether the infant woke up refreshed will be set to, for example, "N". The quality of sleep for the infant is better when the item regarding whether the infant woke up refreshed is set to "Y" than when it is set to "N".

[0082] The item regarding whether the infant was in a good mood upon waking indicates whether the infant was in a good mood upon waking on the corresponding day. If the infant was in a good mood upon waking, the item regarding whether the infant was in a good mood upon waking will be set to, for example, "Y". If the infant was in a bad mood upon waking, the item regarding whether the infant was in a good mood upon waking will be set to, for example, "N". The quality of sleep for the infant is better when "Y" is set for the item regarding whether the infant was in a good mood upon waking than when "N" is set.

[0083] The item regarding whether the infant / toddler was in a good mood during the day indicates whether the infant / toddler (30) was in a good mood during the day on the corresponding day. If the infant / toddler (30) was in a good mood during the day, the item regarding whether the infant / toddler was in a good mood during the day will be set to, for example, "Y". If the item regarding whether the infant / toddler (30) was in a bad mood during the day, the item regarding whether the infant / toddler was in a good mood upon waking will be set to, for example, "N". The quality of sleep for the infant / toddler (30) is better when "Y" is set for the item regarding whether the infant / toddler was in a good mood upon waking than when "N" is set.

[0084] The item regarding whether or not the infant was awake during the day indicates whether or not the infant 30 was awake during the day on the corresponding day. If the infant 30 was awake during the day, the item regarding whether or not the infant was awake during the day will be set to, for example, "Y". If the infant 30 appeared sleepy during the day, the item regarding whether or not the infant was awake during the day will be set to, for example, "N". The quality of sleep for the infant 30 is better when the item regarding whether or not the infant was awake during the day is set to "Y" than when it is set to "N".

[0085] The items regarding the behavior and mood of infants 30 during nighttime awakenings indicate the behavior and mood of infants 30 during nighttime awakenings on the corresponding day. If infant 30 does not awaken during the night, the item regarding the behavior and mood of infants 30 during nighttime awakenings will be set to, for example, "A". If infant 30 awakens during the night without crying, the item regarding the behavior and mood of infants 30 during nighttime awakenings will be set to, for example, "B". If infant 30 awakens during the night crying, the item regarding the behavior and mood of infants 30 during nighttime awakenings will be set to, for example, "C". When "A" is set for the item regarding the behavior and mood of infants 30 during nighttime awakenings, the quality of sleep of infants 30 is better than when "B" is set. Also, when "B" is set for the item regarding the behavior and mood of infants 30 during nighttime awakenings, the quality of sleep of infants 30 is better than when "C" is set.

[0086] The caregiver 31 observes the behavior of the infant 30 and determines the values ​​to be set for each judgment criterion item in the behavior data 541. Based on their experience in caring for the infant 30, the caregiver 31 is likely to be able to determine values ​​for each judgment criterion item that appropriately represent the behavior, mood, condition, etc., of the infant 30. Therefore, the behavior data 541 is useful as information for determining the quality of the infant 30's sleep. Note that the judgment criterion items are not limited to the examples mentioned above, and various behaviors of the infant 30 related to sleep can be used.

[0087] The determination unit 65 of the information processing device 21 determines the sleep quality of the infants 30 each day using behavioral data 541 for N days. N is, for example, an integer of 1 or more. The determination unit 65 is activated, for example, automatically by the CPU 51 or by instruction of the operator, when N days' worth of behavioral data 541 have been stored in the storage device 54. The determination unit 65 may be activated automatically after a predetermined period of time, such as one week, has elapsed since the previous activation.

[0088] Figure 5 shows an example of the sleep quality assessment results of infants 30 using behavioral data 541, as determined by the assessment unit 65. Here, we illustrate a case where the sleep quality of the infants 30 for each day is determined using three days' worth of behavioral data 541.

[0089] The judgment unit 65 determines the sleep quality of 30 infants and toddlers each day based on the first indicator. The first indicator is, for example, the number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality among all the judgment criterion items of the corresponding daily behavior data 541. The number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality is, for example, the number of items for which either "Y" or "A" is set.

[0090] Specifically, if the first indicator exceeds the threshold, the judgment unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep for that day is good. If the first indicator is below the threshold, the judgment unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep for that day is poor. Also, if the first indicator is equal to the threshold, the judgment unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep for that day is normal. The threshold is, for example, half of all judgment criterion items. Note that the threshold may be changed according to the age (in months) of the infant 30. Alternatively, the threshold may be set by the caregiver 31. In the example shown in Figure 5, the threshold is assumed to be 3 (i.e., half of all 6 judgment criterion items).

[0091] In the behavioral data 541 for Day 1, the item regarding whether or not the individual woke up spontaneously is set to "N". The item regarding whether or not the individual woke up refreshed is set to "Y". The item regarding whether or not the individual was in a good mood upon waking is set to "Y". The item regarding whether or not the individual was in a good mood during the day is set to "Y". The item regarding whether or not the individual was awake during the day is set to "N". The item regarding the behavior and mood during nighttime awakenings is set to "C".

[0092] The judgment unit 65 calculates 3 as the first index because the number of “Y” and “A” in the behavior data 541 for DAY1 is 3. Then, since the first index is equal to the threshold, the judgment unit 65 determines that the sleep quality on DAY1 is normal.

[0093] In the behavioral data 541 for Day 2, the item regarding whether the subject woke up spontaneously is set to "N". The item regarding whether the subject woke up refreshed is set to "N". The item regarding whether the subject was in a good mood upon waking is set to "N". The item regarding whether the subject was in a good mood during the day is set to "Y". The item regarding whether the subject was awake during the day is set to "N". The item regarding the behavior and mood during nighttime awakenings is set to "C".

[0094] The judgment unit 65 calculates 1 as the first index because the number of “Y” and “A” in the behavior data 541 for DAY2 is 1. Then, since the judgment unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep on DAY2 is poor because the first index is below the threshold.

[0095] In the behavioral data 541 for Day 3, the item regarding whether or not the subject woke up spontaneously is set to "Y". The item regarding whether or not the subject woke up refreshed is set to "Y". The item regarding whether or not the subject was in a good mood upon waking is set to "Y". The item regarding whether or not the subject was in a good mood during the day is set to "Y". The item regarding whether or not the subject was awake during the day is set to "N". The item regarding the behavior and mood during nighttime awakenings is set to "A".

[0096] The judgment unit 65 calculates 5 as the first index because the number of “Y” and “A” in the behavior data 541 for DAY3 is 5. Then, since the first index exceeds the threshold, the judgment unit 65 determines that the sleep quality on DAY3 was good.

[0097] In this way, the determination unit 65 can determine the sleep quality of the infants 30 each day using the behavioral data 541.

[0098] Next, we will explain the sleep parameters 544 calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66. Figure 6 shows an example of an overview of multiple sleep parameters 544.

[0099] The sleep parameters 544 are parameters for evaluating the sleep quality of the infant 30. The sleep parameters 544 include, for example, activity level per unit time, average activity level when active, start time of putting to sleep, duration of putting to sleep, time of falling asleep, time of waking up, duration of waking during the night, number of wakings during the night, total sleep time, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate per unit time, peripheral skin temperature, deep sleep occupancy, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep occupancy, and sleep efficiency. Each sleep parameter is sent, for example, to the analysis unit 67 and used to generate or update the reference range table 545. Alternatively, each sleep parameter is sent, for example, to the evaluation unit 68 to determine whether the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good or bad, and the result is sent to the notification processing unit 61 for notification.

[0100] The activity level per unit time is the value obtained by converting the activity level from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up to a value per unit time. The activity level per unit time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on activity level data 542 acquired by the activity level sensor 41, for example. A lower activity level per unit time is better, and therefore, if it is smaller than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good. However, if the activity level per unit time is 0, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is poor. The unit time is, for example, 1 hour.

[0101] The average activity level when activity is present is the average of the activity levels detected when body movement is observed between the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up. In other words, the average activity level when activity is present is the average of the non-zero activity levels measured between the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up. The average activity level when activity is present is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on activity data 542 acquired by the activity sensor 41, for example. A lower average activity level when activity is present is better, and therefore, if it is smaller than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good.

[0102] The bedtime start time is the time when the caregiver 31 begins putting the infant 30 to sleep (for example, the time when the infant 30 gets into bed). The bedtime start time is also called the time of going to bed or the time of getting into bed. The bedtime start time is input, for example, based on an operation performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21. Alternatively, the bedtime start time may be obtained, for example, by the CPU 51 analyzing the video data acquired by the imaging device 43. The earlier the bedtime start time, the better; therefore, if it is earlier than a predetermined time, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0103] The bedtime is the time from the start of bedtime preparation to the time the child falls asleep. The bedtime is calculated, for example, based on the bedtime preparation start time, the time the child falls asleep calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66, and then the time the child falls asleep. A shorter bedtime is better, and therefore, if it is shorter than a predetermined time, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0104] The time of falling asleep is the time when the infant 30 falls asleep. The time of falling asleep is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on, for example, activity data 542 acquired by the activity sensor 41, or vital data 543 acquired by the vital sensor 42. The time of falling asleep is, for example, the first time after the time when the infant 30 starts to fall asleep that the infant's activity level becomes zero for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes). Alternatively, the time of falling asleep may be input based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21. The earlier the time of falling asleep, the better; therefore, if it is earlier than a predetermined time, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0105] The wake-up time is the time when the infant 30 wakes up. The wake-up time is, for example, the time when continuous, strong physical movement (for example, physical movement with an activity intensity above a threshold that continues for more than one hour) begins after the time the child falls asleep. The wake-up time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on, for example, activity data 542 acquired by the activity sensor 41, or vital data 543 acquired by the vital sensor 42. Alternatively, the wake-up time may be input based on an operation of the information processing device 21 by the caregiver 31. The earlier the wake-up time, the better; therefore, if it is earlier than a predetermined time, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0106] The duration of awakening during the night is the period between the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up during which there was activity of a threshold intensity or higher, but which did not continue for a specific time (e.g., 1 hour) or longer. The duration of awakening during the night is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on, for example, activity data 542 acquired by the activity sensor 41, or vital data 543 acquired by the vital sensor 42. A shorter duration of awakening during the night is better, and therefore, if it is shorter than a predetermined time, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good.

[0107] The number of awakenings during the night is the number of times the infant wakes up between the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up. The number of awakenings during the night is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on the number of times the infant wakes up between the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up. A lower number of awakenings during the night is better, and therefore, if this number is less than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good.

[0108] Total sleep time is the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up, minus the time spent awake during the night. Total sleep time is calculated, for example, by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 after the time of falling asleep, the time of waking up, and the time spent awake during the night have been calculated. Alternatively, total sleep time may be input based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21. If the total sleep time falls within the range of the standard time for each month corresponding to the infant 30, the evaluation unit 68 may determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good. Furthermore, the closer the total sleep time is to the range of the standard time for each month corresponding to the infant 30, the better the quality of sleep of the infant 30 may be determined by the evaluation unit 68.

