JP2004125784A - Midnight time zone reporting system and method using low-intensity light - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a midnight time zone reporting system and method using low-intensity light to enable the aged or the like to know what time it is now while in a dozy state of low arousal (semiconscious), that is, a state in which it is easy to fall asleep again (how he or she can sleep well thereafter). <P>SOLUTION: The system includes a light output means provided in a room where the user is asleep for outputting light to the user's face or a nearby area with the intensity of the light so weak that it does not disturb the user's sleep, and capable of outputting light in a plurality of colors; and a light color control means by which a midnight time zone including at least the period from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. or from 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. is divided into a plurality of time zones and the light output from the light output means is given a color corresponding to each time zone. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention is particularly effective when an elderly person or the like wakes up in the middle of bed while sleeping, and remains in a state of easy re-sleeping without completely awakening, that is, without lying down and looking at the clock (neck). The present invention relates to a late-night time zone notification system / method using low-illumination light for identifying a general time zone when the watch is turned and the watch is turned on to completely awaken and it becomes difficult to fall asleep again.

Conventionally, there has been proposed a lighting effect system in which information such as a predetermined time such as a start time of a concert in a concert hall is notified by a change in the lighting effect (see Patent Document 1). However, since this Patent Document 1 aims to inform a customer of the start time of a concert in a concert hall, when an elderly person or the like wakes up at midnight while sleeping, it does not completely wake up. It is easy to fall asleep, and you can raise or lower your approximate time without looking up at a clock, etc. The purpose is completely different from the present invention, which is intended to be known.

Also, conventionally, for stores that need to change the illuminance and dimming level according to the time and time, the time schedule function has been used to change the time zone (day or night, business hours or preparation time). A system for controlling a lighting pattern in accordance with the proposed method has been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4). However, since these Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4 all aim to provide lighting that leads to sales increase and cost reduction in stores that are open 24 hours, elderly people and the like go to bed. When waking up in the middle of the night, it is easy to re-sleep without completely awakening, and it is easy to re-sleep (whispering), raise and rotate the neck (raise and rotate the neck completely The purpose is completely different from that of the present invention, which aims to know the approximate time without looking at a clock or the like.

Also, conventionally, for example, 1-5 lux, 3-8 lux, etc., to prevent the elderly or the like from waking up at midnight while sleeping and going to the bathroom to completely awake and not be able to fall asleep again. Or, a lighting fixture for late night (foot light or the like) that outputs low illuminance of 1 to 20 lux has been proposed (for example, see Patent Literatures 5 and 6). However, these Patent Literatures 5 and 6 simply prevent the elderly or the like from awakening at midnight while sleeping and going to the toilet, etc., to completely awake and not be able to fall asleep again. Because it is intended, when an elderly person wakes up at midnight while sleeping, he raises or turns his / her head while staying in a state of "depressed" without being completely awake. The purpose of the present invention is to know the approximate current time without looking at a clock or the like (it completely wakes up if you raise or rotate your neck). I have.
JP-A-6-292265 JP 2001-143876 A JP 2000-348876 A JP 2002-252092 A JP-A-9-266073 JP-A-10-50484

As described above, conventionally, (1) the start time in the concert hall is notified by a change in the lighting effect, (2) the lighting pattern of the store is controlled by the time zone, and (3) the elderly go to the toilet in the middle of the night. Some ideas have been proposed, such as using low-intensity lighting (foot lights, etc.) to prevent complete awakening, but when a user such as the elderly wakes up in the middle of the night, A system that allows you to intuitively know the current time zone without moving the body or eyeballs to watch the clock as it is (to move the body or eyeballs completely in this way). No method or method has yet been proposed.

Generally, elderly people often wake up once or several times at midnight while sleeping, because their aging phenomena tend to make their sleep tend to be shallow and the toilets are also close. When waking up late at night, apart from going to the bathroom, many people fall asleep again. At that time, "What time is it now?" Because, if the time when you wake up is, for example, from midnight to about 4 am, you need to fall asleep again to secure enough sleep time, but the current time is, for example, about 5 am or At about 6 o'clock, it can be said that some sleep time has already been taken, so it is necessary to consider getting up without falling asleep again. Also, whether you decide to get up or not like this, when you wake up late at night, you want to know "what time is it now?" Desire.

