Method and system for inducing comfortable waking from sleep state

Abstract

A method and a system for inducing comfortable waking from a sleep state are disclosed. The waking inducing system according to one embodiment may comprise: a sensor device which is attached to the body of a user so as to collect first data including movement data and / or respiration data of the user and transmit same to a user device, and which generates vibration of a pattern corresponding to a control signal received from the user device; and the user device, which collects second data including sound information about the sleep of the user, uses the first data received from the sensor device and the second data so as to analyze a sleep cycle of the user, thereby determining a sleep stage of the user, and transmits, to the sensor device, the control signal for generating vibration of a pattern determined on the basis of the determined sleep stage and a preset waking time.

Description

Method and system for inducing comfortable awakening from sleep

[0001] The following description relates to a method and system for inducing comfortable awakening from a sleeping state.

[0002] In the case of a typical morning wake-up, waking up to a loud alarm can have various negative effects on the body and even lead to insomnia. Furthermore, forcing yourself to wake up to an alarm can not only disrupt your hormones but also stress your brain. Stress hormones like adrenaline, epinephrine, and cortisol are released, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to higher blood pressure, a faster heart rate, and higher blood sugar levels than usual when waking up. Repeatedly waking up startled by a loud alarm and hyperactivating the sympathetic nervous system can lead to a surge in blood pressure and blood sugar, chronic physical reactions like tension, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and depression.

[0003] Some people have trouble waking up from their alarm the first time, so they set their alarm to go off multiple times. This habit is even worse for your health because it increases sleep inertia. Sleep inertia is the inability to wake up from a drowsy state, which is usually aggravated by a sudden awakening from deep sleep, also known as stage 3 sleep. Sleep is divided into REM sleep, the dreaming state, and non-REM sleep, which is the non-dreaming state. Non-REM sleep is further divided into light sleep (stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 (or stages 3 and 4) sleep). In the morning, it is very unlikely that you will be in stage 3 (or stages 3 and 4) sleep. However, waking up to repeated alarms and then falling back to sleep will keep the secretion of adenosine, the sleep hormone that promotes deep sleep, active. This can lead to chronic fatigue. If you continue to feel half-asleep, it is recommended to supplement it with a short nap.

[0004] A method and system for waking up a user by vibration is provided, which analyzes the user's sleep cycle and induces the user to wake up according to the user's sleep stage and preset wake-up time based on the analyzed sleep cycle.

[0005] A wake-up induction system is provided, comprising: a sensor device attached to a user's body, which collects first data including at least one of movement data and breathing data of the user, transmits the first data to a user device, and generates a vibration of a pattern corresponding to a control signal received from the user device; and a user device which collects second data including sound information related to the user's sleep, analyzes the user's sleep cycle using the first data and the second data received from the sensor device, thereby determining the user's sleep stage, and transmits the control signal for generating a vibration of a pattern determined based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time to the sensor device.

[0006] According to one aspect, the sensor device may be characterized in that it generates the vibration according to the pattern by controlling at least one of the occurrence of the vibration and the magnitude of the vibration for a certain period of time according to the pattern.

[0007] According to another aspect, the breathing data may be generated by continuously measuring changes in a fringing field formed by a sensor attached to the user's body and included in the sensor device according to the user's breathing activity, based on changes in a resonant frequency generated through an oscillator or repeated charging and discharging of the sensor.

[0008] According to another aspect, the second data may be characterized by including at least one of the user's breathing sound, the user's snoring sound, and the sound generated according to the user's movement during sleep, which are collected through a microphone included in the user device.

[0009] A sensor device attached to a user's body, comprising: a sensor unit that collects first data including at least one of the user's movement data and breathing data and second data including sound information related to the user's sleep; a control unit that analyzes the user's sleep cycle using the first data and the second data to determine the user's sleep stage, and generates a control signal for generating a vibration of a determined pattern based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time; and an output unit that generates a vibration of a pattern corresponding to the control signal.

[0010] According to one aspect, the control unit may be characterized in that it generates the vibration according to the pattern by controlling at least one of the occurrence of the vibration and the magnitude of the vibration for a certain period of time according to the pattern through the output unit.

