JP2002028242A - Wakening system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wakening system which enables a user to wake up clearly and to rapidly start action. SOLUTION: The wakening system has a humidity sensor 13 which detects the sweat rate of the user U, a sleep depth detecting section 41 which estimates the sleep depth from the sweat rate, a sleep rhythm estimation processing section 42 which estimates the sleep rhythm from the sleep depth, an apparatus 20 which imparts stimuli to the user U and an apparatus control section 44 which controls the apparatus 20 in accordance with the sleep rhythm. Feedback control is carried out by the apparatus control section 44 based on the sleep state of the user U to waken the user U at the timing good for waking up.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wake-up system, and more particularly to a wake-up system for waking a sleeper in an optimal situation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are many facilities equipped with a simple napping facility, and a bed or the like is mainly provided in a dark room equipped with an air conditioner.

[0003]

The purpose of naps is often to eliminate lack of sleep or accumulation of fatigue, activate the brain, and improve the efficiency of behavior.

[0004] When taking a nap, the sleeper often sets his / her wake-up time by setting an wake-up time on an alarm clock or the like provided with a device that emits a wakeful stimulus such as sound or light so that the sleeper can wake up at the set wake-up time. Will be

[0005] However, an alarm clock or the like forcibly applies an arousal stimulus to the sleeper at the set wake-up time regardless of the sleep state of the sleeper. For this reason, depending on the sleep situation of the sleeper, the sleeper may become very awake due to the stimulus even after awakening. If the awakening is poor, the brain does not work sufficiently, and the efficiency of the action after the nap may be worse than before the nap even though the nap is performed.

[0006] When a sleeper wakes up after being given an arousal stimulus from an alarm clock or the like, it may be difficult to move the body. This is caused by the fact that the sleeper is not ready to wake up even at the set wake-up time due to a decrease in body temperature in the body during sleep. When the core body temperature falls to rest the brain and body, the body is also at rest and cannot take any action immediately even if given a wakefulness stimulus.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an awakening system that allows a sleeper to wake up neatly and to start action immediately.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wakefulness system comprising: a biological information detecting unit configured to detect biological information of a sleeper; and a sleep depth estimating a sleep depth of the sleeper based on the detected biological information. Estimating means, sleep rhythm estimating means for estimating the sleep rhythm of the sleeper based on the estimated sleep depth, a stimulating device for stimulating the sleeper, and a control unit for controlling the stimulating device based on the sleep rhythm. .

The awakening system can awaken a sleeper as follows. First, biological information of the sleeper is detected by the biological information detecting means. Using the detected biological information, the sleep depth of the sleeper is estimated by the sleep depth estimation means. Next, the sleep rhythm of the sleeper is estimated by the sleep rhythm estimation means based on the estimated sleep depth.
Based on the estimated sleep rhythm, the control unit determines when to apply a stimulus to the sleeper, and applies a stimulus to the sleeper using the stimulator.

The awakening system of the present invention provides feedback control to the sleeper by performing feedback control based on the sleeper's biological information obtained from the biological information detecting means.
You can wake up at a good time to wake up.

The sleep depth is an index indicating a sleep depth of a sleeper, and is defined by an electroencephalogram analysis. It is also possible to estimate the sleep depth from biological information other than brain waves.
The sleep depth is classified into depths 1 to 4 according to the sleep state of the sleeper. The higher the value, the deeper the sleep. When the sleeper falls asleep for a while, a very deep sleep state (sleep depth 3 to 4) called slow wave sleep is obtained. After that, the sleep state gradually becomes shallow until it is close to awake,
The sleep state deepens again. This periodic change in sleep depth continues until awakening. In addition, as the sleep time increases, the amplitude of the sleep depth decreases.

As biological information from which the sleeper's sleep depth is estimated, sweating, electrodermal activity, eye movement, pulse wave,
Examples include information obtained by measuring a pulse (heart rate), skin surface temperature (forehead, head, etc.), body motion, respiratory rate, or heartbeat RR interval. Brain waves may be measured and used as biological information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the awakening system according to the first aspect, the sleep rhythm estimating means determines the sleep depth passage, the sleep depth change direction, and the sleep cycle. Estimate based on changes over time.

