JP2010201001A - Hyperthermia apparatus and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide hyperthermia apparatus and a control program which permit an individual difference of a user to be reflected. <P>SOLUTION: In a temperature control system having: the hyperthermia apparatus 100 including a blanket body 110, a heater 120, and a controller 130, a temperature sensor 200; and a sleep sensor 300, the hyperthermia apparatus 100 adjusts a temperature Tobj to be adjusted so as to ensure that the temperature Tobj to be adjusted as the internal temperature of a bed S which is to be adjusted to a set temperature Tset. The controller 130 adjusts the temperature Tobj to be adjusted to the set temperature Tset by controlling the heater 120. The controller 130 adjusts the set temperature Tset in accordance with a user's sleeping condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a heating apparatus and a control program for adjusting an adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature becomes a set temperature.

  Conventionally, thermal appliances such as air conditioners and electric blankets have been widely used for the purpose of adjusting the environmental temperature of the user. Such a thermal appliance adjusts the adjustment target temperature such that the adjustment target temperature (for example, the room temperature and the bed temperature) that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes the set temperature. In general, the temperature at which the user feels comfortable varies from user to user, and therefore it is preferable that individual differences among users are reflected in the adjustment of the adjustment target temperature.

  For example, in the temperature adjustment during sleep, rather than controlling to a constant temperature, the temperature of the sleep period is increased to promote sleep, the temperature is lowered during the sleep period, and comfortable temperature control is performed for sleep, and again during the wakeup period A method of controlling the temperature by raising the body temperature and leading to awakening (see Patent Document 1), and a method of controlling according to sleep / sleep / wake-up period taking into account the body temperature change mechanism during sleep (see Patent Document 2) Has been proposed.

  In addition, for the purpose of accelerating bedtime comfort and falling asleep, a method of appropriately controlling temperature adjusting means installed near the upper body and lower body of the sleeping person with the passage of time from the time of bed entry (Patent Document 1) And a method of detecting a change in the sleep cycle during sleep and changing the control pattern of the temperature in the bed corresponding to the sleep cycle (see Patent Document 3) has been proposed.

JP 2003-125908 A JP 2008-304181 A JP 2008-119454 A

  However, there is room for reflecting individual differences among users in adjusting the temperature to be adjusted.

  Specifically, in the methods of Patent Documents 1 and 2, temperature control is performed by a timer based on an average person's sleep pattern and body temperature change pattern, so in the user's sleep pattern and temperature control pattern It was difficult to reflect the preference of the offset temperature.

  In the method of Patent Document 1, since temperature control is performed by a timer, the temperature is raised in the wake-up mode regardless of the sleep state, so that the state may be awakened from a deep sleep state. In this case, there is a problem that a sense of arousal is impaired because the person is awakened.

  Moreover, the time from entering the bed to shifting to the sleeping state varies depending on the daily physical condition and time zone, and there are individual differences. In addition, the user may wake up at an unexpected time due to noise or the like. However, in the methods of Patent Documents 3 and 4, there is no control according to the state from the awake state to the transition to the sleep state, and there is a method when the user has awakened immediately after turning on the power or during sleep. Since it has not been proposed, there has been a problem that an environment suitable for the state of a person sleeping throughout the night cannot be realized and sufficient sleep cannot be obtained.

  Then, this invention is made | formed in order to solve the problem mentioned above, and it aims at providing the thermal appliance and control program which can reflect the individual difference of a sleep state. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a thermal appliance and a control program that can reflect the preference of the offset temperature in the temperature control pattern. Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal apparatus and a control program that can provide a good sense of arousal to the user based on the user's sleep pattern, sleep history, and the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide a heating apparatus and a control program that can smoothly guide a user from an awake state to a sleep state.

  The thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention is a thermal appliance that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes a set temperature, and a detection unit that detects a sleep state of the user And an adjustment unit that adjusts the set temperature according to the sleep state detected by the detection unit.

  According to such a thermal appliance, the adjustment unit can adjust the set temperature according to different sleep states for each user, so that individual differences among users can be reflected in the adjustment of the set temperature. As a result, sleep suitable for each user can be provided.

  In the heating apparatus according to the feature of the present invention, a temperature transition pattern storage unit that stores a temperature transition pattern that is a pattern in which the set temperature transitions during a user's sleep period, and an offset setting that sets an offset value of the temperature transition pattern And a history storage unit that stores a sleep state history that is a history of the sleep state detected by the detection unit, and the offset setting unit sets the offset value based on the sleep state history And the said adjustment part may adjust the said setting temperature based on the said temperature transition pattern and the said offset value.

  According to such a thermal appliance, an offset value that can provide a good-quality sleep state to the user is acquired, and based on the offset value and the temperature transition pattern, the adjustment target temperature is adjusted to be a set temperature. Can do. As a result, individual differences among users can be reflected in the adjustment of the set temperature.

  In the thermal appliance according to a feature of the present invention, the detection unit detects a sleep parameter as the sleep state, and the sleep parameter occupies the number of midway awakenings during the sleep period, and slow wave sleep occupies the sleep period It may include at least one of the ratio and the sleep efficiency in the sleep period. Such sleep parameters are particularly suitable as an index for quantitatively indicating the sleep state because the sleep state of the user is particularly easily reflected.

  The thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention further includes a temperature transition pattern adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature transition pattern, and the temperature transition pattern includes a pattern that reduces the set temperature in the transition to the sleep state, The said temperature transition pattern adjustment part may adjust the fall rate of the said setting temperature in the transition to the said sleep state.

  In the thermal appliance according to a feature of the present invention, the detection unit detects a sleep parameter as the sleep state, and the sleep parameter is a sleep latency that is a time until the sleep state is reached from the awake state. In addition, the temperature transition pattern adjustment unit may adjust the rate of decrease of the set temperature in the transition to the sleep state based on the sleep falling latency. Thereby, the temperature transition pattern can be adjusted according to the sleep latencies that differ for each user. As a result, individual differences among users can be more reflected in the adjustment of the set temperature.

  A control program according to a feature of the present invention is a control program that causes a computer to function as a heating apparatus that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes a set temperature. Based on the step A for detecting the sleep state of the user, the step B for setting an offset value of a temperature transition pattern that is a pattern in which the set temperature transitions during the sleep period of the user, the temperature transition pattern, and the offset value The step C for adjusting the set temperature is executed, and the offset value is set in the step B based on the sleep state history that is the history of the sleep state detected in the step A. And

  In the thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention, the detection unit performs a second sleep corresponding to a second shallow sleep through a deep sleep from a first time corresponding to the first shallow sleep in a user's sleep period. The second shallow sleep is detected for each sleep cycle in which the period until the time reaches one cycle, and the adjustment unit is configured to set a wake-up set time among the second shallow sleeps detected for each sleep cycle. The operation mode may be shifted to a wake-up mode in which the set temperature is increased when a previous short sleep that is the second light sleep immediately before is detected.

  According to such a thermal appliance, since it is possible to detect the timing of the immediately preceding sleep that differs for each user, it is possible to transition to the wake-up mode when the sleep state of the user is shallow. As a result, individual differences among users can be more reflected in the wake-up timing.

  In the thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts the timing of the immediately preceding sleep based on a start time of a first sleep cycle and a predetermined sleep cycle in a sleep period, and the detection unit includes: The immediately preceding sleep may be detected based on the timing predicted by the prediction unit. In this way, the detection unit only has to monitor the user's sleep during a predetermined period including the predicted timing, and thus the processing load on the detection unit can be reduced. In addition, by using a general sleep rhythm or the like as the predetermined sleep cycle, the timing of the immediately preceding sleep can be easily predicted.

  In the heating device according to the feature of the present invention, the detection unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts the timing of the immediately preceding sleep based on a first sleep cycle in the sleep period and a start time of the first sleep cycle, May detect the immediately prior sleep based on the timing predicted by the prediction unit.

  Thus, since a prediction part uses a user's first sleep cycle, according to the sleep cycle peculiar to every user, it can predict the timing at which a last sleep is detected. Therefore, the sleep state of the user can be more reflected in the prediction of the timing at which the immediately prior sleep is detected.

