Sleep assistance system

Abstract

A sleep assistance system (1A) includes an information processing device (21) and a plurality of sensors (4). First sensors (42, 43) measure at least one of body movement data (532) and vital data (533). A second sensor (41) measures at least one of in-clothing temperature data (530) and in-clothing humidity data (531). A third sensor (44) measures at least one of environmental temperature data (534) and environmental humidity data (535). The information processing device (21) comprises: a sleep parameter calculation unit (63) that calculates at least one sleep parameter (536) using at least one of the body movement data (532) and the vital data (533); a temperature / humidity factor calculation unit (64) that calculates a plurality of temperature / humidity factors (537) using at least one of the in-clothing temperature data (530), the in-clothing humidity data (531), the environmental temperature data (534), and the environmental humidity data (535); and an analysis unit (65) for determining one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters (536) and temperature / humidity factors (537).

Description

Sleep Support System

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

[0002] For infants, quality sleep is essential for their healthy physical and mental development. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in infants and young children who have trouble falling asleep, not getting the appropriate amount of sleep, or not being able to sleep in a relaxed state.

[0003] To get good quality sleep, it is necessary to understand the current quality of sleep and improve it if necessary.

[0004] Various sensors and application programs have been developed as means for measuring sleep quality, and these sensors and application programs are intended to measure the quality of sleep of adults, for example.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-16528 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7125223 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-123436

[0006] Infant sleep differs from adult sleep in terms of quantity, quality, and patterns. Infant sleep patterns also change as the child grows. Therefore, new functions that can improve the quality of infant sleep are needed.

[0007] Furthermore, the sleep of care recipients who have difficulty communicating verbally may differ from that of healthy individuals in terms of quantity, quality, and pattern, just like that of infants. Therefore, there is a need to realize new functions that can improve the quality of sleep for care recipients.

[0008] The present invention provides a sleep assistance system that can solve the above problems.

[0009] The present invention provides a sleep assistance system including an information processing device and multiple sensors. The multiple sensors include a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor. The first sensor measures at least one of body movement data indicating the body movement of a subject and vital data indicating the subject's vital signs. The second sensor measures at least one of in-clothing temperature data indicating the temperature inside the clothes worn by the subject and in-clothing humidity data indicating the humidity inside the clothes. The third sensor measures at least one of environmental temperature data indicating the environmental temperature in the environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating the environmental humidity in the environment. The information processing device includes a sleep parameter calculation unit, a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit, and an analysis unit. The sleep parameter calculation unit calculates at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital signs. The temperature and humidity factor calculation unit calculates multiple temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the in-clothing temperature data, the in-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. The analysis unit determines one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.

[0010] The present invention provides an information processing device capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors. The multiple sensors include a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor. The information processing device includes a receiving unit, a sleep parameter calculation unit, a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit, and an analysis unit. The receiving unit receives, from the first sensor, at least one of body movement data indicating the body movement of a subject and vital data indicating the subject's vital signs. The receiving unit receives, from the second sensor, at least one of inside-clothing temperature data indicating the temperature inside clothing worn by the subject and inside-clothing humidity data indicating the humidity inside the clothing. The receiving unit receives, from the third sensor, at least one of environmental temperature data indicating the environmental temperature in the environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating the environmental humidity in the environment. The sleep parameter calculation unit calculates at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data. The temperature and humidity factor calculation unit calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the clothing temperature data, the clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. The analysis unit determines one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first sleep period and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first sleep period.

[0011] The present invention provides a sleep support method for controlling an information processing device capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors. The multiple sensors include a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor. In the sleep support method, a receiving unit of the information processing device receives, from the first sensor, at least one of body movement data indicating the body movement of a subject and vital data indicating the subject's vital signs. In the sleep support method, the receiving unit of the information processing device receives, from the second sensor, at least one of inside-clothing temperature data indicating the temperature inside clothing worn by the subject and inside-clothing humidity data indicating the humidity inside the clothing. In the sleep support method, the receiving unit of the information processing device receives, from the third sensor, at least one of environmental temperature data indicating the environmental temperature in the environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating the environmental humidity in the environment. In the sleep support method, a sleep parameter calculation unit of the information processing device calculates at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data. In the sleep support method, a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit of the information processing device calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data, and an analysis unit of the information processing device determines one or more combinations of related sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first sleep period and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first sleep period.

[0012] The present invention provides a program executed by a computer capable of acquiring data from multiple sensors. The multiple sensors include a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor. The program causes the computer to execute a procedure for receiving, from the first sensor, at least one of body movement data indicating the body movement of a subject and vital data indicating the subject's vital signs. The program causes the computer to execute a procedure for receiving, from the second sensor, at least one of in-clothing temperature data indicating the temperature inside clothing worn by the subject and in-clothing humidity data indicating the humidity inside the clothing. The program causes the computer to execute a procedure for receiving, from the third sensor, at least one of environmental temperature data indicating the environmental temperature in the environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating the environmental humidity in the environment. The program causes the computer to execute a procedure for calculating at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data. The program causes the computer to execute a procedure for calculating multiple temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the in-clothing temperature data, the in-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. The program causes the computer to execute a procedure for determining one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sleep assistance system that can solve the above problems.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sleep support system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is (a) a plan view, (b) a cross-sectional view, and (c) a bottom view of an in-clothing temperature and humidity sensor included in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing device included in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device included in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of sleep parameters used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a reference time for the total sleep time of an infant used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of temperature and humidity factors used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing examples of sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors for a specific period used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of sleep parameters in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a correlation coefficient between environmental parameters and temperature and humidity factors calculated in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment based on a regression line between the amount of activity per unit time and the average environmental humidity. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment based on a regression line between the wake-up time and the average clothing temperature. FIG. 11C is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment based on a regression line between the time spent sleeping and the average environmental temperature. FIG. 11D is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment based on a regression line between the time spent sleeping and the average environmental temperature. FIG. 11E is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment based on a regression line between the number of awakenings during sleep and the average environmental temperature. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a comfort range table used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment based on a regression curve between the time spent sleeping and the average environmental temperature.FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment, based on a regression curve between the time required for putting an infant to sleep and the average environmental humidity. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of behavior data used in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an infant's sleep quality assessment result using the behavior data, in the sleep evaluation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first example of a comfort assessment table used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second example of a comfort assessment table used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a third example of a comfort assessment table used in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment, based on a regression line between the amount of activity per unit time of a first infant and the average environmental humidity. FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an example of a comfort range calculated by the sleep support system according to the first embodiment, based on a regression line between the amount of activity per unit time of a second infant and the average environmental humidity. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a data calculation process performed in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for relevance analysis processing executed in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for determination and notification processing executed in the sleep support system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sleep support system according to a second embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment First, the configuration of a sleep support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The sleep support system 1A is a system for supporting a user 31 who is responsible for childcare or nursing care for a subject 30. The sleep support system 1A provides the user 31 with information for improving the quality of sleep of the subject 30, for example.

[0017] The subject 30 is an infant or a person receiving care. The person receiving care is, for example, a person requiring care who has difficulty communicating verbally. The subject 30 is wearing underwear or an absorbent article. The absorbent article is, for example, a disposable diaper or a cloth diaper.

[0018] The user 31 is a user who uses the sleep support system 1A. If the subject 30 is an infant, the user 31 may be, for example, a family member of the subject 30 or a person working in a childcare facility where the subject 30 is left. If the subject 30 is a care recipient, the user 31 may be, for example, a family member of the subject 30 or a person working in a care facility where the subject 30 is staying. Here, an example is given in which there is one user 31, but there may be two or more users 31.

[0019] The following mainly illustrates a sleep support system 1A in which a target person 30 is an infant and a user 31 is a caregiver, and the sleep support system 1A provides the caregiver with information to improve the quality of the infant's sleep. The target person 30 who is an infant will also be referred to as an infant 30. The user 31 who is a caregiver will also be referred to as a caregiver 31. In the following description, by replacing the infant 30 with a care recipient and the caregiver 31 with a caregiver, a sleep support system 1A that provides the caregiver with information to improve the quality of the care recipient's sleep can also be realized.

[0020] The configuration of the sleep assistance system 1A will be described. The sleep assistance system 1A includes, for example, an information processing device 21 and a plurality of sensors 4.

[0021] The information processing device 21 is an information processing device used by a childcare worker 31. The information processing device 21 may be realized as an embedded system built into, for example, a portable information terminal, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or an infant monitoring robot. The portable information terminal may be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

[0022] The information processing device 21 analyzes data related to the infant 30 and provides information (hereinafter also referred to as sleep support information) for supporting an improvement in the sleep environment of the infant 30. The information processing device 21 provides the sleep support information to the childcare worker 31, for example, by displaying it on a screen.

[0023] The multiple sensors 4 are sensors that measure the condition of the infant 30. The multiple sensors 4 include, for example, a communication unit for transmitting data (signals) including measurement results to the outside. The communication unit transmits the data including the measurement results to the information processing device 21, for example, in real time. As a communication method used by the communication unit, various short-range wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and wireless LAN can be used. Alternatively, the 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 via the communication unit, for example, by wireless communication, and read by the information processing device 21.

[0024] The multiple sensors 4 include, for example, a clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 , a body movement sensor 42 , a vital sensor 43 , and an environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 .

[0025] The in-garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is a sensor that measures (monitors) the temperature and humidity inside the clothing worn by the infant 30 at predetermined time intervals. The in-garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is 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 clothing worn by the infant 30 is also referred to as the infant's clothing. The absorbent article worn by the infant 30 is also referred to as the infant's absorbent article. The following mainly illustrates a case where the infant 30 is wearing an absorbent article. When attached to the outer surface of the absorbent article, the in-garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is attached in a position covered by the clothing worn over the absorbent article. When no clothing is worn over the absorbent article, it is preferable to attach the sensor to the inside of the clothing, such as underwear, rather than to the outer surface of the absorbent article. The term "inside the clothing" (or "inside the clothing") refers to the inside of the clothing or the outside of the absorbent article covered by the clothing. The temperature inside the clothing of the infant 30 (i.e., the temperature inside the clothing to which the clothing temperature / humidity sensor 41 is attached or the temperature on the outer surface of the absorbent article) is referred to as the “inside clothing temperature.” The humidity inside the clothing of the infant 30 (i.e., the humidity inside the clothing to which the clothing temperature / humidity sensor 41 is attached or the outer surface of the absorbent article) is referred to as the “inside clothing humidity.”

[0026] The clothing inside temperature and humidity sensor 41 transmits data indicating the time series of the temperature and humidity inside the clothing to the information processing device 21. The clothing inside temperature and humidity sensor 41 transmits data indicating the time series of the temperature and humidity inside the clothing within one unit period to the information processing device 21, for example, for each unit period. The unit period may be, for example, one second, ten seconds, or one minute. Alternatively, the clothing inside temperature and humidity sensor 41 may transmit data indicating at least one of the measured temperature and humidity inside the clothing to the information processing device 21 in real time in response to measuring at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the clothing. The data indicating the temperature inside the clothing is also referred to as clothing inside temperature data. The clothing inside temperature data may include information on the time when the corresponding temperature inside the clothing was measured. The data indicating the humidity inside the clothing is also referred to as clothing inside humidity data. The clothing inside humidity data may include information on the time when the corresponding humidity inside the clothing was measured. A specific configuration example of the clothing inside temperature and humidity sensor 41 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0027] The body motion sensor 42 is a sensor that measures the body motion of the infant 30 at predetermined time intervals. The body motion sensor 42 can be either a non-contact type or a contact type. The non-contact type body motion sensor 42 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar. The non-contact type body motion sensor 42 is installed, for example, at a position where the infant 30 can be observed. The position where the infant 30 can be observed can be, for example, a wall, a pillar, a ceiling, or furniture. The contact type body motion sensor 42 can be realized, for example, by an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The body motion sensor 42 can be detachably attached, for example, to the inside of clothing worn by the infant 30 or to the outer surface of an absorbent article or underwear worn by the infant 30. The body motion sensor 42 may be a belt-like sensor. The belt-like body motion sensor 42 is attached by wrapping it around the arm or leg of the infant 30. Alternatively, the body motion sensor 42 may be a sheet-like pressure sensor. The sheet-like body movement sensor 42 detects these movements as changes in the pressure pattern received by the body movement sensor 42. The sheet-like body movement sensor 42 is placed so as to be placed under the body of the infant 30 when the infant is in bed. The body movements of the infant 30 include flopping of the arms and legs, rolling over, etc. The body movements of the infant 30 are expressed, for example, by activity level. Furthermore, the activity level of the infant 30 is expressed, for example, by the amount or intensity of activity of at least a portion of the infant's body, or the integrated value of the amount and intensity of activity. The amount and intensity of activity are determined, for example, based on accelerations measured in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The X-axis is, for example, the vertical direction of the infant's body (i.e., the vertical direction when standing upright). The Y-axis is, for example, the horizontal direction of the infant's body (i.e., the left-right direction when standing upright). The Z-axis is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis (i.e., the front-to-back direction when standing upright). The amount of activity is a value obtained by accumulating the intensity of instantaneous activity over a certain period of time (for example, two minutes).

[0028] The body movement sensor 42 includes a communication unit that transmits data indicating the time series of body movements (e.g., activity level) of the infant 30 to the information processing device 21. For example, the body movement sensor 42 transmits data indicating the time series of body movements within one unit period to the information processing device 21 for each unit period. Alternatively, the body movement sensor 42 may transmit data indicating a body movement in real time to the information processing device 21 in response to detecting a body movement. The body movement sensor 42 includes a compact information processing device that detects the presence or absence of body movement from measured acceleration and the like and calculates the activity level. The data indicating body movement is also referred to as body movement data. The body movement data may include information on 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 calculate the activity level or a pressure pattern measured by a sheet-like sensor used to calculate the activity status.

[0029] The vital sensor 43 is a sensor that measures the vital signs of the infant 30 at predetermined time intervals. The vital signs include, for example, heart rate (including parameters calculated from the heart rate and heart rate variability), respiratory rate, and skin temperature. The skin temperature is, for example, the temperature of the extremities (e.g., hands and feet) of the infant 30. The vital sensor 43 is, for example, attached to the infant 30 in the same manner as the body movement sensor 42. The vital sensor 43 is classified into a non-contact type sensor and a contact type sensor. The non-contact type vital sensor 43 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar. The contact type vital sensor 43 is, for example, a wearable biosensor that measures the heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature.

[0030] The vital sensor 43 includes a communication unit that transmits data indicating a time series of the heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature to the information processing device 21. For example, the vital sensor 43 transmits data indicating a time series of the heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature within one unit period to the information processing device 21 for each unit period. Alternatively, the vital sensor 43 may transmit data indicating the measured heart rate, respiratory rate, and / or skin temperature to the information processing device 21 in real time in response to measuring at least one of the heart rate, respiratory rate, and / or skin temperature. The data indicating the heart rate, respiratory rate, and / or skin temperature is also referred to as vital data. The vital data may include information on the time at which at least one of the corresponding heart rate, respiratory rate, and / or skin temperature was measured.

[0031] Any combination of two or more sensors from the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41, the body movement sensor 42, and the vital sensor 43 may be realized as a single integrated device.

[0032] The environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 is a sensor that measures the temperature and humidity of the living environment in which the infant 30 lives at predetermined intervals. The environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 is not attached to the infant 30. More specifically, the environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 is not attached to either the infant's 30's clothing or an absorbent article. The environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 is installed, for example, in the room in which the infant 30 lives. The temperature of the living environment in which the infant 30 lives is referred to as the environmental temperature. The humidity of the living environment in which the infant 30 lives is referred to as the environmental humidity.