In the past, when the elderly and others woke up late at night, they looked at the clock on the bedside or the clock on the wall of the room to check "What time is it now?" However, when the body and the eyeballs move, such as turning the neck to look at the clock at the bedside or the clock on the wall, and looking at the clock, physiological tension and the like cause "out-out". There is a problem that the state of low arousal (semi-awakened state) changes from "a state of complete awakening" to a state of complete awakening, and it is extremely difficult to return to sleep (going to sleep later).

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of resuming sleep (after falling asleep) with a low degree of awakening (semi-awakening), which is easy when a user such as an elderly person wakes up at midnight while sleeping. A low-light illumination late-night time notification system and method that can easily and intuitively know "what time is it" without moving the body and eyeballs and looking at the clock while keeping the "state"? The purpose is to:

Such an object of the present invention is a "new problem" that cannot be easily predicted from the prior art and cannot be said to be obvious. This is because (1) The idea of notifying the start time in a conventional concert hall by changing the lighting effect is to notify the start time in a concert hall or the like. The purpose is to allow elderly people who wake up at midnight to know the approximate time without looking at the clock (without moving their body or eyeballs) while maintaining a semi-awakened state. " Are different. Also, (2) the conventional idea of controlling the lighting pattern of a store in a time zone aims at realizing an increase in sales and a reduction in cost of the store. It is completely different from the purpose of `` allowing awakened elderly and other users to know the approximate time without looking at the clock (without moving the body and eyeballs) while maintaining a semi-wake state '' It is. Furthermore, (3) the idea of providing low-light illumination to prevent complete awakening when the elderly go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is simply that an elderly person who wakes up in the middle of the night is completely illuminated by the lighting. The purpose of the present invention is to prevent the user from awakening, and the user of the present invention, such as an elderly person who wakes up in the middle of the night, does not look at the clock (without moving the body or eyeballs) and is in a semi-awakening state. To be able to intuitively know the approximate time while maintaining ”. From the above, it is clear that the above-mentioned object of the present invention is a “new (non-obvious) problem” that cannot be easily predicted from the prior art.

(Glossary) 用語 Generally, there is no clear definition of the term “midnight”. However, as a reference, the Labor Standards Law states that late night work is "in principle, employment from 10 pm to 5 am (exception from 11 pm to 6 am)."

Further, in the present invention, the “level / illuminance of the light intensity emitted from the light output unit” for notifying the user who wakes up in the middle of the night at “what time is it now?” It is most desirable that the "illuminance around the user's face or floor" be less than or equal to about 3 lux so as to avoid tension. However, the present invention allows the user to easily perceive the color of the ambient light (and therefore the current time zone) with only a slight physiological strain on the user (without shifting to a full awake state). Alternatively, light of about 5 lux or less, about 8 lux or less, about 10 lux or less, or about 20 lux or less may be output. In addition, the present invention allows the user to relatively easily recognize the color of the surrounding light while the user is in a semi-awake state where the user is waking up and staying `` thin '' without fully opening his eyes. In order to achieve this, it is desirable that the illuminance be 0.1 lux or more, more preferably 0.5 lux or more, or 1 lux or more.

<< (Content of the Present Invention) >> The content of the present invention is as described in the claims of the present specification. That is, it is as follows.

1. Light output means provided in a room where the user is sleeping and for outputting light of low illuminance that does not hinder the user's sleep, and can output light of a different color for each time zone described later. The light output means configured as described above and "late night time zone consisting of several hours including at least from 2:00 am to 4:00 am or from 3:00 am to 5:00 am" are divided into a plurality of time zones. Each time zone information recording means for recording information on each time zone at the time of occurrence, a time information generation means for generating a current time, and the time zone information recording means and the time information generation means. Control means for controlling, based on information, the light output means so as to output light of a color corresponding to each of the time zones, for each of the time zones. Midnight time notification system using illuminated light Beam.

2. In the above item 1, the control means controls the color of low-illuminance light emitted from the light output means based on attribute information such as a user's age, gender, and hobby, or color information desired by the user. A midnight time notification system using low-illumination light.