[0011] According to another aspect, the sensor unit includes a sensor attached to the user's body; and a measuring circuit unit that measures sensing data of the sensor, wherein the measuring circuit unit continuously measures a change in a fringing field formed through the sensor according to the user's breathing activity based on a change in a resonant frequency generated through an oscillator or repeated charging and discharging of the sensor to generate the breathing data.

[0012] According to another aspect, the sensor unit may include a microphone, and the second data may be characterized by including at least one of the user's breathing sound collected through the microphone, the user's snoring sound, and the sound generated according to the user's movement during sleep.

[0013] A method for inducing wake-up using a sensor device attached to a user's body, comprising: collecting first data including at least one of movement data and breathing data of the user; transmitting the first data to a user device through a communication unit included in the sensor device; receiving a control signal from the user device through the communication unit; and generating a vibration of a pattern corresponding to the control signal through an output unit included in the sensor device, wherein the user device collects second data including sound information related to sleep of the user, analyzes the sleep cycle of the user using the first data and the second data, thereby determining a sleep stage of the user, and generating a control signal for generating a vibration of a determined pattern based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time, and transmitting the control signal to the sensor device.

[0014] A method for inducing wake-up using a sensor device attached to a user's body, comprising: collecting first data including at least one of movement data and breathing data of the user; collecting second data including sound information related to sleep of the user through a microphone included in the sensor device; determining a sleep stage of the user by analyzing a sleep cycle of the user using the first data and the second data under the control of a control unit included in the sensor device; determining a vibration pattern based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time under the control of the control unit; and generating vibration according to the determined pattern through an output unit included in the sensor device.

[0015] By analyzing the user's sleep cycle, the user's sleep stage and preset wake-up time can be used to wake the user up with vibrations based on the analyzed sleep cycle.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a general appearance of a weather guidance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wake-up induction process according to a sleep stage determined through a sleep cycle in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in a sensor device according to a user's breathing activity in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a fringing field in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a sensor device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement circuit unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a clock counter in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of a measurement circuit unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an ADC in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a weather induction method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a weather induction method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the claims of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are encompassed by the claims.

[0029] The terms used in the examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0031] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing embodiments, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0032] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of the embodiments. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0033] Components included in one embodiment and components with common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions given in one embodiment apply to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a weather induction system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a user (110), a sensor device (120) attached to the body of the user (110), and a user device (130) of the user (110). The weather induction system according to an embodiment may include a sensor device (120) and a user device (130).

[0035] The sensor device (120) may be attached to a specific area of ​​the user (110), such as the rib cage, but is not limited thereto. The sensor device (120) may collect first data regarding the movement and / or respiration of the user (110), and may wirelessly communicate with the user device (130). For example, the sensor device (120) may transmit the first data of the user (110) that it has collected to the user device (130). The first data collected by the sensor device (120) may include movement data and / or respiration data. For example, the sensor device (120) may include an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, and may collect outputs of the accelerometer and / or gyroscope included in the sensor device (120) as movement data. As another example, the sensor device (120) may continuously measure changes according to the breathing activity of the user (110), thereby collecting respiration data, such as the breathing pattern and / or respiration cycle of the user (110). The collection of this respiratory data is described in more detail later.

[0036] The user device (130) can collect second data. For example, the user device (130) can collect second data through sound signals input through a microphone. For example, the second data may include the user's (110) breathing sounds, snoring sounds, and / or sounds generated by the user's (110) movements during sleep.

[0037] In this case, the user device (130) can determine the sleep stage of the user (110) by analyzing the sleep cycle of the user (110) based on the first data collected and transmitted by the sensor device (120) and the second data collected by the user device (130).

[0038] In addition, the user device (130) can induce the user (110) to wake up comfortably from sleep by emitting vibrations appropriate to the sleep stage of the user (110) based on the determined sleep stage of the user (110) and the wake-up time (or alarm time) set by the user (110) on the user device (130).

[0039] Vibrations can be transmitted to the user (110) through the sensor device (120). To this end, the user device (130) can transmit a control signal to the sensor device (120) to provide vibrations appropriate for the sleep stage of the user (110).

[0040] To this end, a computer program as an application for a weather induction service can be installed and run on the user device (130), and the user device (130) can operate under the control of this computer program.

[0041] Additionally, depending on the embodiment, the sensor device (120) may include the functionality of the user device (130). In this case, the wake-up induction system may include the sensor device (120). For example, the sensor device (120) may include a microphone to further collect secondary data, such as the user's (110) breathing sound, snoring sound, and sound generated by the user's (110) movements during sleep.

