Sleep assistance device, sleep assistance method, and sleep assistance program

Abstract

This sleep assistance device comprises a control information analysis unit (210) and a maintenance information analysis unit (220). The control information analysis unit (210) analyzes measurement values from sensors provided to a target bed in which the shape, the hardness, and the temperature of a mattress can be controlled and, on the basis of the result from the analysis of the measurement values from the sensors provided to the target bed, generates control information to be used to control the target bed. The maintenance information analysis unit (220) predicts a failure of the target bed on the basis of information indicating the usage status of the target bed and generates maintenance information indicating the predicted failure of the target bed.

Description

Sleep support device, sleep support method, and sleep support program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sleep assistance device, a sleep assistance method, and a sleep assistance program.

[0002] With growing interest in health and advances in sleep technology, sleep is attracting increasing attention. Bedding, such as beds and mattresses, is essential for sleep. Currently, manufacturers offer bedding with a variety of specifications, including characteristics such as low or high resilience, and structures such as pocket coils. Each user selects bedding that suits them based on their characteristics (specifically, body shape, weight, bone structure, body temperature, and sleeping posture and habits), or has parts of their bedding custom-made. Patent Document 1 discloses technology that notifies the user of information about a detected problem in a smart bed when it detects one, allowing the user to avoid using the smart bed in question.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2010-510832

[0004] When users try to choose bedding, they face challenges such as not being able to make a good choice due to a lack of prior knowledge about bedding and the large number of bedding options available, the difficulty of trying out bedding in an actual sleeping environment, the inability to continuously compare bedding, the lack of consideration for bodily changes over time, the inability to use the bedding outside the home, and the limited warranty offered despite the relatively high cost of bedding.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to realize a sleep assistance system that assists each user in continuously using bedding that provides a relatively comfortable sleeping environment for each user.

[0006] The sleep support device according to the present disclosure comprises a control information analysis unit that analyzes the measurement values ​​of each sensor equipped in a target bed that can control the shape, hardness, and temperature of the mattress, and generates control information to be used to control the target bed based on the results of analyzing the measurement values ​​of each sensor equipped in the target bed; and a maintenance information analysis unit that predicts a failure of the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of the target bed, and generates maintenance information indicating the predicted failure of the target bed.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a control information analysis unit generates control information based on the measurement values ​​of each sensor equipped in the target bed. Furthermore, a maintenance information analysis unit generates maintenance information indicating a predicted failure of the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of the target bed. Here, a relatively comfortable sleeping environment is realized for each user by controlling the target bed based on the control information, and the target bed can be continuously used by maintaining the target bed based on the maintenance information. Therefore, by utilizing the present disclosure, a sleep assistance system can be realized that assists each user in continuously using bedding that realizes a relatively comfortable sleeping environment for each user.

[0008] A diagram showing an example configuration of a sleep support system 90 according to embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example hardware configuration and an example functional configuration of the sleep support system 90 according to embodiment 1. A flowchart showing the operation of a smart bed 100 according to embodiment 1. A flowchart showing the operation of a server 200 according to embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example hardware configuration of a smart bed 100 according to a modified example of embodiment 1.

[0009] In the description of the embodiments and the drawings, the same elements and corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals. The description of elements given the same reference numerals will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Arrows in the drawings mainly indicate the flow of data or the flow of processing. Furthermore, "unit" may be read as "circuit," "step," "procedure," "process," or "circuitry" as appropriate.

[0010] First Embodiment Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] ***Description of Configuration*** Figure 1 shows an example of an overview of a sleep support system 90. The overview of the sleep support system 90 will be described using Figure 1. The sleep support system 90 includes a smart bed 100, a server 200, and a control device 300. The sleep support system 90 is also called a smart sleep support system. The smart bed 100 is sometimes called a target bed. The smart bed 100 has a mechanism for controlling the shape, hardness, and temperature of the mattress provided in the smart bed 100. The smart bed 100 is connected to the server 200 via communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The smart bed 100 and the control device 300 are communicatively connected. The server 200 and the control device 300 are communicatively connected. Note that the server 200 may be installed in a location physically separated from the smart bed 100, such as a cloud system, and the smart bed 100 and the server 200 may be communicatively connected via the Internet. The smart bed 100 may have a built-in server 200. The smart bed 100 may have a built-in control device 300. The server 200 and the control device 300 may be integrated into one unit.

[0012] When the user lies on the bedding, the body pressure sensor, temperature sensor, etc. provided in the smart bed 100 collect body pressure information and temperature information of the entire mattress provided in the smart bed 100. The collected information is stored in a storage medium such as the server 200.