  In the thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention, the detection unit may monitor the immediately preceding sleep from a certain time before the set-up time, and the certain time may be the same as the sleep cycle or shorter than the sleep cycle C. As a result, it is possible to determine that the second sleep that is detected after a certain time of the wake-up setting time is the last sleep, so that the detection accuracy of the last sleep can be improved.

  In the heating apparatus according to the feature of the present invention, the adjustment unit is configured to wake up at a time before the temperature rise time before the wakeup set time, when the immediately preceding sleep is not detected before the temperature rise time before the wakeup set time. The operation mode may be changed to. As described above, when the immediately preceding sleep is not detected before the temperature rising time before the wake-up setting time, the mode is forcibly shifted to the wake-up mode regardless of the detection result of the detection unit. Therefore, the set temperature can be increased as much as necessary by the set-up time.

  In the thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention, the detection unit assumes that the nth sleep cycle is the n + 1th sleep cycle, and the n + 1th sleep cycle and the second sleep sleep of the nth sleep cycle Cn. It may be determined whether or not the second sleep in the n-th sleep cycle is the previous sleep. As described above, the detection unit can determine whether or not the second sleep in the n-th sleep cycle is the last sleep, assuming that the n-th sleep cycle is the n + 1 sleep cycle. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the immediately preceding sleep according to the change in the sleep cycle of the user during the sleep period.

  A control program according to a feature of the present invention is a control program that causes a computer to function as a heating apparatus that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes a set temperature. In the sleep period of the user, for each sleep cycle in which one cycle is from the first shallow sleep to the second time corresponding to the second shallow sleep through the first time corresponding to the deep sleep, Step A for detecting the second light sleep and the second light sleep detected in each sleep cycle, and the last light sleep that is the second light sleep immediately before the set-up time is detected. Further, the gist of the present invention is to execute the step B of changing the operation mode to the wake-up mode in which the set temperature is increased.

  In the thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention, the detection unit detects a user's awake state in addition to the sleep state, and the adjustment unit detects the set temperature when the awake state is detected. The set temperature may be lowered when the sleep state is detected.

  According to such a thermal appliance, when the user's arousal state is detected, the user's deep body temperature is raised, and the user is smoothly brought into the sleep state, and when the user transitions to the sleep state. Can reduce the deep body temperature of the user and enable a deep sleep state to be maintained. Further, since the user's arousal state can be detected, not only when the user falls asleep, but also when the user awakes midway, the user can be smoothly brought back to the sleep state.

  In the thermal appliance according to a feature of the present invention, the sleep state includes at least a first sleep state at a first depth and a second sleep state at a second depth deeper than the first depth, and the adjustment unit includes: When the transition from the first sleep state to the second sleep state is detected, the set temperature may be lowered.

  In the heating device according to the feature of the present invention, when the arousal state is detected, the adjustment unit raises the set temperature to the preheating temperature and then maintains the set sleeping temperature higher than the preheating temperature. The set temperature may be increased. Thus, by heating the inside of the bed in advance, it is possible to provide a comfortable bed environment for the user and to prepare for the subsequent temperature rise of the heater.

  A control program according to a feature of the present invention is a control program that causes a computer to function as a heating apparatus that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes a set temperature. Step A for detecting the user's sleep state, Step B for detecting the user's wakefulness state, Step C for increasing the set temperature when the wakefulness state is detected, and the sleep state being detected. In this case, the gist is to execute the step D for lowering the set temperature.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the thermal appliance and control program which make it possible to reflect an individual difference of a user can be provided.

1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the sleep sensor 300 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a capacitive sensor 210 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block block diagram of the controller 130 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block block diagram of the controller 130 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows an example of the temperature transition pattern P which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the example of a change of offset value (DELTA) T of the temperature transition pattern P which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows typically a user's sleep state concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the storage table which stores the sleep state log | history which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the controller 130 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action and effect of the thermal appliance 100 which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block block diagram of the controller 130 which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows typically the sleep state of the user concerning the modification of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the storage table which stores the sleep state log | history which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action and effect of the thermal appliance 100 which concern on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block block diagram of the controller 130 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows typically an example of a user's sleep state concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows an example of the transition pattern of preset temperature Tset in the sleep period 0-t _{ALL which} concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the controller 130 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block block diagram of the controller 130 which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the calculation method in the estimation part 141 which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the calculation method in the estimation part 141 which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block block diagram of the controller 130 which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows typically an example of a user's sleep state concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows an example of the transition pattern of preset temperature Tset in the sleep period 0-t _{ALL which} concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the controller 130 which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the controller 130 which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic.

[First Embodiment]
(1) Overall Schematic Configuration of Temperature Control System FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature control system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a bed S, a heating device 100, a temperature sensor 200, and a sleep sensor 300.

  The bed S is a space for the user to sleep. The bed S is formed by, for example, a basket or a blanket.

  The heating device 100 adjusts the adjustment target temperature Tobj so that the adjustment target temperature Tobj that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes the set temperature Tset. In the present embodiment, the adjustment target is the inside of the bed S, and the adjustment target temperature Tobj is the internal temperature of the bed S.

  In the present embodiment, the heating device 100 is an electric blanket that is used together with a basket that forms the bed S. As shown in FIG. 1, the heating device 100 includes a blanket body 110, a heater 120, and a controller 130.

  The blanket body 110 contains a heater 120. The heater 120 is, for example, a heating wire.

  The controller 130 controls the heater 120 to adjust the adjustment target temperature Tobj to the set temperature Tset. Further, the controller 130 adjusts the set temperature Tset according to the sleep state of the user.

  Here, the sleep state of the user changes while changing as needed during the sleep period of the user. In addition, the transition of the user's sleep state varies depending on the user, the physical condition of the user, the sleep time zone, and the like. The controller 130 detects such a user's sleep state and adjusts the set temperature Tset according to the detected user's sleep state. The configuration of the controller 130 will be described later.

  The temperature sensor 200 detects the adjustment target temperature Tobj. The temperature sensor 200 is, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor 200 converts the detected adjustment target temperature Tobj into an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal obtained by the conversion to the controller 130. In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 200 is arranged around the user's foot, but is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature sensor 200 may be wound around the heater 120 or may be arranged in parallel with the heater 120.

  The sleep sensor 300 is, for example, a capacitive sensor that captures changes in pressure and displacement. The sleep sensor 300 is formed in a sheet shape. Specifically, the sleep sensor 300 detects the presence / absence of the user and the respiratory activity and body movement of the user during sleep. The sleep sensor 300 converts the detected respiratory activity and body movement into an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal obtained by the conversion to the controller 130. The configuration of the sleep sensor 300 will be described later.

(2) Configuration of Sleep Sensor FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the sleep sensor 300. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the capacitive sensor 210.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sleep sensor 300 includes a capacitive sensor 310 and an inductor 320. As shown in FIG. 3, the capacitive sensor 310 includes a sheet-like dielectric 311 having elasticity in all directions, and a pair of conductive cloths 312 and 313 that sandwich the sheet-like dielectric 311. It is composed.

  An LC resonance circuit is configured by the capacitance (C) and the inductor (L) of the capacitance sensor 310, and resonates at a predetermined resonance frequency (f). When the sheet-like dielectric 311 is elastically deformed and the distance between the pair of conductive cloths 312 and 313 is shortened, the capacitance (C) of the capacitive sensor 310 changes, and the resonance frequency (f ) Will also change.

  Therefore, the sleep sensor 300 outputs an electrical signal whose frequency changes according to the magnitude of the pressure applied to the sleep sensor 300. That is, the amount of change in the frequency represents the presence or absence of the user on the sleep sensor 300 or the magnitude of respiratory activity and body movement during the user's sleep. In the present embodiment, it should be noted that the controller 130 detects the sleep state of the user based on the electrical signal indicating the respiratory activity and the body movement detected by the sleep sensor 300.

(3) Controller Configuration FIG. 4 is a functional block configuration diagram of the controller 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 130 includes a sleep sensor I / F unit 131, a detection unit 132, a temperature sensor I / F unit 133, an adjustment unit 134, and a heater I / F unit 135.

