JP4596023B2 - Sleeping device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sleep device that controls the sleep depth of a user.

Conventionally, as a sleep device, a sleep device that induces sleep to a driver when the driver's awakening level is reduced so that the driver of the vehicle does not fall asleep while driving is known (for example, Patent Document 1). ). This sleep device induces a driver to sleep using an awakening rhythm, which is a natural sleep rhythm, when the arousal level is reduced, and eliminates the driver's sleepiness and recovers from fatigue. Such an awakening rhythm is an awakening rhythm with a 90-minute period called ultradian rhythm, and REM sleep and non-REM sleep are repeated alternately.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-108847 JP 63-097174 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-225034 JP 2003-010230 A JP 2007-0753342 A

  Although such a sleep device can both relieve drowsiness and recover from fatigue, it always wakes up the user because the user was always guided to sleep using a natural sleep rhythm regardless of sleepiness. In some cases, it was not always clear. Therefore, a technology that can provide a sleep method according to the sleepiness level of the user has been demanded.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a sleep device that can support appropriate sleep according to the sleepiness level of a user.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventor conducted a intensive study, a sleep method for eliminating severe sleepiness by the above-described ultradian rhythm, and a light sleepiness that continues for a predetermined amount of time as a sleep that is shallow enough to make a sleep. We focused on both the nap method that can solve the problem. Further examination of this nap method revealed that it is effective to maintain a predetermined level of sleep depth (sleep depth) to effectively eliminate mild sleepiness. Therefore, the present inventor has found that if sleep control is performed to maintain the sleep depth of the user based on the sleep pattern according to the sleepiness level, it is possible to support appropriate sleep according to the sleepiness level of the user. As a result, the present invention has been completed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the sleep device according to the present invention includes a sleepiness level detection unit that detects a user's current sleepiness level, and a sleep depth of the user based on the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection unit. And a sleep depth control means for controlling the sleep. The sleep depth control means maintains the sleep depth of the user at a predetermined sleep depth shallower than the maximum level when the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by performing sleep control.

  In this sleep apparatus, when the sleepiness level is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the first sleep control is performed by the sleep depth control unit that maintains the sleep depth of the user at a predetermined sleep depth shallower than the maximum level. Thus, it is possible to maintain a light sleep for a user having mild sleepiness. By maintaining such a shallow sleep, the user's mild sleepiness can be effectively eliminated in a short time. By preventing the depth of sleep from reaching the maximum level, it is possible to suppress a decrease in response after awakening.

  The sleep depth control means uses the user's natural sleep rhythm when the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection means is greater than a predetermined threshold, and sets the user's sleep depth to the first sleep level. It is preferable to perform the second sleep control maintained at a deeper level than the control. Deep sleep can be sustained for a user having severe sleepiness. As a result, recovery from fatigue and the like can be promoted, and severe sleepiness of the user can be effectively eliminated.

  Moreover, the sleep device according to the present invention includes a physiological information detection unit that detects physiological information of the user, and a sleep depth determination unit that determines the sleep depth of the user based on the physiological information detected by the physiological information detection unit. It is characterized by having. Such physiological information detection means can determine the user's current sleep depth (current sleep depth) based on physiological information such as the user's heart rate.

  In addition, the sleep depth control means may wake up the user so that the sleep depth becomes shallow when the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means is deeper than a predetermined level in the first sleep control. When the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means is at a level shallower than a predetermined level, the user is provided with a wakefulness stimulus so that the sleep depth becomes deep. By giving such a wakefulness stimulus or arousal stimulus to the user in the first sleep control, the current sleep depth of the user can be more reliably maintained at a predetermined level.

  Moreover, the sleep depth control means provides the user with a wakefulness stimulus so that the sleep depth becomes deep until the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means reaches the maximum level in the second sleep control. It is said. Thereby, it becomes possible to make a user take a deep sleep quickly.