[0042] In this case, the sensor device (120) can determine the sleep stage of the user (110) by analyzing the sleep cycle of the user (110) based on the first data and the second data collected by the sensor device (120). In addition, the sensor device (120) can induce the user (110) to wake up comfortably from a sleeping state by vibrating according to the sleep stage of the user (110) based on the determined sleep stage of the user (110) and the wake-up time (or alarm time) set by the user (110).

[0043] Inducing the user (110) to wake up by vibration can be accomplished by generating a vibration pattern according to the sleep stage of the user (110) starting from a certain time prior to the wake-up time (or alarm time) set by the user (110). For example, if the sleep state of the user (110) is a stage 3 sleep (or stage 4 sleep) state, the sensor device (120) can generate a vibration of a preset pattern according to the stage 3 sleep (or stage 4 sleep) state starting from 10 minutes prior to the wake-up time (or alarm time) set by the user (110), thereby inducing the user (110) to slowly transition into an awake state, thereby helping the user (110) to wake up refreshed.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wake-up induction process according to a sleep stage determined through a sleep cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. A typical sleep cycle lasts for about five cycles, but Stage 1 sleep and REM sleep have brain wave patterns very similar to those of an awake state. In other words, the brain is in a state close to an awake state. If woken up in this sleep state, it takes a short time for the brain to adjust to an awake state, there is no feeling of dizziness, and the mood can be refreshed. On the other hand, Stage 3 sleep and Stage 4 sleep states are states of deep sleep. If the user (110) suddenly wakes up in this state, it takes a long time to transition to an awake state. Therefore, the user (110) may feel dazed for a while.

[0045] The wake-up induction system according to embodiments of the present invention can analyze the sleep cycle of the user (110) based on first data (movement data and breathing data of the user (110)) and second data (breathing sounds of the user (110), snoring sounds, and sounds generated according to the movement of the user (110) during sleep, etc.) collected through the sensor device (120) and / or the user device (130). Thereafter, the wake-up induction system can induce the user (110) to wake up with vibrations appropriate for the sleep stage through the sensor device (120) several minutes to several tens of minutes before waking up (in the embodiment of FIG. 2, 10 minutes before depending on stage 3 sleep or stage 4 sleep) depending on the sleep stage of the user (110) determined as a result of the analysis and the wake-up time (or alarm time) set by the user (110). At this time, the intensity and pattern of the vibrations can vary depending on the sleep state of the user (110) and the settings of the user (110). Therefore, the wake-up induction system can help the user (110) wake up refreshed by slowly transitioning the user (110) from a deep sleep state to an awakened state.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in a sensor device according to a user's breathing activity, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a sensor device (120) attached to a user (110) performing breathing activity. Parts of the user's (110) body, such as the rib cage, undergo movement as their volume changes according to the user's (110) breathing activity.

[0047] The sensor device (120) may be attached to a specific part of the user (110). At this time, the sensor device (120) may be attached so as not to be in complete contact with the external surface of the user (110). For example, in the case of the human body, the sensor device (120) may be attached so that only a portion of one side of the sensor device (120) is attached to the human skin, thereby preventing the entire corresponding side of the sensor device (120) from being in contact with the human skin.

[0048] At this time, when the user (110) performs breathing activities, the volume of the thorax changes and movement occurs, and according to this movement, the degree of contact between the sensor device (120) and the external surface of the user (110) continuously changes, inducing a certain change. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, it is shown that the degree of contact between the sensor device (120) and the user (110) changes when the user (110) inhales and exhales.

[0049] At this time, the sensor device (120) can measure breathing data such as the breathing pattern and / or breathing cycle of the user (110) by continuously measuring changes according to the breathing activity of the user (110).

[0050] In one embodiment, the sensor device (120) may form a fringing field that penetrates into the surface of the user (110) using two or more electrodes. Depending on the embodiment, the fringing field may be formed to reach at least the surface of the user (110). In this case, the sensor device (120) may obtain information about the respiration of the user (110) by measuring changes in the fringing field according to the breathing activity of the user (110). In this case, repetitive charging and discharging of the oscillator and / or the sensor device (120) may be utilized as a method of measuring changes in the fringing field according to the breathing activity of the user (110).