(3.1) Sleep Sensor I / F Unit The sleep sensor I / F unit 131 is connected to the sleep sensor 300 and receives an electrical signal indicating respiratory activity and body movement detected by the sleep sensor 300. The sleep sensor I / F unit 131 transmits the received electrical signal to the detection unit 132.

(3.2) Detection Unit The detection unit 132 generates an output signal waveform of the sleep sensor 300 (hereinafter referred to as “sleep sensor waveform”) based on the electrical signal received from the sleep sensor I / F unit 131. Moreover, the detection part 132 detects a user's sleep state based on a sleep sensor waveform. Specifically, the detection unit 132 detects a change in respiratory activity or body motion according to at least one of an amplitude change in the sleep sensor waveform or a time change in the waveform. For example, the detection unit 132 compares the amplitude of the sleep sensor waveform with a predetermined threshold, classifies a waveform having an amplitude greater than or equal to the threshold in the sleep sensor waveform as a body movement waveform, and sets an amplitude less than the threshold in the sleep sensor waveform. The waveform which has is classified as a respiration waveform.

  Moreover, the detection part 132 detects a user's sleep state based on progress of respiratory activity or a body motion. Specifically, the detection unit 132 classifies the user's sleep state into a plurality of sleep stages. For example, the detection unit 132 may classify the sleep state of the user into REM sleep and non-REM sleep, and may further classify non-REM sleep into a plurality of sleep stages.

As shown in the table below, non-REM sleep is classified into four sleep stages according to “International standard of sleep stage classification by Rechtschaffen & Kales”, but is not limited to this.

(3.3) Temperature sensor I / F unit 133
The temperature sensor I / F unit 133 is connected to the temperature sensor 200 and receives an electrical signal indicating the adjustment target temperature Tobj detected by the temperature sensor 200. The temperature sensor I / F unit 133 transmits the received electrical signal to the adjustment unit 134.

(3.4) Adjustment Unit The adjustment unit 134 detects the adjustment target temperature Tobj based on the electrical signal received from the temperature sensor I / F unit 133. The adjustment unit 134 transmits a control signal to the heater I / F unit 135 according to the difference between the adjustment target temperature Tobj and the set temperature Tset. Specifically, the adjustment unit 134 controls the heater 120 such that the temperature of the heater 120 increases as the adjustment target temperature Tobj is lower than the set temperature Tset.

  The adjustment unit 134 adjusts the set temperature Tset according to the sleep state of the user detected by the detection unit 132. For example, when the user transitions to a sleep state, the adjusting unit 134 may gradually increase the set temperature Tset and then decrease it. As a result, the user can be smoothly guided to the sleeping state. Further, the adjustment unit 134 may make the set temperature Tset constant after the user transitions to the sleep state. The adjustment unit 134 may gradually increase the set temperature Tset when the user gets up. As a result, the user can be smoothly guided to the awake state.

(Function and effect)
The heating apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a detection unit 132 that detects a user's sleep state and an adjustment unit 134 that adjusts the set temperature Tset according to the sleep state detected by the detection unit 132.

  As described above, the adjustment unit 134 can adjust the set temperature Tset according to different sleep states for each user, and thus individual differences of users can be reflected in the adjustment of the set temperature Tset. As a result, sleep suitable for each user can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Specifically, in the second embodiment, a new configuration is added to the controller 130.

(1) Configuration of Controller FIG. 5 is a functional block configuration diagram of the controller 130. As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the sleep sensor I / F unit 131, the detection unit 132, the temperature sensor I / F unit 133, the adjustment unit 134, and the heater I / F unit 135, the controller 130 includes: A temperature transition pattern storage unit 136, an offset setting unit 137, and a history storage unit 138 are included.

(1.1) Temperature Transition Pattern Storage Unit The temperature transition pattern storage unit 136 stores a temperature transition pattern P that is a pattern in which the set temperature Tset changes during the user's sleep period. That is, the temperature transition pattern P indicates a change in the set temperature Tset during the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . Note that time 0 is the time when the power supply of the thermal appliance 100 is turned on, and time t _ALL is the time when the user wakes up.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition pattern P. In the following, the sleep period _{0 to t ALL,} the sleep onset period 0 to t _A, and sleep period _t A ~t _B, will be described separately and waking period _t B _{~t ALL.} The sleep period 0 to t _A is a period from when the thermal appliance 100 is turned on to when it transitions to a sleep state. The sleep period t _A ~t _B, a period in which the user is continuing the sleep state. The wake-up period t _{B to} t _ALL is a period until the user transitions to the awake state. Each such period is detected based on the sleep state of the user detected by the detection unit 132, as will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the temperature transition pattern storage unit 136 stores the basic shape of the temperature transition pattern P on the biaxial plane of the time axis and the temperature axis. The temperature transition pattern P is a pattern that decreases after rising and increases after being maintained substantially constant. Specifically, the temperature transition pattern P, in falling asleep period 0 to t _A, has a pattern that decreases after slowly rising the set temperature Tset. The temperature transition pattern P has a pattern in which the set temperature Tset is maintained substantially constant during the sleep period t _{A to} t _B. Further, the temperature transition pattern P has a pattern in which the set temperature Tset is increased during the wakeup period t _{B to} t _ALL .

The set temperatures Tset of the sleep period 0 to t _A , the sleep period t _{A to} t _B , and the wake period t _{B to} t _ALL (T 0 to _tA ° C, T _{tA to tB} ° C, T _{tB to tALL} ° C) The combinations of (T 0 to _tA ° C, T _{tA to tB} ° C, T _{tB to tALL} ° C) are, for example, (43, 23, 29), (44, 27, 32), (45, 29). , 34), (46, 30, 36), (46, 31, 38), (47, 32, 41), (48, 33, 44), (49, 35, 48), (50, 37, 50) ).

The temperature transition pattern P is based on the sum _{T SUM} of the reference temperature Tstd and the offset value [Delta] T. In this embodiment, although it is used as the set temperature Tset in the sleep period t _{A to} t _B , it is not limited to this. _TSUM may be used for the maximum temperature or the minimum temperature of the temperature transition pattern P, for example.

  The offset value ΔT is appropriately set by an offset setting unit 137 as will be described later.

(1.2) Offset setting unit The offset setting unit 137 sets an offset value ΔT of the temperature transition pattern P. The offset setting unit 137 changes the offset value ΔT for each sleep period 0 to t _ALL until an offset value ΔT suitable for the user is detected. The offset setting unit 137 sets an offset value ΔT for each sleep period 0 to t _ALL . Notify the detection unit 132.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of changing the offset value ΔT of the temperature transition pattern P. As shown in FIG. 7, the basic shapes of the temperature transition patterns P _{1 to} P ₃ are the same. The temperature transition pattern P ₁ is based on the first temperature T ₁ that is the sum of the reference temperature Tstd and the offset value ΔT ₁ . The temperature transition pattern P ₂ is based on the second temperature T ₂ (> T ₁ ), which is the sum of the reference temperature Tstd and the offset value ΔT ₂ . The temperature transition pattern P ₃ is based on a third temperature T ₃ (<T ₁ ) that is the sum of the reference temperature Tstd and the offset value ΔT ₃ .

In the sleep period t _{A to} t _B , the standard comfortable temperature of the bed S is about 32 ° C. ± 2 ° C. (for example, “Shima Okada, Fumio Yoneda, Yoshihisa Fujiwara, Hidefumi Matsuura, Tomonari Sato (2006) ) See “Effects of using sleep furniture on sleep quality”, Sanyo Technical Report, 37 (2), pp92-99 ”). Further, the peripheral part of the human body in the bed S during the sleep period t _{A to} t _B The standard comfortable temperature is approximately 34 ° C. ± 2 ° C. (for example, “Akihisa Hirota (1998)“ Temperature control system ”, Kiyoshi Fujisawa, Nobuharu Kashiwa, Katsuo Yamazaki, Shin-Kyoto Psychology, pp 222-236, Kitaoji) (See “Shobo”).

  Here, the offset setting unit 137 detects the offset value ΔT suitable for the user after changing the offset value ΔT as needed. Specifically, based on a “sleep state history” that is a history of a user's sleep state, which will be described later, a personal offset value ΔTi that is an offset value that can provide good quality sleep to the user is detected. The offset setting unit 137 sets the offset value ΔT of the temperature transition pattern P to the detected personal offset value ΔTi.