  Also, the sleep depth control means is used so that the user awakens when the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means reaches the maximum level and then becomes shallower to a predetermined level in the second sleep control. It is characterized by giving awakening stimulus to the person. After a deep sleep due to a natural sleep rhythm, a sudden awakening from a predetermined level of sleep depth, which is shallower than this, reduces the response after awakening compared to a gradual awakening from a natural sleep rhythm Can be reduced.

  Further, the sleep depth control means is characterized in that the time for executing the first sleep control is set according to the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection means. Thereby, the more effective sleep according to the lightness of sleepiness can be supported.

  The drowsiness level detection means is characterized by detecting the sleepiness level of the user based on the physiological information detected by the physiological information detection means. Such physiological information detection means can detect the current sleepiness level of the user based on physiological information such as the number of blinks and the heart rate of the user.

  The sleep device according to the present invention can support appropriate sleep according to the sleepiness level of the user.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a sleep device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sleep device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A sleeping device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a vehicle such as an automobile. The sleep device 1 is a device that supports appropriate sleep according to the driver's sleepiness after the vehicle is parked in a predetermined place when the driver (user) of the vehicle feels sleepiness while driving. . The sleeping device 1 includes an electronic control unit 2 that controls the entire sleeping device 1.

  The control unit 2 is connected to a physiological information detection unit (physiological information detection means) 3 that detects physiological information of the driver. The physiological information detection unit 3 is a part that detects physiological information such as the number of blinks of the driver and the heart rate. Examples of the physiological information detection unit 3 include a detection unit including an image sensor and an image processing unit for measuring the number of blinks. For example, the image sensor is attached to the front panel of the vehicle and images the face of the driver. The image processing unit performs image processing on a plurality of driver's face data captured by the image sensor, and measures the number of blinks in a predetermined time.

  Moreover, as another physiological information detection part 3, there exists a heart rate measurement sensor for measuring a heart rate, for example. The heart rate measurement sensor is built in, for example, the backrest portion of the seat, and measures the heart rate of the driver. Such a physiological information detector 3 starts detecting various physiological information when the engine of the vehicle is started. The physiological information detection unit 3 outputs various detected physiological information to the control unit 2.

  In addition, a vehicle drive unit 4 and a stimulus applying device 5 are connected to the control unit 2. The vehicle drive unit 4 is a part for transmitting the power of the engine to the wheels and moving the vehicle in a predetermined direction. When receiving the instruction signal from the control unit 2, the vehicle drive unit 4 guides the vehicle to a predetermined position based on the instruction signal.

  The stimulus imparting device 5 is a device that imparts a physical stimulus to the driver. As the stimulus applying device 5, for example, there is a speaker that gives an auditory stimulus by sound. The speaker is built in, for example, a headrest portion of the seat. Further, as another stimulus applying device 5, there is a light emitting unit for applying a visual stimulus by light, for example. The light emitting unit is attached to, for example, a front panel.

  The control unit 2 notifies the driver of a nap, a sleepiness level detection unit (sleepiness level detection means) 6 that detects the driver's current sleepiness level, a nap need level determination unit 7 that determines the necessity of a nap, and a driver. A nap guide unit 8, a vehicle control unit 9 that guides and controls the vehicle to a predetermined position, and a sleep depth determination unit (sleep depth determination unit) that determines the sleep depth of the sleeping driver (hereinafter referred to as "current sleep depth"). 10 and a sleep method control unit (sleep depth control means) 11 that controls the sleep pattern (sleep method) of the driver based on the sleepiness level.

  The sleepiness level detection unit 6 is a part that detects the sleepiness level of the driver based on various physiological information detected by the physiological information detection unit 3. The drowsiness level detection unit 6 detects the drowsiness level according to the number of blinks and the heart rate of the physiological information detected by the physiological information detection unit 3, and the detected drowsiness level is determined as a nap necessity level determination unit 7 and a sleep method control unit. 11 respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the sleepiness level is classified into six levels 1 to 6 from mild to severe according to the severity of sleepiness. In this embodiment, the sleepiness degree 1-2 is defined as extremely mild sleepiness, the sleepiness degree 3-5 is defined as mild sleepiness, and the sleepiness degree 6 is defined as severe sleepiness that requires recovery from fatigue.