3. In the above 1 and 2, the control means, when the desired wake-up time inputted by the user has come, urges the light output means to wake up the user from sleep so that the illuminance is high enough to prevent the user from sleeping. A midnight time notification system using low-illumination light, wherein the system is controlled so as to output light.

4. In the above 1 and 2, the control means causes the light output means to blink at predetermined intervals so as to encourage the user to wake up from sleep when the desired wake-up time input by the user is reached. A midnight time notification system using low-illumination light.

5. In the above 1, 2, 3, and 4, the light output means outputs light of low illuminance such that the illuminance or the floor illuminance on or around the user's face is from about 0.1 lux to about 20 lux. A midnight time notification system using low-illumination light.

6. In the above 1-5, the light output means is constituted by a nightlight, a footlight, or a pilot lamp provided in a lighting fixture, and is a midnight time notification system using low illuminance light.

7. In the room where the user is sleeping, output low-intensity light that does not disturb the user's sleep. “At least from 2 am to 4 am, or from 3 am to 3 am A midnight time zone consisting of several hours up to five o'clock "divided into a plurality of time zones, and the color of the low illuminance light is different according to each time zone. Midnight time notification method by light.

8. A light output means provided in a room where the user is sleeping, for projecting a "number, character, graphic or image" indicating the current time zone or time on the ceiling of the room where the user is sleeping. The light output means and the current time when "at least a midnight time zone consisting of several hours including from 2:00 am to 4:00 am or from 3:00 am to 5:00 am" is divided into a plurality of time zones. Each time zone information recording means for recording information on the time zone, time information generating means for generating the current time, and information from the time zone information recording means and the time information generating means. Control means for controlling the light output means so that a `` number, character, figure or image '' indicating the current time zone or the current time is projected on the ceiling. Midnight time notice System.

As described above, according to the system or method of the present invention, the low illuminance having a color unique to each of the time zones, which is obtained by dividing the midnight time zone into a plurality of time zones (the user is not too physiologically nervous). An illuminance that is not given, that is, an illuminance that is low enough to prevent the user from transitioning from a half awake state to a full awake state) is output. Therefore, according to the present invention, a user such as an elderly person, even when waking up at midnight, low-illumination light having a different color for each time zone can be seen in front of the user lying down, Just open the thin skin while lying down, without moving the body and eyes especially (without awakening the mind and body completely from sleep), that is, while maintaining a semi-wake state, "What time is it now?" It is possible to sensuously recognize the user as it is, and then the subject can easily fall asleep again.

In other words, in general, elderly people often wake up many times in the middle of the night, and each time it is troublesome to watch the clock to know "What time is it now?" According to the present invention, the user who wakes up at midnight can open the `` thin eye '' while staying in a semi-awake state while looking down and see the color of the surrounding light Only by knowing "What time is it?", I can easily fall asleep again.

Also, conventionally, when a user such as the elderly wakes up in the middle of the night, it is not possible to know "what time is it now?" ), It was not possible to judge whether to get up or to fall asleep again (for example, it is time to wake up if it is about 5 am, and to sleep again if it is about 4 am So if you don't know what time it is, you can't decide which one to do.) In this case as well, when the user looks at the watch, he knows "what time is it now?", But then he becomes completely awake because he moves his body and eyeballs, making it difficult to fall asleep again. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the user who wakes up at midnight can open the “thin” while lying down and in a semi-awakened state, and only see the color of the surrounding light, When waking up in the middle of the night, the user should decide whether to wake up or fall asleep again while staying half awake when waking up at midnight Becomes possible.

Further, in the present invention, the "numbers, characters, figures or images" indicating the current time zone or time are projected on the ceiling of the room where the user is sleeping, while keeping the user from sleeping. ing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user who wakes up at midnight can open the "thin" with the half awake state of lying down and open the "numbers, characters, figures or images" projected on the ceiling. Just looking at it, you can know "What time is it now?" And you can easily fall asleep again. In addition, when the user wakes up late at night, while keeping the half-awake state, he just needs to open the ceiling and look `` thin '' to determine whether it is time to get up or to fall asleep again Becomes possible.

