JP4126175B2 - Sleep environment control device taking into account body condition during the day - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sleep environment control device for controlling an environment in which a user sleeps, and in particular, to control a user's sleep environment in consideration of the amount of daytime activity of the user. It relates to such a device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a device for measuring and adjusting the physical state of a sleeping person has been proposed. For example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-114142, it is assumed that a user can enjoy a comfortable sleep by calculating a metabolic amount from a weight of a user during sleep and adjusting a bed temperature, and the bed temperature is calculated based on the metabolic amount. Is controlling.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, it has been reported that sleep is closely related to daytime activities. Moderate exercise is said to improve the quality of sleep that day. It is also said that when good sleep is obtained, the activity of the day after waking up improves. In general, it is a common sense that a healthy body can be maintained by carrying out appropriate daily exercise routinely.
[0004]
In addition, body temperature begins to fall gradually at night and reaches its lowest level before dawn. In the morning, just before waking up, body temperature begins to rise again and peaks in the evening. In addition to this, many physiological functions and behaviors fluctuate in the daily cycle, from sleep, various hormones, enzyme activities, electrolytic substances excreted by urine, and brain arousal level and mental activity. Yes. This biological rhythm or biological rhythm is a very universal rhythm observed in a wide range of animals and plants ranging from single-celled organisms to humans.
[0005]
FIG. 13 of the accompanying drawings is a view for explaining the body temperature fluctuation in a general life. As can be seen from FIG. 13, the human body has the lowest body temperature in the morning, and thereafter, the body temperature gradually starts to rise, and the body temperature rises during the daytime. It peaks at around 6 pm and then gradually decreases toward the morning. In this way, the body temperature of the human body varies periodically. The maximum body temperature, the time to reach the minimum body temperature, and the temperature vary slightly depending on the individual, but it is said that this variation in body temperature itself occurs.
[0006]
Here, in sleep research, if you fall asleep from the highest body temperature point in the falling period of the body temperature, you will get deep sleep, the sleep time will be longer, conversely, if you fall asleep from the lowest body temperature point in time of the body temperature rise, it will become a shallow sleep, It has been reported that sleep time is also shortened.
[0007]
If the sleep environment is controlled in consideration of the above, it is considered that a more comfortable and beneficial sleep environment can be provided to the user. However, this is disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-114142. Such conventional devices do not control the sleep environment of the user in consideration of the user's daytime activity, circadian rhythm, and the like. Therefore, the sleep environment provided by such a conventional device is not always satisfactory for the user.
[0008]
In view of the above-described points, an object of the present invention is to provide a sleep environment that can provide a more comfortable and beneficial sleep environment for the user in consideration of the daytime activity status, physical condition, circadian rhythm, etc. of the user. It is to provide an environmental control device.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, in a sleep environment control device for controlling an environment in which a user sleeps, a bed means for forming a bed environment for the user to sleep, and the user's daytime Input means for inputting data relating to the activity of the user, temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature in the bed environment, and operation of the temperature adjusting means based on data relating to the daytime activity of the user input by the input means. And a control means for controlling the sleep environment control device.
[0010]
According to another aspect of the present invention, in a sleep environment control device for controlling an environment in which a user sleeps, a bed means for forming a bed environment for the user to sleep, and the user's daytime By comparing the input means for inputting the data relating to the activity of the user, the temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature in the bed environment, the data relating to the daytime activity of the user input by the input means and the reference data Sleep environment control comprising: a determination unit that determines a user's physical condition; and a control unit that controls the operation of the temperature adjusting unit according to the physical condition of the user determined by the determination unit. An apparatus is provided.
[0011]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the input means is a key switch.
[0012]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the input means is performed by communication.
[0013]
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the input means includes an activity measuring unit that measures a user's daytime activity amount, and at least the user's daytime activity amount measured by the activity measuring unit. It consists of an external terminal provided with the communication part which can communicate the data regarding.
[0014]
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the activity measuring unit includes an acceleration sensor that detects a user's activity.
[0015]
According to still another aspect of the present invention, in a sleep environment control device for controlling an environment in which a user sleeps, a bed means for forming a bed environment for the user to sleep, and a user's day An external terminal comprising an activity measuring unit for measuring the amount of activity in the room and a communication unit for inputting at least data relating to the amount of activity of the user during the day measured by the activity measuring unit by communication, and the temperature in the bed environment Temperature adjusting means for adjusting, input means for inputting the target daily activity amount of the user, data relating to the daytime activity of the user input from the communication unit of the external terminal, and input by the input means Comparing means for comparing the target activity amount, determining means for determining the physical condition of the user based on the comparison result by the comparing means, and according to the physical condition of the user determined by the determining means Said control means for controlling the operation of the temperature adjusting means, sleeping environment control device, characterized in that it comprises a are provided.