[0109] The heart rate is the heart rate during deep sleep (for example, the mode of the heart rate 3 hours after falling asleep). The mode of the heart rate is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on data corresponding to the deep sleep time from the vital data 543 (more specifically, heart rate data measured by the heart rate sensor) acquired by the vital sensor 42. A lower mode of the heart rate is better, and therefore, if it is smaller than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good. However, if the mode of the heart rate is 50 or less, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is poor.

[0110] The respiratory rate per unit time is the number of breaths per unit time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up. The respiratory rate per unit time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on data corresponding to the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up, for example, from the vital data 543 acquired by the vital sensor 42 (more specifically, respiratory rate data measured by the respiratory rate sensor). A lower respiratory rate per unit time is considered better, and therefore, if it is smaller than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good.

[0111] Peripheral skin temperature is the average skin temperature of the extremities, such as the hands and feet, from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up. Peripheral skin temperature is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on data corresponding to the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up, for example, from the vital data 543 (more specifically, skin temperature data measured by the skin temperature sensor) acquired by the vital sensor 42. A higher peripheral skin temperature during sleep is better, and therefore, if it is greater than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good.

[0112] The deep sleep occupancy rate is the ratio of deep sleep time to the time from falling asleep to waking up. Deep sleep time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on activity data 542 acquired by, for example, the activity sensor 41. A higher deep sleep occupancy rate is better, and therefore, if it is greater than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good.

[0113] The REM sleep occupancy rate is the ratio of REM sleep time to the time from falling asleep to waking up. REM sleep time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 based on activity data 542 acquired by, for example, the activity sensor 41. A higher REM sleep occupancy rate is better, and therefore, if it is greater than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality of the infant 30 is good.

[0114] Sleep efficiency is the ratio of the time from falling asleep to waking up, minus the time spent awake during the night (i.e., total sleep time), to the time from falling asleep to waking up. Sleep efficiency is calculated, for example, by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 after the time of falling asleep, the time of waking up, and the total sleep time have been calculated. If the value of sleep efficiency is higher than a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 68 may determine that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0115] Thus, by using the sleep parameters 544, the sleep evaluation system 1A can assess the sleep quality of infants 30. The sleep parameters 544 are not limited to the examples described above, and various parameters capable of assessing the sleep quality of infants 30 can be used.

[0116] The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 of the information processing device 21 calculates the sleep parameters 544 in two cases: (1) when analyzing the range of values ​​(reference range) of each sleep parameter 544 that is preferable for the infant 30, and (2) when evaluating the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on a specific day. The following will explain (1) the case of analyzing the range of values ​​(reference range) of each sleep parameter 544 that is preferable for the infant 30, and (2) the case of evaluating the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on a specific day, respectively.

[0117] (1) When analyzing the range of values ​​(reference range) for each sleep parameter 544 that is preferable for infants 30. The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 calculates the sleep parameters 544 for days on which the determination unit 65 has determined that the sleep quality is good. Specifically, the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 reads activity level data 542 and vital data 543 corresponding to the sleep on a day on which the determination unit 65 has determined that the sleep quality is good (DAY 3 in the example shown in Figure 5) from the storage device 54. The activity level data 542 and vital data 543 corresponding to the sleep on a given day are the activity level data 542 and vital data 543 for a period (for example, 24 hours) that includes at least the duration of that sleep. The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 calculates the sleep parameters 544 using the read activity level data 542 and vital data 543. The specific calculation method for each sleep parameter 544 is as described above with reference to Figure 6. Note that the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 may calculate two or more of the multiple sleep parameters 544 shown in Figure 6 using at least one of the activity level data 542 and vital data 543. The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 stores (accumulates) the calculated sleep parameters 544 in the storage device 54.

[0118] (2) When evaluating the sleep quality of 30 infants on a specific day The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 reads activity level data 542 and vital data 543 corresponding to sleep on a specific day from the storage device 54. Then, the sleep parameter calculation unit 66 calculates sleep parameters 544 using the read activity level data 542 and vital data 543. The specific calculation method for each sleep parameter 544 is as described above with reference to Figure 6. The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 may also calculate two or more of the multiple sleep parameters 544 shown in Figure 6 using at least one of the activity level data 542 and vital data 543. The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 sends the calculated sleep parameters 544 for the specific day to the evaluation unit 68.

[0119] The sleep parameter calculation unit 66 may, for example, calculate the sleep parameter 544 for each sleep cycle of the infant 30. The calculated sleep parameter 544 is stored, for example, in the storage device 54.

[0120] Figure 7 shows an example of multiple sleep parameters 544 calculated for each of several days of sleep (i.e., multiple sleep periods) stored in the memory device 54. Here, an example of multiple sleep parameters 544 calculated for each of three different days of sleep of an infant 30 is shown. The infant 30 is, for example, a 9-month-old infant.

[0121] For example, during sleep on Day 1, the activity level per unit of time was 22.4. The average activity level when activity was present was 2.8. The total sleep time was 432 minutes. The time it took to fall asleep (sleep latency) was 38 minutes. The time to fall asleep (time to go to bed) was 23:38. The time to wake up was 7:54. The number of times the child woke up during the night was 1. The mode of heart rate was 93.

[0122] During sleep on Day 2, the activity level per unit of time was 25.6. The average activity level when activity was present was 3.0. The total sleep time was 478 minutes. The time spent getting the child to sleep was 5 minutes. The time spent getting the child to sleep was 22:50. The time of waking up was 7:06. The number of times the child woke up during the night was 1. The mode of heart rate was 96.

[0123] During sleep on Day 3, the activity level per unit of time was 22.0. The average activity level when activity was present was 3.0. The total sleep time was 538 minutes. The time spent getting the child to sleep was 10 minutes. The time spent getting the child to sleep was 21:30. The time of waking up was 6:28. The number of times the child woke up during the night was 0. The mode of heart rate was 105.

[0124] Next, referring to Figures 8 and 9, an example of the operation of the analysis unit 67, which analyzes the sleep parameters 544 on day L, where the sleep quality was judged to be good, and determines the reference range for the sleep parameters 544, will be described. L is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0125] The analysis unit 67 of the information processing device 21 determines the reference range for each sleep parameter 544, for example, using the sleep parameters 544 of day L, which were determined to have good sleep quality. The case of determining the reference range for one of multiple sleep parameters 544 will be specifically described. The sleep parameter 544 for which the reference range is to be determined is referred to as the target sleep parameter 544.

[0126] The analysis unit 67 reads L values ​​of the target sleep parameter 544 from the storage device 54, corresponding to each of the L days (i.e., L sleep cycles) in which the sleep quality is judged to be good. Based on the L values ​​of the target sleep parameter 544 that have been read, the analysis unit 67 determines a reference range for the target sleep parameter 544. For example, the analysis unit 67 determines the range from the minimum value to the maximum value among the L values ​​of the target sleep parameter 544 that have been read as the reference range for the target sleep parameter 544. Alternatively, the analysis unit 67 may calculate the average value of the L values ​​of the target sleep parameter 544 that have been read and determine a specific range including the average value as the reference range for the target sleep parameter 544. Or, the analysis unit 67 may calculate the median value of the L values ​​of the target sleep parameter 544 that have been read and determine a specific range including the median value as the reference range for the target sleep parameter 544. The specific range is, for example, a range of plus or minus X% of a specific value (e.g., the average value or the median value). X% is a percentage that can be set arbitrarily, for example, 30% or 40%.

[0127] Figure 8 shows an example of sleep parameters 544 for a day judged to have good sleep quality. Here, we illustrate the case where the day judged to have good sleep quality is Day L, which includes DAY3 and DAYx. The sleep parameters 544 for each of Day L are stored in the memory device 54 by the sleep parameter calculation unit 66. For example, the activity level per unit time is 22.0 on DAY3 and 18.0 on DAYx. Also, for example, the total sleep time is 538 minutes on DAY3 and 482 minutes on DAYx.

[0128] Figure 9 shows examples of reference ranges determined for each sleep parameter 544. For example, the reference range for activity per unit time is set to 18.0 to 22.0. This indicates that, for example, the analysis unit 67 determined the reference range for activity per unit time to be the range from the minimum value (here, 18.0) to the maximum value (here, 22.0) among the L values ​​of activity per unit time corresponding to each of the L days including DAY3 and DAYx shown in Figure 8. Also, for example, the reference range for total sleep time is set to be the range from 482 minutes to 538 minutes. This indicates that, for example, the analysis unit 67 determined the reference range for total sleep time to be the range from the minimum value (here, 482 minutes) to the maximum value (here, 538 minutes) among the L values ​​of total sleep time corresponding to each of the L days including DAY3 and DAYx shown in Figure 8. The analysis unit 67 similarly determines the corresponding reference range for each of the other sleep parameters 544.

[0129] In this way, the analysis unit 67 can determine the reference range for each sleep parameter 544 using the sleep parameters 544 from days when the sleep quality is judged to be good. The reference ranges determined for each sleep parameter 544 are stored in the storage device 54 as, for example, a reference range table 545.

[0130] Next, we will explain an example in which the sleep quality of 30 infants on a specific day is evaluated using a reference range table 545.

[0131] Figure 10 shows an example of 544 multiple sleep parameters for a specific day in which sleep quality is evaluated.

[0132] On a specific day (evaluation day) where sleep quality was assessed, the activity level per unit of time was 18.5. The average activity level when activity was present was 2.7. The total sleep time was 494 minutes. The time it took to fall asleep (sleep latency) was 44 minutes. The time to fall asleep (time to go to bed) was 23:14. The time to wake up was 7:28. The number of times the child woke up during the night was 0. The mode of heart rate was 103.

[0133] The evaluation unit 68 evaluates the sleep quality of the infants 30 on the evaluation day using multiple sleep parameters 544 and a reference range table 545. Specifically, the evaluation unit 68 determines whether the value of each of the multiple sleep parameters 544 is within the corresponding reference range in the reference range table 545. For example, if the reference range table 545 shown in Figure 9 is used, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the activity level per unit time of 18.5 on the evaluation day is within the reference range of 18.0 to 22.0 for activity level per unit time. The evaluation unit 68 determines that the average activity level when there is activity on the evaluation day of 2.7 is within the reference range of 2.0 to 3.0 for average activity level when there is activity. The evaluation unit 68 determines that the total sleep time of 494 minutes on the evaluation day is within the reference range of 482 to 538 minutes for total sleep time. The evaluation unit 68 determines that the 44 minutes spent putting the baby to sleep on the evaluation day is outside the standard range of 10 to 24 minutes for putting the baby to sleep. The evaluation unit 68 determines that the 11:14 PM start time for putting the baby to sleep on the evaluation day is outside the standard range of 9:30 PM to 10:14 PM for the start time of putting the baby to sleep. The evaluation unit 68 determines that the 7:28 AM wake-up time on the evaluation day is within the standard range of 6:28 AM to 7:30 AM for the wake-up time. The evaluation unit 68 determines that the 0 times the baby woke up during the night on the evaluation day is within the standard range of 0 awakenings during the night. The evaluation unit 68 determines that the 106, the most frequent heart rate on the evaluation day, is outside the standard range of 92 to 105 for the most frequent heart rate.