[0033] The environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 includes a communication unit that transmits data indicating the time series of the environmental temperature and humidity to the information processing device 21. The environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 transmits data indicating the time series of the environmental temperature and humidity within one unit period to the information processing device 21, for example, for each unit period. Alternatively, the environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 may transmit data indicating at least one of the measured environmental temperature and environmental humidity to the information processing device 21 in real time in response to measuring at least one of the environmental temperature and environmental humidity. The data indicating the environmental temperature is also referred to as environmental temperature data. The environmental temperature data may include information on the time when the corresponding environmental temperature was measured. The data indicating the environmental humidity is also referred to as environmental humidity data. The environmental humidity data may include information on the time when the corresponding environmental temperature was measured.

[0034] The plurality of sensors 4 may further include an imaging device 45 .

[0035] The imaging device 45 is a camera that generates video data of an image of the infant 30. The imaging device 45 is, for example, an RGB camera, a monochrome camera, or a spectral camera. The video data includes a plurality of images of the infant 30 taken in time series. Each of the plurality of images is, for example, an image including the entire body of the infant 30. Each of the plurality of images may also be an image including a part of the body of the infant 30. The video data includes information about the time at which each of the plurality of images was generated.

[0036] The imaging device 45 is installed, for example, at a position where it can capture an image of the baby 30. The imaging device 45 is installed, for example, on a wall, a pillar, a ceiling, or a piece of furniture.

[0037] The imaging device 45 includes, for example, a communication unit for transmitting moving image data to the outside. The communication unit is capable of mutual communication with, for example, the information processing device 21. The communication unit transmits the moving image data to the information processing device 21. As a communication method used by the communication unit, for example, any short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth or wireless LAN is used.

[0038] The imaging device 45 may also include a storage unit (i.e., a storage medium) that can be read by the information processing device 21. The storage unit stores moving image data. The moving image data stored in the storage unit is read by the information processing device 21, for example, by wireless communication or wired communication via a cable connecting the information processing device 21 and the imaging device 45.

[0039] The sleep support system 1A may further include an air conditioner 22.

[0040] The air conditioning device 22 is a device that has a function of adjusting at least one of the temperature and humidity of the room in which the infant 30 is present. The air conditioning device 22 is, for example, an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, or a humidifier.

[0041] The air conditioner 22 includes, for example, a communication unit that receives at least commands from the information processing device 21. The communication unit is capable of mutual communication with the information processing device 21, for example. Any communication method such as wireless LAN, wired LAN, Bluetooth, or infrared communication can be used as the communication method used by the communication unit. The operation of the air conditioner 22 can be controlled by the information processing device 21. Specifically, the target temperature and target humidity set for the air conditioner 22 are changed in response to commands transmitted from the information processing device 21 to the air conditioner 22. The air conditioner 22 operates so that the temperature and humidity (i.e., environmental temperature and environmental humidity) of the room in which the infant 30 is present become the set target temperature and target humidity.

[0042] 2A, 2B, and 2C are a plan view, a cross-sectional view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41. FIG.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 includes a first cover 411. The first cover 411 is a cover that covers the sensor unit and other components. The first cover 411 is, for example, dome-shaped. When viewed from above, the first cover 411 is, for example, circular.

[0044] Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 2(a). In addition to a first cover 411, the garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 includes, for example, a second cover 412, a temperature sensor unit 413, a humidity sensor unit 414, a communication unit 415, and a fastening material 416.

[0045] The first cover 411 is located on the opposite side to the side that comes into contact with the outer surface of the clothing or absorbent article of the infant 30 when the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 is attached to the infant 30 .

[0046] The second cover 412 is a flat plate-shaped member. When the garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is attached to the infant 30, the second cover 412 forms the surface that comes into contact with the outer surface of the infant's 30's clothing or absorbent article. In this case, for example, the entire second cover 412 overlaps the outer surface of the infant's 30's clothing or absorbent article. The second cover 412 has an opening 417. The provision of the opening 417 allows for more accurate measurement of the temperature and humidity of an object overlapping the second cover 412 (i.e., the infant 30) and reduces the influence of temperature and humidity from sources other than the object (e.g., outside air). The second cover 412 is also connected to the first cover 411.

[0047] The space surrounded by the connected second cover 412 and first cover 411 is a storage space 418. The temperature sensor unit 413, the humidity sensor unit 414, and the communication unit 415 are disposed in the storage space 418. In other words, the temperature sensor unit 413, the humidity sensor unit 414, and the communication unit 415 are covered by the connected second cover 412 and first cover 411 except for the portion corresponding to the opening 417.

[0048] The temperature sensor 413 is a sensor that measures the temperature in the vicinity. For example, a thermocouple or a thermistor is used as the temperature sensor 413. The temperature sensor 413 measures the temperature inside the clothing of the infant 30 through the opening 417 in the second cover 412.

[0049] The humidity sensor 414 measures the humidity in the vicinity at predetermined intervals. For example, a capacitance humidity sensor is used as the humidity sensor 414. The humidity sensor 414 measures the humidity inside the clothing of the infant 30 through the opening 417 of the second cover 412.

[0050] A thermal insulator may be provided between the temperature sensor 413 and the humidity sensor 414 and the first cover 411. A thermal insulator may be provided between the temperature sensor 413 and the humidity sensor 414 and the second cover 412, excluding the opening 417. Alternatively, the first cover 411 and the second cover 412 may be formed of a thermal insulator. Examples of the thermal insulator include plastic, ceramics, silicone resin, and urethane resin. The thermal insulator has a thermal conductivity of 20 W / m·K or less, and more preferably 1 W / m·K or less. The thermal insulator reduces the influence of outside air on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 413 and the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 414. This allows for highly accurate measurement of the temperature and humidity of the infant 30. Note that no thermal insulator is provided at the opening 417.

[0051] The communication unit 415 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 and the outside. The communication unit 415 includes, for example, a transmitter and a receiver. The communication unit 415 performs communication with, for example, the information processing device 21. More specifically, the communication unit 415 transmits a signal (data) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit 413 and the humidity measured by the humidity sensor unit 414 to the information processing device 21.

[0052] The fastening material 416 is a member that fastens the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 to the clothing or absorbent article of the infant 30. As the fastening material 416, for example, an adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive, a male member of a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener, etc. may be used.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2(c) , the bottom surface of the inside-garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is made up of a second cover 412 having an opening 417 and a fastening material 416. The bottom surface of the inside-garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is the surface that comes into contact with the outer surface of the infant's 30's clothing or absorbent article when the inside-garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is attached to the infant 30. The bottom surface of the inside-garment temperature and humidity sensor 41 is fixed to the outer surface of the infant's 30's clothing or absorbent article by the fastening material 416.

[0054] The opening 417 may be provided on a surface different from the surface on which the fastening material 416 is provided. For example, when the garment inside temperature and humidity sensor 41 is attached to the infant 30 so that the first cover 411 is closer to the body of the infant 30 than the second cover 412, which includes the surface on which the fastening material 416 is provided, the opening 417 may be provided on the first cover 411. This is because the closer the opening 417 is to the body of the infant 30, the more accurate the temperature and humidity inside the garment can be obtained.

[0055] Furthermore, the method of attaching the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 to the infant 30 is not limited to the method using the fastening material 416, and may also be a method using, for example, tape, a stretchable net, or a stretchable tubular fastener attached to the torso of the infant 30. The same applies to the method of attaching the body movement sensor 42 and the vital sensor 43 to the infant 30. Note that at least one of the body movement sensor 42 and the vital sensor 43 may be placed in the storage space 418 together with the temperature sensor unit 413 and the humidity sensor unit 414. In this case, the communication unit 415 transmits, for example, a signal based on the activity level measured by the body movement sensor 42 and a signal based on the vital signs measured by the vital sensor 43 to the information processing device 21.

[0056] 3 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, a RAM 52, a storage device 53, a touchscreen display 54, a first communication unit 55, a second communication unit 56, a vibration unit 57, and a speaker 58.

[0057] The CPU 51 is a processor that controls the operations of various components within the information processing device 21 .

[0058] The RAM 52 is a volatile memory, such as a DRAM. The storage area of ​​the RAM 52 is allocated as a storage area for, for example, the OS 521, application programs (such as the sleep assistance program 522), and data used in processing by the CPU 51.

[0059] The storage device 53 is a storage device including a non-volatile memory. The storage device 53 is, for example, a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage device 53 stores a program (program product) and data for controlling the operation of the information processing device 21. The storage device 53 stores, for example, clothing temperature data 530, clothing humidity data 531, body movement data 532, vital data 533, environmental temperature data 534, environmental humidity data 535, sleep parameters 536, temperature and humidity factors 537, a comfort range table 538, and a comfort determination table 539. The storage device 53 may further store behavior data 540.

[0060] The clothing temperature data 530 is data indicating the temperature inside the clothing of the infant 30 acquired by the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 .

[0061] The clothing humidity data 531 is data indicating the humidity inside the clothing of the infant 30 acquired by the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41 .

[0062] Body movement data 532 is data indicating the body movement (for example, the amount of activity) of infant 30 acquired by body movement sensor 42 .

[0063] Vital data 533 is data indicating the vital signs of infant 30 acquired by vital sensor 43 .

[0064] The environmental temperature data 534 is data indicating the temperature of the living environment in which the infant 30 is living, acquired by the environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 .

[0065] The environmental humidity data 535 is data obtained by the environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 and indicates the humidity of the living environment in which the infant 30 lives.

[0066] The sleep parameters 536 are parameters for evaluating the quality of sleep of the infant 30. The sleep parameters 536 are calculated using, for example, at least one of the body movement data 532 and the vital data 533.

[0067] The temperature and humidity factors 537 are elements (indicators) related to the temperature and humidity felt by the infant 30, which may affect the sleep parameters 536. The temperature and humidity factors 537 include, for example, statistics of the values ​​calculated using at least one of the clothing temperature data 530, clothing humidity data 531, environmental temperature data 534, and environmental humidity data 535, as well as indicators that affect the temperature and humidity or are derived from the temperature and humidity, such as the absorbent article wetness time and discomfort index. Specific examples of the temperature and humidity factors 537 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 .

[0068] The comfort range table 538 is a collection of information indicating the range of values ​​of the temperature and humidity factor 537 that is suitable for the sleep of the infant 30. More specifically, the comfort range table 538 stores, for each temperature and humidity factor, one or both of the upper and lower limit values ​​indicating the range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 within which a desirable value of the sleep parameter 536 can be obtained. The range of values ​​of the temperature and humidity factor 537 within which a desirable value of the sleep parameter 536 can be obtained is also referred to as the comfort range of that temperature and humidity factor 537. A specific example of the comfort range table 538 will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 .

[0069] The comfort determination table 539 is a table that shows conditions for determining whether a sleeping environment is suitable for the infant 30 (i.e., the comfort of the sleeping environment), and how to deal with the situation when the sleeping environment is not suitable for the infant 30. The sleeping environment includes not only the environment in which the infant 30 spends their time (living environment), but also the environment inside the clothing worn by the infant 30 (inside the clothing). Furthermore, improving the sleeping environment means improving at least one of the environment in which the infant 30 spends their time and the environment inside the clothing worn by the infant 30. The specific configuration of the comfort determination table 539 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18.

[0070] The behavior data 540 indicates the sleep-related behavior of the infant 30. The sleep-related behavior of the infant 30 includes the actions and states of the infant 30 upon waking, during the day, and at night. More specifically, the sleep-related behavior of the infant 30 includes, for example, the infant's waking-up behavior, mood upon waking, daytime behavior, daytime mood, behavior upon waking at night, and mood upon waking at night. Each of the sleep-related behaviors of the infant 30 is used as a criterion for assessing the quality of the infant's sleep. The behavior data 540 is generated (input) based on operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21. The operations performed by the caregiver 31 on the information processing device 21 are, for example, operations performed by the caregiver 31 on a touch panel using a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) of the touch screen display 54. A specific example of the configuration of the behavior data 540 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14 .

[0071] The storage device 53 may further store moving image data. The moving image data is data including time-series images of the baby 30 generated by the imaging device 45.

[0072] The touchscreen display 54 is an input / output device. The touchscreen display 54 includes, for example, an LCD and a touch panel. The touchscreen display 54 displays, for example, an image based on a display signal generated by the CPU 51 on the LCD screen.

[0073] The touch panel is disposed on the upper surface of the LCD. The touch panel is a capacitance-type pointing device for inputting information on the LCD screen. The touch panel detects the contact position on the screen where the finger touches. The touch panel can send a signal indicating the detected contact position to each unit (e.g., the CPU 51) within the information processing device 21. The CPU 51, for example, can detect the movement of the finger based on the change in the detected contact position over time.

[0074] The touch screen display 54 displays information to be notified to the caregiver 31 and images including a GUI that prompts the caregiver 31 to input information. The caregiver 31 can input information about the sleep of the infant 30 into the information processing device 21, for example, by operating the GUI using a touch panel.

[0075] The first communication unit 55 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the information processing device 21 and the outside. The first communication unit 55 performs communication with, for example, the air conditioning equipment 22 and a server device (not shown). The first communication unit 55 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

[0076] The second communication unit 56 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the information processing device 21 and the outside. The second communication unit 56 performs communication with, for example, the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41, the body movement sensor 42, the vital sensor 43, and the environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44. The second communication unit 56 may also perform communication with the imaging device 45. The second communication unit 56 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

[0077] The vibration unit 57 is an output device having a vibration mechanism. The vibration mechanism is realized, for example, as a motor with an eccentric weight attached to a rotation shaft. The vibration unit 57 vibrates the information processing device 21 based on, for example, a signal generated by the CPU 51. The signal generated by the CPU 51 may be a signal that specifies at least one of the vibration magnitude, vibration duration, and vibration pattern.

[0078] The speaker 58 is an output device that outputs, for example, sound based on an audio signal generated by the CPU 51.

[0079] Next, the program (program product) executed by the CPU 51 will be described.

[0080] The CPU 51 executes various programs loaded from the storage device 53 to the RAM 52. The programs executed by the CPU 51 include an operating system (OS) 521 and a sleep assistance program 522.

[0081] The OS 521 is a program for controlling the basic operations of various components within the information processing device 21. The CPU 51 executing the OS 521 controls, for example, input / output, file management, memory management, and communication.

[0082] The sleep support program 522 is a program for supporting improvement of the quality of sleep of the infant 30. More specifically, the sleep support program 522 is configured to cause the information processing device 21 to execute a function for receiving data related to the infant 30 from a plurality of sensors 4 and a function for analyzing the received data and providing sleep support information to the childcare worker 31. The sleep support program 522 may also be configured to cause the information processing device 21 to execute a function for obtaining feedback data on the sleep support information.

[0083] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the CPU 51 that executes the sleep assistance program 522. Note that hereinafter, the information processing device 21 centered around the CPU 51 configured to execute the sleep assistance program 522 may also be referred to as the "CPU 51."

[0084] The CPU 51 includes, for example, a reception processing unit 61, a storage processing unit 62, a sleep parameter calculation unit 63, a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64, an analysis unit 65, a determination unit 66, a notification processing unit 67, a control unit 68, and a feedback processing unit 69. The CPU 51 may further include a generation processing unit 60. The reception processing unit 61, the storage processing unit 62, the sleep parameter calculation unit 63, the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64, the analysis unit 65, the determination unit 66, the notification processing unit 67, the control unit 68, the feedback processing unit 69, and the generation processing unit 60 are functional components that are provided in the CPU 51 by, for example, executing the sleep assistance program 522.

[0085] The reception processing unit 61 receives data from each of the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41, body movement sensor 42, vital sensor 43, and environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44 via the second communication unit 56. The received data includes time-series clothing temperature data 530, clothing humidity data 531, body movement data 532, vital data 533, environmental temperature data 534, and environmental humidity data 535. The reception processing unit 61 sends the received data to the storage processing unit 62.