[0013] The server 200 functions as a sleep assistance device. The control device 300 may also function as a sleep assistance device. Specifically, the sleep assistance device analyzes the user's weight and posture, body pressure and temperature on the smart bed 100, etc., based on information collected by the smart bed 100. The sleep assistance device then generates control information based on the analysis results and notifies the smart bed 100 of the generated control information. The control information is information used to adjust the mattress so that each user can sleep comfortably, and is information used to control the target bed. The control information may be information generated based on each user's comfort level during sleep. Any index may be used as the comfort level. The comfort level may be calculated based on data measured by a smart watch or the like worn by each user. The comfort level index may differ for each user. Specifically, the control information is information for distributing body pressure when there is a part of the user where body pressure is high relative to the user's posture, and information for adjusting the mattress temperature to an appropriate level when the mattress temperature is too high or too low.

[0014] The smart bed 100 adjusts the shape, hardness, temperature, etc. of the mattress based on the notified control information. At this time, the mattress may be adjusted via an external control device 300, or the control device 300 built into the smart bed 100 may adjust the mattress. Based on the control information, the control device 300 may also control not only the smart bed 100 itself, but also air conditioners, lighting devices, etc. present around the smart bed 100 to create an environment suitable for sleep. Specifically, the smart bed 100 adjusts the hardness of the mattress or distributes body pressure by adjusting the hardness of the springs of each coil provided in the mattress. Specifically, the smart bed 100 adjusts the shape of the mattress by changing the angle of each part of the mattress relative to the horizontal plane. The smart bed 100 adjusts the temperature of the mattress using a heater, etc.

[0015] Furthermore, the sleep assistance system 90, as a specific example, collects information indicating the usage status of the smart bed 100 and home appliances that control the environment around the smart bed 100, and analyzes the collected information to predict failures of each device and each component. The sleep assistance system 90 may also predict when each device and each component will fail. Specific examples of the information indicating the usage status include usage frequency, load status, error logs, and information indicating the accuracy and speed of response to control. In particular, in the smart bed 100, the control position and control content reflect the characteristics of each user, so the load on each device varies from user to user. Therefore, the smart bed 100 performs analysis tailored to the characteristics of each user. Specific examples of user characteristics include the user's physique and the user's position, posture, and movements while sleeping. Note that if a failure is predicted after a relatively short period of time has passed, failure prediction information indicating the predicted failure may be notified to a maintenance technician, etc. The maintenance technician, etc., takes action on the bedding, such as replacing parts, based on the notified failure prediction information. At this time, failure prediction information may be shared with the user without the intervention of a maintenance technician, etc., to prompt the user to take action against the failure. The failure prediction may be based on the actual and predicted deterioration of each device and each part, etc. Each device and each part, etc. may be considered to have failed when it has deteriorated to a certain level or more. Any deterioration prediction model may be used to predict deterioration.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the smart bed 100 and the server 200. The smart bed 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication IF unit 120, a data storage unit 130, a sensor unit 131, a temperature control unit 132, and a shape control unit 133. The control unit 110 controls the smart bed 100. The control unit 110 also notifies the server 200 of sensor information indicating the measurement values ​​of each sensor included in the smart bed 100. The control unit 110 may include device information of each device located around the smart bed 100 in the sensor information. The communication IF unit 120 is an interface for communicating with the outside. The data storage unit 130 has the function of storing data. The sensor unit 131 consists of each sensor included in the smart bed 100. Specific examples of the sensor unit 131 include a temperature sensor and a body pressure sensor. The temperature control unit 132 controls the temperature of the mattress included in the smart bed 100. The shape control unit 133 controls the shape of the mattress provided in the smart bed 100.

[0017] The server 200 includes a control information analysis unit 210, a maintenance information analysis unit 220, a communication IF unit 230, and a data storage unit 240. The control information analysis unit 210 analyzes sensor information notified from the smart bed 100 and generates control information based on the analysis results. The control information analysis unit 210 may generate the control information using machine learning. That is, the control information analysis unit 210 analyzes the measurement values ​​of each sensor equipped in the target bed and generates the control information based on the analysis results of the measurement values ​​of each sensor equipped in the target bed. The sensor information may include device information transmitted from each device present in the vicinity of the smart bed 100. The server 200 may receive the device information directly from each device, or may receive the device information of each device from the smart bed 100. Furthermore, the control information analysis unit 210 may generate control information used to control each device present in the vicinity of the target bed based on the analysis results of the measurement values ​​of each sensor equipped in the target bed. The maintenance information analysis unit 220 analyzes information indicating the usage status of the smart bed 100 and each device located around the smart bed 100, and generates maintenance information based on the analysis results. The information indicating the usage status may be included in the sensor information. That is, the maintenance information analysis unit 220 predicts a failure of the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of the target bed, and generates maintenance information indicating the predicted failure of the target bed. The maintenance information analysis unit 220 may also predict a failure of each device located around the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of each device located around the target bed, and generate information indicating the predicted failure of each device located around the target bed as maintenance information. The communication IF unit 230 is an interface for communicating with the outside. The communication IF unit 230 may notify the smart bed 100 of control information and maintenance information. The data storage unit 240 has a function for storing data.