[0134] The evaluation unit 68 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on the evaluation day is good if, for example, all of the multiple sleep parameters 544 on the evaluation day are within the corresponding reference range. Conversely, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on the evaluation day is poor if, for example, at least one of the multiple sleep parameters 544 on the evaluation day is outside the corresponding reference range. When this evaluation method is applied to the sleep parameters 544 on the evaluation day shown in Figure 10, the time taken to put the infant to sleep, the time the infant was put to sleep started, and the mode of the heart rate are all outside the corresponding reference range, so the evaluation unit 68 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on the evaluation day is poor.

[0135] Alternatively, the evaluation unit 68 calculates an index (second index) indicating the quality of sleep on the evaluation day using multiple sleep parameters 544 on the evaluation day and a reference range table 545. For example, the evaluation unit 68 calculates the number of sleep parameters 544 on the evaluation day that are judged to be of good quality as the second index. If the second index is greater than the threshold, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the infant 30 has good quality sleep. If the second index is equal to the threshold, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the infant 30 has normal quality sleep. If the second index is less than the threshold, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the infant 30 has poor quality sleep. The threshold is an arbitrary integer, for example, half of all sleep parameters 544 on the evaluation day. When this evaluation method using the second index is applied to the sleep parameters 544 on the evaluation day shown in Figure 10, the evaluation unit 68 calculates 5 as the second index. The threshold is set to 4, which is half of the total sleep parameters 544 for the evaluation day. Therefore, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the sleep quality of the 30 infants on the evaluation day is good because the second indicator for the evaluation day is greater than the threshold. The method for calculating the second indicator is not limited to the example described above, and any method can be used, such as calculating the ratio of the number of sleep parameters 544 that were determined to be of good sleep quality to the total number of multiple sleep parameters 544 for the evaluation day.

[0136] The evaluation unit 68 generates sleep evaluation information based on the results of evaluating the sleep quality of the infants 30 on the evaluation day. The sleep evaluation information includes, for example, information indicating that the sleep quality of the infants 30 on the evaluation day was good, or information indicating that the sleep quality of the infants 30 on the evaluation day was poor. The sleep evaluation information may also include information indicating that the sleep quality of the infants 30 on the evaluation day was normal. Furthermore, the sleep evaluation information may include an index indicating sleep quality (for example, a second index). The evaluation unit 68 sends the generated sleep evaluation information to the notification processing unit 61.

[0137] The notification processing unit 61 uses the sleep evaluation information received from the evaluation unit 68 to notify the caregiver 31 of the quality of sleep of the infant 30. Alternatively, the notification processing unit 61 may notify the caregiver 31 of the sleep evaluation information for M days (M sleep cycles) including the evaluation day. The sleep evaluation information for each day other than the evaluation day within the M days is, for example, sleep evaluation information for days that have already been evaluated by the evaluation unit 68 before the quality of sleep on the evaluation day is evaluated. The notification processing unit 61 uses the sleep evaluation information for M days to display, for example, a graph showing the quality of sleep for M days on the touchscreen display 53. M is, for example, an integer of 2 or more.

[0138] Figure 11 shows an example of sleep evaluation information notification. Here, sleep evaluation information for day M is notified using a graph of indicators showing sleep quality. More specifically, for example, the degree of sleep quality can be visualized by creating a bar graph of the number of sleep parameters 544 that are within the reference range (i.e., the number of sleep parameters 544 that were judged to be of good quality). A bar graph with a larger value indicates better sleep quality. The threshold shown in Figure 11 is, for example, 4. Caregiver 31 recognizes the days corresponding to bar graphs with values ​​larger than the threshold as having good sleep quality. In other words, caregiver 31 recognizes that the sleep quality on DAY 3 and the evaluation DAY is good, and the sleep quality on the other days is poor. This allows caregiver 31 to recognize the sleep quality of infants 30 on the evaluation DAY, as well as the transition of the infant's sleep quality on day M. Specifically, caregiver 31 can, for example, check whether the infant's sleep quality is improving day by day. This allows caregiver 31 to take action to improve the infant's sleep quality as needed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the sleep quality of infants and young children.

[0139] Next, the procedures for processing performed in the information processing device 21 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 12 to 14.

[0140] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for obtaining a reference range, which is performed in the information processing device 21. The reference range acquisition process determines days with good sleep quality using behavioral data 541 and obtains a reference range for the sleep parameter 544 using the sleep parameter 544 of the days with good sleep quality. Here, we illustrate a case where the CPU 51 of the information processing device 21 executes the reference range acquisition process in response to the acquisition of N days' worth of behavioral data 541.

[0141] First, CPU 51 sets variable i to 1 (step S101). Variable i is used to identify one day out of N days. Variable i can be set to any value from 1 to N.

[0142] The CPU 51 reads the behavior data 541 for day i from the storage device 54 (step S102). Using the read behavior data 541 for day i, the CPU 51 calculates an index (first index) indicating the quality of sleep on day i (step S103). The first index is represented, for example, by referring to Figure 5 as described above, by the number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality out of all the judgment criterion items in the behavior data 541 for day i. The CPU 51 determines whether the calculated first index exceeds a threshold (step S104). In other words, the CPU 51 determines whether the quality of sleep on day i was good or not.

[0143] If the calculated first indicator exceeds the threshold (Yes in step S104), the CPU 51 performs a sleep parameter calculation process to calculate the sleep parameter 544 for day i (step S105), and proceeds to step S106. The specific procedure for the sleep parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to Figure 13.

[0144] If the calculated first indicator is below the threshold (No. in step S104), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S106 without calculating, for example, the sleep parameter 544 for day i.

[0145] Next, CPU 51 adds 1 to variable i (step S106). CPU 51 determines whether variable i is less than or equal to N (step S107).

[0146] If the variable i is less than or equal to N (Yes in step S107), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S102. In other words, the CPU 51 determines whether the quality of sleep on the new i-th day was good or not, and if the quality of sleep was good, it proceeds to the process of calculating the sleep parameter 544 for the i-th day.

[0147] If variable i exceeds N (No in step S107), the quality of sleep for all N days has been determined, so the CPU 51 obtains a reference range for the sleep parameter 544 based on the calculated sleep parameter 544 for days with good sleep quality (step S108). For example, if the sleep parameter 544 is the amount of activity per unit time, the CPU 51 obtains the maximum and minimum values ​​of the amount of activity per unit time from the sleep parameter 544 for days with good sleep quality. The CPU 51 obtains the range from the obtained minimum to maximum value as the reference range for the amount of activity per unit time. The CPU 51 sets the obtained reference range in the reference range table 545 in the storage device 54 (step S109) and terminates the reference range acquisition process.

[0148] Through the above reference range acquisition process, the CPU 51 can determine which days have good sleep quality using the behavior data 541, and acquire the reference range for the sleep parameter 544 using the sleep parameter 544 of the days with good sleep quality.

[0149] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for calculating sleep parameters performed in the information processing device 21. The sleep parameter calculation process analyzes the data acquired by the sensor 4 to calculate the sleep parameters 544 for a specific day.

[0150] The sleep parameter calculation process may correspond to step S105 of the reference range acquisition process described above, referring to Figure 12. In this case, the specific day for which the sleep parameter 544 is calculated is a day with good sleep quality.

[0151] Furthermore, the sleep parameter calculation process may correspond to step S31 of the evaluation and notification process described later, referring to Figure 14. In this case, the specific day for which the sleep parameter 544 is calculated is the day for which the quality of sleep is evaluated.

[0152] Specifically, the CPU 51 first reads the activity data 542 and vital data 543 for the target day from the storage device 54 (step S21). The activity data 542 and vital data 543 for the target day are the activity data 542 and vital data 543 for the period that includes at least the sleep time on the target day. The CPU 51 calculates the sleep parameters 544 using the read activity data 542 and vital data 543 (step S22). The method for calculating each sleep parameter 544 is as described above with reference to Figure 6. Then, the CPU 51 stores the calculated sleep parameters 544 in the storage device 54 (step S23) and terminates the sleep parameter calculation process. The calculated sleep parameters 544 are stored in the storage device 54, for example, associated with the corresponding date.

[0153] Through the sleep parameter calculation process described above, the CPU 51 can calculate the sleep parameters 544 for a specific day using the activity data 542 and vital data 543.

[0154] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the evaluation and notification process performed in the information processing device 21. The evaluation and notification process evaluates the sleep quality of an infant 30 on a specific day and notifies the caregiver 31 of the sleep evaluation information. The specific day is the day on which the sleep quality of the infant 30 is to be evaluated, for example, the most recent day on which activity data 542 and vital data 543 were acquired. The CPU 51 performs the evaluation and notification process, for example, at regular intervals. Alternatively, the CPU 51 may perform the evaluation and notification process in response to an operation performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21 (more specifically, an operation requesting an evaluation of sleep quality).

[0155] First, the CPU 51 performs a sleep parameter calculation process to calculate the sleep parameters 544 for a specific day (step S31). The specific procedure for the sleep parameter calculation process is as described above, with reference to Figure 13.

[0156] Next, the CPU 51 uses the reference range table 545 and the acquired sleep parameters 544 to calculate an index (second index) indicating the quality of sleep on that particular day (step S32). The second index is represented, for example, by the number of sleep parameters 544 that were within the reference range shown in the reference range table 545. The CPU 51 generates sleep evaluation information based on the calculated second index (step S33). The sleep evaluation information includes, for example, the second index. The sleep evaluation information may also be information indicating the superiority or inferiority of sleep quality corresponding to the second index (for example, good, average, poor, etc.). Alternatively, the sleep evaluation information may be information showing the transition of the second index over a certain period including a specific day (for example, one week, one month, one year, etc.). Then, the CPU 51 notifies the caregiver 31 of the generated sleep evaluation information (step S34) and terminates the evaluation and notification process.

[0157] Through the evaluation and notification process described above, the CPU 51 can notify the caregiver 31 of the sleep quality of the infant 30 on a particular day. Based on this notification, the caregiver 31 can recognize the sleep quality of the infant 30 and take action to improve it as needed. This can improve the sleep quality of the infant 30.

[0158] (Second Embodiment) In the sleep evaluation system 1A according to the first embodiment, the information processing device 21 used by the caregiver 31 evaluates the quality of sleep of the infant 30 using behavioral data 541 based on input operations by the caregiver 31 and data acquired by the sensor 4 (i.e., activity level data 542 and vital data 543). In contrast, in the sleep evaluation system 1A according to the second embodiment, the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is evaluated relatively using data acquired by the sensor 4.