[0086] The storage processing unit 62 stores the data sent from the reception processing unit 61 in the storage device 53. The storage processing unit 62 associates, for example, clothing temperature data 530, clothing humidity data 531, body movement data 532, vital data 533, environmental temperature data 534, and environmental humidity data 535 with the date, time, and minute and stores them in the storage device 53. The associated date, time, and minute are the date, time, and minute when the corresponding data was measured, and are sent from each sensor together with the data. However, if the data is sent in real time, the associated date, time, and minute may be added by the reception processing unit 61 when receiving the data.

[0087] For each sleep session of infant 30, sleep parameter calculation unit 63 calculates sleep parameters 536 corresponding to the sleep session using, for example, at least one of body movement data 532 and vital data 533 stored in storage device 53. Sleep parameter calculation unit 63 may also calculate sleep parameters 536 using information input by childcare worker 31 (e.g., the start time of putting infant to sleep). Alternatively, sleep parameter calculation unit 63 may calculate sleep parameters 536 using moving image data generated by imaging device 45. The calculated sleep parameters 536 are stored in storage device 53.

[0088] Note that one sleep is, for example, a nighttime sleep. More specifically, one sleep is, for example, the longest sleep within a 24-hour period including the nighttime (for example, 24 hours from 12:00 noon on one day to 12:00 noon on the next day). One sleep may span multiple dates. Hereinafter, one sleep will be identified by the date on which the sleep began. For example, sleep from 8:00 p.m. on April 1st to 6:00 a.m. on April 2nd will be identified as sleep on April 1st. In other words, sleep on one day may span the next day.

[0089] For example, for each sleep session of the infant 30 per day (each sleep session), the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64 calculates a temperature and humidity factor 537 corresponding to the sleep session of the day by using at least one of the clothing temperature data 530, the clothing humidity data 531, the environmental temperature data 534, and the environmental humidity data 535 stored in the storage device 53. The calculated temperature and humidity factor 537 is stored in the storage device 53.

[0090] For example, the analysis unit 65 analyzes the sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 corresponding to sleep over a specific period to acquire highly relevant (relevant) combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537. Hereinafter, this specific period will also be referred to as the first period. The first period may include, for example, M days (M times) of sleep by the infant 30. M is an integer equal to or greater than 2, e.g., 6. The first period may vary depending on the infant 30's age in months. Note that if the storage device 53 stores sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 corresponding to more than M days of sleep, the analysis unit 65 may select and acquire the sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 corresponding to M days of sleep with better sleep quality. The analysis unit 65 analyzes the acquired sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 corresponding to the M days of sleep to acquire highly relevant combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537. Sleep parameters 536 corresponding to sleep in the first period are also simply referred to as sleep parameters of the first period 536. Temperature and humidity factors 537 corresponding to sleep in the first period are also simply referred to as temperature and humidity factors 537 of the first period.

[0091] Next, the analysis unit 65 calculates a range of values ​​(comfort range) of the temperature and humidity factor 537 that will yield a preferable value for the sleep parameter 536, based on the combination of the sleep parameter 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 that is more highly correlated. The analysis unit 65 sets the calculated comfort range in the comfort range table 538 in the storage device 53. This makes it possible to set a comfort range appropriate for each infant 30 in the comfort range table 538. A specific example of analyzing the sleep parameter 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 and setting the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 in the comfort range table 538 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 .

[0092] The determination unit 66 determines, for example, at regular intervals, whether the current sleeping environment indicated by the temperature and humidity factor 537 is suitable for the infant 30 (the comfort of the sleeping environment) using the comfort range table 538 and the comfort determination table 539. Alternatively, the determination unit 66 may determine whether the current sleeping environment is suitable for the infant 30 in response to an operation on the information processing device 21 by the childcare worker 31 (more specifically, an operation requesting a determination of the comfort of the sleeping environment).

[0093] Specifically, the determination unit 66 determines whether the current clothing temperature, clothing humidity, environmental temperature, and environmental humidity are each within the comfort range set in the comfort range table 538. The current clothing temperature is, for example, the clothing temperature indicated by the most recently acquired (stored) data among the clothing temperature data 530 stored in the storage device 53. The same applies to the current clothing humidity, environmental temperature, and environmental humidity. A sleep environment suitable for an infant 30 is, for example, an environment in which the current clothing temperature, clothing humidity, environmental temperature, and environmental humidity are all within the comfort range set in the comfort range table 538. In contrast, a sleep environment unsuitable for an infant 30 is, for example, an environment in which at least one of the current clothing temperature, clothing humidity, environmental temperature, and environmental humidity is outside the comfort range set in the comfort range table 538.

[0094] If the current sleep environment is suitable for the infant 30, the determination unit 66 generates sleep support information indicating that the current sleep environment is suitable for the infant 30. Then, the determination unit 66 sends the generated sleep support information to the notification processing unit 67.

[0095] If the current sleep environment is not suitable for the infant 30, the determination unit 66 acquires a countermeasure from the comfort determination table 539 based on the determination result of whether the current clothing temperature, clothing humidity, environmental temperature, and environmental humidity are each within the comfort range set in the comfort range table 538. The acquired countermeasure is a countermeasure for making the sleep environment suitable for the infant 30. A specific method for acquiring a countermeasure from the comfort determination table 539 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 . The determination unit 66 generates information including at least one of the determination result indicating that the current sleep environment is not suitable for the infant 30 and the countermeasure. The determination unit 66 then sends the generated sleep support information to the notification processing unit 67. Note that if the countermeasure acquired from the comfort determination table 539 includes a countermeasure involving controlling the air conditioning equipment 22, the determination unit 66 may further send the sleep support information to the control unit 68.

[0096] The notification processor 67 notifies the childcare worker 31 of information about the sleeping environment of the infant 30. Specifically, the notification processor 67 obtains the comfort range table 538 from the storage device 53. The notification processor 67 notifies the childcare worker 31 of the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 based on the obtained comfort range table 538. The notification processor 67 may also obtain data indicating the current sleeping environment (hereinafter referred to as current sleeping environment data). The current sleeping environment data includes, for example, the most recent clothing temperature data 530, clothing humidity data 531, environmental temperature data 534, and environmental humidity data 535. The notification processor 67 notifies the childcare worker 31 of the obtained current sleeping environment data and the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 based on the comfort range table 538. The notification processor 67 may also receive sleep support information sent from the determination unit 66. The notification processor 67 notifies the child care provider 31 of the acquired current sleeping environment data, the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 based on the comfort range table 538, and the received sleep support information. The notification processor 67 may notify the child care provider 31 of at least one of the current sleeping environment data, the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 based on the comfort range table 538, and the sleep support information. This notification is made using, for example, at least one of the touchscreen display 54 and the speaker 58.

[0097] When the judgment unit 66 sends a signal to the notification processing unit 67 indicating that the sleeping environment is not suitable for the infant 30, in addition to the above notification, a signal may also be sent from the judgment unit 66 to the vibration unit 57 to alert the caregiver 31, and notification may be made via vibration.

[0098] For example, the notification processor 67 generates a display signal for displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as a notification image) notifying the current sleep environment data, the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537, and the sleep support information. The notification image includes, for example, an image in which at least one of the current sleep environment data is plotted against the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537, which is represented by two-dimensional coordinates of temperature and humidity, and an image notifying the sleep support information. The notification image may also include a GUI for inputting an evaluation of the notified sleep support information. The GUI for inputting an evaluation of the notified sleep support information may be, for example, a button for inputting whether the notified sleep support information was appropriate or the degree of appropriateness. The notification processor 67 sends the generated display signal to the touchscreen display 54. The touchscreen display 54 displays the notification image on the screen based on the received display signal. By viewing the displayed notification image, the caregiver 31 can check the current sleep environment data and the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 for the infant 30 and obtain sleep support information for creating a sleep environment suitable for the infant 30. The caregiver 31 implements a countermeasure based on the sleep support information (e.g., reducing one piece of clothing for the infant 30, operating the air conditioner 22, etc.), thereby providing the infant 30 with a comfortable sleep environment based on the sleep support information (i.e., temperature inside the clothing, humidity inside the clothing, environmental temperature, and environmental humidity within a comfortable range), thereby improving the quality of sleep of the infant 30.

[0099] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 67 may send a signal requesting vibration to the vibration unit 57 based on the received sleep support information. The vibration unit 57 vibrates the information processing device 21 based on the received signal. By vibrating the information processing device 21, the child care person 31 can be prompted to check the notification image displayed on the screen. This vibration may have a specific vibration pattern. The child care person 31 can recognize that sleep support information has been notified when the information processing device 21 vibrates with the specific vibration pattern.

[0100] Furthermore, the notification processor 67 may send an audio signal based on the sleep support information to the speaker 58. The speaker 58 outputs a sound based on the received audio signal. This sound may be a specific message read aloud or an alarm sound. The childcare worker 31 can recognize the sleep support information by the sound. Alternatively, the sound may prompt the childcare worker 31 to check the notification image displayed on the screen.

[0101] The control unit 68 receives the sleep support information sent from the determination unit 66. The control unit 68 generates a request for at least one of the environmental temperature and the environmental humidity based on the sleep support information. The request includes, for example, information indicating at least one of the target temperature and the target humidity set for the air conditioner 22. Alternatively, the request may include information indicating at least one of raising the environmental temperature, lowering the environmental temperature, raising the environmental humidity, and lowering the environmental humidity. The control unit 68 transmits the generated request to the air conditioner 22, for example, via the first communication unit 55. The air conditioner 22 receives the request transmitted by the control unit 68 and operates based on the request. This allows a comfortable sleep environment (e.g., environmental temperature and humidity within a comfortable range) to be provided for the infant 30 based on the sleep support information.

[0102] The feedback processor 69 processes feedback in response to information notified to the childcare provider 31. Specifically, the feedback processor 69 processes feedback based on, for example, operations performed on the touch screen display 54 by the childcare provider 31.

[0103] The feedback indicates an evaluation of the notified sleep support information. More specifically, the feedback indicates, for example, the result of the childcare provider's judgment on whether the notified information was appropriate. The feedback processor 69 may use the feedback to update the comfort range table 538 in cooperation with the analyzer 65.

[0104] The notification processor 67 may further perform a process for prompting the caregiver 31 to input information related to the behavior of the infant 30. The process for prompting the caregiver 31 to input information related to the behavior of the infant 30 is, for example, a process for displaying an image including a GUI for inputting information related to the behavior of the infant 30 (hereinafter, referred to as an information input image) on the touch screen display 54. The GUI for inputting information is, for example, a button for selecting the actual behavior of the infant 30 from candidate behaviors of the infant 30, or a text area for inputting text representing the behavior of the infant 30.

[0105] More specifically, the notification processor 67 generates, for example, a display signal for displaying an information input image. The notification processor 67 sends the generated display signal to the touchscreen display 54. The touchscreen display 54 displays the information input image on the screen based on the received display signal. 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.

[0106] The notification processor 67 may further use at least one of the vibrator 57 and the speaker 58 to prompt the childcare worker 31 to input information.

[0107] Specifically, when the information input image is displayed, the notification processing unit 67 may send a signal requesting vibration to the vibration unit 57. The vibration unit 57 vibrates the information processing device 21 based on the received signal. By vibrating the information processing device 21, the childcare worker 31 can be prompted to check the information input image displayed on the screen. This vibration may have a specific vibration pattern. The childcare worker 31 can recognize that the information input image has been displayed when the information processing device 21 vibrates with the specific vibration pattern.

[0108] The notification processor 67 may also send an audio signal associated with the information input image to the speaker 58. The speaker 58 outputs a sound based on the received audio signal. This sound may be a specific message read aloud or an alarm sound. The sound can prompt the childcare worker 31 to check the information input image displayed on the screen.

[0109] The generation processing unit 60 generates data based on operations by the childcare provider 31. The data based on operations by the childcare provider 31 includes, for example, behavior data 540. The generation processing unit 60 generates the behavior data 540 based on, for example, operations by the childcare provider 31 on the touch screen display 54 on which an information input image is displayed. The generation processing unit 60 stores the generated behavior data 540 in the storage device 53 in association with a date (or date, time, and minute).

[0110] Here, a description will be given of the sleep parameters 536 calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63. FIG.

[0111] The sleep parameters 536 are parameters for evaluating the quality of sleep of the infant 30. The sleep parameters 536 include, for example, the average amount of activity during activity, the start time of putting the infant to sleep, the time taken to put the infant to sleep, the time when the infant falls asleep, the time when the infant wakes up, the total sleep time, the time spent awake during sleep, the number of times the infant wakes up during sleep, the amount of activity per unit time, the deep sleep occupancy rate, the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep occupancy rate, the sleep efficiency, the heart rate, the heart rate variability, the respiratory rate per unit time, and the peripheral skin temperature. Each sleep parameter is sent to the determination unit 66, which determines whether it is good or bad, and the result is sent to the notification processing unit 67, which notifies the result, similar to the temperature and humidity factors.

[0112] The average activity amount when active is the average value of the activity amounts when body movement is detected between the time when the infant falls asleep and the time when the infant wakes up. In other words, the average activity amount when active is the average value of the non-zero activity amounts measured between the time when the infant falls asleep and the time when the infant wakes up. The average activity amount when active is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63, for example, based on the body movement data 532 acquired by the body movement sensor 42. The lower the average activity amount when active, the better. Therefore, if the average activity amount when active is smaller than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0113] The sleep-putting start time is the time when the caregiver 31 starts putting the infant 30 to sleep (for example, the time when the infant 30 gets into bed). The sleep-putting start time is also referred to as the bedtime or the time of going to bed. The sleep-putting start time is input, for example, by the caregiver 31 operating the information processing device 21. Alternatively, the sleep-putting start time may be obtained, for example, by the CPU 51 analyzing video data captured by the imaging device 45. The earlier the sleep-putting start time, the better; therefore, if the start time is earlier than a predetermined time, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of the infant 30's sleep is good.

[0114] The sleep time is the time from the start time of putting to sleep to the time of falling asleep. For example, the sleep time is calculated based on the start time of putting to sleep and the time of falling asleep after the start time of putting to sleep is input and the sleep parameter calculation unit 63 calculates the time of falling asleep. The shorter the sleep time, the better, and therefore the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good if the time is shorter than a predetermined time.

[0115] The sleep onset time is the time at which the infant 30 falls asleep. The sleep onset time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63, for example, based on the body movement data 532 acquired by the body movement sensor 42 or the vital data 533 acquired by the vital sensor 43. The sleep onset time is, for example, the first time after the start time of putting the infant to sleep that the body movement of the infant 30 becomes zero for a certain period of time (for example, five minutes). Alternatively, the sleep onset time may be input based on an operation of the information processing device 21 by the caregiver 31. The earlier the sleep onset time, the better. Therefore, if the sleep onset time is earlier than a predetermined time, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of the infant 30's sleep is good.

[0116] 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 body movement (e.g., body movement with an activity intensity equal to or greater than a threshold and continuing for one hour or more) begins after the sleep onset time. The wake-up time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63, for example, based on body movement data 532 acquired by the body movement sensor 42 or vital data 533 acquired by the vital sensor 43. Alternatively, the wake-up time may be input based on an operation of the information processing device 21 by the childcare worker 31. The earlier the wake-up time, the better. Therefore, if the wake-up time is earlier than a predetermined time, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of the infant 30's sleep is good.

[0117] The total sleep time is the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up, minus the time of waking up during sleep. For example, the total sleep time is calculated based on the time of falling asleep, the time of waking up, and the time of waking up during sleep, which are calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63. Alternatively, the total sleep time may be input by the childcare worker 31 using the information processing device 21. If the total sleep time is within the range of the reference time for each month corresponding to the infant 30, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of the sleep of the infant 30 is good. Furthermore, the closer the total sleep time is to the range of the reference time for each month corresponding to the infant 30, the better the determination unit 66 may determine that the quality of the sleep of the infant 30 is.

[0118] FIG. 6 shows an example of the reference time for the total sleeping time of the infant 30.