The sleep rhythm estimating means estimates information for the control unit to determine the wake-up time based on the temporal change of the sleep depth. Important information in the determination of the wake-up time includes estimating the passage of the prescribed value of the sleep depth, estimating the change direction of the sleep depth, and estimating the sleep cycle.

[0015] The sleep cycle is a cycle time in a temporal change of the sleep depth. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the awakening system according to the second aspect, when the sleep rhythm of the sleeper is larger than a predetermined value by the sleep rhythm estimating unit, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulator. .

The above-mentioned specified value is a specific sleep state in which a sleeper is awakened at a time when the sleep depth is greater than the specified value, and a bad awakening occurs in the sleeper or a state in which the sleeper cannot work immediately. Refers to the depth value.

[0017] Bad awakening occurs because the brain is forcibly awakened at the time of rest. Also,
The situation in which the work cannot be performed immediately occurs because the deep body temperature of the sleeper's body has dropped, and the sleeper was forcibly awakened at the time.

When the sleep depth exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulating device to stimulate the sleeper so that the sleep depth of the sleeper does not become larger than the predetermined value. You can control your sleep. At this time,
Stimulating the sleeper will not deepen the sleep state,
The body temperature of the sleeper can be maintained.

The intensity of the stimulus given to a sleeper is not a strong stimulus that wakes up, but a weak stimulus is appropriate. It is known that if the sleeper is awakened at the time of slow-wave sleep, the sleeper may wake up badly or may not be able to start work immediately after waking up. For this reason, it is better to wake up after maintaining a state where the sleep depth is smaller than the state of slow wave sleep. Therefore, the specified value is 2
Near is more desirable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the awakening system according to the first or second aspect, the sleep rhythm means estimates that the sleep depth of the sleeper has passed at least one non-REM sleep, and When the sleep depth of the person is REM sleep, the control unit controls the operation of the stimulator.

The sleep state is classified into non-REM sleep and REM sleep according to the difference in sleep depth. Non-REM sleep is a sleep state in which the sleep depth is classified from 1 to 4. Non-REM sleep is said to be a state where the sleep depth is large and the brain is resting. REM sleep is a sleep state in which the sleep depth is 1 or close to an awake state, and additionally, rapid eye movement.

It is said that fatigue of a sleeper is eliminated by experiencing a state in which the sleep depth is large. By utilizing this, the sleeper experiences non-REM sleep once. However, if the sleeper is awake during non-REM sleep, waking may be blurred. To avoid this,
The control unit activates the stimulator to awaken the sleeper at the time when the sleep rhythm means estimates that the sleeper is in REM sleep.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the awakening system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the sleep rhythm estimating means estimates that the sleep depth of the sleeper shifts from REM sleep to non-REM sleep. The control unit controls the operation of the stimulator so that the change direction becomes negative.

REM sleep is a state where the sleep depth is small,
It is said that he is dreaming. Therefore, if the sleeper is awakened at the time estimated to be REM sleep, the sleeper may be awakened while dreaming, which may cause a feeling of lack of sleep after waking up.

To avoid this, at the time of transition from REM sleep to non-REM sleep, the control unit controls the stimulator so that the sleep depth change direction becomes negative (toward awakening).
A wake-up system according to a sixth aspect is the wake-up system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an input unit for inputting a setting of a wake-up time, and the wake-up set and input by the input unit. The control unit activates the stimulator so that the sleeper wakes up by the time.

Normally, when the wake-up time is set, it is necessary to wake the sleeper as close as possible to the wake-up time. For this reason, the wakefulness stimulus is activated immediately before the wake-up time and at a time that meets the conditions of the above-described claim.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the awakening system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit is configured to provide a stimulus that is given for a predetermined time when the sleeper is awakened. Control.

The control unit controls the stimulator so as to give a stimulus to the sleeper for a certain period of time in order to wake up the sleeper with a sufficiently small sleep depth. The wakefulness system according to claim 8 is the wakeup system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stimulator can generate at least two types of stimuli.

It has been found that awakening is improved by applying a plurality of types of stimuli instead of a single stimulus when awakening a sleeper. Since at least two kinds of stimuli can be generated from the stimulating device, at least two kinds of stimuli can be given to the sleeper, and better awakening can be given to the sleeper. The number of stimulating devices is not limited to one, but may be a plurality of devices.

A wakefulness system according to a ninth aspect is the wakefulness system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the detection of the amount of sweat is used as the biological information detecting means.