[0159] The configuration of the sleep evaluation system 1A according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the sleep evaluation system 1A in the first embodiment. The procedure of processing performed by the evaluation unit 68 differs between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0160] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing device 21 in the sleep evaluation system 1A according to the second embodiment. In the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, behavioral data 541, activity level data 542, vital data 543, sleep parameters 544, and reference range table 545 are stored in the storage device 54. In contrast, in the information processing device 21 of the second embodiment, activity level data 542, vital data 543, sleep parameters 544, and relative evaluation table 546 are configured in the storage device 54. The other system configurations of the information processing device 21 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment.

[0161] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the CPU 51 that executes the sleep evaluation program 522 in the information processing device 21 of the second embodiment.

[0162] The CPU 51 of the information processing device 21 includes, for example, a notification processing unit 61, a generation processing unit 62, a reception processing unit 63, a storage processing unit 64, a sleep parameter calculation unit 66, and an evaluation unit 68. The notification processing unit 61, generation processing unit 62, reception processing unit 63, storage processing unit 64, sleep parameter calculation unit 66, and evaluation unit 68 are functional configurations provided to the CPU 51 by, for example, executing a sleep evaluation program 522. The notification processing unit 61, generation processing unit 62, reception processing unit 63, storage processing unit 64, and sleep parameter calculation unit 66 have functions similar to those of the first embodiment, for example.

[0163] The evaluation unit 68 evaluates the quality of sleep over multiple days (i.e., multiple sleep periods) using multiple sleep parameters 544 corresponding to each of those days. The multiple sleep parameters 544 corresponding to each of the multiple days of sleep are, for example, sleep parameters 544 stored in the memory device 54. Specifically, the evaluation unit 68 determines which sleep quality is better for all combinations of two days of sleep (i.e., two sleep periods) selected from the multiple days of sleep. The evaluation unit 68 relatively evaluates the quality of sleep over multiple days by determining which sleep quality is better for all combinations of two days of sleep. That is, the evaluation unit 68 obtains multiple sleep parameters 544 (hereinafter, third sleep parameters 544) for any sleep period among the multiple sleep periods (hereinafter, third sleep) and multiple sleep parameters 544 (hereinafter, fourth sleep parameters) for any sleep period among the multiple sleep periods that is different from the third sleep (hereinafter, fourth sleep). The evaluation unit 68 compares each of the third set of sleep parameters 544 with each of the fourth set of sleep parameters 544 to obtain the number of sleep parameters that indicate the third sleep is of better quality than the fourth sleep for the infant 30 (hereinafter referred to as the third number) and the number of sleep parameters that indicate the fourth sleep is of better quality than the third sleep for the infant 30 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth number). Based on the third number and the fourth number, the evaluation unit 68 performs a process to determine which of the two sleeps, the third or the fourth, is of better quality. The evaluation unit 68 performs this process to determine which of the two sleeps is of better quality for all combinations of two sleeps selected from multiple sleeps. The evaluation unit 68 can then order the sleeps of multiple days based on sleep quality. For specific examples of the contents of the sleep parameters 544, please refer to Figure 6 as described above.

[0164] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, a specific example of how the evaluation unit 68 relatively evaluates the quality of sleep over multiple days will be explained.

[0165] Figure 17 shows (a) an example of sleep parameter 544 over multiple days, and (b) an example of the relationship between sleep parameter 544 and sleep quality.

[0166] Figure 17(a) shows the values ​​of several sleep parameters 544 corresponding to each of the three days of sleep for an infant 30. The infant 30 is, for example, an infant aged 9 months. The three days of sleep are sleep on DAY 1, DAY 2, and DAY 3.

[0167] Figure 17(b) shows a method for evaluating the quality of sleep based on the values ​​of each sleep parameter 544 shown in Figure 17(a). The evaluation unit 68, for example, determines, based on this evaluation method, which day's sleep quality is better for each sleep parameter 544: one day's sleep or another day's sleep.

[0168] Furthermore, the sleep duration of infants and toddlers varies according to their age (in months), as shown in, for example, Reference 1 below.

[0169] Reference 1: Research Group on Sleep and Information and Communication Device Use in Preschool Children, "Sleep Guidelines for Preschool Children," [online], [Accessed March 30, 2023], Internet <URL:<https: / / www.mhlw.go.jp / content / 000375711.pdf> Figure 18 shows an example of the reference range for total sleep time for 30 infants and toddlers.

[0170] The evaluation unit 68 uses multiple sleep parameters 544 corresponding to each of the three days of sleep of the infant 30 shown in Figure 17(a) to determine which day's sleep quality is better for all combinations of two days of sleep selected from the three days. In other words, the evaluation unit 68 determines which day's sleep quality is better for each combination of DAY1 and DAY2, DAY2 and DAY3, and DAY1 and DAY3. Here, the evaluation unit 68 determines which day's sleep quality is better using the evaluation method for the superiority or inferiority of sleep quality based on the values ​​of each sleep parameter 544 shown in Figure 17(b), and the reference time for the total sleep duration of the infant 30 according to the age shown in Figure 18.

[0171] Figure 19 shows an example of the relative evaluation results of the sleep quality over three days for 30 infants. In Figure 19, the sleep quality judgment results 71 for each of the 544 sleep parameters and the evaluation results 72 of the sleep quality over the two days comprising each combination are shown for each of the DAY1 and DAY2 combination, the DAY2 and DAY3 combination, and the DAY1 and DAY3 combination. The sleep quality judgment results 71 for each of the 544 sleep parameters are also referred to as parameter judgment results 71. The evaluation results 72 of the sleep quality over the two days comprising each combination are also simply referred to as evaluation results 72.

[0172] The parameter judgment result 71 indicates, for example, days on which sleep quality was judged to be better, or days on which sleep quality was the same. In the example shown in Figure 19, the parameter judgment result 71 is shown for each of the eight sleep parameters 544: activity level per unit time, average activity level when active, total sleep time, time to fall asleep, time to go to bed, time to wake up, number of awakenings during the night, and mode of heart rate.

[0173] The evaluation result 72 indicates, for example, the number of days on which sleep quality was evaluated as better, or the number on which sleep quality was the same. The evaluation result 72 is determined, for example, based on the number of sleep parameters 544 on one day that were judged to have better sleep quality (i.e., the number for one day shown as parameter evaluation result 71) and the number of sleep parameters 544 on the other day that were judged to have better sleep quality (i.e., the number for the other day shown as parameter evaluation result 71).

[0174] We will now specifically explain the parameter determination result 71 and evaluation result 72 for the combination of DAY1 and DAY2 (DAY1 x DAY2).

[0175] The activity level per unit time on DAY 1 (22.4) is lower than the activity level per unit time on DAY 2 (25.6). Sleep quality is better when the activity level per unit time is lower. Therefore, the parameter determination result 71 for the activity level per unit time in the combination of DAY 1 and DAY 2 indicates DAY 1.

[0176] The average activity level during activity on DAY 1 (2.8) is lower than the average activity level during activity on DAY 2 (3.0). Sleep quality is better when the average activity level during activity is lower. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the average activity level during activity in the combination of DAY 1 and DAY 2 indicates DAY 1.

[0177] The total sleep time on DAY1 (432 minutes) and the total sleep time on DAY2 (478 minutes) are both within the normal range for total sleep time. As shown in Figure 18, if infant 30 is a 9-month-old infant, the normal range for total sleep time is between 6 and 8 hours (i.e., between 360 and 480 minutes). Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for total sleep time in the combination of DAY1 and DAY2 indicates that the quality of sleep is the same.

[0178] The time it took to put the baby to sleep on DAY 1 (38 minutes) was longer than the time it took to put the baby to sleep on DAY 2 (5 minutes). Sleep quality is better when the time it takes to put the baby to sleep is shorter. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the combination of DAY 1 and DAY 2 indicates DAY 2.

[0179] The bedtime on DAY 1 (23:38) is later than the bedtime on DAY 2 (22:50). Sleep quality is better the earlier the bedtime starts. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for bedtime in the DAY 1 and DAY 2 combination indicates DAY 2.

[0180] The wake-up time on DAY 1 (7:54) is later than the wake-up time on DAY 2 (7:06). Sleep quality is better when the wake-up time is earlier. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the wake-up time in the combination of DAY 1 and DAY 2 indicates DAY 2.

[0181] The number of awakenings during the night on DAY1 (1) is the same as the number of awakenings during the night on DAY2 (1). Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the number of awakenings during the night in the combination of DAY1 and DAY2 indicates that the quality of sleep is the same.

[0182] The most frequent heart rate on DAY 1 (93) is lower than the most frequent heart rate on DAY 2 (96). Sleep quality is better when the most frequent heart rate is lower. Therefore, the parameter determination result 71 for the combination of the most frequent heart rate on DAY 1 and DAY 2 indicates DAY 1.

[0183] According to the results of the eight parameter evaluations 71 above, the number of sleep parameters 544 indicating better sleep quality on DAY1 is 3, and the number of sleep parameters 544 indicating better sleep quality on DAY2 is also 3. Therefore, the evaluation result of sleep quality for the combination of DAY1 and DAY2 72 indicates that the sleep quality is the same on both DAY1 and DAY2.

[0184] Next, we will specifically explain the parameter determination result 71 and evaluation result 72 for the combination of DAY2 and DAY3 (DAY2 x DAY3).

[0185] The activity level per unit time on DAY2 (25.6) is higher than the activity level per unit time on DAY3 (22.0). Sleep quality is better when the activity level per unit time is lower. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the activity level per unit time in the combination of DAY2 and DAY3 indicates DAY3.

[0186] The average activity level (3.0) during activity on DAY2 is the same as the average activity level (3.0) during activity on DAY3. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the average activity level during activity in the combination of DAY2 and DAY3 indicates that the quality of sleep is the same.

[0187] The total sleep time on DAY2 (478 minutes) is within the standard range for total sleep time. The total sleep time on DAY3 (538 minutes) is outside the standard range for total sleep time. As shown in Figure 18, if infant 30 is a 9-month-old infant, the standard range for total sleep time is from 6 to 8 hours (i.e., from 360 to 480 minutes). Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for total sleep time in the combination of DAY2 and DAY3 indicates DAY2.

[0188] The time it took to put the baby to sleep on DAY 2 (5 minutes) was shorter than the time it took to put the baby to sleep on DAY 3 (10 minutes). Sleep quality is better when the time it takes to put the baby to sleep is shorter. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the time it took to put the baby to sleep in the combination of DAY 2 and DAY 3 indicates DAY 2.

[0189] The bedtime on DAY 2 (10:50 PM) is later than the bedtime on DAY 3 (9:30 PM). Sleep quality is better the earlier the bedtime starts. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for bedtime in the DAY 2 and DAY 3 combination indicates DAY 3.