[0119] The awakening time is the time during which body movement of an intensity equal to or greater than a threshold occurs and does not continue for a specific period of time (e.g., one hour) between the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up. The awakening time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63, for example, based on body movement data 532 acquired by the body movement sensor 42 or on vital data 533 acquired by the vital sensor 43. The shorter the awakening time, the better; therefore, if the awakening time is shorter than a predetermined time, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0120] The number of awakenings during sleep is the number of times that awakenings occur between the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up. The number of awakenings during sleep is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63 based on the number of awakenings during the time of falling asleep and the time of waking up. The fewer the number of awakenings during sleep, the better. Therefore, if the number of awakenings is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0121] The amount of activity per unit time is a value obtained by converting the amount of activity from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up into a value per unit time. The amount of activity per unit time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63, for example, based on body movement data 532 acquired by the body movement sensor 42. The smaller the amount of activity per unit time, the better; therefore, if this amount is smaller than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good. However, if the amount of activity per unit time is zero, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is poor. The unit time is, for example, one hour.

[0122] The deep sleep occupancy rate is the ratio of deep sleep time to the time from fall asleep to wake-up time. The deep sleep time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63, for example, based on body movement data 532 acquired by the body movement sensor 42. The higher the deep sleep occupancy rate, the better. Therefore, if the deep sleep occupancy rate is greater than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0123] The REM sleep occupancy rate is the ratio of REM sleep time to the time from fall asleep to wake-up time. The REM sleep time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63 based on, for example, body movement data 532 acquired by the body movement sensor 42. The higher the REM sleep occupancy rate, the better. Therefore, if the REM sleep occupancy rate is greater than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of infant 30's sleep is good.

[0124] Sleep efficiency is the ratio of the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up (i.e., total sleep time) to the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up. For example, sleep efficiency is calculated based on the time of falling asleep, the time of waking up, and the total sleep time calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63. If the sleep efficiency value is higher than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0125] The heart rate is the heart rate during deep sleep (for example, the mode of the heart rate three hours after falling asleep). The mode of the heart rate is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63 based on, for example, data corresponding to the deep sleep time among the vital data 533 acquired by the vital sensor 43 (more specifically, heart rate data measured by the heart rate sensor). The lower the mode of the heart rate, the better; therefore, if the mode of the heart rate is smaller than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of the sleep of the infant 30 is good. However, if the mode of the heart rate is 50 or less, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of the sleep of the infant 30 is poor.

[0126] The respiration rate per unit time is the respiration rate per unit time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up. The respiration rate per unit time is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63 based on, for example, the data corresponding to the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up among the vital data 533 acquired by the vital sensor 43 (more specifically, the respiration rate data measured by the respiration rate sensor). A lower respiration rate per unit time is considered better, and therefore, if the respiration rate per unit time is smaller than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good.

[0127] The distal skin temperature is the average skin temperature of the extremities, such as the hands and feet, from the time the infant falls asleep to the time the infant wakes up. The distal skin temperature is calculated by the sleep parameter calculation unit 63 based on, for example, vital data 533 acquired by the vital sensor 43 (more specifically, skin temperature data measured by the skin temperature sensor) that corresponds to the time from the time the infant falls asleep to the time the infant wakes up. The higher the distal skin temperature during sleep, the better, and therefore, if the distal skin temperature is greater than a predetermined value, the determination unit 66 determines that the quality of the infant's sleep is good.

[0128] In this way, by using the sleep parameters 536, the sleep support system 1A can evaluate the quality of sleep of the infant 30. The sleep parameters 536 are not limited to the examples described above, and various parameters that can evaluate the quality of sleep of the infant 30 can be used.

[0129] The sleeping time of the infant 30 varies depending on the age (months), as shown in Reference 1 below.

[0130] Reference 1: Research Group on Sleep and Information and Communication Device Use in Preschool Children, "Sleep Guidelines for Preschool Children," [online], [Retrieved March 30, 2023], Internet <URL: <https: / / www.mhlw.go.jp / content / 000375711.pdf>

[0131] Next, a description will be given of the temperature and humidity factor 537 calculated by the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64. Fig. 7 shows an example of an outline of each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors 537.

[0132] The temperature and humidity factors 537 are elements related to temperature and humidity that may affect the sleep parameters 536. The temperature and humidity factors 537 include, for example, time-varying temperature and humidity statistics such as average clothing temperature, average clothing humidity, average environmental temperature, and average environmental humidity, factors that affect temperature and humidity such as absorbent article wetness time, and indices derived from temperature and humidity such as a discomfort index. In addition to these temperature and humidity factors 537, FIG. 7 also shows urination time and absorbent article change time, which are parameters for obtaining the absorbent article wetness time, which is the temperature and humidity factor 537. Furthermore, as described below, the temperature and humidity factor 537 may be calculated using the sleep onset time and wake-up time included in the sleep parameters 536. In this case, the temperature and humidity factor 537 may be calculated after the sleep onset time and wake-up time for the corresponding day have been calculated.

[0133] The average clothing temperature or average clothing humidity is the average value of the clothing temperature or humidity from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up. The average clothing temperature or average clothing humidity is calculated by the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64 based on, for example, the data corresponding to the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up among the clothing temperature data 530 or the clothing humidity data 531 acquired by the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41. Note that instead of the average clothing temperature or average clothing humidity, other statistical values ​​of the clothing temperature or humidity may be used. The statistical values ​​may be, for example, various statistical values ​​such as a deviation value, a median, a maximum value, and a minimum value.

[0134] The urination time is the time when urination occurs by the infant 30. For example, the time when the temperature and humidity inside the clothes start to rise simultaneously is used as the urination time. The urination time is calculated by the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64 based on the temperature data 530 inside the clothes and the humidity data 531 inside the clothes acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor 41.

[0135] The absorbent article change time is the time when the absorbent article worn by the infant 30 is changed. For example, the time when the humidity inside the clothing suddenly drops is used as the absorbent article change time. The absorbent article change time is calculated by the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64 based on the inside clothing humidity data 531 acquired by the inside clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41, for example.

[0136] The absorbent article wetness time is the time during which the absorbent article worn by the infant 30 is wet between the time the infant falls asleep and the time the infant wakes up. In other words, the absorbent article wetness time is the time from the time the infant urinates to the time the absorbent article is changed. If there are multiple urinations (or multiple absorbent article changes) between the time the infant falls asleep and the time the infant wakes up, the absorbent article wetness time is the sum of the time from each urination to the most recent absorbent article change.

[0137] The average environmental temperature or humidity is the average value of the environmental temperature or humidity from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up. The average environmental temperature or humidity is calculated by the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64 based on, for example, the data corresponding to the time from the time of falling asleep to the time of waking up among the environmental temperature data 534 or the environmental humidity data 535 acquired by the environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44. Note that instead of the average environmental temperature or average environmental humidity, other statistical values ​​of the environmental temperature or humidity may be used.

[0138] The discomfort index included in the temperature and humidity factor 537 is calculated by the temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 64 using, for example, the average environmental temperature and average environmental humidity described above as the environmental temperature and environmental humidity, respectively, in the following formula (1): discomfort index=0.81×environmental temperature+0.01×environmental humidity×(0.99×environmental temperature−14.3)+46.3 Formula (1)

[0139] The information processing device 21 analyzes the association between these temperature and humidity factors 537 and the quality of sleep of the infant 30 (e.g., sleep parameters 536) using these temperature and humidity factors 537 as candidates, and obtains, for example, a correlation equation, the relationship between each of the temperature and humidity factors 537 and the quality of sleep of the infant 30. The temperature and humidity factors 537 are not limited to the examples described above, and various numerical indices related to temperature and humidity that may affect the quality of sleep of the infant 30 may be used.

[0140] The sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factors 537 are obtained, for example, for each sleep session of the infant 30 per day and stored in the storage device 53. Furthermore, the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factors 537 for the first period are used in the correlation analysis to determine the relationship between the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factors 537. Depending on the type of sleep parameter 536 for which the correlation is to be determined, data on the temperature and humidity factors 537 for only a portion of the first period, such as only the time spent putting the infant to sleep, only three hours after falling asleep, only one hour before waking up, or only one hour before waking up, may be used instead. In this case, for example, a statistical value of the temperature and humidity factor 537 is calculated from the data on the temperature and humidity factor 537 for such a portion of the first period.

[0141] 8 shows examples of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for the first period stored in storage device 53. Here, examples of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for the first period obtained for each of the sleep periods of infant 30 over three different days are shown.

[0142] For example, during sleep on Day 1, the amount of activity per unit time is 22.4. The total sleep time is 432 minutes. The time it takes to put the child to sleep (sleep latency) is 38 minutes. The time it takes to put the child to sleep (time of going to bed) is 11:38 PM. The wake-up time is 7:54 AM. The number of times the child woke up is 1. The temperature inside the clothing is 29.3°C. The ambient humidity is 46%. The same applies to sleep on Days 2 and 3.

[0143] An example of the operation of the analysis unit 65 that analyzes the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 and calculates the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

[0144] The analysis unit 65 of the information processing device 21 is activated, for example, automatically by the CPU 51 or in response to an instruction from the operator, in response to the sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for the first period (sleep on day M) being stored in the storage device 53. The analysis unit 65 analyzes the association between each of the sleep parameters 536 and each of the temperature and humidity factors 537 and obtains an equation indicating the relationship between them. Note that the analysis unit 65 may be activated automatically after a predetermined period, such as one week, has elapsed since the previous activation.

[0145] The analysis unit 65 acquires the sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for the first period (M days of sleep) from the storage device 53. If the storage device 53 stores sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for more than M days, the analysis unit 65 may acquire the sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for M days on which sleep quality was best. The analysis unit 65 may, for example, compare the sleep parameters 536 of each day to determine the day with better sleep quality. The day with better sleep quality is, for example, the M days that include more sleep parameters 536 determined to have good sleep quality when comparing the sleep parameters 536. If the sleep quality of a combination of two days cannot be determined, the analysis unit 65 may determine that the sleep quality of the two days is the same. Alternatively, the analysis unit 65 may determine the sleep quality of the two days according to the priority order of the sleep parameters 536.

[0146] 9 shows an example of the priority order of sleep parameters 536 when determining the quality of sleep. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the priority order is sleep efficiency, deep sleep occupancy rate, REM sleep occupancy rate, activity amount per unit time, average activity amount when active, etc. The priority order is lowest for the start time of putting the child to sleep (time of going to bed).

[0147] The analysis unit 65 uses, for example, at least one of a regression line, a regression curve, and multiple regression analysis to analyze the correlation between the acquired sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factors 537. For example, when a regression line is used to analyze the correlation, the analysis unit 65 acquires N combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 in descending order of absolute value of the correlation coefficient from among combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 whose absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the regression line is equal to or greater than a first threshold. Alternatively, when a regression line and a regression curve are used to analyze the correlation, the analysis unit 65 may acquire N combinations in descending order of coefficient of determination from among combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 whose coefficient of determination of the regression line is equal to or greater than a second threshold, and combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 whose coefficient of determination of the regression curve is equal to or greater than the second threshold. N is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Furthermore, for example, when multiple regression analysis is used to analyze the association, analysis unit 65 calculates coefficients for each of multiple temperature and humidity factors 537 through multiple regression analysis in which one of sleep parameters 536 is used as the objective variable (dependent variable) and multiple temperature and humidity factors 537 are used as explanatory variables (independent variables), thereby acquiring a multiple regression equation for sleep parameter 536. For example, when analysis unit 65 acquires multiple multiple regression equations corresponding to each of multiple sleep parameters 536, analysis unit 65 acquires N multiple regression equations in descending order of coefficient based on the largest coefficient included in each of the multiple regression equations. The acquired N multiple regression equations correspond to N combinations of sleep parameter 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 with the largest coefficients.

[0148] 10 shows an example of the correlation coefficient r between each sleep parameter 536 and each temperature and humidity factor 537. Here, a case where a regression line is used to analyze the relationship between the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 is illustrated. The sleep parameters 536 include time to put a child to sleep, time to fall asleep, time to wake up, total sleep time, number of awakenings during sleep, and amount of activity per unit time. The temperature and humidity factors 537 include average environmental temperature, average environmental humidity, average temperature inside clothing, average humidity inside clothing, and absorbent article wetness time. In this case, the correlation coefficient r can be calculated for all combinations of time to put a child to sleep, time to fall asleep, time to wake up, total sleep time, number of awakenings during sleep, and amount of activity per unit time with average environmental temperature, average environmental humidity, average temperature inside clothing, average humidity inside clothing, and absorbent article wetness time. For a combination of a certain sleep parameter 536 and a certain temperature and humidity factor 537, the higher the correlation between the sleep parameter 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537, the larger the absolute value of the correlation coefficient r.

[0149] 10, the correlation coefficient r between the putting-to-bed time and the average environmental temperature is −0.785. The correlation coefficient r between the putting-to-bed time and the average environmental humidity is −0.177. In this case, the correlation between the putting-to-bed time and the average environmental temperature is higher than that between the putting-to-bed time and the average environmental humidity.

[0150] The correlation coefficient r between the amount of activity per unit time and the average environmental temperature is 0.268. The correlation coefficient r between the amount of activity per unit time and the average environmental humidity is −0.846. In this case, the correlation between the amount of activity per unit time and the average environmental humidity is higher than that between the amount of activity per unit time and the average environmental temperature.

[0151] For example, from among the combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 whose absolute values ​​of correlation coefficients r are equal to or greater than a first threshold, analysis unit 65 acquires N combinations in descending order of the absolute value of correlation coefficient r. Here, it is assumed that the first threshold is 0.4 and N is 5. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 10, five combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 whose absolute values ​​of correlation coefficients r are equal to or greater than 0.4 and whose absolute values ​​of correlation coefficients r are large are acquired. That is, combinations of activity amount per unit time and average environmental humidity, combinations of wake-up time and average clothing temperature, combinations of putting time to sleep and average environmental temperature, combinations of wake-up time and average environmental temperature, and combinations of number of awakenings and average environmental temperature are acquired.

[0152] Based on the acquired combination of sleep parameter 536 and temperature and humidity factor 537 having a higher correlation, analysis unit 65 calculates a range of values ​​(comfort range) of temperature and humidity factor 537 that will yield a preferable value of sleep parameter 536. More specifically, analysis unit 65 calculates the comfort range of temperature and humidity factor 537 based on, for example, a regression line corresponding to the combination of sleep parameter 536 and temperature and humidity factor 537 having a higher correlation.

[0153] Based on the obtained regression line, the analysis unit 65 determines a specific range as the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 as follows: First, the range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 actually measured during the first time period is determined. Next, using the previously obtained regression line (regression equation) between the temperature and humidity factor 537 and the related sleep parameter 536, the value of the temperature and humidity factor 537 within that range that corresponds to the value of the sleep parameter 536 that is most suitable for the sleep of the infant 30 is determined, and this value is set as the beginning (i.e., one end) of the comfort range. Furthermore, a specific proportion of the entire range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 that belongs to the beginning of the comfort range, for example, one-third of the range, is set as the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537.

[0154] 11A to 11E, examples of the comfort zone calculated based on the regression line will be described. Figures 11A to 11E correspond to the combinations of the amount of activity per unit time and the average environmental humidity, the combination of the wake-up time and the average clothing temperature, the combination of the time to put the patient to sleep and the average environmental temperature, the combination of the wake-up time and the average environmental temperature, and the combination of the number of awakenings and the average environmental temperature, respectively, acquired in the example shown in Figure 10.

[0155] 11A shows an example of a comfort range based on a regression line between the amount of activity per unit time and the average environmental humidity. Regression line 71 shows the relationship between the amount of activity per unit time of infant 30 and the average environmental humidity obtained during the first period (M days of sleep).