[0018] The following mainly describes an example of the hardware configuration of the smart bed 100. The hardware configurations of the server 200 and the control device 300 are the same as the hardware configuration of the smart bed 100. The smart bed 100 is made up of a computer. The smart bed 100 may be made up of multiple computers.

[0019] 2, the smart bed 100 is a computer that includes hardware such as a processor 11 and a memory 12. These pieces of hardware are appropriately connected via signal lines.

[0020] The processor 11 is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs arithmetic processing and controls the hardware of the computer. Specific examples of the processor 11 include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processor 21 is similar to the processor 11. The smart bed 100 may include multiple processors that replace the processor 11. The multiple processors share the role of the processor 11.

[0021] The memory 12 may be composed of a volatile storage device and a non-volatile storage device, for example. The memory 22 is similar to the memory 12. The volatile storage device may be a random access memory (RAM), for example. The non-volatile storage device may be a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a flash memory, for example.

[0022] The memory 12 stores a sleep assistance program. The sleep assistance program is a program that causes a computer to realize the functions of each part of the smart bed 100. The sleep assistance program is loaded into the memory 12 and executed by the processor 11. The functions of each part of each device included in the smart bed 100 are realized by software.

[0023] Data used when executing the sleep assistance program and data obtained by executing the sleep assistance program are stored in the storage device as appropriate. Each part of the smart bed 100 uses the storage device as appropriate. Specific examples of the storage device include at least one of the memory 12, a register in the processor 11, and a cache memory in the processor 11. Note that the terms "data" and "information" may have the same meaning. The storage device may be independent of the computer. The functions of the memory 12 may be realized by another storage device.

[0024] The sleep assistance program may be stored in a computer-readable non-volatile recording medium. Specific examples of the non-volatile recording medium include an optical disk and a flash memory. The sleep assistance program may be provided as a program product.

[0025] ***Description of Operation*** The operating procedures of each device included in sleep assistance system 90 correspond to a sleep assistance method. Furthermore, the programs that realize the operations of each device included in sleep assistance system 90 are collectively referred to as sleep assistance programs.

[0026] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the smart bed 100. The operation of the smart bed 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] (Step S101) After the smart bed 100 is started up, the operation of the application in the smart bed 100 is started.

[0028] (Step S102) The control unit 110 executes a communication connection process to connect the smart bed 100 and the server 200 for communication.

[0029] (Step S103 ) The control unit 110 starts data linkage with the server 200 .

[0030] (Step S104) The sensors included in the sensor unit 131 measure body pressure, temperature, and the like.

[0031] (Step S105 ) The communication IF unit 120 notifies the server 200 of sensor information indicating the measurement results of each sensor included in the sensor unit 131 .

[0032] (Step S106) If the control information is notified from the server 200, the smart bed 100 proceeds to step S107. Otherwise, the smart bed 100 proceeds to step S108.

[0033] (Step S107) The temperature control unit 132, the shape control unit 133, etc. control the smart bed 100, etc. according to the notified control information.

[0034] (Step S108) If the maintenance information has been notified from the server 200, the smart bed 100 proceeds to step S109. Otherwise, the smart bed 100 proceeds to step S110.

[0035] (Step S109) The control unit 110 notifies the user of the maintenance information. At this time, the control unit 110 may notify the user of the maintenance information via a display or the like, or may transfer the maintenance information to an externally commissioned maintenance company.

[0036] (Step S110) While the application is running, the processes from step S104 to step S110 are repeatedly executed. If an instruction to stop the application is received, the smart bed 100 proceeds to step S111.

[0037] (Step S111 ) The control unit 110 stops data linkage with the server 200 .

[0038] (Step S112 ) The control unit 110 releases the communication connection with the server 200 .

[0039] (Step S113) The smart bed 100 completes the application operation and stops operating as the smart bed 100.

[0040] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 200. The operation of the server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] (Step S201) After the application starts operating, the server 200 waits for a connection from the smart bed 100.

[0042] (Step S202) After connecting with the smart bed 100, the application starts data linkage with the smart bed 100.

[0043] (Step S203) The server 200 waits for notification of sensor information from the smart bed 100. If notification of sensor information has been received, the server 200 proceeds to step S204. Otherwise, the server 200 proceeds to step S210.

[0044] (Step S204) The control information analysis unit 210 analyzes the notified sensor information and checks whether or not it is necessary to control the body pressure, temperature, etc. If it is necessary to control the body pressure, temperature, etc., the control information analysis unit 210 generates control information as appropriate.