  The nap necessity determination unit 7 is a part that determines whether the driver needs a nap. If the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness level detection unit 6 is 3 to 6, the nap necessity level determination unit 7 generates determination information indicating that a nap is necessary. On the other hand, when the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness level detection unit 6 is 1 to 2, the nap necessity level determination unit 7 generates determination information indicating that nap is not required. The nap necessity level determination unit 7 outputs determination information indicating that a nap is necessary or unnecessary to the nap guide unit 8 and the sleep method control unit 11, respectively.

  The nap guide unit 8 is a part that notifies the driver that sleep support by the sleeping device 1 is started. When the nap information is received from the nap necessity determination unit 7, the nap guide unit 8 notifies the vehicle speaker that sleep support by the sleep device 1 is started. After the notification, the nap guide unit 8 generates a notification end signal and outputs it to the vehicle control unit 9.

  The vehicle control unit 9 is a part that controls the vehicle drive unit 4. For example, a GPS device (not shown) is connected to the vehicle control unit 9 so that the position information of the host vehicle can be known. When the vehicle control unit 9 receives the notification end signal from the nap guide unit 8, the vehicle control unit 9 performs guidance control of the vehicle to a safe place such as a parking space closest to the travel point based on the position information of the host vehicle from the GPS device. When it is confirmed that the guidance of the vehicle by the GPS device and the operation of the side brake are confirmed, the vehicle control unit 9 generates a vehicle stop signal and outputs it to the sleep method control unit 11.

  The sleep depth determination unit 10 is a part that determines the current sleep depth of the driver. After receiving a sleep method control start signal from the sleep method control unit 11, the sleep depth determination unit 10 determines the current sleep depth of the driver based on the heart rate detected by the physiological information detection unit 3. The sleep depth determination unit 10 outputs the determined current sleep depth to the sleep method control unit 11.

  The sleep method control unit 11 is a part that provides and controls the driver with a sleep pattern corresponding to the sleepiness level. The sleep method control unit 11 measures a sleep pattern storage unit 12 that stores a plurality of sleep patterns, a sleep pattern selection unit 13 that selects a sleep pattern according to sleepiness, and an elapsed time of the selected sleep pattern. A sleep time measurement unit 14, a sleep depth comparison unit 15 that compares the sleep depth in the sleep pattern and the current sleep depth, and an applied stimulus control unit 16 that provides the driver with a stimulus according to the comparison result. .

  The sleep pattern storage unit 12 is a part that stores a plurality of sleep patterns P1 to P4 corresponding to sleepiness. As shown in FIG. 2, the sleep patterns P1 to P4 correspond to sleep patterns P1 to P3 corresponding to sleepiness levels 3 to 5 which are mild sleepiness and sleep patterns P4 corresponding to sleepiness level 6 which is severe sleepiness. And classified.

  The sleep patterns P1 to P3 are sleep patterns in which the sleep depth of the driver is maintained for a certain period of time at the sleep depth 2, which is a shallow sleep that allows a person to sleep. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the sleep pattern P1 is a sleep pattern corresponding to the sleepiness degree 3, and the time T1 maintained at the sleep depth 2 is, for example, about 5 minutes. The sleep pattern P2 is a sleep pattern corresponding to the sleepiness level 4, and the time T2 maintained at the sleep depth 2 is, for example, about 10 minutes. The sleep pattern P3 is a sleep pattern corresponding to the sleepiness level 5, and the time T3 maintained at the sleep depth 2 is, for example, about 30 minutes. Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the sleep depth 2 and the optimum maintenance time. As shown in FIG. 3, the optimum maintenance time for sleepiness degrees 3 to 5 is represented by an area surrounded by the innermost circle X1. The maintenance time is set to a time located in the innermost circle.