It has been found that the amount of sweating of a sleeper is positively correlated with the depth of sleep. If the sleep depth is large, the sweat amount of the sleeper is large, and if the sleep depth is small, the sweat amount of the sleep person is small. From this correlation, the sleep depth of the sleeper can be estimated by detecting the sweat amount of the sleeper.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] <Overview> FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an awakening system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the awakening system is as follows. First, the amount of perspiration of the user U is detected by the humidity sensor 13 (biological information detecting means). The sleep depth of the user U is estimated by the sleep depth detection unit 41 (sleep depth estimation means) based on the detected amount of perspiration. Based on the estimated sleep depth, the sleep rhythm estimation processing unit 42
The sleep rhythm of the user U is estimated by (sleep depth estimation means). Based on the estimated sleep rhythm, the user U
The device control unit 44 (control unit) determines the timing of applying a stimulus to the user U, and gives a stimulus to the user U by the device 20 (stimulator).

<Detailed Configuration of Awakening System> First Embodiment of the Present Invention
FIG. 2 shows an awakening system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a control block diagram.

The awakening system is provided inside the capsule 1. The capsule 1 is for creating a unitized private room space, and is provided therein with a space large enough for one user to lie down. An opening 2 is provided on one side surface of the capsule 1, and the opening 2 includes a shutter 3. The bed 1, a lighting device 21, an audio device 22, a fragrance generating device 23, a display / input device 31, and a control device 40 are provided inside the capsule 1. The couch 11 includes a couch vibration device 12 and a plurality of humidity sensors 13. Further, the lower part of the bed 11 is provided with an air conditioner 24.

The opening 2 is a portion through which a user enters and exits the capsule 1. The shutter 3 is vertically movable and can open and close the opening 2. Sleeper 11
Is a place where the user lies down during a nap.

The bed vibrating device 12 vibrates the bed 11 to give a vibration stimulus to wake the user. The humidity sensor 13 is a sensor that senses the amount of perspiration of a user lying on the bed 11. The humidity sensor 13 is installed at a position in contact with the user when the user lies on the bed 11.

The illumination device 21 is illumination for adjusting the brightness inside the capsule 1. In addition, light stimulation can be given to the user. The audio device 22 supplies music and the like to the inside of the capsule 1. In addition, a sound stimulus can be given to the user.

The fragrance generator 23 supplies fragrance into the capsule 1. In addition, the user can be provided with scent stimulation. The air conditioner 24 adjusts the environment inside the capsule 1. In addition, the user can be given a temperature stimulus.

The display / input device 31 displays an image or displays the state of the whole awakening system. The display / input device 31 has a touch panel device on the display surface, displays an input menu and the like, and receives a setting input such as a wake-up time setting from the user.

The control device 40 is a device for controlling the awakening system. Further, the control device 40 includes a sleep depth detection unit 41, a sleep rhythm estimation processing unit 42, a display control unit 4
3 and a device control unit 44.

The sleep depth detector 41 estimates the user's sleep depth by obtaining the user's perspiration based on the humidity in the bed 11 detected by the humidity sensor 13. FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the change over time between the sleep depth and the amount of perspiration. FIG. 4 shows that there is a correlation between the amount of sweat during sleep and the depth of sleep. If the sleep depth is large, the sweat amount of the sleeper is large, and if the sleep depth is small, the sweat amount of the sleep person is small. From this correlation, the sleep depth of the sleeper can be estimated by detecting the sweat amount of the sleeper.

The sleep rhythm estimation processing section 42 estimates a sleep rhythm based on the sleep depth estimated by the sleep depth detection section 41. The display control unit 43 controls the display of the display / input device 31.

The display controller 43 controls the display of the display / input device 31. Further, the input from the display / input device 31 is taken. The device control unit 44 includes the display / input device 31
The device 20 (the bed vibrating device 12, the lighting device 21, the audio device 22, the fragrance generating device) based on the sleep rhythm estimated by the sleep rhythm 23 and air conditioner 24)
Control.

<Operation of Awakening System> The operation of the awakening system will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[Operation of Main Routine] First, the main routine shown in FIG. 7 will be described. This is a routine for receiving a sleep mode selection input from the user, performing control according to each sleep mode after the user falls asleep, and giving a wakeful stimulus to wake up when control in each sleep mode ends.