(1.3) Detection Unit As described in the first embodiment, the detection unit 132 detects the sleep state of the user. FIG. 8 is a graph schematically showing an example of the sleep state of the user. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sleep state of the user is classified based on three sleep states (STAGE 1 to STAGE 3) according to the depth of sleep (hereinafter referred to as “depth”). The correspondence between STAGE 1 to STAGE 3 according to the present embodiment and the above-mentioned “International Standard for Sleep Stage Classification by Rechtschaffen & Kales” is shown in the table below.

  STAGE1 is shallow sleep including REM sleep. In STAGE 1, the user's sleep state is unstable. STAGE2 and STAGE3 are deeper sleeps than STAGE1. Further, the stage 3 is deeper than the stage 2 and is so-called “slow wave sleep (SWS)” in which the user's sleep is particularly stable.

  Here, the detection part 132 detects the sleep parameter which is a parameter which represents a sleep state quantitatively as a user's sleep state shown in FIG.

  The sleep parameters are, for example, (i) the number of awakenings in the middle, (ii) sleep efficiency, and (iii) SWS (Slow Wave Sleep) occupancy. In the following, three typical sleep parameters will be described, but the sleep parameters are not limited thereto. The detection unit 132 may detect other sleep parameters (for example, REM sleep occupancy rate), or may detect only one of the three sleep parameters.

(I) Number of midway awakenings The number of midway awakenings is the number of times a user awakes midway during the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . Midway awakening is awakening that occurs temporarily during sleep and is a period in which the state persists (for example, a period of 30 seconds or more). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the number of awakenings is two.

  If the user's sleep is stable, that is, if the user is provided with good quality sleep, the number of awakenings will be reduced, and if the user is not provided with good quality sleep, The number of awakenings increases.

(Ii) Sleep efficiency Sleep efficiency is the ratio of sleep deeper than STAGE2 in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the period in which the user is in a sleep state deeper than STAGE2 is the total period αsum of the periods α1 to α6. Therefore, sleep efficiency is αsum / t _ALL .

  When a good quality sleep is provided to the user, the sleep efficiency is high, and when the good quality sleep is not provided to the user, the sleep efficiency is low.

(Iii) SWS occupancy rate The SWS occupancy rate is the ratio of sleep deeper than STAGE3 in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the period in which the user is in a sleep state deeper than STAGE 3 is the total period βsum of the periods β1 to β5. Therefore, the SWS occupancy is βsum / t _ALL .

  When the user is provided with good quality sleep, the SWS occupancy rate is high, and when the user is not provided with good quality sleep, the SWS occupancy rate is low.

Here, the detection unit 132 obtains the detected sleep parameter history, that is, the sleep state history (sleep state history) of the user from the offset setting unit 137 for each sleep period 0 to t _ALL. At the same time, it is stored in the history storage unit 138.

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 132 stores, in the history storage unit 138, the result of determining whether or not good quality sleep is provided to the user for each sleep parameter. However, it is not restricted to this, The detection part 132 may store the numerical value of each sleep parameter in the log | history memory | storage part 138. FIG.

(1.4) History Storage Unit The history storage unit 138 stores the sleep state history together with the offset value ΔT. FIG. 9 is an example of a storage table that stores a sleep state history. As shown in FIG. 9, when the offset value ΔT is ΔT _3, that is, when the temperature transition pattern P is the temperature transition pattern P ₃ , good quality sleep is provided to the user. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the offset setting unit 137 described above sets the offset value ΔT ₃ to the personal offset value ΔTi with reference to the history storage unit 138.

(1.5) Adjustment Unit The adjustment unit 134 adjusts the set temperature Tset based on the temperature transition pattern P and the offset value ΔT. As described above, the offset value ΔT is set based on the sleep state of the user detected by the detection unit 132. Therefore, in other words, the adjustment unit 134 adjusts the set temperature Tset according to the sleep state detected by the detection unit 132.

(2) Operation of Controller FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller 130 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in step S10, the controller 130 sets an offset value ΔT.

  In step S11, the controller 130 adjusts the set temperature Tset based on the temperature transition pattern P and the offset value ΔT.

  In step S12, the controller 130 detects a sleep parameter as the sleep state of the user.

In step S13, the controller 130 stores the sleep state history together with the offset value ΔT for each sleep period 0 to t _ALL .

  In step S14, the controller 130 determines whether or not a predetermined number of days have elapsed. The predetermined number of days is a number of days sufficient to detect the personal offset value ΔTi, and can be arbitrarily set. If the predetermined number of days has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S15. If the predetermined number of days has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S10 in order to further accumulate the sleep state history. In this case, in step S10, the controller 130 may change the offset value ΔT to a value different from the previous value.

  In step S15, the controller 130 refers to the sleep state history storage table, detects the personal offset value ΔTi that can provide a good quality sleep to the user, and sets the offset value ΔT to the personal offset value ΔTi.

In step S15, the controller 130 adjusts the set temperature Tset based on the temperature transition pattern P and the personal offset value ΔTi in the next sleep period 0 to t _ALL .

(Function and effect)
In the thermal appliance 100 according to the second embodiment, the adjustment unit 134 is based on the temperature transition pattern P that is a pattern in which the set temperature Tset changes in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL , and the offset value ΔT of the temperature transition pattern P. Adjust the set temperature Tset. The offset setting unit 137 sets the personal offset value ΔTi based on the sleep state history that is the history of the user's sleep state.

  Therefore, the personal offset value ΔTi that can provide the user with a good sleep state is acquired, and based on the personal offset value ΔTi and the temperature transition pattern P, the adjustment target temperature Tobj is adjusted so as to become the set temperature Tset. Can do. As a result, individual differences among users can be reflected in the adjustment of the set temperature Tset, so that a good sleep state can be provided for each user.

  In the second embodiment, the sleep parameter detected as the sleep state includes at least one of (i) the number of awakenings in the middle, (ii) sleep efficiency, and (iii) SWS (Slow Wave Sleep) occupancy.

  Since these sleep parameters are particularly easy to reflect the sleep state of the user, they are suitable as an index that quantitatively indicates the sleep state.

  Here, FIG. 11 shows a case where the heating apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is used (“Example” in the drawing) and a case where the offset value ΔT is set to a generally used fixed value (in the drawing, In "Comparative example"), it is a graph which shows the result of having measured the sleep efficiency and SWS occupation rate of a specific user. In FIG. 11, four measured values and average values are displayed.

  As shown to Fig.11 (a), in "Example", sleep efficiency was able to be made higher than "Comparative example." Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the SWS occupancy rate in the “Example” was higher than that in the “Comparative Example”. Therefore, it was confirmed that a good-quality sleep state can be provided to the user by using the heating device 100 according to the second embodiment.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. Specifically, in this modification, a part of the basic shape of the temperature transition pattern P can be adjusted according to the user.

(1) Controller Configuration FIG. 12 is a functional block configuration diagram of the controller 130. As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 130 further includes a temperature transition pattern adjustment unit 139.

(1.1) Detection part The detection part 132 detects a user's sleep state similarly to the said 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 13 is a graph schematically showing the sleep state of the user.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the detection unit 132 detects “sleeping latency” as a sleep parameter representing the sleep state of the user illustrated in FIG. 8.

The sleep onset latency is the time until the first slow wave sleep (STAGE 3) is reached in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . In FIG. 13, the sleep latency is displayed as t _SWS .

When the user has good sleep, the sleep onset latency t _SWS is shortened, and when the user is not sleepy, the sleep onset latency t _SWS is increased.

The detection unit 132 stores, in the history storage unit 138, a history of sleep onset t _SWS as one of the sleep state histories (sleep state history) of the user.

(1.2) History Storage Unit The history storage unit 138 stores a history of sleep onset t _SWS as a sleep state history. FIG. 14 is an example of a storage table that stores a sleep state history. As shown in FIG. 14, from the history of sleep onset latency _{t SWS,} sleep onset latency _{t SWS} of the user is detected. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the user's sleep latency t _SWS is about 5 minutes.