(4) A low-intensity light of a different color can be emitted in each time zone by using a lighting device including a white LED.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a midnight time notification system using low-illumination light using a lighting device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a clock unit as a clock unit for measuring the current time (in the present embodiment, 11:00 pm, midnight, 1:00 am, 2:00 am, 3:00 am, 4:00 am, 5:00 am , And at 6:00 am, a signal indicating this is transmitted to a microcomputer 3 described later), and 2 is a midnight time zone (for example, from midnight to 6:00 am at night). Is divided into a plurality of time zones, the start time and end time of each time zone (the time when each time zone shifts to the next time zone), and information on the color of the low illuminance light to be emitted for each time zone. The time zone color information recording section 3 for recording reads each time zone recorded in the time zone color information recording section 2 and color information respectively corresponding to each time zone, and reads each time zone. A microcomputer for outputting a predetermined control signal corresponding to That.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes, for example, a lighting device for a room (a main light source is a white LED (light emitting diode)), which has a function of a nightlight that emits only low-illuminance light in addition to ordinary lighting. You are doing). In general, a set of white LEDs includes (1) “one red LED, one green LED, and one blue LED” installed in close proximity to each other. (A combination of blue LED or ultraviolet LED and a fluorescent material) emits white light, and (2) a white light is emitted by mixing the three primary colors of red, green, and blue. In the first embodiment, the above (1) is adopted.

For example, the lighting device 4 including such a white LED is used to change the function of the user to the “late night mode (sleep mode / nightlight mode)” at midnight when the user goes to bed (operation of the remote controller). By causing one or only a few sets out of the several tens of sets to emit light, for example, it functions as a nightlight that can perform low-illumination illumination (light emission) of about 1 to 3 lux. It has become. In addition, one or several sets that function as the nightlight do not emit one or more of the “each red LED, each green LED, or each blue LED” (partially emit light, (Or one or more of the "red LEDs, green LEDs, or blue LEDs" is adjusted by adjusting the voltage or current applied thereto. Control) to generate light of various colors (light of seven colors).

The microcomputer determines whether or not the lighting fixture 4 functions as a night light at night (at bedtime), and what color the light fixture 4 emits for each time zone in the midnight time zone when functioning as a night light. 3 is controlled by a control signal.

The lighting fixture 4 is configured to emit light of low illuminance of, for example, about 1-3 lux when functioning as a nightlight at night (at night). This is an illuminance that does not cause physiological tension to a user who wakes up at midnight, that is, an illuminance that does not cause the user to transition from a semi-awakening state to a full awakening state (“midnight lighting considering physiological functions”). Method "(Academic Symposium sponsored by the Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology," What is the comfort of artificial lighting?-From a physiological anthropological viewpoint ") 3 lux is preferred).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a mode switching switch for the user to switch the mode of the apparatus of the first embodiment by operating the remote controller at hand. The mode changeover switch 5 instructs the microcomputer 3 to use the lighting fixture 4 as normal lighting or as a nightlight at night (when sleeping) based on the operation by the user. It is for.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6a denotes an attribute information input unit for inputting attribute information such as a user's age, gender, and hobby (by key input or voice input) to the microcomputer 3, and 6b denotes each of the user's respective times. A desired color information input section for inputting desired information (color information of the user's favorite for each time zone) into the microcomputer 3 (by key input or voice input, etc.), A wake-up desired time input unit for inputting a desired wake-up time tomorrow to the microcomputer 3 (by key input or voice input, etc.);

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7a denotes a user attribute information recording unit for recording the attribute information of the user input from the attribute information input unit 6a, and 7b denotes the user attribute information input from the desired color information input unit 6b. A desired color information recording unit 7c for recording the desired color information for each time zone, and a wakeup for recording the user's desired wakeup time of tomorrow inputted from the wakeup desired time input unit 6c. A desired time recording unit.