  On the other hand, the sleep pattern P4 is a sleep pattern using a natural sleep rhythm. As shown in FIG. 2, in the sleep pattern P <b> 4, the sleep depth of the driver is increased to the sleep depth 4 using a natural sleep rhythm, and is temporarily maintained at the sleep depth 4. Then, after being maintained at the sleep depth 4, the driver is awakened when the sleep becomes shallow until the sleep depth 2.

  The sleep pattern selection unit 13 selects and controls one sleep pattern corresponding to the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection unit 6 from the sleep patterns P1 to P4 stored in the sleep pattern storage unit 12. It is a part to set as a sleep method to be performed. Information about the sleep pattern set by the sleep pattern selection unit 13 is output to the sleep time measurement unit 14 and the sleep depth comparison unit 15.

  The sleep time measurement unit 14 is a part that measures a sleep time that is an elapsed time from the start of the sleep pattern selected and set by the sleep pattern selection unit 13. The sleep time measurement unit 14 outputs the measured sleep time to the sleep pattern selection unit 13. The sleep depth comparison unit 15 compares the sleep depth in the sleep pattern selected by the sleep pattern selection unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as “target sleep depth”) and the current sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination unit 10. Then, a comparison signal regarding the difference is output to the applied stimulus control unit 16.

  When the comparison signal from the sleep depth comparison unit 15 is input, the application stimulus control unit 16 stimulates the driver to apply any one of the awakening stimulus, the maintenance stimulus, and the wakefulness stimulus according to the comparison signal. This is the part that drives and controls the applying device 5. The application stimulus control unit 16 outputs a wakefulness stimulus application signal, a maintenance stimulus application signal, or a wakefulness stimulus application signal to the stimulus application device 5 according to the comparison signal received from the sleep depth comparison unit 15.

  Next, operation | movement of the sleep apparatus 1 mentioned above is demonstrated, referring the flowchart shown in FIGS. A series of control processes shown below are repeatedly executed by the control unit 2 at a predetermined cycle.

  First, as shown in step S1, physiological measurement processing is performed. In this process, the number of blinks of the driver, the heart rate, and the like are detected by various sensors of the physiological information detection unit 3, and the physiological state of the driver is measured.

  Next, based on the physiological information measured in step S1, the sleepiness level detection unit 6 detects the driver's sleepiness level D, and the nap necessity determination unit 7 determines whether the driver has sleepiness. Determine (S2). In the determination of step S2, when it is detected that the driver's sleepiness level D is 3 or more, the driver determines that the driver has sleepiness. If the sleepiness degree D is not 3 or more in step S2, the process returns to step S1 and the physiological measurement is repeated.

  Subsequently, when it is detected in step S2 that the sleepiness degree D is 3 or more, the nap guide section 8 notifies the driver of a nap guidance message from the speaker (S3). Then, the process proceeds to step S4, and the vehicle controller 4 is driven and controlled by the vehicle controller 9, thereby guiding the driver's vehicle to a safe place even if the vehicle is parked based on GPS information or the like. When the vehicle is guided to a safe place, the process proceeds to step S5, and the sleepiness level detection unit 6 detects the driver's sleepiness level D again.

  Subsequently, the sleep pattern selection unit 13 determines whether the sleepiness degree D detected in step S5 is the sleepiness degree 3 to 5 which is mild sleepiness or the sleepiness degree 6 which is severe sleepiness (S6). ). If the drowsiness level D is 3 to 5 as a result of the determination in step S6, first sleep control is performed for maintaining the sleep depth 2 that is a predetermined level shallower than the sleep depth 4 that is the maximum level for a predetermined time ( S7). In the first sleep control in step S7, the sleep pattern selection unit 13 calls and sets one of the sleep patterns P1 to P3 from the sleep pattern storage unit 12.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S6, if the sleepiness degree D is sleepiness degree 6, the second sleep control to achieve the sleep depth 4 is performed using a natural sleep pattern (S8). In the second sleep control in step S8, the sleep pattern selection unit 13 calls and sets the sleep pattern P4 from the sleep pattern storage unit 12.