[0045] (Step S205) If there is update information to be notified to the smart bed 100 as control information, the server 200 proceeds to step S206. Otherwise, the server 200 proceeds to step S210.

[0046] (Step S206) The communication IF unit 230 notifies the smart bed 100 of the generated control information.

[0047] (Step S207) The maintenance information analysis unit 220 analyzes information indicating the usage status of the smart bed 100 and devices present around the smart bed 100, and checks whether maintenance is required for each device. If maintenance is required for each device, the maintenance information analysis unit 220 generates maintenance information as appropriate.

[0048] (Step S208) If there is update information to be notified to the smart bed 100 as maintenance information, the server 200 proceeds to step S209. Otherwise, the server 200 proceeds to step S210.

[0049] (Step S209) The communication IF unit 230 notifies the smart bed 100 of the generated maintenance information.

[0050] (Step S210) The server 200 repeats the processes from step S203 to step S210 while data linkage with the smart bed 100 continues.

[0051] (Step S211) When the data linkage is stopped, the server 200 releases the connection with the smart bed 100 and returns to a connection waiting state.

[0052] ***Explanation of the effects of embodiment 1*** As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a sleep assistance system 90 that assists each user in continuously using bedding that provides a relatively comfortable sleeping environment for each user.

[0053] ***Other Configurations*** <Variation 1> Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the smart bed 100 according to this variation. The smart bed 100 includes a processing circuit 18 instead of the processor 11, or the processor 11 and the memory 12. The processing circuit 18 is hardware that realizes at least some of the components of the smart bed 100. The processing circuit 18 may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processor that executes a program stored in the memory 12.

[0054] When processing circuitry 18 is dedicated hardware, processing circuitry 18 may be, for example, a single circuit, multiple circuits, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Smart bed 100 may include multiple processing circuits that replace processing circuitry 18. The multiple processing circuits share the functions of processing circuitry 18.

[0055] In the smart bed 100, some functions may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware.

[0056] The processing circuitry 18 is realized by, for example, hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. The processor 11, memory 12, and processing circuitry 18 are collectively referred to as the "processing circuitry." In other words, the functions of each functional component of the smart bed 100 are realized by the processing circuitry. The server 200 and the control device 300 may each be similar to those in this modification.

[0057] ***Other Embodiments*** Although the first embodiment has been described, it is also possible to combine multiple parts of this embodiment and implement it. Alternatively, it is also possible to implement this embodiment in part. In addition, this embodiment may be modified in various ways as needed, and may be implemented in any combination, either as a whole or in part. Note that the above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, its applications, and uses. The procedures described using flowcharts, etc. may be modified as appropriate.

[0058] 11, 21 Processor, 12, 22 Memory, 18 Processing circuit, 90 Sleep support system, 100 Smart bed, 110 Control unit, 120 Communication IF unit, 130 Data storage unit, 131 Sensor unit, 132 Temperature control unit, 133 Shape control unit, 200 Server, 210 Control information analysis unit, 220 Maintenance information analysis unit, 230 Communication IF unit, 240 Data storage unit, 300 Control device.

Claims

1. A sleep support device comprising: a control information analysis unit that analyzes measurement values of each sensor included in a target bed capable of controlling each of the shape, hardness, and temperature of a mattress, and generates control information used to control the target bed based on the result of analyzing the measurement values of each sensor included in the target bed; and a maintenance information analysis unit that predicts a failure of the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of the target bed and generates maintenance information indicating the predicted failure of the target bed.

2. The sleep support device according to claim 1, wherein the target bed includes a body pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

3. The sleep support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control information analysis unit generates, as the control information, information used to control each device existing around the target bed based on the result of analyzing the measurement values of each sensor included in the target bed.

4. The sleep support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the maintenance information analysis unit predicts a failure of each device existing around the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of each device existing around the target bed, and generates, as the maintenance information, information indicating the predicted failure of each device existing around the target bed.

5. The sleep support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a communication interface unit that notifies the generated maintenance information to the target bed.

6. A sleep support method, wherein a computer analyzes measurement values of each sensor included in a target bed capable of controlling each of the shape, hardness, and temperature of a mattress, generates control information used to control the target bed based on the result of analyzing the measurement values of each sensor included in the target bed, predicts a failure of the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of the target bed, and generates maintenance information indicating the predicted failure of the target bed.

7. A sleep support program that causes a computer, which is a sleep support device, to execute a control information analysis process for analyzing measurement values of each sensor included in a target bed capable of controlling each of the shape, hardness, and temperature of a mattress, and generating control information used to control the target bed based on the result of analyzing the measurement values of each sensor included in the target bed, and a maintenance information analysis process for predicting a failure of the target bed based on information indicating the usage status of the target bed and generating maintenance information indicating the predicted failure of the target bed.

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