(1.3) Temperature Transition Pattern Adjustment Unit The temperature transition pattern adjustment unit 139 adjusts the temperature transition pattern P based on the sleep onset latency t _SWS detected by the detection unit 132. The temperature transition pattern P includes a pattern in which the set temperature Tset is decreased in the sleep period 0 to t _A that is a transition period to the sleep state (see FIG. 7). Temperature transition pattern adjustment unit 139 adjusts the rate of decrease in the set temperature Tset of the sleep onset period 0 to t _A (the range of decrease of the set temperature Tset per unit time).

Specifically, the temperature transition pattern adjustment unit 139, the time to decrease the set temperature Tset to T _SUM which is a reference temperature transition pattern P, and adjust the time of sleep onset latency t _SWS.

(1.4) Adjustment unit adjustment unit 134, based on the temperature transition pattern P and individual offset value ΔTi the pattern in sleep onset period 0 to t _A is changed to adjust the set temperature Tset.

(Function and effect)
In this modification, the temperature transition pattern adjustment unit 139 adjusts the rate of decrease in the set temperature Tset during the sleep period 0 to t _A based on the sleep sleep latency t _SWS detected by the detection unit 132.

Therefore, the temperature transition pattern P can be adjusted according to the sleep onset latency t _SWS that is different for each user. As a result, individual differences among users can be more reflected in the adjustment of the set temperature Tset, so that a better sleep state can be provided for each user.

Here, FIG. 15 shows a fixed case in which the rate of decrease in the set temperature Tset in the sleep period 0 to t _A is generally used when the heating apparatus 100 according to the present modification is used (“Example” in the figure). It is a graph which shows the result of having measured the sleep latency of a specific user when it sets to a value ("comparative example" in a figure). In FIG. 15, four measured values and average values are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the “Example”, the variation in sleep latencies could be made smaller than in the “Comparative Example”. This is because the set temperature Tset can be lowered by using the heating device 100 according to the present modification in accordance with the sleep fall time specific to the user. Therefore, it was confirmed that a good-quality sleep state can be provided to the user by using the heating device 100 according to the present modification.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the detection unit 132 detects a shallow sleep of the user immediately before the set-up time.

(1) Configuration of Controller FIG. 16 is a functional block configuration diagram of the controller 130 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the controller 130 includes a sleep sensor I / F unit 131, a detection unit 132, a temperature sensor I / F unit 133, an adjustment unit 134, and a heater I / F unit 135. A timer 140 is further included.

(1.1) Timer The timer 140 is a device for the user to set the wake-up time. In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that the user wakes up at the wakeup set time t _ALL that is the time set as the wakeup time. Therefore, from time 0 the user has ON the power of the thermal device 100 to wake up the set time _{t ALL} is a sleep period _{0~t ALL} of the user.

(1.2) Detection Unit As described in the first embodiment, the detection unit 132 detects the sleep state of the user. FIG. 17 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of the sleep state of the user. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the sleep state of the user is classified based on three sleep states (STAGE 1 to STAGE 3) according to the depth of sleep (hereinafter referred to as “depth”). The correspondence between STAGE 1 to STAGE 3 according to the present embodiment and the above-mentioned “International Standard for Sleep Stage Classification by Rechtschaffen & Kales” is shown in the table below.

  STAGE1 is shallow sleep including REM sleep. In STAGE 1, the user's sleep state is unstable. STAGE2 and STAGE3 are deeper sleeps than STAGE1. Further, the stage 3 is deeper than the stage 2 and is so-called “slow wave sleep (SWS)” in which the user's sleep is particularly stable.

  The detection unit 132 responds to the second light sleep (hereinafter, “second sleep”) through deep sleep from the first time corresponding to the first light sleep (hereinafter, “first light sleep”). A second shallow sleep is detected for each sleep cycle C in which the period up to the second time is one cycle. In the present embodiment, the first and second sleep states are sleep states near STAGE 1 and belong to REM sleep. In addition, the first time corresponding to the first sleep and the second time corresponding to the second sleep fall are times included in a time zone in which the sleep depth is near STAGE1. In this embodiment, it should be noted that the inflection points in the graph shown in FIG. 17 are used as the first time and the second time.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, four sleep cycles C (first sleep cycle C1 to fourth sleep cycle C4) are repeated in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . Accordingly, the detection unit 132 at time _{t 1, t 2, t 3} , t 4, detects a first Asanemu respective first to fourth sleep cycle C1 -C4. The detecting unit 132, at time _{t 2, t 3, t 4} , t 5, to detect a second Asanemu respective first to fourth sleep cycle C1 -C4.

Here, the detection unit 132 acquires the wake-up set time t _ALL from the timer 140. The detection unit 132 monitors the second sleep due to a predetermined time L before the set-up time t _ALL . The fixed period L is a period that is the same as or shorter than the sleep cycle C. Therefore, second Asanemu monitored from a predetermined time L before the wake-up set time _{t ALL,} the second shallow sleep immediately before the wake-up set time _{t ALL,} namely, a second shallow is detected in sleep periods _{0 to t ALL} It is the second sleep that is detected at the latest time of sleep. In the following, the second sleep immediately before the set-up time t _ALL is referred to as “immediate sleep”. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the detection unit 132 starts monitoring immediately before sleep from a time t _{W that is} a predetermined time L before the wake-up setting time t _ALL . Detector 132, with the second Asanemu detection at time t _5, it determines that the immediately preceding Asanemu is detected.

(1.3) Adjustment Unit The adjustment unit 134 adjusts the set temperature Tset with a predetermined pattern during the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating an example of a transition pattern of the set temperature Tset in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . In FIG. 18, the adjustment target temperature Tobj at time 0 when the user turns on the power supply of the thermal appliance 100 is set as the initial value Tstart of the set temperature Tset.

As shown in FIG. 18, the operation mode of the adjustment unit 134 in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL transitions in the order of the preheating mode, the sleep mode, the sleep mode, and the wake-up mode. The preheating mode is an operation mode in which the heater 120 is preheated in preparation for the sleep mode. The sleep mode is an operation mode in which the set temperature Tset is maintained high (for example, about 33 degrees) for the purpose of promoting a smooth transition from the awake state to the sleep state. The sleep mode is an operation mode in which the set temperature Tset is gradually lowered and kept low (for example, about 30 degrees) for the purpose of lowering the deep body temperature of the user. The wake-up mode is an operation mode in which the set temperature Tset is gradually increased and maintained high for the purpose of promoting a smooth transition from the sleep state to the awake state.

The adjustment unit 134 starts the preheating mode in response to turning on the power of the heating apparatus 100. Adjustment unit 134, in the preheat mode, to maintain the adjusted temperature Tset is raised from an initial value Tstart to the first temperature _{T 1.} The first temperature T ₁ may be a temperature at which a sufficient temperature rise responsiveness of the heater 120 can be obtained. The adjustment unit 134 ends the preheating mode when the detection unit 132 detects the first first sleep or the user entering the floor.

When the first first sleep is detected, the adjustment unit 134 changes the operation mode from the preheating mode to the sleep mode. Adjustment unit 134, in falling asleep mode, the adjustment temperature Tset is increased from the first temperature _{T 1} of to a second temperature _{T 2} to maintain. The second temperature T ₂ may be a temperature which is sufficiently warmed user. The adjustment unit 134 ends the sleep mode when the detection unit 132 detects that the depth of the sleep state has increased. The case where the depth of the sleep state of the user becomes deep is, for example, a case where the sleep state reaches STAGE2. In the example of FIG. 18, (see FIG. 17) entering the bed of the first first shallow sleep or user is detected at time t _1, that sleep reaches STAGE2 is detected at time t _A.

When it is detected that the depth of the sleep state has increased, the adjustment unit 134 changes the operation mode from the sleep mode to the sleep mode. Adjustment unit 134, the sleep mode, maintaining the adjusted temperature Tset is lowered from the second temperature _{T 2} to the third temperature _{T 3.} Third temperature T ₃ may be a temperature that can maintain the core body temperature of the user decreases. The adjustment unit 134 ends the sleep mode when the detection unit 132 detects the last sleep. In the example of FIG. 18, the last sleep is detected at time t ₅ (see FIG. 17).