  Here, the first sleep control will be described in detail with reference to FIG. A series of control processes in the first sleep control described below are repeatedly executed by the control unit 2 for a predetermined time.

  First, as shown in step S10, the sleep pattern selection unit 13 selects and sets one sleep pattern corresponding to the sleepiness level D detected by the sleepiness level detection unit 6 among the sleep patterns P1 to P3. By setting the sleep pattern, the sleep maintenance time T in the selected sleep pattern and the target sleep depth SL1 in the predetermined time are set.

  When the sleep pattern is set in step S10, the first sleep control based on the set sleep pattern is started, and the current sleep time nt corresponding to the elapsed time is measured by the sleep time measurement unit 14 (S11). Subsequently, physiological measurement is performed again by the physiological information detection unit 3 (S12). Then, the sleep depth determination unit 10 determines the driver's current sleep depth SL based on physiological information such as the heart rate from the physiological information detection unit 3 (S13).

  After the driver's current sleep depth SL is determined in step S13, the target sleep depth SL1 at the current sleep time nt of the selected sleep pattern is acquired (S14). Then, the sleep depth comparison unit 15 compares the current sleep depth SL determined in step S13 with the target sleep depth SL1 acquired in step S14 (S15).

  As a result of the comparison in step S15, when the current sleep depth SL is larger than the target sleep depth SL1, that is, when the sleep depth of the driver is deeper than the target sleep depth, the grant The stimulus controller 5 is operated by the stimulus controller 16 to give the driver a wake-up stimulus that makes the driver's sleep depth shallow (S16). Such an arousal stimulus is appropriately selected from visual stimuli such as flash light from a light emitting device, and auditory stimuli such as music reproduction with a sound pressure exceeding a sensory threshold (for example, about 60 to 80 dB with white noise). Is done.

  As a result of the comparison in step S15, when the current sleep depth SL is smaller than the target sleep depth SL1, that is, when the driver's sleep depth is shallower than the target sleep depth, The stimulus applying device 5 is operated by the applying stimulus control unit 16 to give the driver a wakeful sleep stimulus that deepens the driver's sleep depth (S17). Such a hypnotic stimulus is appropriately selected from perceptual stimuli such as room temperature adjustment suitable for sleep, tactile stimuli by massage, and auditory stimuli such as music reproduction suitable for sleep.

  Further, as a result of the comparison in step S15, when the current sleep depth SL and the target sleep depth SL1 are the same, that is, when the driver's sleep depth matches the target sleep depth, The stimulus imparting device 5 is operated by the control unit 16, and a maintenance stimulus for maintaining the driver's sleep depth is imparted to the driver (S18). As such a maintenance stimulus, weak light and weak vibration are continuously applied, and a sound having a predetermined sound pressure level (for example, about 55 dB for pink noise) as shown in FIG. 7 is repeated for a time Δt in a cycle of 30 seconds. It is appropriately selected from auditory stimuli to be reproduced. As shown in FIG. 8, the predetermined sound pressure level is preferably decreased as time Δt is increased, and is preferably decreased as the sound frequency is increased.

  When the application of various stimuli in steps S16 to S18 is completed, the process proceeds to step S19, and the current sleep time nt and the sleep maintenance time T are compared. As a result of the comparison, when the current sleep time nt is smaller than the sleep maintenance time T, the process returns to step S11 to repeat the driver's sleep depth maintenance control. On the other hand, as a result of the comparison in step S19, when the current sleep time nt is equal to or longer than the sleep maintenance time T, the driver is given a wakeful stimulus that is several steps stronger than the wakeful stimulus in step S16. Awaken (S20). Thereby, 1st sleep control is complete | finished.

  Next, the second sleep control will be described in detail with reference to FIG. A series of control processes in the second sleep control described below are repeatedly executed by the control unit 2.

  When the second sleep control is started, physiological measurement is first performed again by the physiological information detection unit 3 (S30). Then, the sleep depth determination unit 10 determines the driver's current sleep depth SL based on physiological information such as the heart rate from the physiological information detection unit 3 (S31). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the current sleep depth SL determined in step S31 is a sleep depth 4 which is a deep sleep at the maximum level (S32).