In the first embodiment, the time-based color information recording unit 2 records default setting information recorded by a manufacturer at the time of manufacture and shipment. The default setting information is determined based on information about the color of light that does not prevent a deep sleep at bedtime for an average person and average color information of Japanese preference, such as midnight hours (for example, (11:00 pm to 6:00 am at night) is color information for each time zone when the time zone is distinguished. However, in the first embodiment, when information is input from the user as described above, the microcomputer 3 changes the default setting information based on the attribute and desired information of each user based on the information input. To change (rewrite) individually.

That is, the microcomputer 3 determines the time zone of the color information recording unit 2 based on the attribute information from the user attribute information recording unit 7a and the desired color information from the user desired color information recording unit 7b. Rewrite color information. For example, based on the user attribute information “age is 70s, gender is male, hobby is sports” from the user attribute information recording unit 7a, the microcomputer 3 records “ Table showing the relationship between attributes and color information ", to find a color generally preferred by humans of such attributes, and to determine the time zone according to the color information for each time zone determined based on this. The different color information recording section 2 is rewritten. Further, for example, based on color information (a plurality of pieces of color information) desired by the user from the user-desired color information recording unit 7b, the microcomputer 3 sets each time period so as to satisfy the desired colors (a plurality of colors). Another color information is determined, and the time zone color information recording unit 2 is rewritten according to the determined color information. Then, the microcomputer 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 based on the rewritten information.

In the first embodiment, as described above, when the user inputs the time to wake up tomorrow using the desired wake-up time input unit 6c, the information is recorded in the desired wake-up time recording unit 7c. When the desired wake-up time has been reached based on the user's desired wake-up time from the wake-up desired time recording unit 7c, the microcomputer 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 to emit light from the lighting fixture 4. The amount is increased from the previously low light intensity for late night use to the high light intensity required to wake the user from sleep.

In the first embodiment, when a user inputs predetermined setting instruction information (instruction information that the user wants not only to increase the amount of light but also to blink) (for example, an input from a remote controller), the microcomputer is used. When the desired wake-up time is reached from the user's desired wake-up time from the wake-up desired time recording section 7c, the illuminating device 4 is controlled to reduce the amount of light emitted from the illuminating device 4 to a low light level for midnight. The amount of light may be increased from the amount of illuminance to the amount of light necessary to wake the user from sleep, and the increased amount of light may blink at predetermined intervals.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the operation of the present embodiment when the user instructs the microcomputer 3 to operate the mode changeover switch 5 to cause the lighting fixture 4 to act as a nighttime nightlight will be described with reference to FIG. explain.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the time zone information recorded in the time zone color information recording unit 2 of FIG. 1 and the emission color information of the nightlight for each time zone. As shown in FIG. 2, the emission color of the nightlight for each time zone and each time zone in the present embodiment is, for example, midnight from 11:00 pm to 6:00 a.m. A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are divided into a total of seven time zones, and the emission color from the nightlight in each time zone is red, pink, brown, purple, orange, yellow, and green, respectively. You have set. This setting is set as default information at the stage of manufacture and shipment by the manufacturer, but can be changed by the user after purchase as described above.

In the first embodiment, the clock unit 1 determines that the current time is 11:00 pm, 0:00 am, 1:00 am, and 2:00 am, which is the first time in each of the time zones (see the reference signs AG in FIG. 2). Hour, 3:00 am, 4:00 am, noon or 5:00 am, a signal indicating this is transmitted to the microcomputer 3. When the microcomputer 3 receives the signal from the clock unit 1, the microcomputer 3 accesses the color information recording unit 2 for each time zone, reads out the information of the low illuminance color of the nightlight corresponding to the time zone, and reads the information. A control signal is transmitted to the luminaire 4 so as to illuminate with low illuminance by color. The lighting fixture 4 emits low illuminance light of a color (see reference signs A to G in FIG. 2) corresponding to each time zone based on a control signal from the microcomputer 3.

In the first embodiment, when the current time is the first time in each of the time zones, the clock unit 1 transmits a signal indicating that to the microcomputer 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the clock unit 1 transmits the current time information to the microcomputer 3 at predetermined intervals, and the microcomputer 3 receives the current time information from the clock unit 1. It may be determined whether or not the first time of each of the time zones has come based on the current time information.