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fringing field according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows two electrodes (420, 430) attached to a material under test (MUT) 410. At this time, when voltage is applied to the two electrodes (420, 430), a fringing field (440) may be formed within the MUT (410) between the two electrodes (420, 430), as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0052] In Fig. 4, the fringing field (440) is indicated by a dotted ellipse to aid understanding, but in reality, the fringing field (440) can be formed by electromagnetic force lines (e.g., field lines 450 of Fig. 4) between two conductors when biasing voltage on a capacitor.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor device (120) according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 may include a sensor unit (510), a measurement circuit unit (520), a control unit (530), an output unit (540), and a communication unit (550).

[0054] The sensor unit (510) may include various sensors such as a plurality of electrodes (511), a microphone (512), a gyroscope (513), and / or an accelerometer (514), as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0055] Here, the plurality of electrodes (511) may include two electrodes (420, 430) for forming the fringing field (440) described above through FIG. 4, and may be used to obtain breathing data of the user (110) that may be included in the first data.

[0056] Additionally, a microphone (512) may be included to collect secondary data, such as the user's (110) breathing sounds, snoring sounds, and sounds generated by the user's (110) movements during sleep, in embodiments where the user device (130) is not used.

[0057] A gyroscope (513) and / or an accelerometer (514) may be used to obtain movement data of the user (110) that may be included in the first data.

[0058] Depending on the embodiment, at least some of the components of the sensor unit (510) may be excluded, or new components may be added. For example, to obtain environmental information related to the user's (110) sleep cycle, the sensor unit (510) may further include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like.

[0059] The measuring circuit unit (520) may include a measuring circuit that reads sensor data (or sensing data) through the sensor unit (510). For example, the measuring circuit unit (520) may read respiration data based on a plurality of electrodes (511). This measuring circuit unit (520) will be described in more detail below.

[0060] The control unit (530) controls the operation of the sensor unit (510), the measurement circuit unit (520), and the output unit (540), and can control the communication unit (550) to transmit measured data to the user device (130) or to receive a setting value (for example, a wake-up time (or alarm time)) from the user device (130). The communication unit (550) can include a communication module for wired or wireless connection (preferably wireless connection) with the user device (130). Data communication between the communication unit (550) and the user device (130) can be performed using at least one of various communication protocols that are already well known, such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), WiFi, etc.

[0061] The output unit (540) can output a vibration of a specific pattern under the control of the control unit (530). For example, the output unit (540) can include a motor, and the control unit (530) can control the motor to control the output unit (540) so that a vibration of a specific pattern is output. Here, generating vibration in a specific pattern can mean that whether or not vibration occurs and / or the magnitude of vibration is controlled for a certain period of time.

[0062] In relation to respiration data, the user device (130) may be a user terminal such as a smartphone, a smart watch, etc. For example, in relation to respiration data, the user device (130) may display data (e.g., waveform data) collected by the sensor device (120) and may display the respiration rate, respiration quality, sleep quality, etc. of the user (110) determined through the collected data. To this end, an algorithm for determining the respiration rate, respiration quality, sleep quality, etc. may be run in the sensor device (120) or the user device (130). When the algorithm is run in the sensor device (120), the sensor device (120) may further transmit information on the respiration rate, respiration quality, sleep quality, etc. of the user (110) determined using the collected data, in addition to the collected data, to the user device (130).

[0063] In one embodiment, in an embodiment where the weather guidance system includes both a sensor device (120) and a user device (130), the sensor device (120) may be attached to the body of the user (110) and may collect first data (movement data and / or respiration data) of the user (110) using the sensor unit (510) and / or the measurement circuit unit (520) under the control of the control unit (530). In this case, the sensor device (120) may transmit the collected first data to the user device (130) through the communication unit (550) under the control of the control unit (530).

[0064] Meanwhile, the user device (130) may collect second data including sound information related to the sleep of the user (110). At this time, the user device (130) may analyze the sleep cycle of the user (110) using the first data received from the sensor device (120) and the second data collected by the user device (130). In addition, the user device (130) may determine the sleep stage of the user based on the analyzed sleep cycle. In addition, the user device (130) may determine a vibration pattern based on the determined sleep stage and the wake-up time (or alarm time) set by the user in the user device (130). At this time, the user device (130) may generate a control signal for generating the vibration of the determined pattern and transmit the control signal to the sensor device (120).