  As a result of the determination in step S32, if the current sleep depth SL has not reached the sleep depth 4, a sleep awakening stimulus is provided to the driver as necessary so that the driver's sleep depth is deepened (S33). . The wakefulness stimulus in step S33 is the same as the wakefulness stimulus in step S17 of the first sleep control.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S32 is that the current sleep depth SL has reached sleep depth 4, the process proceeds to step S34, and the driver's physiological measurement is performed again. Then, the sleep depth determination unit 10 determines the driver's current sleep depth SL in the same manner as in step S31, and determines whether or not the current sleep depth SL is a sleep depth 2 shallower than the maximum sleep depth 4 (step S36). ).

  As a result of the determination in step S36, if the current sleep depth SL has not reached the sleep depth 2, an awakening stimulus is given to the driver as necessary so that the driver's sleep depth becomes shallow (step S37). ). This awakening stimulus is the same as the awakening stimulus in step S16 of the first sleep control.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S36 is that the current sleep depth SL is sleep depth 2, the driver is given a wake-up stimulus that is several steps stronger than the wake-up stimulus in step S37 to the driver. Is awakened (S38). Thereby, 2nd sleep control is complete | finished.

  Thus, in the sleep device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first sleep control corresponding to mild sleepiness (sleepiness level 3 to 5) and the second sleep control corresponding to severe sleepiness (sleepiness level 6). And go to each. In the first sleep control, one of the sleep patterns P1 to P3 is selected and set, and the sleep depth of the driver is set to a sleep depth 2 shallower than the sleep depth 4 which is the maximum level, for 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Provides sleep patterns to maintain. On the other hand, in 2nd sleep control, the sleep pattern P4 using a driver | operator's natural sleep rhythm is set, and the sleep pattern which once maintains the driver's sleep depth at the sleep depth 4 is provided.

  As described above, the sleep device 1 provides a sleep pattern that maintains the sleep depth 2 for a driver having mild sleepiness, effectively canceling the driver's sleepiness, and driving with severe sleepiness. The driver is provided with a sleep pattern based on a natural sleep rhythm that promotes recovery from fatigue, thereby effectively eliminating the driver's sleepiness. Therefore, the sleep device 1 can support appropriate sleep according to the driver's sleepiness.

  In the sleep device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the first sleep control, the maintenance times T1 to T3 are set so that the maintenance time of the sleep depth 2 becomes longer as the sleepiness degree increases from 3 to 5. Yes. Thereby, the more effective sleep according to the lightness of sleepiness can be supported.

  Further, in the sleep device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the first sleep control, the current sleep depth and the target sleep depth are compared, and according to the difference, any one of the awakening stimulus, the maintenance stimulus, and the wakefulness stimulus Is given to the driver. Thereby, a driver | operator's present sleep depth can be reliably maintained by the sleep depth 2 between maintenance time T1-T3.

  Further, in the sleep device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the second sleep control, the current sleep depth is compared with the target sleep depth, and the sleep awakening stimulus is driven so that the current sleep depth of the driver becomes the sleep depth 4. To give to the person. As a result, the current sleep depth of the driver is quickly reached to the sleep depth 4.

  Moreover, in the sleep device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the second sleep control, when the sleep depth of the driver once reaches the sleep depth 4 and then becomes the sleep depth 2, the driver is given a wake-up stimulus. Awaken. By awakening from the sleep depth 2 state, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the response after awakening rather than awakening with a natural sleep rhythm.

  Embodiment mentioned above shows an example of the sleep apparatus which concerns on this invention. The sleep device according to the present invention is not limited to such a device, and if the gist described in each claim is not changed, the sleep device according to the embodiment is modified or other than the vehicle. It may be applied. For example, in the above embodiment, the sleepiness level and the current sleep depth are measured based on physiological measurements such as the number of blinks and the heart rate, but the sleepiness level and the current sleep depth are measured based on other physiological measurements such as an electroencephalogram and the number of breaths. You may make it measure sleep depth.