For a user who has entered the capsule 1 and lay down, options are displayed on the display / input device 31 and a sleep mode setting input is received. First, in step S2, a sleep mode is selected and input from two types, a nap mode and a fatigue recovery sleep mode. Next, step S3 or step S
4 "Set wake-up time" or "Do not set wake-up time"
Or select input. If step S3 is YES, that is, if "set wake-up time" is selected, the wake-up time setting sleep mode is set, and in the sleep mode selected in step S2, control to awaken the user at a time close to the wake-up time Move to routine. If NO in step S3, that is, if “do not set the wake-up time” is selected, the shortest sleep mode is set, and after allowing the user to experience the shortest sleep in the sleep mode selected in step S2, Move to each control routine for waking up.

The mode shifts to each sleep mode according to the setting input from the user. Nap mode in step S2, step S
If YES (wake-up time setting sleep mode) is selected in 3, the process proceeds to the time setting nap control routine in step S10. Nap mode in step S2, NO in step S3
If (shortest sleep mode) is selected, step S
The routine proceeds to a shortest nap control routine of No. 20. If the fatigue recovery sleep mode is selected in step S2 and YES (wake-up time setting sleep mode) is selected in step S4, step S30 is selected.
Move to the time setting fatigue recovery sleep control routine. When the fatigue recovery sleep mode is selected in step S2 and NO (shortest sleep mode) is selected in step S4, the process proceeds to the minimum fatigue recovery sleep control routine in step S40.

When the control in each control routine is completed, the process returns to the main routine. In step S50, the device control section 44 controls the driving of the illumination device 21 to give the user a light stimulus for n1 minutes. In the present embodiment, n1
= 5, that is, the lighting device 21 is driven for about 5 minutes. In step S51, the device control section 44 controls the drive of the audio device 22, thereby giving the user a sound stimulus for n2 minutes. In this embodiment, n2 = 5, that is, the audio device 22 is driven for about 5 minutes.

A step S52 decides whether or not the user has woken up. The wake-up is confirmed by detecting a change in the detection result of the humidity sensor 13, for example, a decrease in humidity. Besides that,
An input request display may be displayed on the display / input device 31 so as to be input when the user wakes up. Step S5
When 2 is YES, that is, when the user wakes up, the awakening system is ended. When step S52 is NO
That is, if the user is still sleeping, step S
Go to 53.

In step S53, the current time and the wake-up time are compared in the device control unit 44. Step S53
Is YES, that is, if the current time is before the wake-up time, the process returns to step S52. When step S53 is NO, in step S54 the bed vibration device 12 is
The control by 4 gives a vibration stimulus to the user.
The user is surely awakened by giving a strong stimulus, and then the awakening system is terminated.

[Operation of Time Setting Nap Control Routine] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the time setting nap control routine.
This control routine provides the user with an arousal stimulus after maintaining the sleep depth of the user at 2 or less, so that the user can wake up clearly and start work immediately.

In order to wake up the user clearly and to start the work promptly, the sleep depth of the user should not be in the state of slow wave sleep (sleep depth 3 to 4). By giving a stimulus to the user, the sleep state can be controlled. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a temporal change of the sleep depth of the sleeper in the control routine.
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a temporal change of the core body temperature (rectal temperature) of the sleeper in FIG. When no stimulus is given to the user, the sleep depth and the core body temperature change as shown by the dotted line in FIG. That is, the sleep depth increases until slow wave sleep, and the sleep depth oscillates according to the sleep cycle. Core body temperature gradually decreases after falling asleep. However, when a stimulus is given from the stimulator, the sleep depth and the core body temperature change as shown by the solid line. That is, the sleep depth and the core body temperature of the user can be kept substantially constant by the stimulation.

In step S12, the display / input device 31 accepts the input of the setting of the wake-up time. Step S13 is (n1 + n) earlier than the wake-up time input in step S12.
2) The device control unit 44 compares the time earlier by the minute and the current time. n1 and n2 are driving times of the illumination device 21 driven in step S50 and the audio device 22 driven in step S51, respectively. That is, (n
The (1 + n2) minutes is a time that is assumed to be required from the start of driving of the arousal stimulus to the awakening of the user. In this embodiment, both n1 and n2 are about 5 minutes. Step S1
3 is YES, that is, from the wake-up time (n1 + n2)
If the current time is later than the current time by a minute, the process proceeds to step S14. Step S13 is NO
At this time, the process returns to the main routine.