[0190] The wake-up time on DAY 2 (7:06 AM) is later than the wake-up time on DAY 3 (6:28 AM). Sleep quality is better when the wake-up time is earlier. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the wake-up time in the combination of DAY 2 and DAY 3 indicates DAY 3.

[0191] The number of awakenings during the night on DAY2 (1) is higher than the number of awakenings during the night on DAY3 (0). Sleep quality is better when the number of awakenings during the night is low. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the number of awakenings during the night in the combination of DAY2 and DAY3 indicates DAY3.

[0192] The most frequent heart rate on DAY2 (96) is lower than the most frequent heart rate on DAY3 (105). Sleep quality is better when the most frequent heart rate is lower. Therefore, the parameter determination result 71 for the most frequent heart rate in the combination of DAY2 and DAY3 indicates DAY2.

[0193] According to the results of the eight parameter assessments 71 above, the number of sleep parameters 544 indicating better sleep quality on DAY2 is 3, and the number of sleep parameters 544 indicating better sleep quality on DAY3 is 4. Therefore, the evaluation result 72 for the combination of DAY2 and DAY3 indicates DAY3.

[0194] Furthermore, using a similar evaluation method, the sleep quality evaluation result72 for the combination of DAY1 and DAY3 indicates DAY3.

[0195] Based on the evaluation results 72 for each of the above combinations of DAY1 and DAY2, DAY2 and DAY3, and DAY1 and DAY3, the evaluation unit 68 can determine, for example, that the quality of sleep on DAY3 is better than the quality of sleep on either DAY1 or DAY2, and that the quality of sleep on DAY1 and DAY2 is the same.

[0196] The evaluation unit 68 adds the evaluation results 72 for each of the DAY1 and DAY2 combinations, the DAY2 and DAY3 combinations, and the DAY1 and DAY3 combinations to the relative evaluation table 546. Specifically, the evaluation unit 68 adds to the relative evaluation table 546, for example, information indicating that the sleep quality on DAY3 is better than the sleep quality on either DAY1 or DAY2, and information indicating that the sleep quality on DAY1 and DAY2 is the same. The evaluation unit 68 may also add the parameter determination results 71 for each of the DAY1 and DAY2 combinations, the DAY2 and DAY3 combinations, and the DAY1 and DAY3 combinations to the relative evaluation table 546.

[0197] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 68 may use the accumulated sleep parameters 544 to obtain evaluation results 72 of sleep quality for multiple days (for example, evaluation results 72 for DAY1, DAY2, and DAY3) and then evaluate the sleep quality for a specific day (evaluation DAY).

[0198] Figure 20 shows an example of the relative evaluation results of sleep quality between multiple days for which evaluation results 72 are obtained and a specific day. The multiple days for which evaluation results 72 are obtained are also called comparison days. Here, the comparison days are assumed to be the three days DAY1, DAY2, and DAY3 mentioned above. The sleep parameters 544 for DAY1, DAY2, and DAY3 are as shown in Figure 17(a). The sleep parameters 544 for the specific day are assumed to be the sleep parameters 544 for the evaluation day shown in Figure 10.

[0199] In Figure 20, the parameter determination results 71 and evaluation results 72 for each combination of DAY1 and DAY2, DAY2 and DAY3, and DAY1 and DAY3 are obtained, for example, from the relative evaluation table 546.

[0200] The evaluation unit 68 determines which day has better sleep quality for each combination of DAY1 and the evaluation day, DAY2 and the evaluation day, and DAY3 and the evaluation day. In other words, the evaluation unit 68 determines which day has better sleep quality for each combination of DAY1 and the evaluation day, DAY2 and the evaluation day, and DAY3 and the evaluation day.

[0201] We will now specifically explain the parameter judgment result 71 and evaluation result 72 for each combination of DAY1 and evaluation DAY (DAY1 × evaluation DAY).

[0202] The activity level per unit time on DAY 1 (22.4) is higher than the activity level per unit time on the evaluation day (18.5). Sleep quality is better when the activity level per unit time is lower. Therefore, the parameter determination result 71 for the activity level per unit time in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates the evaluation day.

[0203] The average activity level on DAY 1 (2.8) is higher than the average activity level on the evaluation day (2.7). Sleep quality is better when the average activity level on the evaluation day is lower. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the average activity level on the evaluation day in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates the evaluation day.

[0204] The total sleep time on DAY 1 (432 minutes) is within the standard range for total sleep time. The total sleep time on the evaluation day (494 minutes) is outside the standard range for total sleep time. As shown in Figure 18, if infant 30 is a 9-month-old infant, the standard range for total sleep time is from 6 to 8 hours (i.e., from 360 to 480 minutes). Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for total sleep time in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates DAY 1.

[0205] The time it took to get the baby to sleep on DAY 1 (38 minutes) was shorter than the time it took to get the baby to sleep on the evaluation day (44 minutes). Sleep quality is better when the time it takes to get the baby to sleep is shorter. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the time it took to get the baby to sleep in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates DAY 1.

[0206] The bedtime on DAY 1 (23:38) is later than the bedtime on the evaluation day (23:14). Sleep quality is better the earlier the bedtime starts. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the bedtime start time in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates the evaluation day.

[0207] The wake-up time on DAY 1 (7:54 AM) is later than the wake-up time on the evaluation day (7:28 AM). Sleep quality is better when the wake-up time is earlier. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the wake-up time in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates the evaluation day.

[0208] The number of awakenings during the night on DAY 1 (1) is higher than the number of awakenings during the night on the evaluation day (0). Sleep quality is better when the number of awakenings during the night is low. Therefore, the parameter judgment result 71 for the number of awakenings during the night in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates the evaluation day.

[0209] The most frequent heart rate on DAY 1 (93) is lower than the most frequent heart rate on the evaluation day (106). A lower most frequent heart rate indicates better sleep quality. Therefore, the parameter determination result 71 for the most frequent heart rate in the combination of DAY 1 and the evaluation day indicates DAY 1.

[0210] According to the results of the eight parameters 71 above, the number of sleep parameters 544 indicating better sleep quality on DAY1 is 3, and the number of sleep parameters 544 indicating better sleep quality on the evaluation DAY is 5. Therefore, the evaluation result 72 for the combination of DAY1 and the evaluation DAY indicates the evaluation DAY.

[0211] Also, by evaluation using the same method, the evaluation result 72 of the sleep quality in the combination of DAY2 and evaluation DAY indicates DAY2. The evaluation result 72 of the sleep quality in the combination of DAY3 and evaluation DAY indicates DAY3.

[0212] Based on the evaluation results 72 in each of the above combinations of DAY1 and evaluation DAY, DAY2 and evaluation DAY, and DAY3 and evaluation DAY, the evaluation unit 68 determines, for example, that the sleep quality of evaluation DAY is better than that of DAY1 (DAY1 < evaluation DAY), and that the sleep quality of evaluation DAY is worse than that of either DAY2 or DAY3 (evaluation DAY < DAY2, DAY3). The evaluation unit 68 may add the evaluation results 72 in each of the combinations of DAY1 and evaluation DAY, DAY2 and evaluation DAY, and DAY3 and evaluation DAY to the relative evaluation table 546. Specifically, the evaluation unit 68 adds, for example, information indicating that the sleep quality of evaluation DAY is better than that of DAY1 and information indicating that the sleep quality of evaluation DAY is worse than that of either DAY2 or DAY3 to the relative evaluation table 546. Also, the evaluation unit 68 may add the parameter determination results 71 in each of the combinations of DAY1 and evaluation DAY, DAY2 and evaluation DAY, and DAY3 and evaluation DAY to the relative evaluation table 546.

[0213] In the evaluation results 72 for each combination of DAY1 and the evaluation DAY, DAY2 and the evaluation DAY, and DAY3 and the evaluation DAY, the superiority or inferiority of sleep quality between DAY2 and DAY3 is unclear. In such cases, the evaluation unit 68 obtains information from the relative evaluation table 546, for example, that indicates that the sleep quality on DAY3 is better than that of DAY2 (i.e., the evaluation result 72 for DAY2 × DAY3 in Figure 19). Using the obtained information, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality is best in the order of DAY3, DAY2, evaluation DAY, and DAY1. In other words, the evaluation unit 68 can determine the order in which the superiority or inferiority of sleep quality between multiple comparison days (here, DAY1, DAY2, and DAY3) and a specific day (evaluation DAY).

[0214] Furthermore, if the relative evaluation table 546 does not allow for the determination of superiority or inferiority in sleep quality between two days, the evaluation unit 68 may determine that the sleep quality between those two days is the same. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 68 may determine the superiority or inferiority of sleep quality between those two days according to the priority order of the sleep parameters 544.

[0215] Figure 21 shows an example of the priority order of 544 sleep parameters when determining the quality of sleep. In the example shown in Figure 21, the priority order is as follows: sleep efficiency, deep sleep occupancy, REM sleep occupancy, activity level per unit time, average activity level when active, and so on. Also, the time when putting the child to sleep (time to go to bed) has the lowest priority.

[0216] Figure 22 shows examples of the values ​​of multiple sleep parameters 544 for each of the two days that determine the quality of sleep. Here, multiple sleep parameters 544 for DAY 2 and multiple sleep parameters 544 for DAY 3 are shown as examples.

[0217] The evaluation unit 68 identifies the sleep parameter 544 with the highest priority from among the multiple sleep parameters 544 shown in Figure 21, according to the priority order of the sleep parameters 544. Specifically, the evaluation unit 68 identifies the activity level per unit time with the fourth priority from among the multiple sleep parameters 544 shown in Figure 22. This is because sleep efficiency, deep sleep occupancy, and REM sleep occupancy, which have higher priority, are not included in the multiple sleep parameters 544 shown in Figure 22.

[0218] The evaluation unit 68 then compares the activity level per unit time on DAY2 (25.6) with the activity level per unit time on DAY3 (22.0). Sleep quality is better when the activity level per unit time is low. Therefore, the evaluation unit 68 determines that the sleep quality on DAY3 is better than that on DAY2. Based on this determination, the evaluation unit 68 can determine that the sleep quality is best in the order of DAY3, DAY2, evaluation DAY, and DAY1. In other words, the evaluation unit 68 can determine the order in which the quality of sleep is superior or inferior between multiple comparison days (in this case, DAY1, DAY2, and DAY3) and a specific day (evaluation DAY).

[0219] Furthermore, if the evaluation unit 68 cannot determine the superiority or inferiority of sleep quality in a given combination of two days even using the relative evaluation table 546, it may also use information generated based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21 (manual input information). The manual input information includes, for example, at least one of the following: whether or not the infant 30 takes a nap, the duration of the nap, whether or not the infant is unwell, whether or not there are routine outings, and whether or not there are unusual outings. Routine outings include, for example, walks and playing in the park. Unusual outings are special outings such as events the infant 30 experiences for the first time or places they visit for the first time. The evaluation unit 68 uses the manual input information to select some of the sleep parameters 544 for the corresponding day, or to correct the values ​​of the sleep parameters 544 for the corresponding day. Specific examples are described below.