[0156] Based on the regression line 71, a specific range 71R of average environmental humidity is determined as the comfortable range of average environmental humidity, for example, as follows. As described above, the lower the activity level per unit time, the better the quality of sleep of the infant 30. Therefore, for example, within the entire range of activity levels per unit time indicated by the regression line 71, the average environmental humidity value corresponding to the most suitable activity level per unit time for the infant 30 to sleep (i.e., the lowest activity level) is set as the beginning (i.e., right end) of the comfortable range. Here, the lowest activity level is not the actual activity level measured, but rather the activity level calculated from the actually measured average environmental humidity using the equation representing the regression line 71. Next, the average environmental humidity value corresponding to the most inappropriate activity level (i.e., the highest activity level) is determined (in the figure, the left end of the regression line 71), and the range between this value and the beginning of the previously determined comfortable range is set as the average environmental humidity range. Within the entire range of average environmental humidity thus determined, a specific percentage of the range at the beginning of the comfortable range is set as the comfortable range of average environmental humidity. The specific percentage is, for example, 1 / 3. In the example shown in Fig. 11A, the range of average environmental humidity is 45% to 69%. Within that range, a range 71R from 61% to 69% at the top of the comfort range is determined as the comfortable range of average environmental humidity during sleep. The range 71R from 61% to 69% is 1 / 3 of the entire range of average environmental humidity indicated by the regression line 71, with 69% as the upper limit.

[0157] 11B shows an example of a comfort range based on a regression line between wake-up time and average clothing temperature. Regression line 72 shows the relationship between wake-up time and average clothing temperature of infant 30 acquired in the first period.

[0158] Based on the regression line 72, a specific range 72R of the average clothing temperature is determined as the comfortable range of the average clothing temperature as follows: As described above, the earlier the wake-up time, the better the quality of sleep of the infant 30. Therefore, the specific range 72R is a specific percentage of the entire range of average clothing temperatures, for example, with the average clothing temperature value corresponding to the most suitable wake-up time for the infant 30 (i.e., the earliest wake-up time) as the beginning (i.e., one end) of the comfortable range within the entire range of wake-up times indicated by the regression line 72, and the other end being a wake-up time calculated from the actually measured average clothing temperatures using the equation representing the regression line 72, rather than the actually measured wake-up time. In the example shown in FIG. 11B , a range 72R from 32°C to 33°C is calculated as the comfortable range of the average clothing temperature during sleep. The range 72R from 32°C to 33°C is one-third of the entire range of average clothing temperatures indicated by the regression line 72, with 33°C as the upper end.

[0159] 11C shows an example of a comfort zone based on a regression line between the time to put the infant to sleep and the average ambient temperature. A regression line 73 indicates the relationship between the time to put the infant to sleep acquired during the first period and the average ambient temperature. Note that the average ambient temperature used in this analysis for the relationship with the time to put the infant to sleep is the average ambient temperature from the start of putting the infant to sleep until the infant falls asleep.

[0160] 11C , a range 73R from 23° C. to 23.5° C. is calculated as the comfortable range of the average ambient temperature during sleep. The range 73R from 23° C. to 23.5° C. is one-third of the entire range of average ambient temperatures indicated by the regression line 73, with 23.5° C. as the upper limit. As outlined above, the method for calculating this comfortable range is similar to the method for calculating the average ambient humidity and the average temperature inside clothing, and therefore details will be omitted.

[0161] 11D shows an example of a comfort range based on a regression line between wake-up time and average ambient temperature. Regression line 74 shows the relationship between wake-up time of infant 30 and average ambient temperature obtained in the first time period.

[0162] 11D , a range 74R from 22.5° C. to 23.0° C. is calculated as the comfortable range of the average ambient temperature during sleep. The range 74R from 22.5° C. to 23.0° C. is one-third of the entire range of the average ambient temperature indicated by the regression line 74, with 23.0° C. as the upper limit. As outlined above, the method for calculating this comfortable range is similar to the method for calculating the average ambient humidity and the average temperature inside clothing, and therefore, details will be omitted.

[0163] 11E shows an example of a comfort range based on a regression line between the number of awakenings during sleep and the average ambient temperature. Regression line 75 shows the relationship between the number of awakenings during sleep and the average ambient temperature of infant 30 obtained during the first period.

[0164] 11E, a range 75R from 21.2°C to 21.9°C is calculated as the comfortable range of average ambient temperature during sleep. The range 75R from 21.2°C to 21.9°C is one-third of the entire range of average ambient temperature indicated by the regression line 75, with 21.2°C at the bottom. As outlined above, the method for calculating this comfortable range is similar to the method for calculating average ambient humidity and average clothing temperature, and therefore details will be omitted.

[0165] The comfort range of the average environmental temperature during sleep is also calculated from the regression line 74 between the wake-up time and the average environmental temperature shown in FIG. 11D . If the comfort range of a certain temperature and humidity factor 537 can be calculated from a combination with at least one sleep parameter 536, the comfort range of that temperature and humidity factor 537 is calculated, for example, using the regression line of a combination with a higher correlation. For example, if the combination of the wake-up time and the average environmental temperature shown in FIG. 11D has a higher correlation than the combination of the number of awakenings during sleep and the average environmental temperature shown in FIG. 11E , the comfort range of the average environmental temperature is calculated based on the regression line 74 between the wake-up time and the average environmental temperature. In this case, the comfort range of the average environmental temperature based on the regression line 75 between the number of awakenings during sleep and the average environmental temperature, which has a lower correlation, is not calculated, for example.

[0166] The analysis unit 65 stores the determined comfort zone in, for example, the comfort zone table 538 in the storage device 53 .

[0167] 12 shows an example of the configuration of the comfort range table 538. The comfort range table 538 is used to determine whether the sleeping environment is suitable for the infant 30 when putting the infant 30 to sleep and when the infant 30 is sleeping. The comfort ranges set in the comfort range table 538 may be provided to the caregiver 31 as information indicating the sleeping environment suitable for the infant 30.

[0168] The comfort range table 538 may include, for example, comfort ranges for average environmental temperature, average environmental humidity, average clothing temperature, average clothing humidity, and absorbent article wetness time as comfort ranges during putting the baby to sleep. The comfort range table 538 may also include, for example, comfort ranges for average environmental temperature, average environmental humidity, average clothing temperature, average clothing humidity, and absorbent article wetness time as comfort ranges during sleep.

[0169] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the comfort zones calculated in the examples shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D are set in a comfort zone table 538.

[0170] A regression curve may be used to analyze the relationship between the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537. When a regression curve is used, the analysis unit 65 calculates the coefficient of determination R ２ N combinations of the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factors 537 are selected such that the value of .gamma.

[0171] Based on the selected regression curve, the analysis unit 65 determines a specific range as the comfort range for the temperature and humidity factor 537 as follows: First, the range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 actually measured during the first time period is determined. Next, using the previously determined regression curve (regression equation) between the temperature and humidity factor 537 and the related sleep parameter 536, the value of the temperature and humidity factor 537 within that range that corresponds to the value of the sleep parameter 536 that is most suitable for the sleep of the infant 30 is determined, and this value is set as the center of the comfort range. Furthermore, within the entire range of the temperature and humidity factor 537, for example, one-sixth on either side is set as the comfort range for the temperature and humidity factor 537.

[0172] 13A and 13B, an example of calculating the comfort zone based on the regression curve will be described. Here, the coefficient of determination R ２ It is assumed that a combination of the put-to-sleep time and the average environmental temperature, and a combination of the put-to-sleep time and the average environmental humidity are acquired as N combinations of the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factors 537 for which the value of .gt. is large.

[0173] 13A shows an example of a comfort range based on a regression curve between the time to put the infant to sleep and the average environmental temperature. Regression curve 76 shows the relationship between the time to put the infant to sleep and the average environmental temperature obtained in the first time period.

[0174] Based on the regression curve 76, a specific range 76R of average environmental temperatures corresponding to short sleep times is calculated as the comfortable range of average environmental temperatures. The specific range 76R is, for example, a range centered on the average environmental temperature value corresponding to the most optimal sleep time for the infant 30 (i.e., the shortest sleep time) within the entire range of sleep times shown by the regression curve 76, and is a specific range of numerical values ​​within the entire range of average environmental temperatures shown by the regression curve 76. The specific range of numerical values ​​is, for example, a range from -5°C to +5°C. In the example shown in FIG. 13A , a range 76R from 23.3°C to 24.3°C is calculated as the comfortable range of average environmental temperatures during sleep. The range 76R from 23.3°C to 24.3°C is a range from -5°C to +5°C centered on the average environmental temperature of 23.8°C, which corresponds to the shortest sleep time shown by the regression curve 76.

[0175] 13B shows an example of a comfort range based on a regression curve between the time to put the infant to sleep and the average environmental humidity. Regression curve 77 shows the relationship between the time to put the infant to sleep and the average environmental humidity obtained in the first time period.

[0176] Based on the regression curve 77, a specific range 77R of average environmental humidity corresponding to a short sleep time is calculated as the comfortable range of average environmental humidity. The specific range 77R is, for example, a range centered on the average environmental humidity value corresponding to the optimal sleep time for the infant 30 within the entire range of sleep time indicated by the regression curve 77, and is a specific numerical range within the entire range of average environmental humidity indicated by the regression curve 77. The specific numerical range is, for example, a range from −5% to +5%. In the example shown in FIG. 13B , a range 77R of 41% to 51% is calculated as the comfortable range of average environmental humidity during sleep. The range 77R of 41% to 51% is a range from −5% to +5% centered on an average environmental humidity of 46%, which corresponds to the shortest sleep time indicated by the regression curve 77.

[0177] Multiple regression analysis may be used to analyze the association between sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537. In this case, analysis unit 65 acquires multiple regression equations for each sleep parameter 536, in which coefficients for each of multiple temperature and humidity factors 537 are calculated, through multiple regression analysis in which the dependent variable is at least one of sleep parameters 536 and the independent variables are multiple temperature and humidity factors 537. The following describes an example in which multiple regression equations for three sleep parameters A, B, and C are acquired. The multiple regression equations for sleep parameters A, B, and C are represented by the following equations (2) to (4), respectively: Sleep parameter A = aX + bY + cZ + ... + d Equation (2) Sleep parameter B = eX + fY + ... + g Equation (3) Sleep parameter C = hX + iY + ... + j Equation (4) Here, X, Y, and Z are temperature and humidity factors 537, respectively. Each of a, b, c, e, f, h, and i is a coefficient of the temperature and humidity factor 537 in the multiple regression equation. Furthermore, among the coefficients a, b, and c included in equation (2), the absolute value of coefficient a is the largest. Among the coefficients e and f included in equation (3), the absolute value of coefficient e is the largest. Among the coefficients h and i included in equation (4), the absolute value of coefficient h is the largest. The absolute value of coefficient a is larger than the absolute value of coefficient e. Furthermore, the absolute value of coefficient e is larger than the absolute value of coefficient h.

[0178] The analysis unit 65 calculates a comfort range for each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors 537 suitable for the sleep of the infant 30 based on the multiple regression equation of the acquired at least one sleep parameter 536. More specifically, the analysis unit 65 acquires N multiple regression equations from the acquired multiple regression equation of the at least one sleep parameter 536 based on the coefficient with the largest absolute value included in each multiple regression equation. For example, the analysis unit 65 compares the coefficient with the largest absolute value included in each multiple regression equation and acquires N multiple regression equations in descending order of the absolute values ​​of the coefficients. The analysis unit 65 then calculates a comfort range for each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors 537 suitable for the sleep of the infant 30 based on the acquired N multiple regression equations. For example, the analysis unit 65 determines a threshold value for each temperature and humidity factor 537 based on the N multiple regression equations so that a preferred value for the corresponding N sleep parameters 536 is obtained. Note that the analysis unit 65 may determine a comfort range (threshold value) based on the N multiple regression equations, giving priority to a temperature and humidity factor 537 with a corresponding coefficient with a large absolute value.

[0179] For example, when N is 2, the analysis unit 65 obtains two multiple regression equations from the three multiple regression equations for the sleep parameters A, B, and C based on the absolute values ​​of the coefficients a, e, and h (i.e., the coefficients with the largest absolute values ​​in each multiple regression equation). That is, the analysis unit 65 obtains a multiple regression equation for the sleep parameter A (equation (2)) that includes the coefficient a with the largest absolute value among the absolute values ​​of the coefficients a, e, and h, and a multiple regression equation for the sleep parameter B (equation (3)) that includes the coefficient e with the second largest absolute value. Then, based on the multiple regression equation for the sleep parameter A and the multiple regression equation for the sleep parameter B, the analysis unit 65 determines threshold values ​​(or comfort ranges) for each of the temperature and humidity factors X, Y, and Z that will result in desirable values ​​for the sleep parameters A and B. As a result, for example, if desirable values ​​of sleep parameters A and B can be obtained when at least one of temperature and humidity factors X, Y, and Z is below the corresponding threshold (or within a comfortable range), the caregiver 31 can be provided with information on how to change each of the temperature and humidity factors X, Y, and Z to obtain the desirable values ​​of sleep parameters A and B. In other words, the caregiver 31 is given options for changing the temperature and humidity factors X, Y, and Z to improve the sleeping environment of the infant 30. Note that the information on how to change each of the temperature and humidity factors X, Y, and Z may be communicated to the caregiver 31 with priority given to the temperature and humidity factors X, Y, and Z with the largest absolute value of the corresponding coefficient.

[0180] When calculating the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 for each of the N combinations of highly relevant sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537, the analysis unit 65 may calculate the comfort range of each temperature and humidity factor 537 based on the sleep parameters 536 corresponding to one or more days of sleep determined to be of good quality (i.e., comfortable sleep for the infant 30). Note that, for example, at least one of the regression line, regression curve, and multiple regression analysis described above is used to determine the N combinations of highly relevant sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537. For example, behavior data 540 is used to determine whether the quality of sleep of the infant 30 on a given day is good.

[0181] The analysis unit 65 determines the sleep quality of the infant 30 for each day using the behavior data 540 stored in the storage device 53. Specifically, the analysis unit 65 calculates, for example, the number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality among a plurality of judgment criterion items included in the daily behavior data 540. Then, if the number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality exceeds a threshold, the analysis unit 65 determines that the sleep quality of the infant 30 for that day is good.

[0182] FIG. 14 shows an example of an outline of each of the multiple items included in the behavior data 540. The multiple items included in the behavior data 540 are items (criterion items) used as criteria for judging the quality of the sleep of the infant 30. The criterion items indicate the sleep-related behavior of the infant 30. The criterion items include, for example, at least one of 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 infant's behavior and mood upon waking up during the night. The value of each criterion item is set by the caregiver 31 based on an operation on the information processing device 21 (e.g., an operation on the touchscreen display 54). For example, the caregiver 31 performs an operation to set the value of each criterion item after the infant 30 has slept for the most recent day. The set value of each criterion item is used to judge the quality of the sleep for that most recent day. More specifically, for example, to judge the quality of sleep of infant 30 on April 1st, criteria used include the infant's appearance and mood when waking up during the night on April 1st, whether the infant woke up spontaneously on April 2nd, whether the infant woke up refreshed, whether the infant was in a good mood when waking up, whether the infant was in a good mood during the day, and whether the infant was awake during the day.

[0183] Among the judgment criterion items corresponding to sleep on a certain day, the item regarding whether or not spontaneous wake-up occurred indicates whether or not the infant 30 woke up spontaneously on the corresponding day. If the infant 30 woke up spontaneously, for example, "Y" is set in the item regarding whether or not spontaneous wake-up occurred. If the infant 30 did not wake up spontaneously, for example, "N" is set in the item regarding whether or not spontaneous wake-up occurred. The quality of sleep of the infant 30 is better when "Y" is set in the item regarding whether or not spontaneous wake-up occurred than when "N" is set.

[0184] The item relating to whether the infant 30 woke up refreshed indicates whether the infant 30 woke up refreshed on the corresponding day. If the infant 30 woke up refreshed, for example, "Y" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 woke up refreshed. If it took the infant 30 a long time to wake up, for example, "N" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 woke up refreshed. The quality of sleep of the infant 30 is better when "Y" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 woke up refreshed than when "N" is set.