In step S14, the sleep depth of the user is 2
The following is determined by the device control unit 44 based on the sleep rhythm. When step S14 is YES, that is, when the sleep depth of the user is 2 or less, the process returns to step S13. When step S14 is NO, the process moves to step S15.

In step S15, the control of giving a stimulus for reducing the sleep depth of the user is performed by the device control unit 44 using one of the devices 20. The stimulus given in step S15 is not a strong stimulus that wakes up but a weak stimulus. In the present embodiment, the lighting device 21, the audio device 22, the fragrance generating device 23, and the air conditioner 24
A weak stimulus using at least one of the above is given to the user to reduce the sleep depth of the user.

Step S16 is an effect of the stimulus given to the user in step S15, and the device control unit 44 determines whether the sleep depth of the user has become 2 or less based on the sleep rhythm. When step S16 is YES, that is, when the sleep depth of the user becomes 2 or less, the process returns to step S13. When step S16 is NO, that is, when the sleep depth is still 2 or less, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, similarly to step S13, the device control unit 44 compares the time that is (n1 + n2) earlier than the wake-up time with the current time. Step S
17 is YES, that is, from the wake-up time (n1 + n
2) The current time is compared with the current time earlier by a minute, and if the current time is later, the process returns to step S15 to restimulate the user. When step S17 is NO, the process returns to the main routine.

[Operation of Shortest Nap Control Routine] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the shortest nap control routine. In this control routine, control is performed so as to give the user an arousal stimulus when the sleep depth of the user becomes greater than two. This control routine allows the user to take a nap for the shortest time.

In step S22, the sleep depth of the user is 2
The following is determined by the device control unit 44 based on the sleep rhythm. When step S22 is YES, that is, when the sleep of the user is still light, the sleep of the user is maintained, and the process returns to step S22 again. When step S22 is NO, that is, when the sleep depth is greater than 2, the process returns to the main routine.

[Operation of Time Setting Fatigue Recovery Sleep Control Routine] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the time setting fatigue recovery sleep control routine. The control routine allows the user to experience a deep sleep at least once, and wakes up at the end of REM sleep, which is the closest to the wake-up time, so that the user can be sufficiently rested to remove the user's fatigue and to wake up clearly. I do.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a temporal change of the sleep depth of the user. P1 is the time when the transition from REM sleep to non-REM sleep occurs. P2 is a period in which REM is sleeping and may have a dream. D is a time when the sleep depth is large. N1 is the time from when you fall asleep to when the sleep depth is maximized. N2 is the sleep cycle. Sleep cycles vary depending on the individual and the time of day. For example, the nighttime sleep cycle is generally said to be about 90 minutes, while the daytime sleep cycle tends to be shorter.

When the sleeper experiences the period D when the sleep depth is large, the fatigue of the user can be eliminated. For this reason, in this control routine, the user is caused to experience the timing D at least once.

The period P1 is a period in which REM sleep is completed and a transition to non-REM sleep is made, and when the user wakes up, a clear awakening is obtained. Time P
2 is the time when it is assumed that the user is dreaming,
This is an awakening period in which the user may feel insomnia when forcedly awakened by stimulation. Therefore, in the present control routine, the device control unit 44 controls the device 20 so that the sleep depth change direction becomes negative (toward awakening) at the time P1.

In step S 32, the setting of the wake-up time is received by the display / input device 31. A step S33 decides whether or not the user's sleep has become sufficiently deep. As a determination method, the device control unit 44 determines whether the difference between the current time and the start time is longer than N1 minutes. It is said that the sleeping time is about 30 minutes, and in the present embodiment, N1 minute is 30 minutes. When step S33 is YES, that is, when the sleep time is N1
If it is inferred that a deep sleep has passed after a minute, the process proceeds to step S34. When step S33 is NO, that is, when the sleep time has not yet passed N1 minutes, the process returns to step S33.

Step S34 includes steps S13 and S1.
Similarly to 7, the device control unit 44 compares the time (n1 + n2) earlier than the wake-up time input in step S32 with the current time. If step S34 is YES, that is, if the current time is later than the current time by comparing the time (n1 + n2) earlier than the wake-up time, the current time is later than the time S3.
Move to 5. When step S34 is NO, the process returns to the main routine.