[0065] In this case, the sensor device (120) can induce a comfortable awakening of the user (110) by generating a vibration of a pattern corresponding to a control signal received from the user device (130) through the output unit (540) under the control of the control unit (530), thereby waking the user (110) up with a vibration that matches the sleep stage of the user (110).

[0066] In another embodiment, in an embodiment in which the wake-up induction system does not include a user device (130) but includes a sensor device (120) to induce the wake-up of the user (110), the sensor device (120) may collect first data (movement data and / or breathing data) and / or second data (breathing sounds, snoring sounds, and / or sounds generated according to the movement of the user (110) during sleep, etc.) using the sensor unit (510) and / or the measurement circuit unit (520). In this case, the sensor device (120) may analyze the sleep cycle of the user (110) based on the first data and / or the second data collected through the control unit (530), and determine the sleep stage of the user (110) based on the analyzed sleep cycle. Thereafter, the control unit (530) of the sensor device (120) can determine a vibration pattern based on the sleep stage of the user (110) and the wake-up time set by the user (110), and can control the output unit (540) to generate vibration in the determined pattern.

[0067] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measuring circuit unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a clock counter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The measuring circuit unit (520) according to the embodiment of Fig. 6 may include a circuit for measuring respiration data.

[0068] The measurement circuit unit (520) may include an oscillator (620), a buffer (630), a clock counter (640), a reference time generator (650), and an output buffer (660) connected to a sensor (610).

[0069] The sensor (610) may correspond to the plurality of electrodes (511) described above. For example, a fringing field may be formed when a voltage is applied to at least two electrodes (for example, two electrodes (420, 430)) included in the sensor (610). The oscillator (620) may be an RC (Resistor-Capacitor) oscillator or an LC (Inductor-Capacitor) oscillator. At this time, if the fringing field changes according to breathing, the output frequency (resonant frequency) of the oscillator (620) connected to the sensor (610) may change. In this case, the output signal of the oscillator (620) may be input to the clock counter (640) through the buffer (630).

[0070] The clock counter (640) can count the cycle of the input signal during the reference time of the reference time generation unit (650). As the frequency of the input signal increases, a relatively larger number of cycles can be counted during the reference time, and thus the output value of the clock counter (640) can increase. The reference time generation unit (650) can generate a signal of the reference time at which the clock counter (640) operates.

[0071] The output of the clock counter (640) can be output as sensor data through the output buffer (660).

[0072] In Fig. 7, when the output (signal of resonant frequency) of the oscillator (620) is input to the clock counter (640), the clock counter (640) counts the period of the output of the oscillator (620) according to the output of the reference time generation unit (650) and outputs it as an output value of sensor data.

[0073] In this way, the fringing field formed through the sensor (610) changes according to the breathing of the user (110), the resonant frequency output by the oscillator (620) changes according to the change in the fringing field, and the output value of the clock counter (640) may change according to the change in the resonant frequency. Therefore, conversely, information on the breathing of the user (110) (breathing data) can be obtained through the change in the output value of the clock counter (640).

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a measurement circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of an ADC according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The measuring circuit unit (520) according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 may include a charge switch (820), a current source (830), an ADC (840), a reference time generator (850), and an output buffer (860) connected to a sensor (810).

[0076] The sensor (810) may correspond to a plurality of electrodes (511) described above. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the sensor (810) is shown as being included in the measuring circuit (520), but in reality, the sensor (810) may be placed outside the measuring circuit (520) so as to be attached to the user (110).

[0077] The measuring circuit unit (520) can measure the degree of charging by repeatedly charging and discharging the sensor (810) using the charging switch (820). The reference time generation unit (850) can generate a control signal of a reference time interval to operate the charging switch (820). When the charging switch (820) is turned on, the sensor (810) and the current source (830) are connected so that the sensor (810) can be charged, and when the charging switch (820) is turned off, the connection between the sensor (810) and the current source (830) is released so that the sensor (810) can be discharged.

[0078] While the sensor (810) is being charged, the input voltage of the sensor (810) may increase, and the measuring circuit unit (520) may convert this voltage into a digital code using the ADC (840). At this time, the output value of the ADC (840) at the time when the charging switch (820) is turned off in the reference time generation unit (850) may be output as sensor data through the output buffer (860).