[0220] For example, if an infant 30 takes a nap and the nap time is recorded, the evaluation unit 68 adds the nap time to the total sleep time included in the sleep parameter 544 for the corresponding day. The evaluation unit 68 then uses the total sleep time, including the nap time, to determine the quality of the sleep.

[0221] If an infant or toddler has a nap and the nap time is not recorded, the evaluation unit 68 does not use the total sleep time included in the sleep parameter 544 for the corresponding day to determine the quality of sleep.

[0222] If a user experiences poor health, the evaluation unit 68 assesses the quality of sleep on that day but excludes it from comparison with other days.

[0223] If there is a routine outing, the evaluation unit 68 evaluates the quality of sleep on that day by comparing it to other days when there was a routine outing. In other words, the evaluation unit 68 does not compare the quality of sleep on days with routine outings to the quality of sleep on days without outings or on days with unusual outings.

[0224] If there is an unusual outing, the evaluation unit 68 evaluates the quality of sleep on that day by comparing it to other days when an unusual outing occurred. In other words, the evaluation unit 68 does not compare the quality of sleep on a day with an unusual outing to the quality of sleep on a day without an outing or on a day with a normal outing.

[0225] If there was no outing (for example, indoor play), the evaluation unit 68 evaluates the sleep quality on the corresponding day by comparing it to other days without outings. In other words, the evaluation unit 68 does not compare the sleep quality on days without outings with the sleep quality on days with outings. In this way, the evaluation unit 68 may classify the multiple days on which sleep quality is evaluated into categories related to outings and determine the order in which to show the superiority or inferiority of sleep quality within each category.

[0226] Based on the above, the evaluation unit 68 can determine the order of sleep quality between multiple comparison days (here, DAY1, DAY2, and DAY3) and a specific day (evaluation day). Based on the determined order of sleep quality, the evaluation unit 68 calculates an index indicating the relative sleep quality of the evaluation day. Specifically, for example, the evaluation unit 68 calculates the index for the evaluation day relatively by setting the index for the day with the worst sleep quality to 0 and the index for the day with the best sleep quality to 3 in the determined order of sleep quality. In this case, for example, an index of 0 or greater and less than 1 indicates poor sleep quality on the corresponding day. An index of 1 or greater and less than 2 indicates average sleep quality on the corresponding day. An index of 2 or greater and 3 or less indicates good sleep quality on the corresponding day. The evaluation unit 68 can similarly calculate an index indicating the sleep quality for each day of the comparison day.

[0227] Next, the evaluation unit 68 sends sleep evaluation information to the notification processing unit 61. The sleep evaluation information includes, for example, an index indicating the relative quality of sleep on the evaluation day. Alternatively, the sleep evaluation information may include an index indicating the quality of sleep on each of the evaluation day and comparison days.

[0228] The notification processing unit 61 uses the sleep evaluation information received from the evaluation unit 68 to notify the caregiver 31 of the quality of sleep on at least one specific day (evaluation day). The notification processing unit 61 may also use the sleep evaluation information to notify the caregiver 31 of the quality of sleep on the evaluation day and the quality of sleep on multiple days (comparison days) compared to the evaluation day. Specifically, the notification processing unit 61 displays a graph or the like on the touchscreen display 53 showing the order (relative relationship) of the sleep quality on the evaluation day and the comparison days. Alternatively, the notification processing unit 61 may notify the caregiver 31 by displaying information indicating the superiority or inferiority of the sleep quality on the evaluation day and the comparison days (for example, good, average, poor sleep quality, etc.) on the touchscreen display 53, outputting sound from the speaker 58, etc.

[0229] Figure 23 shows an example of sleep evaluation information notification. Here, indicators of sleep quality for the evaluation day and the comparison day are notified using a bar graph. A bar graph showing a larger indicator value indicates better sleep quality. As mentioned above, for example, an indicator that is 0 or greater and less than 1 indicates poor sleep quality on the corresponding day. An indicator that is 1 or greater and less than 2 indicates average sleep quality on the corresponding day. An indicator that is 2 or greater and 3 or less indicates good sleep quality on the corresponding day. Therefore, caregiver 31 recognizes, for example, that the sleep quality on DAY 2 was poor, the sleep quality on DAY 1 and the evaluation day was average, and the sleep quality on DAY 3 was good. This allows caregiver 31 to recognize the sleep quality of the infant 30 on the evaluation day in comparison with the comparison day. Then, caregiver 31 can take measures to improve the sleep quality of the infant 30 as needed. Therefore, the sleep quality of the infant 30 can be improved.

[0230] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, the procedure for processing performed in the information processing device 21 will be described. The sleep parameter calculation process, which analyzes the data acquired by the sensor 4 to calculate the sleep parameters 544 for a specific day, is as described above with reference to Figure 13 in the first embodiment.

[0231] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for relative evaluation processing performed in the information processing device 21. Relative evaluation processing is a process that uses multiple sleep parameters 544 corresponding to each of multiple days of sleep (i.e., multiple sleep sessions) to determine which sleep quality is better for all combinations of two days of sleep selected from multiple days of sleep. Here, we illustrate the case where the CPU 51 of the information processing device 21 performs relative evaluation processing using the calculated sleep parameters 544 for M days.

[0232] First, CPU 51 sets variable i to 1 (step S401). Variable i is used to identify one day out of M days. Variable i can be set to any value from 1 to M.

[0233] The CPU 51 reads multiple sleep parameters 544 for day i from the memory device 54 (step S402). The CPU 51 sets variable j to (i+1) (step S403). Then, the CPU 51 determines whether variable j is less than or equal to M (step S404).

[0234] If the variable j is less than or equal to M (Yes in step S404), the CPU 51 reads the multiple sleep parameters 544 for day j from the storage device 54 (step S405). The CPU 51 compares the multiple sleep parameters 544 for day i with the multiple sleep parameters 544 for day j (step S406). Specifically, the CPU 51 compares each of the multiple sleep parameters 544 for day i with each of the multiple sleep parameters 544 for day j to obtain the number of sleep parameters 544 that indicate that the sleep quality of the infant 30 on day i is better than that of day j (hereinafter referred to as the first number of parameters) and the number of sleep parameters 544 that indicate that the sleep quality of the infant 30 on day j is better than that of day i (hereinafter referred to as the second number of parameters).

[0235] Next, the CPU 51 compares the multiple sleep parameters 544 of day i with the multiple sleep parameters 544 of day j to determine whether the quality of sleep on day i is better than the quality of sleep on day j (step S407). For example, the CPU 51 determines that the quality of sleep on day i is better than the quality of sleep on day j if the number of first parameters is greater than the number of second parameters.

[0236] If the quality of sleep on day i is better than the quality of sleep on day j (Yes in step S407), CPU 51 adds information indicating that the quality of sleep on day i is better than the quality of sleep on day j to the relative evaluation table 546 (step S408), and proceeds to step S412.

[0237] If the quality of sleep on day i is not as good as the quality of sleep on day j (No. in step S407), the CPU 51 determines whether the quality of sleep on day j is better than the quality of sleep on day i based on a comparison of the multiple sleep parameters 544 of day i and the multiple sleep parameters 544 of day j (step S409). For example, the CPU 51 determines that the quality of sleep on day j is better than the quality of sleep on day i if the number of second parameters is greater than the number of first parameters.

[0238] If the quality of sleep on day j is better than the quality of sleep on day i (Yes in step S409), CPU 51 adds information indicating that the quality of sleep on day j is better than the quality of sleep on day i to the relative evaluation table 546 (step S410), and proceeds to step S412.

[0239] If the quality of sleep on day j is not better than the quality of sleep on day i (No. in step S409), the CPU 51 adds information to the relative evaluation table 546 indicating that the quality of sleep on day i is the same as the quality of sleep on day j (step S411), and proceeds to step S412. In other words, if the quality of sleep on day i is not better than the quality of sleep on day j, AND the quality of sleep on day j is not worse than the quality of sleep on day i, then the quality of sleep on day i is the same as the quality of sleep on day j. In this case, for example, the number of first parameters is equal to the number of second parameters.

[0240] Next, the CPU 51 adds 1 to the variable j (step S412) and returns to step S404. In other words, if the new variable j is less than or equal to M, the CPU 51 compares the sleep parameter 544 for day i with the new sleep parameter 544 for day j to perform a relative evaluation of the sleep quality for day i and day j.

[0241] Furthermore, if variable j is greater than M (No. in step S404), CPU 51 adds 1 to variable i (step S413). CPU 51 determines whether variable i is less than or equal to (M-1) (step S414).

[0242] If the variable i is less than or equal to (M-1) (Yes in step S414), the CPU 51 returns to step S402. That is, if the new variable i is less than or equal to (M-1), the CPU 51 compares the new sleep parameter 544 for day i with the sleep parameter 544 for day j to perform a relative evaluation of the quality of sleep on day i and day j.

[0243] If variable i is greater than (M-1) (No. in step S414), CPU 51 terminates the relative evaluation process.

[0244] Through the relative evaluation process described above, CPU 51 can determine which of the two days of sleep selected from M day's sleep has better quality. In other words, CPU 51 can determine, for each of the two combinations of two days of sleep selected from M day's sleep, which of the two days has better quality, or which has the same quality.

[0245] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the evaluation and notification process performed in the information processing device 21. The evaluation and notification process evaluates the sleep quality of an infant 30 on a specific day and notifies the caregiver 31 of the sleep evaluation information. The specific day is the day on which the sleep quality of the infant 30 is to be evaluated, for example, the most recent day on which activity data 542 and vital data 543 were acquired. The CPU 51 performs the evaluation and notification process, for example, at regular intervals. Alternatively, the CPU 51 may perform the evaluation and notification process in response to an operation on the information processing device 21 by the caregiver 31.

[0246] Here, it is assumed that the sleep parameters 544 for a specific day and the sleep parameters 544 for a different day (Day M) are stored in the memory device 54. Furthermore, it is assumed that the sleep quality on Day M has already been evaluated by the relative evaluation process described above, referring to Figure 24.

[0247] First, the CPU 51 reads multiple sleep parameters 544 for a specific day (step S501). The CPU 51 sets variable k to 1 (step S502). Variable k is used to identify one of the M days. Variable k is set to any value from 1 to M.

[0248] Next, the CPU 51 reads the relative-evaluated sleep parameters 544 for day k from the storage device 54 (step S503). The CPU 51 compares the sleep parameters 544 for a specific day with the sleep parameters 544 for day k (step S504). Specifically, the CPU 51 compares each of the sleep parameters 544 for a specific day with each of the sleep parameters 544 for day k to obtain the number of sleep parameters 544 that indicate that the sleep quality of the infant 30 on the specific day is better than that of day k (hereinafter referred to as the third parameter number), and the number of sleep parameters 544 that indicate that the sleep quality of the infant 30 on day k is better than that of the specific day (hereinafter referred to as the fourth parameter number).