The adjustment unit 134 changes the operation mode from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode when the immediately preceding sleep is detected. Adjustment unit 134, the wake-up mode, increasing the adjusted temperature Tset from the third temperature _{T 3} to a fourth temperature _{T 4.} Fourth temperature T ₄ may be a temperature that is elevated core body temperature of the user. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, has been set as the fourth temperature T ₄ and the second temperature T ₂ at the same temperature, it may be different. The adjustment unit 134 ends at the wakeup set time t _ALL .

Here, the adjustment unit 134 stores in advance the time required to adjust the target temperature Tobj to raise from the third temperature T ₃ to a fourth temperature T _4. Adjustment unit 134, until the temperature rise time UP before the wake-up set time _{t ALL,} if the preceding Asanemu is not detected, the limit time _{t LIM} is a time before the temperature rise time UP than getting up set time _{t ALL} The operation mode is changed to the wake-up mode. In the example of FIG. 18, the immediately preceding sleep is detected by the detecting unit 132 before the limit time t _LIM . Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 18, the temperature rise time UP is the set temperature Tset from time _{t 5} is substantially the same as the time up to the fourth temperature _{T 4.}

  In the present embodiment, the adjustment unit 134 performs the transition from the prediction mode to the sleep mode and the transition from the sleep mode to the sleep mode according to the sleep state of the user, but is not limited thereto. It is not a thing. For example, these transitions may be performed by timer control.

(2) Operation of Controller FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller 130 according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in step S <b> 20, the controller 130 detects that the power supply of the thermal appliance 100 is turned on.

  In step S21, the controller 130 operates in the preheating mode.

  In step S22, the controller 130 determines whether or not the first first sleep or the user's entry is detected. If the first first sleep is detected, the process proceeds to step S23. If the first first sleep is not detected, the process returns to step S21.

  In step S23, the controller 130 operates in the sleep mode.

  In step S24, the controller 130 determines whether or not it has been detected that the depth of the sleep state of the user has increased. If it is detected that the depth has increased, the process proceeds to step S25. If it is not detected that the depth has increased, the process returns to step S23.

  In step S25, the controller 130 operates in the sleep mode.

  In step S26, the controller 130 determines whether or not a previous sleep has been detected. If the last sleep is detected, the process proceeds to step S27. If the last sleep is not detected, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S27, the controller 130 operates in the wake-up mode.

In step S28, the controller 130 determines whether or not the limit time t _LIM has been reached. If the limit time t _LIM has been reached, the process proceeds to step S27. If the limit time t _LIM has not been reached, the process returns to step S25.

(Function and effect)
In the thermal appliance 100 according to the third embodiment, the detection unit 132 detects the second sleep when the sleep cycle C is detected, and the adjustment unit 134 increases the set temperature Tset when the last sleep is detected. Transition the operation mode to the wake-up mode.

  Thus, since the timing of the immediately preceding sleep that differs for each user can be detected, it is possible to transition to the wake-up mode when the sleep state of the user is shallow. As a result, the individual difference of the user can be more reflected in the wake-up timing, so that the user can smoothly transition to the awake state.

In addition, the detection unit 132 monitors immediately before sleep from a predetermined time L before the set-up time t _ALL . The fixed time L is the same period as the sleep cycle C or a period shorter than the sleep cycle C.

Therefore, since it is possible to determine that the second sleep that is detected after the predetermined time L of the wake-up setting time t _ALL is the immediately preceding sleep, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the immediately preceding sleep.

Further, when the immediately prior sleep is not detected before the temperature rise time UP from the wake-up set time t _ALL , the adjustment unit 134 transitions to the wake-up mode at a time before the temperature rise time UP from the wake-up set time t _ALL .

As described above, when the last sleep is not detected before the limit time t _LIM , the mode is forcibly shifted to the wake-up mode regardless of the detection result of the detection unit 132. Therefore, it is possible to reliably increase the adjusted temperature Tobj before getting up set time _{t ALL} the fourth temperature _{T 4.}

[Modification 1 of the third embodiment]
Next, Modification 1 of the third embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described. Specifically, in this modification, it is possible to predict the timing at which the immediately preceding sleep is detected.

  FIG. 20 is a functional block configuration diagram of the controller 130 according to this modification. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the controller 130 further includes a prediction unit 141.

(1) Prediction unit In the present modification, the prediction unit 141 acquires the time t ₁ that is the start time of the first sleep cycle C1 in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL from the detection unit 132 (see FIG. 17).

Also, the prediction unit 141, based on the time t ₁ and a predetermined sleep period Cg, predicts the timing at which the immediately preceding Asanemu is detected. The predetermined sleep cycle Cg is, for example, an average sleep cycle (for example, about 90 minutes) of a healthy person, but is not limited thereto. The predetermined sleep cycle Cg can be appropriately set according to the physical condition of the user.

Specifically, the prediction unit 141 calculates how many times the predetermined sleep cycle Cg is repeated after the time t ₁ and before the limit time t _{LIM in} the sleep periods 0 to t _{ALL in} the following equation (1). Calculate based on In the formula (1), the sleep period 0 to t _ALL is V (minutes), the period 0 to t ₁ is W (minutes), the period t _{LIM to} t _ALL is X (minutes), and the predetermined sleep cycle Cg is Y (Minutes).

[Equation 1]
(V− (W + X))> Y × k (1)
The prediction unit 141 calculates the largest integer among k satisfying the above equation (1). Based on the calculated k, the prediction unit 141 predicts the timing at which the user's last sleep immediately appears. Specifically, the prediction unit 141 calculates the Y × k (min) elapsed time from the time t _1.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of the largest integer among k satisfying Expression (1). In the example shown in FIG. 21, since the limit time t _LIM is exceeded when the predetermined sleep cycle Cg is repeated five times, the predetermined sleep cycle Cg may be repeated only four times before the limit time t _LIM. Recognize. Therefore, it is predicted that the immediately prior sleep of the user will appear around time _t4Cg when the predetermined sleep cycle Cg is repeated four times.

The prediction unit 141 transmits the predicted timing of the immediately preceding sleep (for example, information indicating the time _t4Cg ) to the detection unit 132.

(2) Detection Unit The detection unit 132 detects the immediately preceding sleep based on the timing predicted by the prediction unit 141. Specifically, the detection unit 132 monitors the user's sleep for a predetermined period including the predicted timing of the previous sleep. The detection unit 132 determines that the last sleep has been detected by detecting the sleep in the predetermined period. The predetermined period during which the detection unit 132 monitors the user's sleep can be set as appropriate.

(3) Adjustment unit The adjustment unit 134 changes the operation mode from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode when the detection unit 132 detects a previous sleep.

(Function and effect)
In this modification, the prediction unit 141, based on the time t ₁ and predetermined sleep cycle Cg is the start time of the first sleep cycle C1 in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL, a timing immediately before Asanemu is detected Predict. The detection unit 132 detects a previous sleep based on the predicted timing.

  Accordingly, the detection unit 132 may monitor the user's sleep for a predetermined period including the predicted timing. Therefore, the processing load on the detection unit 132 can be reduced.

  In the present modification, the predicting unit 141 uses an average sleep cycle as the predetermined sleep cycle Cg. Therefore, it is possible to predict the timing at which the immediately preceding sleep is detected according to a general sleep rhythm.

[Modification 2 of the third embodiment]
Next, Modification 2 of the third embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described. Specifically, in this modification, it is possible to predict the timing at which the immediately preceding sleep is detected.

  The controller 130 according to this modification further includes a prediction unit 141 (see FIG. 20).

(1) in the prediction unit this modification, the prediction unit 141 acquires the first sleep cycle C1 in the sleep period _{0 to t ALL} from the detection unit 132, and a time _{t 1} which is the start time of the first sleep cycle C1 (See FIG. 17).

Also, the prediction unit 141, based on and the time t ₁ the first sleep cycle C1, predicts the timing at which the immediately preceding Asanemu is detected. Specifically, the prediction unit 141, at time _{t 1} after and limit the time _{t LIM} earlier among the sleep period _{0 to t ALL,} whether initial sleep cycle C1 is repeated many times, the following equation (2) Calculate based on In Equation (2), the sleep period 0 to t _ALL is V (minutes), the period 0 to t ₁ is W (minutes), the period t _{LIM to} t _ALL is X (minutes), and the first sleep cycle C1 is Z (Minutes).