In step S35, the sleep depth of the user is 1
The device control unit 44 determines whether the condition is the following or not, that is, whether the sleep state of the user is REM sleep or not based on the sleep rhythm. When step S35 is YES, that is, when the sleep state of the user is REM sleep, the process proceeds to step S36. If step S35 is NO, that is, if the sleep state of the user is non-REM sleep, step S3
Return to 4.

In step S36, the device control unit 44 determines whether the change direction of the user's sleep depth is positive based on the sleep rhythm. When the change direction of the sleep depth is positive, the sleep state increases. Since it is determined in step S35 that the sleep state of the user is REM sleep, when step S36 is YES, the user is in a stage before finishing the dream. When step S36 is YES, the process moves to step S37. When step S36 is NO, if the sleep state of the user is not in a state suitable for awakening, the process returns to step S34.

In step S37, it is determined whether the current REM sleep state determined in step S35 is REM sleep immediately before the wake-up time. A step S37 decides whether or not the difference between the wake-up time and the current time is shorter than N2 minutes.
N2 is a sleep cycle, and more specifically, is a REM sleep and a REM sleep cycle time as shown in FIG.
If the wakefulness stimulus is started when the wake-up time is not the REM sleep immediately before the wake-up time, the wake-up stimulus is woken too early than the set wake-up time. Therefore, the person is awakened with REM sleep as close to the wake-up time as possible. When step S37 is YES, the process returns to the main routine. Thus, the user is given an arousal stimulus, so that the sleep depth change direction can be made negative (toward awakening) near the awakening time P1 in FIG. 6 where it is estimated that the dream has been completed. When step S37 is NO, the process returns to step S34.

[Operation of sleep control routine for recovery from shortest fatigue]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the shortest fatigue recovery sleep control routine.
1 is shown. This control routine allows the user to experience a deep sleep only once and then wakes up when the user's REM sleep state ends, so that fatigue can be eliminated as much as possible in a short time so that it can be awakened clearly I do.

In step S42, similarly to step S33, the device control unit 44 determines whether the difference between the current time and the start time is longer than N1. When step S42 is YES, that is, when it is estimated that the sleep time has passed N1 minutes and a deep sleep has been experienced, the process proceeds to step S43. When step S42 is NO, step S42 is performed again.
Return to

In step S43, similarly to step S35, the device control unit 44 determines whether the user's sleep depth is 1 or less, that is, whether the user's sleep state is REM sleep, based on the sleep rhythm. . When step S43 is YES, that is, when the sleep state of the user is REM sleep,
Move to step S44. When step S43 is NO
In other words, when the user's sleep state is non-REM sleep,
It returns to step S43 again.

In step S44, similarly to step S36, the device control unit 44 determines whether the change direction of the sleep depth is positive based on the sleep rhythm. Step S4 above
Since it is determined in step 3 that the sleep state of the user is REM sleep, when step S44 is YES, the user is in the stage before finishing dreaming. By giving an arousal stimulus at this time, it is possible to realize that the user is gradually awakened, and to make the sleep depth change direction negative around the awakening time P1 in FIG. Can be. When step S44 is YES, the process returns to the main routine.
When step S44 is NO, the process returns to step S44 again, and waits until the change direction of the sleep depth becomes positive.

<Features of Awakening System of the Present Embodiment> (1) The awakening system of the present embodiment has a humidity sensor 13 as biological information detecting means, a sleep depth detecting unit 41 as sleep depth estimating means, and a sleep as sleep rhythm estimating means. A rhythm estimation processing unit 42, a device 20 as a stimulating device, and a device control unit 44 as a control unit are provided.

In the present embodiment, the device control unit 44 performs feedback control based on the sleep state of the user, thereby awakening the user at a time when good awakening is given to the user. (2) The awakening system according to the present embodiment determines that the sleep depth of the user passes through the depths 1 and 2, the change direction of the sleep depth, and the sleep cycle based on the temporal change of the sleep depth of the user. The estimation processing unit 42 estimates.

When the user selects the nap mode, the user is prevented from going into a deep sleep state by optimizing the timing of giving a stimulus by using the user's sleep depth passing through the depth 2. The work can be controlled so that the work can be resumed immediately after waking up.