  In the above embodiment, the sleepiness level is measured based on physiological measurement. However, it is used for psychological measurement such as a question and behavior measurement such as a vehicle state or a driver's behavior (driving time and amount of vehicle wobble). You may make it measure sleepiness based on it. Further, the sleepiness level may be measured by accepting inputs such as the sleep time of the previous day or the time of waking up on the day and taking into account the driver's fatigue level.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the term sleepiness degree was used as a grade which shows the degree of sleepiness, you may express using the term awakening degree. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the term sleep depth was used as a level which shows the depth of sleep, you may make it represent the depth of sleep using the term sleep stage which is an international parameter | index.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated embodiment which applied the sleeping device which concerns on this invention to the vehicle, the sleeping device which concerns on this invention is applied to a bed other than a vehicle, an easy chair, etc., and in normal work You may use for a refreshing use, or for a nap use in the work which cannot take a nap for a long time, such as the police and a fire department.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the sleep apparatus which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the sleep patterns P1-P4. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the sleepiness degree in sleep pattern P1-P3, and maintenance time. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the sleep apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 1st sleep control. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 2nd sleep control. It is a figure which shows an example of a maintenance stimulus. FIG. 7 shows a preferred value of the sound pressure level in the maintenance stimulus, (a) is a diagram showing a preferred value based on the relationship with time Δt, and (b) is a diagram showing a preferred value based on the relationship with frequency.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sleeping device, 2 ... Control unit, 3 ... Physiological information detection part (physiological information detection means), 4 ... Vehicle drive part, 5 ... Stimulus imparting device, 6 ... Sleepiness degree detection part (sleepiness degree detection means), 10 ... Sleep depth determination unit (sleep depth determination unit), 11 ... Sleep method control unit (sleep depth control unit), 12 ... Sleep pattern storage unit, 13 ... Sleep pattern selection unit, 14 ... Sleep time measurement unit, 15 ... Sleep depth comparison Part, 16 ... giving stimulus control part, P1, P2, P3, P4 ... sleep pattern, T1, T2, T3 ... maintenance time.

Claims (8)

Sleepiness level detection means for detecting the current sleepiness level of the user;
A sleep depth control means for controlling the sleep depth of the user based on the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection means,
The sleep depth control means maintains the sleep depth of the user at a predetermined sleep depth shallower than a maximum level when the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. A sleep device that performs first sleep control.   When the sleepiness level detected by the sleepiness level detection unit is greater than a predetermined threshold, the sleep depth control unit uses the user's natural sleep rhythm to determine the sleep depth of the user. The sleep apparatus according to claim 1, wherein second sleep control that is maintained at a deeper level than the first sleep control is performed. Physiological information detecting means for detecting physiological information of the user;
The sleep device according to claim 2, further comprising: a sleep depth determination unit that determines the sleep depth of the user based on the physiological information detected by the physiological information detection unit. In the first sleep control, the sleep depth control means
When the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means is at a level deeper than the predetermined level, the user is given an arousal stimulus so that the sleep depth becomes shallow,
The sleep sensation is given to the user so that the sleep depth becomes deep when the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means is at a level shallower than the predetermined level. 3. The sleep device according to 3. In the second sleep control, the sleep depth control means
The sleep according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the user is provided with a hypnotic stimulus so that the sleep depth is deepened until the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means reaches a maximum level. apparatus. In the second sleep control, the sleep depth control means
When the sleep depth determined by the sleep depth determination means reaches a maximum level and then becomes shallow to the predetermined level, an awakening stimulus is applied to the user so that the user is awakened. The sleep device according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The sleep depth control means sets the time so that the time for executing the first sleep control becomes longer as the sleepiness degree detected by the sleepiness degree detection means becomes larger . The sleep device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.   The sleepiness level detection unit detects the sleepiness level of the user based on the physiological information detected by the physiological information detection unit. Sleeping device.

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