[0185] The item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood when waking up indicates whether the infant 30 was in a good mood when waking up on the corresponding day. If the infant 30 was in a good mood when waking up, for example, "Y" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood when waking up. If the infant 30 was in a bad mood when waking up, for example, "N" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood when waking up. The quality of sleep of the infant 30 is better when "Y" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood when waking up than when "N" is set.

[0186] The item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood during the day indicates whether the infant 30 was in a good mood during the day on the corresponding day. If the infant 30 was in a good mood during the day, for example, "Y" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood during the day. If the infant 30 was in a bad mood during the day, for example, "N" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood upon waking up. The quality of sleep of the infant 30 is better when "Y" is set in the item relating to whether the infant 30 was in a good mood upon waking up than when "N" is set.

[0187] The item relating to whether or not the infant 30 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, for example, "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the infant 30 was awake during the day. If the infant 30 seemed sleepy during the day, for example, "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the infant 30 was awake during the day. The quality of sleep of the infant 30 is better when "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the infant 30 was awake during the day than when "N" is set.

[0188] The items related to the infant's behavior and mood when waking up at night indicate the infant's behavior and mood when waking up at night on the corresponding day. If the infant 30 does not wake up at night, for example, "A" is set in the items related to the infant's behavior and mood when waking up at night. If the infant 30 wakes up without crying, for example, "B" is set in the items related to the infant's behavior and mood when waking up at night. If the infant 30 wakes up crying, for example, "C" is set in the items related to the infant's behavior and mood when waking up at night. The quality of the infant's sleep is better when "A" is set in the items related to the infant's behavior and mood when waking up at night than when "B" is set. Furthermore, the quality of the infant's sleep is better when "B" is set in the items related to the infant's behavior and mood when waking up at night than when "C" is set.

[0189] The caregiver 31 observes the behavior of the infant 30 and determines the value to be set for each criterion item in the behavior data 540. Based on their experience raising the infant 30, the caregiver 31 is likely to be able to determine a value for each criterion item that appropriately indicates the behavior, mood, appearance, etc. of the infant 30. Therefore, the behavior data 540 is useful as information for determining the quality of sleep of the infant 30. Note that the criterion items are not limited to the examples described above, and various sleep-related behaviors of the infant 30 can be used.

[0190] The analysis unit 65 uses the behavior data 540 for N days to determine the quality of sleep of the infant 30 for each day, where N is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 1.

[0191] 15 shows an example of a result of determining the quality of sleep of the infant 30 using the behavior data 540. Here, an example is shown in which the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is determined for each day using three days' worth of behavior data 540.

[0192] The analysis unit 65 determines the sleep quality of the infant 30 for each day based on the first index. The first index indicates, for example, the number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality among all judgment criterion items in the corresponding daily behavior data 540. The number of judgment criterion items that indicate good sleep quality is, for example, the number of items that are set to either "Y" or "A."

[0193] Specifically, if the first index exceeds the threshold, the analysis unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep on that day is good. If the first index is less than the threshold, the analysis unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep on that day is poor. Furthermore, if the first index is equal to the threshold, the analysis unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep on that day is average. The threshold is, for example, half of all the judgment criterion items. Note that the threshold may be changed depending on the age (months) of the infant 30. Alternatively, the threshold may be set by the caregiver 31. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the threshold is assumed to be 3 (i.e., half of all the judgment criterion items, which are six).

[0194] In the behavior data 540 for the first day (DAY 1), "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject woke up spontaneously. "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject woke up refreshed. "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was in a good mood when waking up. "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was in a good mood during the day. "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was awake during the day. "C" is set in the item relating to the state and mood when waking up in the middle of the night.

[0195] Since the number of "Y"s and "A"s included in the behavior data 540 for DAY 1 is three, the analysis unit 65 calculates the first index as 3. Then, since the first index is equal to the threshold value, the analysis unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep on DAY 1 is normal.

[0196] In the behavior data 540 for the second day (DAY 2), "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject woke up spontaneously. "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject woke up refreshed. "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was in a good mood when waking up. "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was in a good mood during the day. "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was awake during the day. "C" is set in the item relating to the state and mood when waking up in the middle of the night.

[0197] Because the number of “Y”s and “A”s included in the behavior data 540 for DAY 2 is 1, the analysis unit 65 calculates the first index as 1. Then, because the first index is less than the threshold, the analysis unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep on DAY 2 is poor.

[0198] In the behavior data 540 for the third day (DAY 3), "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject woke up spontaneously. "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject woke up refreshed. "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was in a good mood when waking up. "Y" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was in a good mood during the day. "N" is set in the item relating to whether or not the subject was awake during the day. "A" is set in the item relating to the state and mood when waking up in the middle of the night.

[0199] Since the number of "Y"s and "A"s included in the behavior data 540 for DAY 3 is five, the analysis unit 65 calculates the first index as 5. Then, since the first index exceeds the threshold, the analysis unit 65 determines that the quality of sleep on DAY 3 is good.

[0200] In this way, the analysis unit 65 can use the behavior data 540 to determine the sleep quality of the infant 30 for each day. Based on the ranges of values ​​of the sleep parameters 536 corresponding to the sleep of the infant 30 on one or more days determined to have good sleep quality and N combinations of related sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors, the analysis unit 65 calculates a range of values ​​suitable for the sleep of the infant 30 (comfort range) for the temperature and humidity factor 537 included in each of these N combinations. For example, the analysis unit 65 calculates the range of values ​​for each of the sleep parameters 536 based on the sleep parameters 536 for one or more days determined by the caregiver 31 to have good sleep quality. Then, based on the calculated range of each sleep parameter 536, the analysis unit 65 calculates the corresponding value range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 that is highly related to that sleep parameter 536. The calculated range of values ​​for each temperature and humidity factor 537 is used as the comfort range.

[0201] More specifically, the analysis unit 65 acquires, for example, the minimum and maximum values ​​from one or more values ​​of a certain sleep parameter 536 for one or more days on which the sleep quality of the infant 30 is determined to be good. The analysis unit 65 calculates the range from the acquired minimum value to the maximum value as the comfort range of the sleep parameter 536. Next, the analysis unit 65 determines a temperature and humidity factor 537 that is highly correlated with the sleep parameter 536. Note that, for example, at least one of the regression line, regression curve, and multiple regression analysis described above is used to determine the temperature and humidity factor 537 that is highly correlated with the sleep parameter 536. The analysis unit 65 calculates the range of values ​​of the determined temperature and humidity factor 537 that corresponds to the comfort range of the sleep parameter 536 as the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537.

[0202] The analysis unit 65 may calculate a range of values ​​for each of the temperature and humidity factors 537 based on the temperature and humidity factors 537 for one or more days on which the caregiver 31 has determined that the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is good. The calculated range of values ​​for each temperature and humidity factor 537 is used as a comfort range. Specifically, the analysis unit 65 obtains, for example, a minimum value and a maximum value from one or more values ​​of a certain temperature and humidity factor 537 for one or more days on which the quality of sleep of the infant 30 is determined to be good. The analysis unit 65 then calculates the range from the obtained minimum value to the maximum value as the comfort range for that temperature and humidity factor 537.

[0203] 16 to 18 , the comfort determination table 539 used by the determination unit 66 of the information processing device 21 will be described. When the sleeping environment is not suitable for the infant 30, the determination unit 66 obtains a countermeasure from the comfort determination table 539 and sends it to the notification processing unit 67.

[0204] 16 shows a first example of the configuration of the comfort determination table 539. The comfort determination table 539 includes a plurality of entries corresponding to a plurality of determination conditions relating to a sleeping environment suitable for the infant 30, respectively.

[0205] Each of the multiple judgment conditions is a judgment condition that uses data related to the state of the infant 30 at a specific time. The specific time is, for example, the most recent time at which data related to the state of the infant 30 was acquired. The data related to the state of the infant 30 at a specific time includes, for example, at least one of the temperature inside the clothes, the humidity inside the clothes, the environmental temperature, and the environmental humidity at that specific time. Satisfaction of at least one of the multiple judgment conditions means that the sleeping environment is not suitable for the infant 30. Satisfaction of none of the multiple judgment conditions means that the sleeping environment is suitable for the infant 30.

[0206] Each of the multiple entries includes, for example, a clothing temperature field, an environmental temperature field, an environmental humidity field, and a countermeasure field.

[0207] In an entry corresponding to a certain judgment condition, the clothing temperature field indicates a condition related to the clothing temperature among the judgment conditions. The environmental temperature field indicates a condition related to the environmental temperature. The environmental humidity field indicates a condition related to the environmental humidity among the corresponding judgment conditions. The countermeasure field indicates a countermeasure to be taken when the corresponding judgment condition is met.

[0208] Conditions related to the temperature inside the clothing, the environmental temperature, and the environmental humidity are expressed, for example, by at least one of "high," "normal," "low," and "-." "High" indicates a condition in which the corresponding temperature inside the clothing, the environmental temperature, or the environmental humidity is higher than the comfortable range. "Normal" indicates a condition in which the corresponding temperature inside the clothing, the environmental temperature, or the environmental humidity is within the comfortable range. "Low" indicates a condition in which the corresponding temperature inside the clothing, the environmental temperature, or the environmental humidity is lower than the comfortable range. "-" indicates that there is no condition related to the corresponding temperature inside the clothing, the environmental temperature, or the environmental humidity.

[0209] The measures are information presented to the caregiver 31. The caregiver 31 can improve the sleeping environment of the infant 30 based on the measures presented via the notification processing unit 67.

[0210] In FIG. 16 , for example, the first entry indicates that when the conditions that the temperature inside the clothing is “high” and that the ambient temperature is “high” are met, the appropriate response is at least one of lowering the outside temperature (ambient temperature) using air conditioning, removing one layer of clothing, and changing underwear and wiping away sweat.

[0211] Fig. 17 shows a second example of the comfort determination table 539. Unlike Fig. 16, each entry of the comfort determination table 539 shown in Fig. 17 includes a clothing temperature field, a clothing humidity field, an environmental temperature field, and a countermeasure field.

[0212] The clothing temperature field, the ambient temperature field, and the countermeasure field are as described above with reference to FIG.

[0213] The clothing humidity field indicates the condition related to the clothing humidity among the corresponding determination conditions. The clothing humidity condition is expressed in the same way as the environmental humidity in Fig. 16, for example, "high" indicates that the clothing humidity is higher than the comfortable range.

[0214] In Figure 17, for example, the first entry indicates that when the conditions of temperature inside the clothing being "high," humidity inside the clothing being "high," and environmental temperature being "high" are met, the appropriate response is at least one of lowering the outside temperature using air conditioning, removing one layer of clothing, changing underwear, wiping sweat, and replacing absorbent articles.

[0215] Fig. 18 shows a third example of the comfort determination table 539. Each entry in the comfort determination table 539 shown in Fig. 18 includes a clothing humidity field, an environmental humidity field, and a countermeasure field.

[0216] The environmental humidity field and the countermeasure field are as described above with reference to Fig. 16. The clothing humidity field is as described above with reference to Fig. 17.

[0217] 18 , for example, the first entry indicates that when the conditions of "high" humidity inside the clothing and "high" humidity inside the environment are met, the appropriate countermeasure is to change underwear, wipe away sweat, or dehumidify. The fifth entry indicates that when the conditions of "normal" humidity inside the clothing and "normal" humidity inside the environment are met, no countermeasure is required. It is preferable that entries that do not require countermeasures, such as the fifth entry, be excluded from the comfort determination table 539.

[0218] If the current sleeping environment satisfies all of the conditions indicated in any of the entries in the comfort determination table 539, the determination unit 66 acquires a countermeasure from that entry. The acquired countermeasure is a countermeasure for making the sleeping environment suitable for the infant 30. The determination unit 66 sends sleep support information including the acquired countermeasure to the notification processing unit 67.

[0219] The notification processor 67 uses the sleep support information received from the determination processor 66 to notify the caregiver 31 of a countermeasure. This allows the caregiver 31 to implement the countermeasure (e.g., removing one piece of clothing from the infant 30, operating the air conditioner 22, etc.). Therefore, a comfortable sleeping environment based on the sleep support information can be provided for the infant 30, and the quality of the infant's 30 sleep can be improved.

[0220] 19A and 19B , the significance of calculating the comfort zone of an infant 30 using data related to that infant 30 acquired by the sensor 4 will be explained. Here, an example is shown in which the comfort zone is calculated for each of a first infant 30 and a second infant 30 based on a regression line between the amount of activity per unit time and the environmental humidity. The second infant 30 is a different infant from the first infant 30. Furthermore, the lower the amount of activity per unit time, the better the quality of sleep of the infant 30.

[0221] 19A shows an example of a comfort range calculated based on a regression line between the activity amount per unit time of the first infant 30 and environmental humidity. Regression line 78 shows the relationship between the activity amount per unit time of the first infant 30 acquired during a first period and the average environmental humidity. Based on regression line 78, a specific range 78R of average environmental humidity corresponding to a lower activity amount per unit time is determined as the comfort range of the average environmental humidity for the first infant 30. In the example shown in FIG. 19A , a range 78R of 40% to 50% is calculated as the comfort range of the average environmental humidity for the first infant 30.

[0222] In contrast, Figure 19B shows an example of a comfort range calculated based on a regression line between the amount of activity per unit time of the second infant 30 and the environmental humidity. Regression line 79 shows the relationship between the amount of activity per unit time of the second infant 30 acquired in the first time period and the average environmental humidity. Based on regression line 79, a specific range 79R of average environmental humidity corresponding to a lower amount of activity per unit time is determined as the comfort range of the average environmental humidity for the second infant 30. In the example shown in Figure 19B, a range 78R of 60% to 70% is calculated as the comfort range of the average environmental humidity for the second infant 30.

[0223] In this way, the comfortable range of the average environmental humidity differs between the first infant 30 and the second infant 30. In other words, the comfortable range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 may differ for each infant 30. Therefore, the sleep support system 1A acquires data for each infant 30 and calculates the comfortable range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 for each infant 30. This makes it possible to notify the caregiver 31 of the comfortable range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 for a particular infant 30, thereby effectively improving the quality of sleep for that infant 30.

[0224] Next, the procedure of the process executed in the information processing device 21 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0225] 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of data calculation processing executed in the information processing device 21. The data calculation processing is processing in which a calculation is performed using data measured and acquired by the sensors 4 to acquire sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537. The CPU 51 of the information processing device 21 executes the data calculation processing, for example, every time data acquired by any of the sensors 4 is stored in the storage device 53. Alternatively, the CPU 51 may execute the data calculation processing at regular intervals.

[0226] First, the CPU 51 calculates the sleep parameters 536 by performing a calculation using the body movement data 532 and the vital data 533 stored in the storage device 53 (step S101). The calculation method for each sleep parameter 536 is as described above. The CPU 51 determines whether the sleep parameters 536 have been calculated (step S102).

[0227] If the sleep parameters 536 have been calculated (Yes in step S102), the CPU 51 stores the calculated sleep parameters 536 in the storage device 53 (step S103), and proceeds to step S104. The calculated sleep parameters 536 are stored in the storage device 53 in association with the corresponding date, for example.

[0228] If the sleep parameter 536 has not been calculated (No in step S102), the processing by the CPU 51 proceeds to step S104.

[0229] Next, the CPU 51 calculates the temperature and humidity factor 537 using the clothing temperature data 530, clothing humidity data 531, environmental temperature data 534, and environmental humidity data 535 stored in the storage device 53 (step S104). The method for calculating each temperature and humidity factor 537 is as described above. The CPU 51 determines whether the temperature and humidity factor 537 has been calculated (step S105).

[0230] If the temperature and humidity factor 537 has been calculated (Yes in step S105), the CPU 51 stores the calculated temperature and humidity factor 537 in the storage device 53 (step S106), and ends the process. The calculated temperature and humidity factor 537 is stored in the storage device 53 in association with the corresponding date, for example.