[Equation 2]
(V− (W + X))> Z × m (2)
The prediction unit 141 calculates the largest integer among m satisfying the above equation (2). The prediction unit 141 predicts the timing at which the user's immediate sleep will appear based on the calculated m. Specifically, the prediction unit 141 calculates the Z × m (minutes) elapsed time from the time t _1.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of the largest integer among m satisfying Expression (2). In the example shown in FIG. 22, since the limit time t _LIM is exceeded when the first sleep cycle C1 is repeated five times, the first sleep cycle C1 may be repeated only four times before the limit time t _LIM. Recognize. Therefore, the expected initial sleep cycle C1 appears four times repeated at time t _4C1 immediately prior Asanemu user around.

Prediction unit 141 transmits the timing of the predicted just before Asanemu (for example, information indicating the time _{t 4C1)} the detection unit 132.

(2) Detection Unit The detection unit 132 detects the immediately preceding sleep based on the timing predicted by the prediction unit 141. Specifically, the detection unit 132 monitors the user's sleep for a predetermined period including the predicted timing of the previous sleep. The detection unit 132 determines that the last sleep has been detected by detecting the sleep in the predetermined period.

(3) Adjustment unit The adjustment unit 134 changes the operation mode from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode when the detection unit 132 detects a previous sleep.

(Function and effect)
In this modification, the prediction unit 141, based on and the time t ₁ the first sleep cycle C1, predicts the timing at which the immediately preceding Asanemu is detected. The detection unit 132 detects a previous sleep based on the predicted timing.

  Accordingly, the detection unit 132 may monitor the user's sleep for a predetermined period including the predicted timing. Therefore, the processing load on the detection unit 132 can be reduced.

  Moreover, since the prediction part 141 uses a user's first sleep cycle C1, according to the sleep cycle peculiar to every user, it can estimate the timing when the last sleep immediately is detected. Therefore, individual differences among users can be more reflected in the prediction of the timing at which immediately before sleep is detected. Moreover, since the detection part 132 should just detect only the first sleep cycle C1, the increase in the processing load of the detection part 132 can be reduced.

[Modification 3 of the third embodiment]
Next, Modification 3 of the third embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described. Specifically, in this modification, it can be determined whether or not the second sleep in the n-th sleep cycle is the previous sleep.

(1) Detection unit In this modification, the detection unit 132 detects the nth sleep cycle Cn and the second sleep sleep of the nth sleep cycle Cn each time the nth sleep cycle Cn is detected. Time t _{n + 1} is acquired.

The detection unit 132 assumes that the n-th sleep cycle Cn is the (n + 1) -th sleep cycle Cn + 1, and based on the n-th sleep cycle Cn and the time t _{n + 1} , the second sleep in the n-th sleep cycle is immediately before Determine if you are sleeping.

Specifically, the detection unit 132 determines whether or not the time t _{R obtained} by adding the time R (minutes) of the nth sleep cycle Cn to the time t _{n + 1} exceeds the limit time t _LIM . When the time t _R exceeds the limit time t _LIM , the detection unit 132 determines that the second sleep in the n-th sleep cycle is the last sleep and the last sleep has been detected.

On the other hand, when the time t _R does not exceed the limit time t _LIM , the detection unit 132 determines that the second sleep in the n-th sleep cycle is not the previous sleep and the previous sleep is not detected.

(2) Adjustment unit The adjustment unit 134 changes the operation mode from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode when the detection unit 132 detects a previous sleep.

(Function and effect)
In this modification, the detection unit 132, assuming the n-th sleep cycle Cn (n + 1) th and sleep cycle Cn + 1, on the basis of the n + 1 th sleep cycle Cn + 1 and the time _{t n + 1,} the at n-th sleep cycle 2. It is determined whether or not the sleep is the last sleep.

As described above, the detection unit 132 determines whether the second sleep in the n-th sleep cycle is the immediately preceding sleep, assuming that the n-th sleep cycle Cn is the (n + 1) -th sleep cycle Cn + 1. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the immediately prior sleep according to the change in the sleep cycle of the user in the sleep period 0 to t _ALL .

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Specifically, in 4th Embodiment, the detection part 132 detects a user's arousal state in addition to a user's sleep state in a sleep period.

(1) Configuration of Controller FIG. 23 is a functional block configuration diagram of the controller 130 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, the controller 130 includes a sleep sensor I / F unit 131, a detection unit 132, a temperature sensor I / F unit 133, an adjustment unit 134, and a heater I / F unit 135.

(1.1) Detection Unit As described in the first embodiment, the detection unit 132 detects the sleep state of the user. FIG. 24 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of the sleep state of the user. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the sleep state of the user is classified based on three sleep states (STAGE 1 to STAGE 3) according to the depth of sleep (hereinafter referred to as “depth”). The correspondence between STAGE 1 to STAGE 3 according to the present embodiment and the above-mentioned “International Standard for Sleep Stage Classification by Rechtschaffen & Kales” is shown in the table below.

  STAGE1 is shallow sleep including REM sleep. In STAGE 1, the user's sleep state is unstable. STAGE2 and STAGE3 are deeper sleeps than STAGE1. Further, the stage 3 is deeper than the stage 2 and is so-called “slow wave sleep (SWS)” in which the user's sleep is particularly stable.

Moreover, the detection part 132 further detects a user's arousal state. The awake state is a state where the user is awake. Therefore, it should be noted that the state where the user is not in the bed S while the heating apparatus 100 is turned on is included in the awake state. The detection unit 132 detects that the user is awake when the user is not in the bed S (for example, when the user goes to the toilet during the sleep period 0 to t _ALL ). In the present embodiment, the awake state is a state where the user's consciousness in the bed S is not clear or the user intermittently sleeps for a short time, and the duration of the awakening is short. Cases (for example, about 30 minutes) are not included. However, the arousal state may include these states.

In the example shown in FIG. 24, the sleep period _{0 to t ALL,} depending on the sleep state of the user, and sleep onset period 0 to t _A, and sleep period _t A ~t _B, to the wake-up period _t B _{~t ALL} being classified. The sleep period 0 to t _A is a period until the user transitions from the awake state to the sleep state of STAGE 2 after the heating apparatus 100 is turned on. The sleep period t _A ~t _B, a period in which the user is to continue the sleep state. However, sleep-life t _A ~t _B, as shown in FIG. 24, it should be noted that the user includes a mid-arousal period t _C ~t _D is a period for arousal. Here, midway awakening is awakening that occurs temporarily during sleep and is a period in which the state persists (for example, a period of 30 seconds or more). The wake-up period t _{B to} t _ALL is a period until the user transitions to the awake state to wake up. The wake-up period t _B can be appropriately set according to the wake-up time t _ALL .

Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 24, the detection unit 132 detects the user's arousal state at time 0, time t _C, and time t _ALL . The detecting unit 132, at a time _{t A} and time _{t D,} to detect the sleep state of the user.

(1.2) Adjustment Unit The adjustment unit 134 adjusts the set temperature Tset according to the sleep state of the user detected by the detection unit 132. In the present embodiment, the adjustment unit 134 increases the set temperature Tset when the detection unit 132 detects the user's arousal state. Moreover, the adjustment part 134 reduces preset temperature Tset, when a user's sleep state is detected by the detection part 132. FIG.

FIG. 25 is a graph showing an example of a transition pattern of the set temperature Tset during the sleep period 0 to t _ALL . In FIG. 25, the adjustment target temperature Tobj at time 0 when the user turns on the power supply of the heating device 100 is set as the initial value Tstart of the set temperature Tset.

Adjustment unit 134, as shown in FIG. 25, time 0 to arousal state of the user is detected by the detecting unit 132, at time _{t C,} increasing the setting temperature Tset to a first temperature _{T 1.} Then, the adjustment unit 134 during the period alpha, to maintain the set temperature Tset to a first temperature _{T 1.}

Here, in the present embodiment, the first temperature T ₁ is a preheating temperature for preheating the bed S. The first temperature T ₁ may be a temperature (for example, about 50 ° C.) at which a sufficient temperature rising response of the heater 120 can be obtained. In addition, the period α is, for example, a period until the user's sleep state transitions to STAGE 1 for the first time after the user's arousal state is detected, or in the state where the user is not in the bed S. Although it can be set as the period until it enters into the bed S for the first time after turning on the power of, it is not limited to this. The period α may be a predetermined period.