[0016]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined by the determination means that the amount of activity during the day is small, the control means controls the operation of the temperature adjustment means, and the bed environment The temperature inside is controlled so as to be a temperature at which a sleeping user consumes energy.
[0017]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the determination means determines that there is fatigue, the control means controls the operation of the temperature adjustment means to control the temperature in the bed environment. The temperature is controlled so that the user can sleep well.
[0018]
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the external terminal is configured to measure a user's daytime body temperature, and a user's time series data measured by the body temperature measurement unit. A determination unit that obtains a body temperature rhythm and determines an ideal sleep time and a notification unit that notifies the sleep time determined by the determination unit are provided.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, based on an accompanying drawing, the present invention is explained in detail about an embodiment and an example of the present invention.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a sleeping environment side of a sleep environment control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the sleep environment control device of this embodiment includes a mattress 1 that constitutes a bed environment for a user to lie down and sleep. The mattress 1 is an air mat composed of a plurality of air tubes into which air is injected, and has an operation box 2 on a side surface thereof. On the upper surface of the mattress 1, current supply electrodes 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D and voltage measurement electrodes 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D used for measuring the bioelectric impedance are provided, and body temperature measurement for measuring the body temperature of the user. A pad 5 is also provided.
[0021]
On the upper surface of the operation box 2, a display unit 6 and an input device 7 including a plurality of switches are provided. Although not appearing in FIG. 1, the operation box 2 has functions such as a high-frequency constant current circuit 8, a voltage measurement circuit 9, a pressure sensor 10, an arithmetic control unit 11, an outside air temperature measurement unit 13, and a heating function that perform functions described later. A cooling unit 16, an air pressure control unit 17, a clock device 18, a storage device 19, a transmission / reception unit 21 that enables transmission / reception of data to / from a small terminal described later are provided. Of course, each of these components can be provided in a place different from the operation box 2 in some cases.
[0022]
  FIG. 2 shows a use state of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and a user sleeping on the mattress 1 is indicated by a dotted line. in this way,Current supplyElectrodes 3A-3D,Voltage measurementThe electrodes 4A to 4D and the body temperature measurement pad 5 are arranged at positions that come into contact with the respective parts when the user lies in the lying position.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship of each component of the sleep environment control device including the mattress 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the current supply electrodes 3A to 3D are connected to a high frequency constant current circuit 8 for applying a weak high frequency constant current. The other voltage measurement electrodes 4A to 4D are connected to a voltage measurement circuit 9 for measuring the voltage drop due to the constant current described above. Further, the pressure sensor 10 performs various functions as will be described later, and as one of the functions, as a body weight measuring means for measuring the body weight as the weight when the user gets on the mattress 1, Fulfills the function. The pressure sensor 10 can generate a pressure signal representing the air pressure in the mattress 1, and the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 10 before the user gets on the mattress 1 and after the user gets on the mattress 1. The weight of the user can be known from the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 10. The voltage measuring circuit 9 and the pressure sensor 10 are an arithmetic control unit (CPU) 11 which is arithmetic means for performing various controls such as conversion from analog values to digital values, calculation of body fat mass and basal metabolic rate, heating and air pressure. It is connected to the.
[0024]
A display unit 6 and an input device 7 composed of a plurality of switches are connected to an arithmetic control circuit unit (CPU) 11 and used to set each body information of the user.
[0025]
A plurality of body temperature measurement pads 5 provided on the upper surface of the mattress 1 constitute a body temperature measurement unit 12 that constitutes body temperature measurement means, and these body temperature measurement pads 5 include, for example, temperature sensing elements such as a thermistor inside. May be provided. The temperature measurement unit 12 is connected to the CPU 11 and measures the user's body temperature.
[0026]
Since the body temperature measuring pad 5 is configured to come into contact with the user's back and shoulders, the actually measured temperature is the body surface temperature of the user. In the present invention, the body surface temperature is described as the body temperature. To do. In actuality, the user may have a situation in which the body surface and the body temperature measurement pad 5 do not come into contact with each other during sleep, but by hanging the comforter, the temperature in the bed environment (the temperature between the comforter and the mattress) Assuming that the body surface temperature is approximately the same, this temperature in the bed environment is used.