[0249] Next, the CPU 51 compares the multiple sleep parameters 544 of a specific day with the multiple sleep parameters 544 of day k to determine whether the quality of sleep on a specific day is better than the quality of sleep on day k (step S505). For example, the CPU 51 determines that the quality of sleep on a specific day is better than the quality of sleep on day k if the number of third parameters is greater than the number of fourth parameters.

[0250] If the sleep quality on a particular day is better than the sleep quality on day k (Yes in step S505), the CPU 51 adds information indicating that the sleep quality on that particular day is better than the sleep quality on day k to the relative evaluation table 546 (step S506) and proceeds to step S510.

[0251] If the sleep quality on a particular day is worse than the sleep quality on day k (No. in step S505), the CPU 51 determines whether the sleep quality on day k is better than the sleep quality on the particular day based on the result of comparing the multiple sleep parameters 544 of the particular day with the multiple sleep parameters 544 of day k (step S507). For example, the CPU 51 determines that the sleep quality on day k is better than the sleep quality on the particular day if the number of the fourth parameter is greater than the number of the third parameter.

[0252] If the sleep quality on day k is better than the sleep quality on a specific day (Yes in step S507), CPU 51 adds information indicating that the sleep quality on day k is better than the sleep quality on a specific day to the relative evaluation table 546 (step S508) and proceeds to step S510.

[0253] If the sleep quality on day k is not worse than the sleep quality on a specific day (No. in step S507), the CPU 51 adds information to the relative evaluation table 546 indicating that the sleep quality on the specific day is the same as the sleep quality on day k (step S509), and proceeds to step S510. In other words, if the sleep quality on a specific day is not worse than the sleep quality on day k, AND the sleep quality on day k is not worse than the sleep quality on a specific day, then the sleep quality on a specific day is the same as the sleep quality on day k. In this case, for example, the number of the third parameter is equal to the number of the fourth parameter.

[0254] Next, CPU 51 adds 1 to variable k (step S510). CPU 51 determines whether variable k is less than or equal to M (step S511).

[0255] If the variable k is less than or equal to M (Yes in step S511), the CPU 51 returns to step S503. In other words, the CPU 51 compares the sleep parameter 544 of a specific day with the sleep parameter 544 of a new k-th day to perform a relative evaluation of the sleep quality of the specific day and the sleep quality of the k-th day.

[0256] Furthermore, if the variable k is greater than M (No. in step S511), the process of determining which of the sleep quality on the specific day and the sleep on day M is better has been completed, so the CPU 51 generates sleep evaluation information for the sleep on the specific day based on the relative evaluation table 546 (step S512). The sleep evaluation information includes, for example, an index that shows the relative quality of sleep on the specific day. The sleep evaluation information may also include information that indicates the superiority or inferiority of the sleep quality on the specific day (for example, good, average, bad, etc.). Alternatively, the sleep evaluation information may include information that shows the relationship between the superiority or inferiority of sleep on the specific day and at least one of day M. Then, the CPU 51 notifies the caregiver 31 of the sleep evaluation information (step S513) and ends the evaluation and notification process. The CPU 51 may also notify the caregiver 31 of the relationship between the superiority or inferiority of sleep on the specific day and at least one of day M using a graph or the like.

[0257] Through the evaluation and notification process described above, the CPU 51 can notify the caregiver 31 of the sleep quality of the infant 30 on a particular day. Based on this notification, the caregiver 31 can recognize the sleep quality of the infant 30 and take action to improve it as needed. This can improve the sleep quality of the infant 30.

[0258] (Third embodiment) In the sleep evaluation system 1A according to the first and second embodiments, an information processing device 21 used by the caregiver 31 evaluates the quality of sleep of the infant 30. In contrast, in the sleep evaluation system according to the third embodiment, a server device evaluates the quality of sleep of the infant 30.

[0259] In the sleep evaluation system according to the third embodiment, the server device has at least some of the functions of the information processing device 21 in the first or second embodiment. Specifically, the server device has the function of evaluating the sleep quality of infants 30 and generating sleep evaluation information. The differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described below.

[0260] Figure 26 shows an example configuration of the sleep evaluation system 1B according to the third embodiment. The sleep evaluation system 1B includes an information processing device 21, a plurality of sensors 4, a server device 25, and a network 26.

[0261] Each of the multiple sensors 4 can communicate with the server device 25 via the network 26. Specifically, each of the multiple sensors 4 transmits, for example, data acquired by the sensor 4 (sensor data) to the server device 25 via the network 26. Alternatively, the multiple sensors 4 may transmit the sensor data to the information processing device 21, which then forwards the sensor data to the server device 25. The sensor data includes activity level data 542 generated by the activity level sensor 41 and vital data 543 acquired by the vital sensor 42. The sensor data may further include dynamic image data generated by the imaging device 43.

[0262] Communication via network 26 may be wired or wireless. Network 26 includes, for example, wired local area networks (wired LANs), wireless local area networks (wireless LANs), and wide area networks (WANs). WANs include, for example, mobile phone networks, fixed-line telephone networks, satellite communication networks, dedicated lines, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), and Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Networks (IP-VPNs).

[0263] The server device 25 is an information processing device that analyzes data related to the infant 30 and provides information (sleep evaluation information) showing the results of the infant 30's sleep evaluation. The server device 25 is implemented, for example, as a server computer.

[0264] The server device 25 receives sensor data from each of the multiple sensors 4 via the network 26, for example. Alternatively, the server device 25 may receive sensor data from each of the multiple sensors 4 via the information processing device 21 and the network 26.

[0265] Furthermore, the server device 25 can communicate with, for example, the information processing device 21 via the network 26. Specifically, the server device 25 receives behavioral data 541 from the information processing device 21 via the network 26. The server device 25 also transmits sleep evaluation information to the information processing device 21 via the network 26. The server device 25 has a configuration similar to, for example, the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figure 2, or the information processing device 21 of the second embodiment described above with reference to Figure 15, in order to analyze the behavioral data 541 and sensor data and provide sleep evaluation information.

[0266] The information processing device 21 transmits behavior data 541 to the server device 25 via the network 26. The configuration for generating the behavior data 541 is the same as that of the notification processing unit 61 and generation processing unit 62 provided in the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figure 3. The information processing device 21 transmits the behavior data 541 to the server device 25, for example, via the first communication unit 55.

[0267] Furthermore, the information processing device 21 receives sleep evaluation information from the server device 25 via the network 26. The information processing device 21 receives sleep support information from the server device 25, for example, via the first communication unit 55. The information processing device 21 notifies the caregiver 31 of the received sleep evaluation information. The information processing device 21 has a configuration for receiving sleep evaluation information and notifying the caregiver 31. The configuration for notifying the caregiver 31 of the sleep evaluation information is the same as the notification processing unit 61 provided in the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figure 3, or the notification processing unit 61 provided in the information processing device 21 of the second embodiment described above with reference to Figure 16.

[0268] With the above configuration, in the sleep evaluation system 1B of the third embodiment, the server device 25 can acquire the behavior data 541 from the information processing device 21, acquire sensor data from the plurality of sensors 4, and provide sleep evaluation information to the information processing device 21 using the acquired behavior data 541 and sensor data. Note that not limited to the function for providing sleep evaluation information, the server device 25 may also have other functions of the information processing device 21 in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. For example, the server device 25 may have a function of processing feedback based on an operation of the information processing device 21 by the caregiver 31.