[0079] In Fig. 9, the input and output of the ADC (840) are shown as the charging switch (820) repeats the connection and disconnection between the sensor (810) and the current source (830) according to the output of the reference time generation unit (850). In addition, it is shown that the output value of the ADC (840) at the time when the charging switch (820) is turned off in the reference time generation unit (850) can be output as a sensor data output value.

[0080] In this way, as the fringing field changes according to the breathing of the user (110), the degree to which the sensor (810) is charged changes, and the output value of the ADC (840) may change according to the change in the degree to which the sensor (810) is charged. Therefore, conversely, information on the breathing of the user (110) (breathing data) may be obtained through the change in the output value of the ADC (840).

[0081] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a weather induction method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The weather induction method according to the present embodiment can be performed by the sensor device (120) described above. In one embodiment, the control unit (530) of the sensor device (120) can include at least one processor and memory. In this case, the operation of the sensor device (120) can be interpreted as being implemented by the processor of the control unit (530) controlling the sensor unit (510), the measurement circuit unit (520), and the communication unit (550) included in the sensor device (120) according to the code of the computer program stored in the memory of the control unit (530).

[0082] In step (1010), the sensor device (120) may collect first data including at least one of movement data and respiration data of the user (110). In one embodiment, the sensor device (120) may include a sensor unit that collects first data including at least one of movement data and respiration data of the user (110). The sensor unit here may include the sensor unit (510) and the measuring circuit unit (520) described above with reference to FIG. 5. In this case, the sensor unit may include a sensor attached to the body of the user (110) (for example, the sensor (610) and / or the sensor (810)) as a part of the sensor unit (510), and the measuring circuit unit (520) may measure sensing data of the sensor. In this case, the measurement circuit unit (520) can continuously measure changes in the fringing field formed through the sensor according to the user's (110) breathing activity, based on changes in the resonant frequency generated through the oscillator or repeated charging and discharging of the sensor, to generate breathing data. The user's (110) movement data may include outputs of an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, as described above.

[0083] In step (1020), the sensor device (120) may transmit first data to the user device (130) through the communication unit (550) included in the sensor device (120). At this time, the user device (130) may collect second data including sound information related to the sleep of the user (110), analyze the sleep cycle of the user (110) using the first data and the second data, thereby determining the sleep stage of the user (110), and generate a control signal for generating a vibration of a determined pattern based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time, and transmit the control signal to the sensor device (120). Here, the second data may include at least one of the breathing sound of the user (110), the snoring sound of the user (110), and the sound generated according to the movement of the user (110) during sleep, which are collected through a microphone included in the user device (130). The wake-up time may be preset by the user (110).

[0084] In step (1030), the sensor device (120) can receive a control signal from the user device (130) through the communication unit (550).

[0085] In step (1040), the sensor device (120) can generate a vibration of a pattern corresponding to a control signal through the output unit (540) included in the sensor device (120). To this end, the control unit (530) included in the sensor device (120) can generate vibration according to the pattern by controlling at least one of whether or not vibration occurs and the magnitude of vibration for a certain period of time according to the pattern through the output unit (540).

[0086] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a weather induction method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The weather induction method according to the present embodiment can be performed by the sensor device (120) described above. In one embodiment, the control unit (530) of the sensor device (120) can include at least one processor and memory. In this case, the operation of the sensor device (120) can be interpreted as being implemented by the processor of the control unit (530) controlling the sensor unit (510), the measurement circuit unit (520), and the communication unit (550) included in the sensor device (120) according to the code of the computer program stored in the memory of the control unit (530).

[0087] In step (1110), the sensor device (120) may collect first data including at least one of the user's movement data and respiration data. As described above, in one embodiment, the sensor device (120) may include a sensor unit that collects first data including at least one of the user's movement data and respiration data. The sensor unit here may include the sensor unit (510) and the measuring circuit unit (520) described above with reference to FIG. 5. In this case, the sensor unit may include a sensor attached to the body of the user (110) (for example, the sensor (610) and / or the sensor (810)) as a part of the sensor unit (510), and the measuring circuit unit (520) may measure sensing data of the sensor. In this case, the measurement circuit unit (520) can continuously measure changes in the fringing field formed through the sensor according to the user's (110) breathing activity, based on changes in the resonant frequency generated through the oscillator or repeated charging and discharging of the sensor, to generate breathing data. The user's (110) movement data may include outputs of an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, as described above.