In the first embodiment, as shown by reference numeral H in FIG. 2, after 6:00 am (the time zone shown by H in FIG. 2), a special operation by the user (“nightlight” by the mode change switch 5) is performed. As long as there is no operation for returning to “normal lighting” from the above, the lighting fixture 4 is kept functioning as a nightlight (light emitting low illuminance), and the low illuminance light (blue light in the first embodiment) is used. ) To emit light. The reason is that since the user may go to bed after 6:00 am, it is necessary to emit low-illuminance light so as not to hinder the bed. In particular, recently, the person often sleeps with external light (morning sun) blocked by a light-blocking curtain or shutter, in which case the room remains in the same state as at midnight without sunlight coming in after 6:00 in the morning. Therefore, it is meaningful for the user to make the lighting fixture 4 function as a low-illumination nightlight of, for example, 1-3 lux even after 6:00 in the morning.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the “nightlight” constituted by the lighting fixture 4 is red and pink as shown in FIG. 2 according to each time zone of the AG. , Brown, purple, orange, yellow, or green light (light of low illuminance of about 1-3 lux) is output. Therefore, even if the user such as an elderly person wakes up at midnight, the light of the color corresponding to each time zone emitted from the “nightlight” (the lighting fixture 4 acting as a nightlight) can be used by the user who is lying down. Because it can be seen in front of the eyes (even with the eyes open), the user can lie down and do not particularly move the body or the eyeballs, that is, while holding the half-awake state, "What time is it now?" It can be perceived instinctively, and then the subject can easily fall asleep again.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining another operation example of the first embodiment. In this other operation example, the time zone information recorded in the time zone color information recording unit 2 and the emission color information of the nightlight for each time zone are different from the example of FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, each time zone information and each time zone color information recorded in the time zone color information recording unit 2 in this example correspond to a midnight zone from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am. A, B, C, and D are divided into four time zones, and the emission colors from the nightlight at that time are set to red, orange, yellow, and green, respectively. This setting is set as default information at the stage of manufacture and shipment by the manufacturer, but can be changed by the user after purchase as described above. In addition, in the example of FIG. 3, after 6:00 am (the time zone indicated by E in FIG. 3), unless there is a special operation from the user (operation of returning from “nightlight” to “normal lighting”), The lighting device 4 emits blue light of low illuminance while keeping the lighting device 4 functioning as a nightlight (light emitting low illuminance).

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a midnight time zone notification system using low illuminance light using a clock face according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a table clock (alarm clock used by placing it on a bedside) used in the second embodiment. In FIG. 4A, 11 is a table clock, 12a and 12b are short and long hands of the watch, and 13 is a dial.

FIG. 4B is an exploded side view showing the structure of the dial 13 of the table clock 11. In FIG. 4 (b), 14 is a backlight for liquid crystal display composed of white LEDs and the like, 15 is a liquid crystal panel, 16 is a transparent dial on which a clock number and the like are displayed on a thin plate made of a transparent material, Reference numeral 17 denotes a clock section (for example, composed of quartz or the like) for generating time information. Reference numeral 18 denotes a memory similar to the time zone-specific color information recording unit 2 described above with reference to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 3). Is a memory (color information recording unit for each time zone) for recording the emission color information. Reference numeral 19 denotes a microcomputer for receiving a signal from the timer 17 to read information in the memory 18 and control the liquid crystal panel 15.

In the second embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 15 is configured so as to be entirely changeable and switchable to a plurality of colors using a conventionally known color filter. In the second embodiment, the backlight 14 has a low illuminance (for example, about 0.5 to about 3 lux) so that the illuminance does not disturb the sleep or semi-wake state of a user such as an elderly person. (In the present invention, the light from the backlight 14 is kept at a high illuminance, and the liquid crystal panel 15 is irradiated with the high illuminance light from the backlight 14. It may be configured to convert the light into light of low illuminance (for example, about 0.5 to about 3 lux) and irradiate the light so as not to hinder the sleep and the half-wake state of the user such as the elderly).