[0027]
Similarly, the outside air temperature measurement unit 13 includes a temperature sensing element, and measures the temperature outside the bed environment (the room temperature in a sleeping state). It may be preferable to provide the outside air temperature measurement unit 13 in a place where the temperature of the room where the bed environment exists can be measured more accurately than in the operation box 2. The display unit 6 as a display means displays the measured result of the user during sleep.
[0028]
The heating / cooling unit 16 constituting the temperature adjusting means provided inside the operation box 2 heats and cools the air in the air mat constituting the mattress 1 in this embodiment. The heating / cooling unit 16 may have the same configuration as a general air conditioner (air conditioner), and may have a structure in which air is heated by a heater and cooled by a compressor. Furthermore, the air pressure control unit 17 is for adjusting the air pressure in the air mat constituting the mattress 1. The heating / cooling unit 16 and the air pressure control unit 17 are also connected to the CPU 11 to control their operations.
[0029]
Further, the clock device 18 and the storage device 19 are also connected to the CPU 11, the clock device 18 measures the current time and a certain time, and the storage device 19 stores the measurement result and the reference value. It is.
[0030]
Further, the transmission / reception unit 21 is also connected to the CPU 11, and this transmission / reception unit 21 can perform data transmission / reception by infrared rays with a small terminal 51 constituting an external terminal as described later. Is.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is an external view of a small terminal that is an example of an external terminal that constitutes a sleep environment control device as an embodiment of the present invention in combination with the bedside component shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the small terminal 51 includes a box 52 for performing various measurements, and a band 53 attached to a user's wrist or the like. The box 52 includes an operation unit 54 including a plurality of switches, a display unit 55 that displays various information, and an acceleration sensor that detects vibrations caused by body movements such as walking and running of the user wearing the small terminal 51. An activity amount detection unit 58 or the like is provided. Although not appearing in FIG. 4, the box 52 is also provided with a transmission / reception unit 56, a body temperature measurement unit 57, a calculation control unit 60, a clock circuit 61, a storage device 62, and the like that perform functions described later.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship of the components of the small terminal 51 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit 54, the display unit 55, the transmission / reception unit 56, the body temperature measurement unit 57, the activity amount detection unit 58, the clock circuit 61, and the storage device 62 are connected to the calculation control unit 60, Each operation is controlled.
[0033]
The transmission / reception unit 56 functions to transmit and receive data by infrared rays with the transmission / reception unit 21 provided in the operation box 2 on the bedside. The body temperature measurement unit 57 may be composed of, for example, a temperature sensor disposed on the back side of the box 52, and functions to measure the user's body temperature. Further, a photosensor for measuring a pulse can be provided on the back side of the box 52. The activity amount detection unit 58 measures the activity amount of a living body using an acceleration sensor, and is the same as that performed in an actigram or a pedometer. The clock circuit 61 performs a function of measuring the current time or a fixed time, and the storage device 62 stores the measurement result. The arithmetic control unit 60 is connected to each of these components and fulfills various signal processing and control functions.
[0034]
Next, the flow of operation of the sleep environment control device of the present invention having such a configuration will be described.
[0035]
FIG. 6 is a main flow chart of the operation of the apparatus of the present invention. In the main flow shown in FIG. 6, when the power switch is turned on in step S1, it is checked in step S2 whether personal information is stored in the storage device 19, and if it is stored, the information is displayed. It is displayed on the display unit 6. If it is not stored, it is displayed that it is not stored. Here, when the setting switch of the input device 7 is pressed in step S3, the setting mode is set. In step S4 which is this setting mode, the user inputs height, age and sex using the input device 7 which is an input means. Further, the target number of steps, which is the number of steps that the user should walk in one day, is also input. After entering the numerical value, press the setting switch to confirm the input numerical value.
[0036]
When the measurement switch is pressed in step S5, the data receiving state is entered, and data from the small terminal 51 is received in step S6. This data relates to the daytime activity of the user.
Then, it progresses to step S7 and becomes initial measurement mode. This initial measurement mode will be described later.
[0037]
When the initial measurement is performed, the process proceeds to step S8 to enter a physical condition determination mode in which it is determined how much the physical condition of the day, that is, the amount of activity was for the user. This physical condition determination mode will also be described later.