[0231] If the temperature and humidity factor 537 has not been calculated (No in step S105), the CPU 51 ends the data calculation process.

[0232] Through the above data calculation process, the CPU 51 can calculate the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 using the data stored in the storage device 53 .

[0233] 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for relevance analysis processing executed by the information processing device 21. The relevance analysis processing is processing for determining a range (comfort range) of the temperature and humidity factor 537 within which a desirable sleep parameter 536 can be obtained. The CPU 51 executes the relevance analysis processing after the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 have been accumulated for a first period (M days). Here, a case where a regression line is used to analyze the relevance between the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 is illustrated. Note that a regression curve or multiple regression analysis may also be used to analyze the relevance between the sleep parameters 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537.

[0234] First, CPU 51 generates regression lines for all combinations of at least one sleep parameter 536 and each of multiple temperature and humidity factors 537 (step S106). Specifically, when generating a regression line for a combination of a certain sleep parameter 536 and a certain temperature and humidity factor 537, CPU 51 generates a regression line based on the values ​​of that sleep parameter 536 for M days and the values ​​of that temperature and humidity factor 537 for M days.

[0235] The CPU 51 acquires N combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 in descending order of absolute value of correlation coefficient from among the combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for which the absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the generated regression line is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S202). Note that if there are fewer than N combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537 for which the absolute value of the correlation coefficient is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the CPU 51 acquires all combinations for which the absolute value of the correlation coefficient is equal to or greater than the first threshold in descending order of absolute value of correlation coefficient. In the following, it is assumed that the CPU 51 has acquired N combinations of sleep parameters 536 and temperature and humidity factors 537.

[0236] The CPU 51 sets the variable i to 1 (step S203). The variable i is a variable for specifying one combination out of the acquired N combinations.

[0237] Next, the CPU 51 determines, as a comfort range, a range of values ​​of the temperature and humidity factor 537 that provides a desirable value of the sleep parameter 536, using the regression line corresponding to the i-th combination, in the procedure previously described with reference to Figures 11A to 11D (step S204). The CPU 51 sets the determined comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 in the comfort range table 538 (step S205).

[0238] The CPU 51 adds 1 to the variable i (step S206). Then, the CPU 51 determines whether the variable i is greater than N (step S207). That is, the CPU 51 determines whether the process for determining the comfort zone has been performed for all of the acquired N combinations.

[0239] If the variable i is equal to or less than N (No in step S207), the CPU 51 determines whether the temperature and humidity factor 537 of the i-th combination matches any of the temperature and humidity factors 537 of the up to (i-1)-th combinations (step S208).

[0240] If the temperature and humidity factor 537 of the i-th combination matches any of the temperature and humidity factors 537 of the up to (i-1)-th combinations (Yes in step S208), the CPU 51 returns to step S206. If the temperature and humidity factor 537 of the i-th combination matches any of the temperature and humidity factors 537 of the up to (i-1)-th combinations, the comfort range of this temperature and humidity factor 537 has already been determined based on any of the up to (i-1)-th combinations. Therefore, the CPU 51 skips determining the comfort range based on the i-th combination.

[0241] If the temperature and humidity factor 537 of the i-th combination is different from any of the temperature and humidity factors 537 of the first to (i-1)-th combinations (No in step S208), the CPU 51 returns to step S204. That is, processing is performed to determine the comfort zone based on the i-th combination.

[0242] If the variable i is greater than N (Yes in step S207), the process for determining the comfort zones for all N combinations has been completed, and the CPU 51 therefore ends the relevance analysis process.

[0243] Through the above-described relevance analysis process, the CPU 51 can determine the comfortable range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 that will yield the preferred sleep parameter 536 based on the combination of the sleep parameter 536 and the temperature and humidity factor 537 that are highly relevant.

[0244] 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the determination and notification process executed by the information processing device 21. The determination and notification process is a process for notifying information about an environment suitable for sleep based on whether the current environment is suitable for sleep of the infant 30. The CPU 51 executes the determination and notification process, for example, at regular intervals. Alternatively, the CPU 51 may execute the determination and notification process in response to an operation on the information processing device 21 by the childcare worker 31.

[0245] First, the CPU 51 determines whether the infant 30 is asleep (step S301). Specifically, the CPU 51 determines that the infant 30 is asleep, for example, based on the body movement data 532 of the infant 30, if the wake-up time has not yet been calculated after the fall asleep time has been calculated.

[0246] If it is determined that the infant 30 is asleep (Yes in step S301), the CPU 51 obtains the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 during sleep from the comfort range table 538 (step S302).

[0247] If it is determined that the infant 30 is not asleep (No in step S301), the CPU 51 obtains the comfort range of the temperature and humidity factor 537 while the infant 30 is being put to sleep from the comfort range table 538 (step S303).

[0248] Next, the CPU 51 determines whether the current environment in which the infant 30 is spending time falls within the acquired comfort range (step S304). Specifically, the CPU 51 acquires the most recent temperature inside the clothes, humidity inside the clothes, environmental temperature, and environmental humidity from the temperature inside the clothes data 530, humidity inside the clothes data 531, environmental temperature data 534, and environmental humidity data 535 stored in the storage device 53. Furthermore, if the absorbent article has not been replaced after urination by the infant 30 is detected, the CPU 51 may acquire the wetness time of the absorbent article from the temperature and humidity factor 537 stored in the storage device 53. The CPU 51 then determines whether the acquired temperature and humidity and temperature and humidity factors, for example, the temperature inside the clothes, humidity inside the clothes, environmental temperature, environmental humidity, and wetness time of the absorbent article, fall within the comfort range.

[0249] If the current environment is within the comfort zone (Yes in step S304), the CPU 51 notifies the caregiver 31 that the current environment is suitable for the sleeping or sleeping infant 30 (step S305), and ends the determination and notification process. The CPU 51 may further notify the caregiver 31 of at least one of the current environment and the comfort zone.

[0250] If the current environment is not within the comfort range (Yes in step S304), the CPU 51 acquires a countermeasure using the comfort determination table 539 (step S306). The CPU 51 notifies the caregiver 31 that the current environment is not suitable for the sleeping infant 30 or the infant being put to sleep, along with the acquired countermeasure (step S307), and ends the determination and notification process. The CPU 51 may further notify the caregiver 31 of at least one of the current environment and the comfort range. The CPU 51 may also control the air conditioner 22 based on the acquired countermeasure (step S308). For example, based on the countermeasure to lower the ambient temperature, the CPU 51 communicates via the first communication unit 55 to control the air conditioner 22 to lower the set temperature.

[0251] Through the above determination and notification processes, the CPU 51 can notify the caregiver 31 whether the current environment is suitable for the sleeping infant 30 or the infant 30 being put to sleep. Furthermore, if the current environment is not suitable for the sleeping infant 30 or the infant 30 being put to sleep, the CPU 51 can notify the caregiver 31 of how to make the environment suitable. In this way, the sleep support system 1A can support the caregiver 31 in providing an environment in which the infant 30 can sleep comfortably, thereby improving the quality of the infant's 30's sleep.

[0252] Second Embodiment In the sleep support system 1A according to the first embodiment, an information processing device 21 used by a user 31 (e.g., a childcare worker or caregiver) generates sleep support information using data acquired by the sensor 4. In contrast, in the sleep support system according to the second embodiment, a server device generates sleep support information using data acquired by the sensor 4.

[0253] In the sleep support system according to the second embodiment, a server device has at least some of the functions of the information processing device 21 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the server device in the second embodiment has the function of determining the comfort of the sleeping environment of the infant 30 and generating sleep support information. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0254] 23 shows an example of the configuration of a sleep assistance system 1B according to Embodiment 2. The sleep assistance system 1B includes an information processing device 21, a plurality of sensors 4, a server device 25, and a network 26.

[0255] 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. The multiple sensors 4 may transmit the sensor data to the information processing device 21, and the information processing device 21 may transfer the sensor data to the server device 25. The sensor data includes data acquired by the clothing temperature and humidity sensor 41, the body movement sensor 42, the vital sensor 43, and the environmental temperature and humidity sensor 44. The sensor data may further include moving image data generated by the imaging device 45.

[0256] Communication via the network 26 may be wired or wireless. The network 26 includes, for example, a wired local area network (wired LAN), a wireless local area network (wireless LAN), and a wide area network (WAN). The WAN includes, for example, a mobile phone network, a fixed telephone network, a satellite communication network, a leased line, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and an Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network (IP-VPN).

[0257] The server device 25 is an information processing device that analyzes data related to the infant 30 and provides information (sleep support information) for supporting the sleep of the infant 30. The server device 25 is realized as, for example, a server computer.

[0258] For example, the server device 25 receives the sensor data from each of the plurality of sensors 4 via the network 26. Alternatively, the server device 25 may receive the sensor data from each of the plurality of sensors 4 via the information processing device 21 and the network 26.

[0259] Furthermore, the server device 25 can communicate with, for example, the information processing device 21 via the network 26. Specifically, the server device 25 transmits sleep support information to, for example, the information processing device 21 via the network 26. In order to analyze sensor data and provide sleep support information, the server device 25 has a configuration similar to that of the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .

[0260] The information processing device 21 receives sleep support information from the server device 25 via the network 26. The information processing device 21 receives the sleep support information from the server device 25, for example, via the first communication unit 55. The information processing device 21 notifies the received sleep support information to the childcare provider 31. The information processing device 21 has a configuration for receiving sleep support information and notifying the childcare provider 31. The configuration for notifying the childcare provider 31 of the sleep support information is similar to the notification processing unit 67 provided in the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 4. The information processing device 21 may also have a configuration for controlling the air conditioning device 22 based on the received sleep support information. The configuration for controlling the air conditioning device 22 based on the sleep support information is similar to the control unit 68 provided in the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 4.

[0261] With the above configuration, in the sleep support system 1B of the second embodiment, the server device 25 acquires sensor data from the multiple sensors 4 and uses the acquired sensor data to provide sleep support information to the information processing device 21. Note that the server device 25 may have functions other than the function for providing sleep support information, as well as other functions of the information processing device 21 of the first embodiment. For example, the server device 25 may have a function for processing feedback based on operations performed on the information processing device 21 by the childcare worker 31. Furthermore, for example, the server device 25 may have a function for controlling the air conditioning device 22 based on the sleep support information.

[0262] In carrying out the present invention, the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and specific aspects can be modified in various ways. The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment of the present invention. <1> A sleep assistance system including an information processing device and a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors include a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, wherein the first sensor measures at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating a vital sign of the subject, wherein the second sensor measures at least one of in-clothing temperature data indicating a temperature inside clothes worn by the subject and in-clothing humidity data indicating a humidity inside the clothes, and wherein the third sensor measures at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment, wherein the information processing device includes: a sleep parameter calculation unit that calculates at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data, and a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit that calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the in-clothing temperature data, the in-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data, a sleep support system comprising: an analyzer configured to determine one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.<2> The sleep support system described in <1>, wherein the at least one sleep parameter includes at least one of the subject's sleep latency, sleep onset time, wake-up time, total sleep time, time spent awake during sleep, number of awakenings during sleep, activity level per unit time, deep sleep occupancy rate, REM sleep occupancy rate, and sleep efficiency.<3> The sleep support system described in <2>, wherein the at least one sleep parameter further includes at least one of heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate per unit time, and peripheral skin temperature.<4> The sleep support system of any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the plurality of temperature and humidity factors include at least one of a statistical value of environmental temperature, a statistical value of environmental humidity, a statistical value of temperature inside clothing, a statistical value of humidity inside clothing, and a time period during which an absorbent article worn by the subject is wet during a period from the subject's fall asleep time to their wake-up time. <5> The sleep support system of any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the analysis unit calculates, based on one or more combinations of the determined relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors, a range of values ​​suitable for the subject's sleep for the temperature and humidity factors included in each of the one or more combinations, and the information processing device further includes a notification processing unit that notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating the calculated range. <6> The sleep support system of <5>, wherein the notification processing unit further notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating at least one of the most recent temperature inside clothing data, humidity inside clothing data, environmental temperature data, and environmental humidity data. <7> The sleep support system of <6>, wherein the notification processor notifies a user of the information processing device of an image in which at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data is plotted in the calculated range indicated by two-dimensional coordinates of temperature and humidity. <8> The sleep support system of <5>, wherein the analysis processor calculates, using a regression line, an association between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the first period of sleep and each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep, and calculates a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the subject's sleep based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which the absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a first threshold. <9> The sleep support system of <8>, wherein the notification processor notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating the calculated range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor.<10> The sleep support system of <5>, wherein the analysis unit calculates an association between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the sleep in the first period and each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in the first period using a regression line and a regression curve, calculates a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the sleep of the subject based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which a coefficient of determination of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a second threshold, and calculates a range of values ​​of the second temperature and humidity factor suitable for the sleep of the subject based on a combination of a second sleep parameter and a second temperature and humidity factor for which a coefficient of determination of the calculated regression curve is equal to or greater than the second threshold. <11> The sleep support system of <10>, wherein the notification processing unit notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating the calculated range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor and information indicating the calculated range of values ​​of the second temperature and humidity factor. <12> The sleep support system of <5>, wherein the analysis unit obtains a multiple regression equation of the first sleep parameter in which coefficients of each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors are calculated by multiple regression analysis in which a dependent variable is a first sleep parameter of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to sleep in the first period and explanatory variables are the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to sleep in the first period, and calculates a value range of each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors suitable for sleep of the subject based on the multiple regression equation. <13> The sleep support system of <12>, wherein the notification processing unit notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating the value range of each of the one or more third temperature and humidity factors.<14> The sleep support system of <5>, wherein the analysis unit: obtains at least one multiple regression equation corresponding to each of the at least one sleep parameter by multiple regression analysis, in which a dependent variable is each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the sleep in the first time period and explanatory variables are each of the temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in the first time period, in which coefficients of each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors are calculated; obtains N multiple regression equations from the at least one multiple regression equation based on the largest coefficient included in each of the at least one multiple regression equation; and calculates a value range for each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors suitable for the subject's sleep based on the N multiple regression equations, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. <15> The sleep support system of <5>, wherein the analysis unit calculates a value range suitable for the subject's sleep for the temperature and humidity factor included in each of the one or more combinations based on the value range of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to one or more days of sleep determined to have good quality of the subject's sleep and one or more combinations of the determined relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors. <16> The sleep support system described in <5>, wherein the analysis unit calculates, using a regression line, a correlation between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the sleep in the first period and each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in the first period, and calculates a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the sleep of the subject using the first temperature and humidity factor corresponding to the sleep in the second period determined to be of good quality, based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which the absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a first threshold, or calculates a range of values ​​of the second temperature and humidity factor suitable for the sleep of the subject using the second temperature and humidity factor corresponding to the sleep in the second period, based on a combination of a second sleep parameter and a second temperature and humidity factor for which the coefficient of determination of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a second threshold.<17> The sleep support system described in <5>, wherein the analysis unit calculates, using a regression curve, the correlation between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the sleep in the first period and each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in the first period, and calculates a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the sleep of the subject, using the first temperature and humidity factor corresponding to the sleep in a second period in which the quality of the sleep of the subject was determined to be good, based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which the coefficient of determination of the calculated regression curve is equal to or greater than a first threshold. <18> The sleep support system described in <5>, wherein the analysis unit: obtains at least one multiple regression equation corresponding to each of the at least one sleep parameter by multiple regression analysis, in which a dependent variable is each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the sleep in the first period and explanatory variables are the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in the first period, and calculates coefficients for each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors; obtains N multiple regression equations from the at least one multiple regression equation based on the largest coefficient included in each of the at least one multiple regression equation; and calculates, based on the N multiple regression equations, a value range for each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors suitable for the subject's sleep using the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in a second period in which the quality of the subject's sleep was determined to be good, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. <19> The sleep support system of <5>, wherein the information processing device determines whether the current environment is suitable for the subject's sleep using the calculated range and at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data measured at most recent times, and further includes a determination unit that determines a countermeasure if the current environment is not suitable for the subject's sleep, and the notification processing unit notifies the user of at least one of the determination result indicating whether the current environment is suitable for the subject's sleep and the countermeasure. <20> The sleep support system of <19>, wherein the information processing device further includes a control unit that controls settings of an air conditioning device provided in the environment based on the countermeasure.<21> The sleep support system of any one of <1> to <20>, wherein the first period varies depending on the age of the subject in months when the subject is an infant. <22> The sleep support system of any one of <1> to <21>, wherein the first sensor is attached to either the inside of clothing worn by the subject or the outer surface of an absorbent article or underwear worn by the subject, and measures at least one of the body movement data and the vital data from either the inside of the clothing to which the first sensor is attached or the outer surface of the absorbent article or the underwear. <23> The sleep support system of any one of <1> to <21>, wherein the first sensor is a belt-like sensor attached to an arm or leg of the subject, and the first sensor attached to the arm or leg of the subject measures at least one of the body movement data and the vital data. <24> The sleep support system of any one of <1> to <23>, wherein the body movement data includes an activity intensity and an activity amount of the subject, the vital data includes a heart rate, a heart rate variability, a respiratory rate, and a skin temperature of the subject, and the sleep parameter calculation unit calculates the at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the activity intensity, the activity amount, the skin temperature, the heart rate, the heart rate variability, and the respiratory rate. <25> The sleep support system of any one of <1> to <24>, wherein the second sensor is attached to either an inside of clothing worn by the subject or an outer surface of an absorbent article or underwear worn by the subject, and measures at least one of the inside-clothing temperature data and the inside-clothing humidity data at either the inside of the clothing to which the second sensor is attached or the outer surface of the absorbent article or the underwear. <26> The sleep support system according to any one of <1> to <25>, wherein the third sensor is not attached to any of the clothing, an absorbent article worn by the subject, and underwear worn by the subject.<27> The sleep support system of <1>, wherein the analysis unit calculates, based on one or more combinations of the determined relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors, a range of values ​​suitable for the subject's sleep for the temperature and humidity factors included in each of the one or more combinations. <28> The sleep support system of <27>, wherein the information processing device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the current environment is suitable for the subject's sleep using the calculated range and at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data measured at most recent times, and decides how to deal with the situation if the current environment is not suitable for the subject's sleep. <29> The sleep support system of <28>, wherein the information processing device further includes a notification processing unit that notifies a user of the information processing device of at least one of information indicating at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data measured at most recent times, and information indicating the calculated range. <30> The sleep support system according to <29>, wherein the notification processing unit notifies the user of at least one of a determination result indicating whether the current environment is suitable for the subject's sleep or not and the countermeasure.<31> An information processing device capable of acquiring data from a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, the information processing device comprising: a receiving unit that receives from the first sensor at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating a vital sign of the subject; a receiving unit that receives from the second sensor at least one of inside-clothing temperature data indicating a temperature inside clothing worn by the subject and inside-clothing humidity data indicating a humidity inside clothing worn by the subject; and a receiving unit that receives from the third sensor at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment; a sleep parameter calculation unit that calculates at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data; and a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit that calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the inside-clothing temperature data, the inside-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. an analysis unit that determines one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.<32> A sleep assistance method for controlling an information processing device capable of acquiring data from a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors include a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, wherein the sleep assistance method comprises: receiving, via a receiving unit of the information processing device, at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating a vital sign of the subject from the first sensor; receiving, via the receiving unit of the information processing device, at least one of inside-clothing temperature data indicating an inside-clothing temperature of the inside of clothing worn by the subject and inside-clothing humidity data indicating an inside-clothing humidity of the inside of the clothing from the second sensor; receiving, via the receiving unit of the information processing device, at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment; and calculating, via a sleep parameter calculation unit of the information processing device, at least one of the body movement data and the vital data; a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit of the information processing device calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the temperature data inside the clothing, the humidity data inside the clothing, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data; and an analysis unit of the information processing device determines one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.<33> A program executed by a computer capable of acquiring data from a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, the program causing the computer to perform the following steps: receiving from the first sensor at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating a vital sign of the subject; receiving from the second sensor at least one of in-clothing temperature data indicating a temperature inside clothing worn by the subject and in-clothing humidity data indicating a humidity inside the clothing; receiving from the third sensor at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment; calculating at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data; and calculating a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the in-clothing temperature data, the in-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. and determining one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.