The adjustment unit 134, as shown in FIG. 25, after maintaining the set temperature Tset to a first temperature _{T 1,} raising the set temperature Tset to a second temperature _{T 2} higher than the first temperature _{T 1.} The second temperature T _2, in order to prepare the transition to smooth sleep, may be a temperature that can warm the user sufficiently (e.g., approximately 55 ° C.). Then, the adjustment unit 134, until the sleep state is detected by the detecting unit 132, to maintain the set temperature Tset to a second temperature _{T 2.}

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the adjustment unit 134 sets the set temperature Tset to the third at the time t _A and the time t _D when the detection unit 132 detects the sleep state of the user (that is, the transition to the STAGE 2). decrease in temperature _{T 3.} Third temperature T ₃ may be a temperature that can maintain the core body temperature of the user low (e.g., about 45 ° C.). Then, the adjustment unit 134, until reaching the time t _B, or until awake state of the user is detected, to maintain the set temperature Tset to a third temperature T _3.

The adjustment unit 134, as shown in FIG. 25, at time _{t B,} increases the set temperature Tset to a fourth temperature _{T 4.} Fourth temperature T ₄ may be a temperature that is elevated core body temperature of the user (e.g., about 55 ° C.).

(2) Controller operation 1
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller 130 according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 26, in step S30, the controller 130 detects that the power source of the thermal appliance 100 is turned on, and detects that the user is in an awake state.

In step S31, the controller 130 increases the set temperature Tset to a first temperature _{T 1} of a preheating temperature.

In step S32, the controller 130 determines whether or not a period α that is a preheating period has elapsed. If the period α has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if the period α has not elapsed, the process returns to step S31. In this case, the controller 130 maintains the set temperature Tset to a first temperature _{T 1.}

In step S33, the controller 130 increases the set temperature Tset to a second temperature _{T 2} higher than the first temperature _{T 1.}

In step S34, the controller 130 determines whether or not the user's sleep state is detected. When the sleep state of the user is detected, the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when the sleep state of the user is not detected, the process returns to step S33. In this case, the controller 130 maintains the set temperature Tset to a second temperature _{T 2.}

In step S35, the controller 130 decreases the set temperature Tset to lower than the second temperature _{T 2} the third temperature _{T 3.}

In step S36, the controller 130 determines whether or not the user's arousal state is detected. When the user's arousal state is detected, the process returns to step S31. In this case, the controller 130 increases the set temperature Tset to a first temperature _{T 1.} On the other hand, when the user's arousal state is not detected, the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, the controller 130 determines whether the host vehicle has reached the time _{t B.} When it reaches the time _{t B,} the process proceeds to step S38. On the other hand, when it has not reached the time t _B, the process returns to step S35. In this case, the controller 130 maintains the set temperature Tset to a third temperature _{T 3.}

In step S38, the controller 130 increases the set temperature Tset to a fourth temperature _{T 4.}

(3) Controller operation 2
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing temperature feedback control processing of the controller 130 according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 27, in step S40, the controller 130 acquires the adjustment target temperature Tobj.

  In step S41, the controller 130 determines whether or not the operation mode is the preheating mode. In the preheating mode, the process turns on the heater in step S47. On the other hand, if the preheat mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, the controller 130 determines whether or not the adjustment target temperature Tojb is higher than the set temperature Tset by 1.5 ° C. or more. If it is higher than 1.5 ° C., the process slows down the heater in step S43. On the other hand, if not higher than 1.5 ° C., the process proceeds to steps S44 to S46. Specifically, when the temperature is 0.5 ° C. or higher and lower than 1.5 ° C., the heater is stabilized in step S44. On the other hand, if the temperature is -0.5 ° C or higher and lower than 0.5 ° C, the heater is stabilized in step S45. On the other hand, if the temperature is lower than -0.5 ° C, the heater is heated in step S46.

(Function and effect)
In the thermal appliance 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the detection unit 132 detects the user's arousal state in addition to the user's sleep state. The adjustment unit 134 increases the set temperature when the awake state is detected, and decreases the set temperature when the sleep state is detected.

  Therefore, when the user's arousal state is detected, the user's deep body temperature is raised and smoothly led to the sleep state, and when the user transitions to the sleep state, the user's deep body temperature is increased. Can be maintained, and a deep sleep state can be maintained. Further, since the user's arousal state can be detected, not only when the user falls asleep, but also when the user awakes midway, the user can be smoothly brought back to the sleep state.

The adjustment unit 134, when the arousal state is detected, in terms of maintaining and increasing the setting temperature Tset to a first temperature T ₁ of a preheat temperature, the second temperature is higher sleep onset temperature than the preheating temperature to raise the set temperature Tset in T _2. Therefore, by warming the bed S in advance, it is possible to provide a comfortable bed environment for the user and to prepare for the subsequent temperature rise of the heater.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the heating device 100 is an electric blanket including the blanket body 110 and the heater 120, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermal appliance 100 may be an air conditioner including a controller 130, a blower that includes the controller 130, and sends warm air into a bed S formed by a cocoon. The hardware configuration of the controller 130 described above can be realized as a program module. Therefore, the processing executed in the controller 130 described above may be executed by a general-purpose computer having the function of the controller 130 or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Temperature control system 100 ... Heating apparatus 110 ... Blanket body 120 ... Heater 130 ... Controller 131 ... Sleep sensor I / F part 132 ... Detection part 133 ... Temperature sensor I / F part 134 ... Adjustment part 135 ... Heater I / F part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 136 ... Temperature transition pattern memory | storage part 137 ... Offset setting part 138 ... History memory | storage part 139 ... Temperature transition pattern adjustment part 140 ... Timer 141 ... Prediction part 200 ... Temperature sensor 210 ... Capacitance type sensor 300 ... Sleep sensor 310 ... Electrostatic Capacitance type sensor 311 ... Sheet-like dielectric material 312, 313 ... Conductive cloth 320 ... Inductor P ... Temperature transition pattern S ... Bed

Claims (6)

A heating device that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the adjustment target temperature is a set temperature,
A detection unit for detecting the sleep state of the user;
A heating device comprising: an adjustment unit that adjusts the set temperature according to the sleep state detected by the detection unit. A temperature transition pattern storage unit that stores a temperature transition pattern that is a pattern in which the set temperature transitions during the sleep period of the user;
An offset setting unit for setting an offset value of the temperature transition pattern;
A history storage unit that stores a sleep state history that is a history of the sleep state detected by the detection unit;
The offset setting unit sets the offset value based on the sleep state history,
The said adjustment part adjusts the said setting temperature based on the said temperature transition pattern and the said offset value, The thermal appliance of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. In the sleep period of the user, the detection unit sleeps with a period from a first time corresponding to the first light sleep to a second time corresponding to the second light sleep after a deep sleep. For each cycle, the second light sleep is detected as the sleep state,
The adjustment unit increases the set temperature when the immediately preceding sleep, which is the second shallow sleep immediately before the wake-up setting time, is detected among the second shallow sleep detected in each sleep cycle. The heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode is changed to a wake-up mode. A control program that causes a computer to function as a thermal appliance that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target is a set temperature.
In the sleep period of the user, for each sleep cycle in which one cycle is from the first time corresponding to the first shallow sleep to the second time corresponding to the second shallow sleep through the deep sleep, Detecting a second shallow sleep A;
Operates in a wake-up mode in which the set temperature is raised when a second shallow sleep immediately before the set-up time is detected among the second shallow sleep detected in each sleep cycle. A control program that causes Step B of mode transition to be executed. In addition to the sleep state, the detection unit detects a user's arousal state,
2. The heat according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit increases the set temperature when the awake state is detected, and decreases the set temperature when the sleep state is detected. Instruments. A control program that causes a computer to function as a thermal appliance that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target is a set temperature.
Step A for detecting the sleep state of the user;
Step B for detecting the user's arousal state;
A step C of increasing the set temperature when the arousal state is detected;
When the sleep state is detected, a control program that causes Step D to decrease the set temperature is executed.

Images