In the second embodiment, the microcomputer 19 always receives the time signal from the clock unit 17. Then, the microcomputer 19 sends the first time of each of a plurality of divided midnight time zones, for example, 11:00 pm, midnight, 1:00 am, 2:00 am, 3:00 am , 4 am, or 5 am, the color of light from the backlight 14 radiated to the outside (user side) through the liquid crystal panel 15 is recorded in the memory 18. The liquid crystal panel 15 is controlled so that the color of the selected time zone is obtained. The whole of the liquid crystal panel 15 is controlled by the microcomputer 19 so as to emit light of each color of red, pink, brown, purple, orange, yellow, or green for each time zone.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the dial 13 of the table clock has, for example, red, pink, brown, purple, orange, yellow, or green in each of the time zones A to G in FIG. (Light of low illuminance of about 1-3 lux) is output. Therefore, even when the user such as the elderly wakes up at midnight, the low illuminance light of the color corresponding to each time zone emitted from the dial 13 of the table clock 11 placed at the bedside or the like lies down. Because it appears thin in front of the user as it is (even in a "thin" state where the eyes are open and thin), the user can lie down without any movement of the body or eyes, that is, while maintaining a semi-awake state, "What time is it now?" Can be perceived sensuously while keeping the wandering sensation, and then the subject can easily fall asleep again as it is.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a midnight time zone notification system using low illuminance light using an LCD (liquid crystal display device) and a projector with a magnifying lens (simple projector) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 20 denotes a ceiling of a room where a user sleeps, reference numeral 21 denotes a light projector provided on the upper surface of the timepiece 11, which is a light projector with an LCD (liquid crystal display) and a magnifying lens, and reference numeral 22 denotes a light projector from the light projector 21. This is an image projected on the ceiling 20 and composed of numbers indicating the current time.

In FIG. 5B, reference numeral 17 denotes a clock unit (made of quartz or the like) for generating current time information, and 19 transmits a predetermined control signal to the projector 21 based on a signal from the clock unit 17. The transmitting microcomputer 21 is an LCD and a projector with a magnifying lens (simple projector = projector).

The light projector (simple projector) 21 includes a light output unit including an LED (light emitting diode) for outputting light of a predetermined illuminance. The light projector (simplified projector) 21 includes an LCD controlled by the microcomputer 19. The LCD displays a current time number (for example, if the current time is 3:15 a.m. at midnight, the number “3:15”) based on the control signal from the microcomputer 19 from the light from the light projector 21. ) Is configured to transmit only the light having the shape shown in ()) and not transmit the other light. As described above, most of the light from the light projector 21 (light other than the light in the shape of the numeral) is not transmitted by the LCD (liquid crystal display device). Only low-intensity light from about 0.1 lux to about 20 lux is irradiated so as not to hinder sleep. Further, the light projector (simplified projector) 21 includes a lens for expanding transmitted light (light in the shape of the numeral) transmitted through the LCD and irradiating the light to the outside (the ceiling 20).

As described above, in the third embodiment, for example, when a signal indicating that the current time is 3:15 a.m. is sent from the clock unit 17 to the microcomputer 19, the light projector (simple type) is controlled by the microcomputer 19. From the projector 21, the transmitted light having a shape indicating “3:15” is enlarged and projected on the ceiling 20. Reference numeral 22 in FIG. 5A indicates the projected image. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the user who wakes up in the middle of the night can open the “thin” while projecting on the ceiling 20 in the semi-awakening state in which the user is lying down, and projecting the “number 3:15” projected on the ceiling 20 By just looking at the transmitted light in the shape of "", it is possible to know "what time is it?" And easily fall asleep again. Further, when the user wakes up at midnight, the user can open the “thin” opening of the ceiling 20 while maintaining the half-awake state, and determine whether to wake up or fall asleep again soon. It becomes possible.