When the user selects the fatigue recovery sleep mode, by making use of the fact that the sleep depth passes through the depth 1 and that the change direction of the sleep depth is positive, the timing of applying the stimulus is made appropriate. Give the user a comfortable wake-up.

(3) The awakening system of the present embodiment has a nap mode, and the device control unit 44 controls the device 20 when the sleep depth of the user becomes larger than the depth 2.

By stimulating the user so that the sleep state of the user does not become slow wave sleep, the sleep state of the user is not deepened, and the deep body temperature of the user is maintained. Thereby, when the user wakes up, it is possible to wake up to a state in which a clear and prompt action can be started.

(4) The awakening system of the present embodiment has a fatigue recovery sleep mode, and the sleep rhythm estimation processing unit 42 determines that the user has experienced at least one non-REM sleep.
The device control unit 44 controls the operation of the device 20 to awaken the user at the time when the sleep depth is estimated and the sleep depth of the user indicates REM sleep.

When the user experiences a period of large sleep depth indicated by period D in FIG. 6, the user's fatigue can be eliminated. By selecting the fatigue recovery sleep mode, the state of the user after awakening is improved to a state in which fatigue is reduced.

(5) In the awakening system of this embodiment, the change in the sleep depth becomes negative at the time when the sleep state of the user is estimated to shift from REM sleep to non-REM sleep in the fatigue recovery sleep mode ( The operation of the device 20 is controlled by the device control unit 44 so as to awaken.

When the user finishes REM sleep, by setting the sleep state to awake, it is possible to avoid awakening while dreaming. As a result, the user wakes up better. In the awakening system of the present embodiment, in order to realize this, control is performed such that a stimulus can be given and the person can be gradually awakened before the end of REM sleep.

(6) The awakening system of this embodiment includes a display / input unit 43. The display / input unit 43 receives image display and the like and user's setting inputs such as sleep mode setting and wake-up time setting.

What is necessary for the wake-up system that can set the wake-up time is to wake up the user by the wake-up time set by the display / input unit 43 and at a time as close as possible to the wake-up time.

For this reason, the time setting nap control routine S1
At 0, the stimulus to the user is started from the time when the time difference between the wake-up time and the current time is equal to (n1 + n2), with the time required for awakening the sleeper as the duration of the wakefulness stimulus (n1 + n2).

In the time setting fatigue recovery sleep control routine S30, the sleep cycle N2 is used to determine that the REM sleep at the current time is the REM sleep closest to the wake-up time. After it is determined that it is the REM sleep closest to the wake-up time and the sleep depth change direction becomes positive, the time difference between the wake-up time and the current time is equal to (n1 + n2), similarly to the time setting nap control routine S10. Stimulation to the user has started from the point in time.

(7) In the awakening system of the present embodiment, the light stimulus by the lighting device 21 and the sound stimulus by the audio device 22 are each driven for 5 minutes. By continuing the stimulation for a certain period of time, the sleep depth of the user can be made sufficiently small and the user can be awake.

(8) The awakening system of the present embodiment provides the user with two types of awakening stimuli, a light stimulus by the lighting device 21 and a sound stimulus by the audio device 22. It has been found that providing multiple stimuli results in better awakening than providing a single stimulus. It has also been found that a desirable stimulus sequence is a sequence in which a light stimulus is applied followed by a sound stimulus.

(9) In the awakening system of this embodiment, the amount of perspiration of the user is measured using the humidity sensor 13 as the biological information detecting means. The amount of sweat and the depth of sleep have a positive correlation as shown in FIG. When measuring the amount of sweating of the user using the humidity sensor 13, unlike other biological information detecting means, it is not necessary to attach the sensor to the body when the user goes to bed, so that the biological information detecting means is very difficult. Can be easily handled.

<Modification of this Embodiment> (A) In this embodiment, a form in which a wake-up system is provided in a capsule-type private room space is adopted. I just need. For example, a sleeping space such as a single room of a business hotel, a one-room apartment, or a sleeper train.

(B) In the present embodiment, the humidity sensor 13 is used as a means for detecting the biological information of the user. This is a means for detecting the amount of perspiration of the user as biological information.
Further, the humidity sensor 13 is used to detect the biological information as simply as possible.