[0269] In implementing the present invention, the above embodiments are merely examples, and various specific modes can be implemented with various modifications. Regarding the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the following additional notes are further disclosed. <1> A sleep evaluation system including an information processing device and a plurality of sensors, where the plurality of sensors includes at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor measures activity amount data indicating the activity amount of a subject, the second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject, the information processing device includes a generation unit that generates behavior data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to an operation of the information processing device by a user, a determination unit that determines L times of sleep with good sleep quality of the subject using the behavior data, a calculation unit that calculates a plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L times of sleep using at least one of the activity amount data and the vital data corresponding to each of the L times of sleep, an analysis unit that determines a value range of each of the plurality of sleep parameters when the sleep quality of the subject is good using the plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L times of sleep, and where L is an integer of 1 or more, a sleep evaluation system. <2> The calculation unit further calculates a plurality of sleep parameters of the specific sleep using at least one of the activity amount data and the vital data corresponding to the specific sleep of the subject. The information processing apparatus further includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the specific sleep using the plurality of sleep parameters of the specific sleep and the range. The sleep evaluation system according to <1>. <3> The information processing apparatus further includes a notification processing unit that notifies the user of information indicating the quality of the evaluated specific sleep. The sleep evaluation system according to <2>. <4> The calculation unit further calculates a plurality of sleep parameters of each of the M sleeps using at least one of the activity amount data and the vital data corresponding to each of the M sleeps. The information processing apparatus further includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of each of the M sleeps using the plurality of sleep parameters of each of the M sleeps and the range. The M is an integer of 2 or more. The sleep evaluation system according to <1>. <5> The information processing apparatus further includes a notification processing unit that notifies the user of information indicating the quality of each of the evaluated M sleeps. The sleep evaluation system according to <4>. <6> The notification processing unit displays a graph indicating the quality of the evaluated M sleeps on the screen of the information processing apparatus. The sleep evaluation system according to <5>. <7> The calculation unit calculates a first plurality of sleep parameters in the first sleep using at least one of the activity amount data of the first sleep by the subject and the vital data of the first sleep. Using at least one of the activity data from the second sleep period and the vital data from the second sleep period of the subject, a second set of sleep parameters for the first sleep period is calculated. The aforementioned information processing device is By comparing each of the first plurality of sleep parameters with each of the second plurality of sleep parameters, a first number of sleep parameters indicating that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep is obtained, and a second number of sleep parameters indicating that the second sleep is of better quality than the first sleep. The system further comprises an evaluation unit that determines which of the first sleep or the second sleep is of better quality based on the first number and the second number. <1> The sleep evaluation system described above. <8> The evaluation unit, If the first number is greater than the second number, it is determined that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep. If the second number is greater than the first number, then the second sleep is determined to be of better quality than the first sleep. <7> The sleep evaluation system described above. <9> The aforementioned information processing device is If it is determined that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep, the user is notified that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep. If it is determined that the second sleep is of better quality than the first sleep, the system further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user that the second sleep is of better quality than the first sleep. <7> or <8> The sleep evaluation system described above. <10> The calculation unit further calculates multiple sleep parameters for each of the M sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the M sleep periods. The aforementioned information processing device is From the plurality of sleep parameters of each of the M sleeps, a third plurality of sleep parameters for any third sleep among the M sleeps and a fourth plurality of sleep parameters for any fourth sleep among the M sleeps that is different from the third sleep are obtained, and each of the third plurality of sleep parameters is compared with each of the fourth plurality of sleep parameters to obtain a third number of sleep parameters indicating that the third sleep is of better quality than the fourth sleep for the subject, and a fourth number of sleep parameters indicating that the fourth sleep is of better quality than the third sleep for the subject, and this process of determining which of the third sleep and the fourth sleep is of better quality is performed for all combinations of two sleeps selected from the M sleeps. The system further comprises an evaluation unit that determines the order of the quality of the M sleep cycles based on the results of the processing in all the aforementioned combinations. The aforementioned M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. <1> The sleep evaluation system described above. <11> The evaluation unit, If the third number is greater than the fourth number, it is determined that the third sleep is of better quality than the fourth sleep. If the fourth number is greater than the third number, it is determined that the fourth sleep is of better quality than the third sleep. <10> The sleep evaluation system described above. <12> The information processing device further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user of the determined order of the quality of the M sleep cycles. <10> or <11> The sleep evaluation system described above. <13> The aforementioned multiple sleep parameters include at least one of the subject's sleep latency, time of falling asleep, time of waking up, total sleep duration, duration of awakenings during the night, number of awakenings during the night, activity level per unit time, average activity level when active, deep sleep occupancy, REM sleep occupancy, sleep efficiency, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate per unit time, and peripheral skin temperature. The sleep evaluation system according to any one of <1> to <12>. <14> The first sensor and the second sensor are an integrated sensor device. The sleep evaluation system according to any one of <1> to <13>. <15> A sleep evaluation system including an information processing device and a plurality of sensors, The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor, The first sensor measures activity amount data indicating the activity amount of the subject, The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject, The information processing device, A calculation unit that calculates a plurality of sleep parameters for each of the M sleeps using at least one of the activity amount data and the vital data corresponding to each of the M sleeps; From the plurality of sleep parameters for each of the M sleeps, a first plurality of sleep parameters in the first sleep and a second plurality of sleep parameters in the second sleep are obtained, and each of the first plurality of sleep parameters is compared with each of the second plurality of sleep parameters, and a first number of sleep parameters indicating that the first sleep has better sleep quality of the subject than the second sleep, and a second number of sleep parameters indicating that the second sleep has better sleep quality of the subject than the first sleep are obtained, and based on the first number and the second number, a process of determining which of the first sleep and the second sleep has better quality is performed for all combinations of two sleeps selected from the M sleeps, The evaluation unit further includes an evaluation unit that determines the order of the sleep quality of the M sleeps based on the results of the processes in all the combinations, The M is an integer of 2 or more. Sleep evaluation system. <16> The evaluation unit, When the first number is greater than the second number, it is determined that the first sleep has better quality than the second sleep. If the second number is greater than the first number, then the second sleep is determined to be of better quality than the first sleep. <15> The sleep evaluation system described above. <17> The information processing device further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user of the determined order of the quality of the M sleep cycles. <15> or <16> The sleep evaluation system described above. <18> The aforementioned multiple sleep parameters include at least one of the subject's sleep latency, time of falling asleep, time of waking up, total sleep duration, duration of awakenings during the night, number of awakenings during the night, activity level per unit time, average activity level when active, deep sleep occupancy, REM sleep occupancy, sleep efficiency, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate per unit time, and peripheral skin temperature. <15> ~ <17> A sleep evaluation system as described in any one of the items. <19> The first sensor and the second sensor are an integrated sensor device. <15> ~ <18> A sleep evaluation system as described in any one of the items. <20> The aforementioned subjects are infants and young children. The user is the caregiver of the infant. <1> ~ <19> A sleep evaluation system as described in any one of the items. <21> An information processing device capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors, The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The aforementioned first sensor measures activity data indicating the activity level of the subject, The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject, The aforementioned information processing device is A generation unit that generates behavioral data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to the user's operation on the information processing device, A determination unit that uses the aforementioned behavioral data to determine the L number of sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality, A calculation unit that calculates multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep periods, The system comprises an analysis unit that uses the plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles to determine the range of values ​​for each of the plurality of sleep parameters when the subject's sleep quality is good, The aforementioned L is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Information processing device. <22> A sleep evaluation method for controlling an information processing device capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors, The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The aforementioned first sensor measures activity data indicating the activity level of the subject, The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject, The aforementioned sleep evaluation method is: The generation unit of the information processing device generates behavioral data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to the user's operation of the information processing device. The determination unit of the information processing device uses the behavioral data to determine L sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality. The calculation unit of the information processing device calculates multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep periods. The analysis unit of the information processing device determines the range of values ​​for each of the multiple sleep parameters when the subject's sleep quality is good, using the multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles. The aforementioned L is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Sleep evaluation methods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0270] 1A Sleep Assessment System 21 Information Processing Devices 30 Infants and Toddlers 31 Childcare worker 4 sensors 41 Activity Sensor 42 Vital Sensors 43 Imaging device 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 Touchscreen display 54 Storage device 55. First Communications Department 56 Second Communications Department 57 Vibration section 58 speakers 521 OS 522 Sleep Assessment Program 541 Behavioral Data 542 Activity Data 543 Vital Data 544 Sleep Parameters 545 Reference Range Table 546 Relative Evaluation Table 61 Notification Processing Unit 62 Generation Processing Unit 63 Receiving Processing Unit 64 Storage Processing Unit 65 Judgment section 66 Sleep parameter calculation unit 67 Analysis Department 68 Evaluation Department 1B Sleep Assessment System 25 Server equipment 26 Network

Claims

1. A sleep evaluation system including an information processing device and multiple sensors, The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor measures activity data indicating the activity level of the subject, The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject, The aforementioned information processing device is A generation unit that generates behavioral data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to the user's operation on the information processing device, A determination unit that uses the aforementioned behavioral data to determine the L number of sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality, A calculation unit that calculates multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep periods, The system comprises an analysis unit that uses the plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles to determine the range of values ​​for each of the plurality of sleep parameters when the subject's sleep quality is good, The aforementioned L is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Sleep evaluation system.

2. The calculation unit further calculates a plurality of sleep parameters for the specific sleep period of the subject using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to the specific sleep period of the subject. The aforementioned information processing device is The system further comprises an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the specific sleep using the plurality of sleep parameters and the range of the specific sleep, The sleep evaluation system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned information processing device is The system further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user of information indicating the evaluated specific sleep quality. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 2.

4. The calculation unit further calculates multiple sleep parameters for each of the M sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the M sleep periods. The aforementioned information processing device is The system further comprises an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of each of the M sleep periods using the plurality of sleep parameters and the range for each of the M sleep periods. The aforementioned M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned information processing device is The system further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user of information indicating the quality of each of the M evaluated sleep cycles. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 4.

6. The notification processing unit displays a graph showing the quality of the M evaluated sleep cycles on the screen of the information processing unit. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 5.

7. The calculation unit described above, Using at least one of the activity data for the first sleep period and the vital data for the first sleep period of the subject, a first set of sleep parameters for the first sleep period is calculated. Using at least one of the activity data for the second sleep period and the vital data for the second sleep period of the subject, a second set of sleep parameters for the second sleep period is calculated. The aforementioned information processing device is By comparing each of the first plurality of sleep parameters with each of the second plurality of sleep parameters, a first number of sleep parameters indicating that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep is obtained, and a second number of sleep parameters indicating that the second sleep is of better quality than the first sleep. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 1, further comprising an evaluation unit that determines which of the first sleep or the second sleep is of better quality based on the first number and the second number.

8. The evaluation unit described above, If the first number is greater than the second number, it is determined that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 7, wherein if the second number is greater than the first number, it is determined that the second sleep is of better quality than the first sleep.

9. The aforementioned information processing device is If it is determined that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep, the user is notified that the first sleep is of better quality than the second sleep. If it is determined that the second sleep is of better quality than the first sleep, the system further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user that the second sleep is of better quality than the first sleep. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. The calculation unit further calculates multiple sleep parameters for each of the M sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the M sleep periods. The aforementioned information processing device is From the plurality of sleep parameters of each of the M sleeps, a third plurality of sleep parameters for any third sleep among the M sleeps and a fourth plurality of sleep parameters for any fourth sleep among the M sleeps that is different from the third sleep are obtained, and each of the third plurality of sleep parameters is compared with each of the fourth plurality of sleep parameters to obtain a third number of sleep parameters indicating that the third sleep is of better quality than the fourth sleep for the subject, and a fourth number of sleep parameters indicating that the fourth sleep is of better quality than the third sleep for the subject, and this process of determining which of the third sleep and the fourth sleep is of better quality is performed for all combinations of two sleeps selected from the M sleeps. The system further comprises an evaluation unit that determines the order of the quality of the M sleep cycles based on the results of the processing in all the aforementioned combinations. The aforementioned M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 1.

11. The evaluation unit described above, If the third number is greater than the fourth number, it is determined that the third sleep is of better quality than the fourth sleep. If the fourth number is greater than the third number, it is determined that the fourth sleep is of better quality than the third sleep. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 10.

12. The information processing device further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user of the determined order of the quality of the M sleep cycles. The sleep evaluation system according to claim 10 or claim 11.

13. The aforementioned multiple sleep parameters include at least one of the subject's sleep latency, time of falling asleep, time of waking up, total sleep duration, duration of awakenings during the night, number of awakenings during the night, activity level per unit time, average activity level when active, deep sleep occupancy, REM sleep occupancy, sleep efficiency, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate per unit time, and peripheral skin temperature. A sleep evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, and 11.

14. The first sensor and the second sensor are an integrated sensor device. A sleep evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, and 11.

15. An information processing device capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors, The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor measures activity data indicating the activity level of the subject, The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject, The aforementioned information processing device is A generation unit that generates behavioral data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to the user's operation on the information processing device, A determination unit that uses the aforementioned behavioral data to determine the L number of sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality, A calculation unit that calculates multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep periods, The system comprises an analysis unit that uses the plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles to determine the range of values ​​for each of the plurality of sleep parameters when the subject's sleep quality is good, The aforementioned L is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Information processing device.

16. A sleep evaluation method for controlling an information processing device capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors, The plurality of sensors include at least one of a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor measures activity data indicating the activity level of the subject, The second sensor measures vital data indicating the vital signs of the subject, The aforementioned sleep evaluation method is The generation unit of the information processing device generates behavioral data indicating the behavior of the subject in response to the user's operation of the information processing device. The determination unit of the information processing device uses the behavioral data to determine L sleep cycles in which the subject has good sleep quality. The calculation unit of the information processing device calculates a plurality of sleep parameters for each of the L sleep periods using at least one of the activity data and vital data corresponding to each of the L sleep periods. The analysis unit of the information processing device determines the range of values ​​for each of the multiple sleep parameters when the subject's sleep quality is good, using the multiple sleep parameters for each of the L sleep cycles. The aforementioned L is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Sleep evaluation methods.

Images