[0088] In step (1120), the sensor device (120) may collect second data including sound information related to the sleep of the user (110) through the microphone (512) included in the sensor device (120). Here, the second data may include at least one of the breathing sound of the user (110), the snoring sound of the user (110), and the sound generated according to the movement of the user (110) during sleep, which are collected through the microphone (512), and the wake-up time may be preset by the user (110). For example, the sensor device (120) may receive and store the set value of the wake-up time through the communication unit (550).

[0089] In step (1130), the sensor device (120) analyzes the sleep cycle of the user (110) using the first data and the second data under the control of the control unit (530) included in the sensor device (120), thereby determining the sleep stage of the user (110). The sleep stage of the user (110) may include, but is not limited to, five stages, namely, the REM sleep stage and stages 1 to 4 as non-REM sleep stages, as described with reference to FIG. 2. For example, stages 3 and 4 may be used as a single integrated stage.

[0090] At step (1140), the sensor device (120) can determine a vibration pattern based on the determined sleep stage and the preset wake-up time under the control of the control unit (530). Empirically determined patterns may be preset for each determined sleep stage of the user (110). Additionally, time information regarding how far in advance each pattern should start from the wake-up time may be included in each pattern.

[0091] In step (1150), the sensor device (120) can generate vibration according to a pattern determined through the output unit (540) included in the sensor device (120). In this case, the control unit (530) included in the sensor device (120) can generate vibration according to the pattern by controlling at least one of whether or not to generate vibration and the magnitude of vibration for a certain period of time according to the pattern through the output unit (540). For example, the control unit (530) can induce the user (110) to wake up by generating vibration according to the determined pattern from a certain period of time before a preset wake-up time according to time information included in the pattern.

[0092] Meanwhile, the user device (130) may be implemented by, for example, a computer device.

[0093] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the computer device (Computer device) 1200 may include a memory (Memory) 1210, a processor (Processor) 1220, a communication interface (Communication interface) 1230, and an input / output interface (I / O interface) 1240. The memory (1210) is a computer-readable storage medium and may include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a permanent mass storage device such as a disk drive. Here, the permanent mass storage device such as the ROM and the disk drive may be included in the computer device (1200) as a separate permanent storage device distinct from the memory (1210). In addition, the memory (1210) may store an operating system and at least one program code. These software components may be loaded into the memory (1210) from a computer-readable recording medium separate from the memory (1210). This separate computer-readable recording medium may include a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy drive, a disk, a tape, a DVD / CD-ROM drive, a memory card, etc. In another embodiment, the software components may be loaded into the memory (1210) via a communication interface (1230) other than a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the software components may be loaded into the memory (1210) of the computer device (1200) based on a computer program installed by files received via a network (Network, 1260).

[0094] The processor (1220) may be configured to process instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. Instructions may be provided to the processor (1220) via the memory (1210) or the communication interface (1230). For example, the processor (1220) may be configured to execute instructions received according to program code stored in a storage device such as the memory (1210).

[0095] The communication interface (1230) may provide a function for the computer device (1200) to communicate with other devices via the network (1260). For example, requests, commands, data, files, etc. generated by the processor (1220) of the computer device (1200) according to program codes stored in a recording device such as the memory (1210) may be transmitted to other devices via the network (1260) under the control of the communication interface (1230). Conversely, signals, commands, data, files, etc. from other devices may be received by the computer device (1200) via the communication interface (1230) of the computer device (1200) via the network (1260). The signals, commands, data, etc. received via the communication interface (1230) may be transmitted to the processor (1220) or the memory (1210), and the files, etc. may be stored in a storage medium (the aforementioned permanent storage device) that the computer device (1200) may further include.

[0096] The input / output interface (1240) may be a means for interfacing with an input / output device (I / O device, 1250). For example, the input device may include a device such as a microphone, a keyboard, or a mouse, and the output device may include a device such as a display or a speaker. As another example, the input / output interface (1240) may be a means for interfacing with a device that integrates input and output functions, such as a touchscreen. The input / output device (1250) may also be configured as a single device with the computer device (1200).