However, the biological information is not limited to sweating, but includes skin electrical activity, eye movement, pulse wave, pulse (heart rate), skin surface temperature (forehead, head, etc.), body movement, respiratory rate, heart rate R The sleep depth may be estimated based on the measurement result of the biological information by using a unit for measuring the -R interval or the like. Of course, the sleep depth may be estimated by detecting brain waves.

The position of the humidity sensor 13 in this embodiment is
Although installed at a position in contact with the user when the user lies down on the bed 11, the position is not limited as long as the user can detect the amount of sweating of the user.

The humidity sensor 13 may be directly attached to the user's skin. In this case, although the simplicity is reduced, the sweating amount can be detected with high accuracy, so that the sleep depth of the user can be more accurately estimated.

(C) The awakening system of the present embodiment is a system in which a user is awakened by giving a light stimulus for about 5 minutes and then giving a sound stimulus for about 5 minutes to wake up the user. is there.

However, the lighting device 21 and the audio device 2
The awakening may be performed using the device 20 other than the device 2. further,
The capsule 1 may be provided with an awakening device other than the device 20, and may be awakened by being driven.

The duration of each stimulus is not limited to the above-mentioned about 5 minutes, but may be longer or shorter.

[0098]

According to the awakening system of the present invention, the control section performs the feedback control based on the sleeper's biological information obtained from the biological information detecting means, so that the sleeper can be awakened at a good wake-up time. Can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an awakening system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an awakening system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows the time course of the sleep depth (a) and the amount of sweat (b).

FIG. 5 is a temporal change of the sleep depth (a) and the deep body temperature (b) when the sleep depth is fixed at a specified value.

FIG. 6 is a time-dependent change in sleep depth (schematic diagram). N1, sleep cycle N2, time D, time P1, and time P2 are shown.

FIG. 7 is a main routine of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a time setting nap control routine;

FIG. 9 is a control routine for the shortest nap.

FIG. 10 is a time setting fatigue recovery sleep control routine.

FIG. 11 is a control routine of a sleep recovery from shortest fatigue.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule 11 Couch 12 Couch vibration device 13 Humidity sensor (biological information detection means) 20 Equipment (stimulator) 21 Illumination device 22 Audio device 23 Aroma generation device 24 Air conditioner 31 Display / input device (input unit) 40 Control device 41 Sleep Depth detection unit (sleep depth estimation unit) 42 sleep rhythm estimation processing unit (sleep rhythm estimation unit) 43 display control unit 44 device control unit (control unit)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Yoshimi 1304 Kanaokacho, Sakai-shi, Osaka Daikin Industries, Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] A biological information detecting means for detecting biological information of a human body during sleep; a sleep depth estimating means for estimating a sleep depth of the human body based on the biological information; Sleep rhythm estimating means (42) for estimating the sleep rhythm of the human body based on the stimulus device (20) for stimulating the human body, and a control unit (44) for controlling the stimulus device based on the sleep rhythm. Awakening system equipped. 2. The sleep rhythm estimating means (42) estimates the sleep depth passage, a sleep depth change direction, and a sleep cycle based on the temporal change of the sleep depth of the human body. Item 2. The arousal system according to Item 1. 3. The control unit (44) controls the stimulator (20) when the sleep rhythm estimating means (42) makes the sleep depth of the human body equal to or more than the prescribed value. Item 3. An arousal system according to Item 2. 4. The control section (44), wherein the sleep rhythm estimating means (42) estimates that the human body has passed at least one non-REM sleep, and the sleep depth of the human body indicates REM sleep. Time, the stimulator (20)
The wake-up system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wake-up system is activated. 5. The control unit (44) comprising: when the sleep rhythm estimation unit (42) estimates that the sleep depth of the human body shifts from REM sleep to non-REM sleep,
The awakening system according to claim 4, wherein the operation of the stimulator (20) is controlled so that the sleep depth change direction becomes negative. 6. An input unit (31) for inputting a setting of a wake-up time, wherein the control unit (44) controls the human body by the wake-up time set and input by the input unit (31). Arousal system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stimulator (20) is activated to wake up. 7. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stimulating device so as to provide a stimulus which is continued for a certain period of time when the human body is awakened. Awakening system as described. 8. The stimulator (20) can generate at least two types of stimuli.
Awakening system according to any one of the above. 9. The biological information detecting means (13) is a detecting means for detecting the amount of sweating of the human body.
Awakening system according to any one of the above.