[0263] 1A Sleep support system 21 Information processing device 22 Air conditioning equipment 30 Infant 31 Childcare worker 4 Sensor 41 Clothing temperature and humidity sensor 42 Body movement sensor 43 Vital sign sensor 44 Environmental temperature and humidity sensor 45 Imaging device 411 First cover 412 Second cover 413 Temperature sensor unit 414 Humidity sensor unit 415 Communication unit 416 Fastening material 417 Opening 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 Storage device 54 Touch screen display 55 First communication unit 56 Second communication unit 57 Vibration unit 58 Speaker 521 OS 522 Sleep support program 530 Clothing temperature data 531 Clothing humidity data 532 Body movement data 533 Vital sign data 534 Environmental temperature data 535 Environmental humidity data 536 Sleep parameters 537 Temperature and humidity factor 538 Comfort range table 539 Comfort determination table 540 Behavior data 61 Reception processing unit 62 Storage processing unit 63 Sleep parameter calculation unit 64 Temperature and humidity factor calculation unit 65 Analysis unit 66 Determination unit 67 Notification processing unit 68 Control unit 69 Feedback processing unit 60 Generation processing unit 1B Sleep assistance system 25 Server device 26 Network

Claims

1. A sleep assistance system including an information processing device and a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, the first sensor measures at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating vital signs of the subject, the second sensor measures at least one of in-clothing temperature data indicating an in-clothing temperature inside clothes worn by the subject and in-clothing humidity data indicating an in-clothing humidity inside the clothes, and the third sensor measures at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment, the information processing device comprising: a sleep parameter calculation unit that calculates at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data; and a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit that calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the in-clothing temperature data, the in-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. and an analysis unit that determines one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.

2. The sleep support system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sleep parameter includes at least one of the subject's sleep latency, sleep onset time, wake-up time, total sleep time, awakening time during sleep, number of awakenings during sleep, activity per unit time, deep sleep occupancy, REM sleep occupancy, and sleep efficiency.

3. The sleep support system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one sleep parameter further includes at least one of a heart rate, a heart rate variability, a respiratory rate per unit time, and a peripheral skin temperature.

4. A sleep support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the multiple temperature and humidity factors include at least any of a statistical value of environmental temperature, a statistical value of environmental humidity, a statistical value of temperature inside clothing, a statistical value of humidity inside clothing, the time that an absorbent article worn by the subject was wet, and a discomfort index during the period from the time the subject fell asleep to the time the subject woke up.

5. A sleep support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the analysis unit calculates a range of values ​​suitable for the subject's sleep for the temperature and humidity factors included in each of the one or more combinations based on the determined relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors, and the information processing device further includes a notification processing unit that notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating the calculated range.

6. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the notification processing unit further notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating at least one of the most recent clothing temperature data, clothing humidity data, environmental temperature data, and environmental humidity data.

7. The sleep support system of claim 6, wherein the notification processing unit notifies a user of the information processing device of an image in which at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data is plotted within the calculated range indicated by two-dimensional coordinates of temperature and humidity.

8. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit calculates, using a regression line, the correlation between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the sleep in the first period and each of the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in the first period, and calculates a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the sleep of the subject based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which the absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

9. The sleep assistance system according to claim 8, wherein the notification processing unit notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating a range of the calculated value of the first temperature and humidity factor.

10. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit calculates the correlation between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the first period of sleep and each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep using a regression line and a regression curve; calculates a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the subject's sleep based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which the coefficient of determination of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a second threshold; and calculates a range of values ​​of the second temperature and humidity factor suitable for the subject's sleep based on a combination of a second sleep parameter and a second temperature and humidity factor for which the coefficient of determination of the calculated regression curve is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

11. The sleep support system of claim 10, wherein the notification processing unit notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating a range of values ​​of the calculated first temperature and humidity factor and information indicating a range of values ​​of the calculated second temperature and humidity factor.

12. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit obtains a multiple regression equation for the first sleep parameter in which coefficients of each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors are calculated by multiple regression analysis in which an objective variable is a first sleep parameter of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to sleep in the first period and explanatory variables are the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to sleep in the first period, and calculates a range of values ​​for each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors suitable for sleep of the subject based on the multiple regression equation.

13. The sleep support system according to claim 12, wherein the notification processing unit notifies a user of the information processing device of information indicating a range of values ​​of each of the calculated plurality of temperature and humidity factors.

14. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit obtains at least one multiple regression equation corresponding to the at least one sleep parameter, in which coefficients of each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors are calculated by multiple regression analysis, in which an objective variable is each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the first period of sleep and an explanatory variable is each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep; obtains N multiple regression equations from the at least one multiple regression equation based on the largest coefficient contained in each of the at least one multiple regression equation; and calculates a range of values ​​for each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors suitable for the subject's sleep based on the N multiple regression equations, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

15. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit calculates a range of values ​​suitable for the subject's sleep for the temperature and humidity factor included in each of the one or more combinations based on the range of values ​​of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to one or more days of sleep for which the subject's sleep quality was determined to be good and on the basis of the determined relevant sleep parameters and one or more combinations of temperature and humidity factors.

16. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit calculates, using a regression line, the correlation between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the first period of sleep and each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep, and calculates a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the subject's sleep based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which the absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, using the first temperature and humidity factor corresponding to the sleep of the second period for which the quality of the subject's sleep was determined to be good, or calculates a range of values ​​of the second temperature and humidity factor suitable for the subject's sleep based on a combination of a second sleep parameter and a second temperature and humidity factor for which the coefficient of determination of the calculated regression line is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, using the second temperature and humidity factor corresponding to the sleep of the second period.

17. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit calculates, using a regression curve, the correlation between each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the sleep in the first period and each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep in the first period, and calculates, based on a combination of a first sleep parameter and a first temperature and humidity factor for which the coefficient of determination of the calculated regression curve is equal to or greater than a first threshold, a range of values ​​of the first temperature and humidity factor suitable for the subject's sleep, using the first temperature and humidity factor corresponding to the sleep in a second period in which the quality of the subject's sleep was determined to be good.

18. The sleep support system of claim 5, wherein the analysis unit obtains at least one multiple regression equation corresponding to each of the at least one sleep parameters, in which coefficients of each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors are calculated by multiple regression analysis, in which an objective variable is each of the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to the first period of sleep and explanatory variables are the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep, obtains N multiple regression equations from the at least one multiple regression equation based on the largest coefficient contained in each of the at least one multiple regression equation, and calculates, based on the N multiple regression equations, a range of values ​​for each of the multiple temperature and humidity factors suitable for the subject's sleep using the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the sleep of a second period in which the quality of the subject's sleep was determined to be good, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

19. The sleep support system of claim 5, further comprising a judgment unit that uses the calculated range and at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data measured at the most recent time to judge whether the current environment is suitable for the subject's sleep, and that decides a method of dealing with the situation if the current environment is not suitable for the subject's sleep, and the notification processing unit notifies the user of the judgment result indicating whether the current environment is suitable for the subject's sleep and at least one of the methods of dealing with the situation.

20. The sleep support system according to claim 19, wherein the information processing device further comprises a control unit that controls settings of an air conditioning device provided in the environment based on the countermeasure method.

21. A sleep assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first period varies depending on the age of the subject in months when the subject is an infant.

22. A sleep support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first sensor is attached to either the inside of clothing worn by the subject or the outer surface of an absorbent article or underwear worn by the subject, and measures at least one of the body movement data and the vital data on either the inside of the clothing to which the first sensor is attached or the outer surface of the absorbent article or underwear.

23. A sleep support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first sensor is a belt-like sensor attached to the arm or leg of the subject, and the first sensor attached to the arm or leg of the subject measures at least one of the body movement data and the vital data.

24. A sleep support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the body movement data includes the subject's activity intensity and activity amount, the vital data includes the subject's heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and skin temperature, and the sleep parameter calculation unit calculates the at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the activity intensity, the activity amount, the skin temperature, the heart rate, the heart rate variability, and the respiratory rate.

25. A sleep support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the second sensor is attached to either the inside of clothing worn by the subject or the outer surface of an absorbent article or underwear worn by the subject, and measures at least one of the temperature data inside the clothing and the humidity data inside the clothing on either the inside of the clothing to which the second sensor is attached or on the outer surface of the absorbent article or underwear.

26. A sleep support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the third sensor is not attached to any of the clothing, an absorbent article worn by the subject, and underwear worn by the subject.

27. The sleep support system of claim 1, wherein the analysis unit calculates a range of values ​​suitable for the subject's sleep for the temperature and humidity factors included in each of the one or more combinations based on the determined relevant sleep parameters and one or more combinations of temperature and humidity factors.

28. The sleep support system of claim 27, further comprising a judgment unit that uses the calculated range and at least one of the inside-clothing temperature data, the inside-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data measured at the most recent time to determine whether the current environment is suitable for the subject to sleep, and that determines a method of response if the current environment is not suitable for the subject to sleep.

29. The sleep support system of claim 28, further comprising a notification processing unit that notifies a user of the information processing device of at least one of information indicating at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data measured at the most recent time, and information indicating the calculated range.

30. The sleep support system according to claim 29, wherein the notification processing unit notifies the user of at least one of the determination result indicating whether or not the current environment is suitable for the subject's sleep and the method of dealing with the situation.

31. An information processing device capable of acquiring data from a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, the information processing device comprising: a receiving unit that receives from the first sensor at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating vital signs of the subject; receiving from the second sensor at least one of inside-clothing temperature data indicating an inside-clothing temperature inside clothing worn by the subject and inside-clothing humidity data indicating an inside-clothing humidity inside the clothing; and receiving from the third sensor at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment; a sleep parameter calculation unit that calculates at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data; and a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit that calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the inside-clothing temperature data, the inside-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. and an analysis unit that determines one or more combinations of associated sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.

32. A sleep assistance method for controlling an information processing device capable of acquiring data from a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, the sleep assistance method comprising: receiving, by a receiving unit of the information processing device, at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating a vital sign of the subject from the first sensor; receiving, by the receiving unit of the information processing device, at least one of inside-clothing temperature data indicating an inside-clothing temperature on the inside of clothes worn by the subject and inside-clothing humidity data indicating an inside-clothing humidity on the inside of the clothes from the second sensor; receiving, by the receiving unit of the information processing device, at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment from the third sensor; and calculating, by a sleep parameter calculation unit of the information processing device, at least one of the body movement data and the vital data; a temperature and humidity factor calculation unit of the information processing device calculates a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the inside clothing temperature data, the inside clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data; and an analysis unit of the information processing device determines one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the plurality of temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.

33. A program executed by a computer capable of acquiring data from a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including a first sensor and at least one of a second sensor and a third sensor, the program causing the computer to perform the following steps: receiving from the first sensor at least one of body movement data indicating body movement of a subject and vital data indicating vital signs of the subject; receiving from the second sensor at least one of in-clothing temperature data indicating an in-clothing temperature inside clothing worn by the subject and in-clothing humidity data indicating an in-clothing humidity inside the clothing; receiving from the third sensor at least one of environmental temperature data indicating an environmental temperature in an environment in which the subject is spending time and environmental humidity data indicating an environmental humidity in the environment; calculating at least one sleep parameter using at least one of the body movement data and the vital data; and calculating a plurality of temperature and humidity factors using at least one of the in-clothing temperature data, the in-clothing humidity data, the environmental temperature data, and the environmental humidity data. determining one or more combinations of relevant sleep parameters and temperature and humidity factors using the at least one sleep parameter corresponding to a first period of sleep and the multiple temperature and humidity factors corresponding to the first period of sleep.

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