[0097] Additionally, in other embodiments, the computer device (1200) may include fewer or more components than those illustrated in FIG. 12. However, it is not necessary to explicitly illustrate most conventional components. For example, the computer device (1200) may be implemented to include at least some of the input / output devices (1250) described above, or may further include other components such as a transceiver, a database, etc.

[0098] In this way, according to embodiments of the present invention, the user's sleep cycle can be analyzed, and the user's sleep stage according to the analyzed sleep cycle and the preset wake-up time can be used to induce the user to wake up through vibration.

[0099] The systems or devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0100] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium, or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0101] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. The medium may continuously store a computer-executable program, or may temporarily store it for execution or download. In addition, the medium may be various recording means or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware combinations, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and those configured to store program commands, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition, examples of other media may include recording media or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc. Examples of program instructions include machine language code, such as that produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0102] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0103] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A sensor device attached to a user's body, which collects first data including at least one of the user's movement data and breathing data and transmits the first data to a user device, and generates vibration in a pattern corresponding to a control signal received from the user device; and The user device collects second data including sound information related to the user's sleep, analyzes the user's sleep cycle using the first data and the second data received from the sensor device, thereby determining the user's sleep stage, and transmits the control signal for generating a vibration of a pattern determined based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time to the sensor device. A weather guidance system including:

2. In paragraph 1, A weather induction system characterized in that the sensor device generates the vibration according to the pattern by controlling at least one of the occurrence of the vibration and the magnitude of the vibration for a certain period of time according to the pattern.

3. In paragraph 1, A weather induction system characterized in that the above breathing data is generated by continuously measuring changes in the fringing field formed by a sensor attached to the user's body and included in the sensor device according to the user's breathing activity based on changes in the resonant frequency generated through an oscillator or repeated charging and discharging of the sensor.

4. In paragraph 1, A wake-up induction system characterized in that the second data includes at least one of the user's breathing sound, the user's snoring sound, and the sound generated according to the user's movement during sleep, which are collected through a microphone included in the user device.

5. For a sensor device attached to the user's body, A sensor unit that collects first data including at least one of the user's movement data and breathing data and second data including sound information related to the user's sleep; A control unit that determines the user's sleep stage by analyzing the user's sleep cycle using the first data and the second data, and generates a control signal for generating a vibration of a determined pattern based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time; and An output section that generates vibrations in a pattern corresponding to the above control signal A sensor device comprising:

6. In paragraph 5, A sensor device characterized in that the control unit generates the vibration according to the pattern by controlling at least one of the occurrence of the vibration and the magnitude of the vibration for a certain period of time according to the pattern through the output unit.

7. In paragraph 5, The above sensor part A sensor attached to the user's body; and A measuring circuit unit that measures the sensing data of the above sensor Including, The above measurement circuit unit continuously measures changes in the fringing field formed through the sensor according to the user's breathing activity, based on changes in the resonant frequency generated through the oscillator or repeated charging and discharging of the sensor, thereby generating the breathing data. A sensor device characterized by:

8. In paragraph 5, The above sensor part is a microphone Including, The second data includes at least one of the user's breathing sound collected through the microphone, the user's snoring sound, and the sound generated by the user's movement during sleep. A sensor device characterized by:

9. In a method for inducing a weather using a sensor device attached to a user's body, A step of collecting first data including at least one of movement data and breathing data of the user; A step of transmitting the first data to a user device through a communication unit included in the sensor device; A step of receiving a control signal from the user device through the communication unit; and A step of generating a vibration of a pattern corresponding to the control signal through an output unit included in the sensor device. Including, A wake-up induction method characterized in that the user device collects second data including sound information related to the user's sleep, analyzes the user's sleep cycle using the first data and the second data, thereby determining the user's sleep stage, and generates a control signal for generating a vibration of a determined pattern based on the determined sleep stage and a preset wake-up time and transmits the control signal to the sensor device.

10. In a method for inducing a weather using a sensor device attached to a user's body, A step of collecting first data including at least one of movement data and breathing data of the user; A step of collecting second data including sound information related to the user's sleep through a microphone included in the sensor device; A step of determining the sleep stage of the user by analyzing the sleep cycle of the user using the first data and the second data according to the control of the control unit included in the sensor device; A step of determining a vibration pattern based on the determined sleep stage and preset wake-up time according to the control of the control unit included in the sensor device; and A step of generating vibration according to the determined pattern through an output unit included in the above sensor device. A weather induction method including:

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