In the third embodiment, the image projected from the light projector (simplified projector) 21 has the shape of the numeral “3:15”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other shapes are used. Characters or figures / images may be used. That is, for example, the character “Sanji” may be projected on the ceiling 20, or “a figure or image of a long hand and a short hand of a clock indicating the current time” may be projected on the ceiling 20. Good.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described first embodiment, an example is shown in which a white LED (lighting device 4) that can be used as a normal lighting device is used as a “nightlight” as a light output device. "May be, for example, a nightlight or a footlight separate from those used as ordinary lighting equipment. Further, in the present invention, the “light output means” is a red light filter, a blue light filter, or a pilot lamp (constituted by a small round light bulb) provided in a lighting fixture having a conventional fluorescent lamp or the like as a main light source. , A green filter may be mechanically switched and mounted (this changes the color of low illuminance light from the pilot lamp to a plurality of colors), or the green filter may be mounted below the pilot lamp. A liquid crystal panel (which uses the light of the pilot lamp as a backlight) may be provided so that the color of the liquid crystal panel is switched to a plurality of colors for display.

In the second embodiment, the color of each time zone at midnight is output using the dial of a table clock (alarm clock) placed on or beside the bed. However, in the present invention, Alternatively, light of a color corresponding to each time zone at midnight may be output using a dial of a wall clock hung on the wall of the room.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a midnight time notification system using low-illumination light using a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a midnight time zone notification system using low illuminance light using a clock face according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a midnight time zone notification system using low-illumination light using a projector with a LCD and a magnifying lens (simplified projector) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

Reference Signs List 1 Clock section 2 Time zone color information recording section 3 Microcomputer 4 Lighting equipment 5 Mode changeover switch 6a Attribute information input section 6b Desired color information input section 6c Waking desired time input section 7a User attribute information recording section 7b User desired color information recording Unit 7c desired wake-up time recording unit 11 clock 13 clock face 14 backlight 15 liquid crystal panel 17 clock unit 18 memory 19 microcomputer 20 ceiling 21 floodlight

Claims (8)

Light output means provided in a room where the user is sleeping and for outputting light of low illuminance that does not hinder the user's sleep, and can output light of a different color for each time zone described later. Light output means configured as
Record information on each time zone when "at least a late-night time zone consisting of several hours including from 2 am to 4 am or from 3 am to 5 am" is divided into a plurality of time zones. Each time zone information recording means for
Time information generating means for generating the current time;
On the basis of information from the time zone information recording means and the time information generating means, the light output means is controlled so as to output, for each time zone, light of a color corresponding to the time zone. Control means for
A midnight time notification system using low-illumination light, comprising: In claim 1,
The control means, based on attribute information or color information desired by the user such as age, gender and hobby of the user, based on the color information of the low illuminance light emitted from the light output means, characterized in that, Midnight time notification system using low-intensity light. In claim 1,
The control means, when the desired wake-up time input by the user is reached, so as to encourage the user to wake up from sleep, the light output means outputs light having a high illuminance enough to prevent the user from sleeping. A midnight time notification system using low-illumination light. In claim 1,
The control unit controls the light output unit so that light emitted from the user blinks at predetermined intervals so as to encourage the user to wake up from sleep when the desired wake-up time input by the user is reached. A midnight time notification system using low-illumination light. 2. The light output device according to claim 1, wherein the light output means outputs light having a low illuminance such that the illuminance or the floor illuminance on or around the user's face is from about 0.1 lux to about 20 lux. A midnight time notification system using low-intensity light. 2. The midnight time notification system according to claim 1, wherein the light output means includes a night light, a foot light, or a pilot lamp provided in a lighting fixture. In the room where the user is sleeping, output low-light light that does not interfere with the user's sleep.
"At least the midnight time zone consisting of several hours including from 2:00 am to 4:00 am or from 3:00 am to 5:00 am" is divided into a plurality of time zones, and the low illuminance is set for each time zone. A midnight time notification method using low-illumination light, wherein the colors of the lights are different from each other. A light output means provided in a room where the user is sleeping, for projecting a "number, character, graphic or image" indicating the current time zone or time on the ceiling of the room where the user is sleeping. Light output means;
Records information on the current time zone when "at least a midnight time zone consisting of several hours including 2:00 am to 4:00 am or 3:00 am to 5:00 am" is divided into multiple time zones. Each time zone information recording means for keeping
Time information generating means for generating the current time;
Based on the information from each of the time zone information recording means and the time information generation means, the light output means is provided with a "number, character, graphic or image" indicating the current time zone or current time on the ceiling. Control means for controlling the projection so that
A midnight time notification system, comprising:

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