[0038]
Here, the control of the environment during sleep differs depending on whether the physical condition exceeds the target amount of activity. This is determined by the target achievement flag in the storage device 19 in step S9. This is because if the amount of activity on the day does not reach the target amount of activity, the amount of exercise is small, so the temperature in the bed during sleep is lowered to create an environment where body fat can be actively burned. If this has been reached, there is a possibility that fatigue may be accumulated by the exercise. Therefore, the environment is controlled so that the user can take a good sleep so that the user can recover from fatigue and take a rest.
[0039]
Therefore, when the target activity amount has not been achieved, the metabolic control mode (fat combustion control) of step S10 is entered, and when the target activity amount is achieved, the sleep control mode (sleep sleep environment control) of step S11 is set. Become. Each of these modes will also be described later.
[0040]
Then, it becomes a measurement in a normal sleep state. In this measurement during sleep, the temperature measurement unit 12 always measures the user's body temperature or the temperature in the bed environment, and a pressure signal from the pressure sensor 10 representing the user's body vibration is, for example, as described later. By processing, the user's heart rate and respiration rate are calculated and stored in the storage device 19, but these are not shown in the present flow as being performed separately from the main routine.
[0041]
Next, it progresses to step S12 and it will be in the wake-up determination mode which determines whether the user woke up (awake state). Here, in step S13, it is determined from the wake-up flag in the storage device 19 whether the user has woken up. If not, the process returns to step S8 to determine the physical condition again. If it is determined that the user has woken up, the process proceeds to step S14, and the result of the overnight sleep measurement is calculated. As a calculation of this result, the amount of body fat considered to have burned in this sleep is calculated from the basal metabolic rate of the user calculated in the initial measurement, sleep time, body temperature data, and the like.
[0042]
In step S15, the calculated result is displayed on the display unit 6, and then the measurement result is stored in the storage device 19 in step S16. Then, the data obtained in sleep is transferred to the small terminal 51 in step S17. The data to be transmitted here are the current target activity amount, the sleep time of the previous day (the time when the user actually enters the sleep state), and the sleep time (the time from when the sleep state is determined until when the user gets up).
[0043]
Next, each mode will be described.
Initial measurement mode
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial measurement mode. In this initial measurement mode, first, the user's weight, bioelectrical impedance, and other body parameters are measured before sleep. First, in step S21, the weight is measured. This weight measurement is performed by a pressure sensor 10 that senses the air pressure in the mattress 1. As described above, the air pressure in the air mat 1 changes depending on the weight of the user. The amount of change is detected by the pressure sensor 10 and converted from the average value of the signals obtained by the CPU 11 to the weight value.
[0044]
In step S22, bioelectrical impedance is measured. For this measurement, the electrodes 3A to 3D and 4A to 4D provided on the surface of the mattress 1 are used. The current supply electrodes 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D and the voltage measurement electrodes 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> D are sequentially switched to measure the bioelectrical impedance of each part and whole body. Since this bioelectrical impedance measurement method is already known, it will not be described in detail.
[0045]
Next, in step S23, the body fat percentage of the subject is calculated from the measured bioelectrical impedance value, the body weight, and the height, sex, and age input in the setting mode. Since the calculation of the body fat percentage is already known, the description is omitted.
[0046]
Next, in step S24, the user's body temperature is measured. The body temperature is measured by measuring the temperature of the body surface in contact with the body temperature measurement pad 5. This is referred to as resting body temperature (see JP-A-6-315424).
[0047]
Next, in step S <b> 25, the body vibration of the user is detected by the pressure sensor 10. A user's body vibration on the mattress 1 is captured as a change in the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 10. Therefore, in order to obtain a heartbeat signal and a respiration signal of the user, sampling of the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 10 is performed at a sampling period of about several tens of milliseconds, and measurement is performed for about 30 seconds. The signal from the pressure sensor 10 obtained here is stored in the storage device 19.
[0048]
Next, in step S26, the heart rate and respiration rate of the user are calculated from the body vibration signal represented by the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 10 stored in the storage device 19 in step S25. From the signal from the pressure sensor 10, only a signal of several Hz to several tens Hz is extracted through a band-pass filter in the arithmetic control unit 11, and frequency analysis is further performed from the obtained signal. The heart rate is said to be about 80 beats per minute for a general adult, and the respiration rate is said to be about 15 times per minute. Thus, since the frequency (cycle) differs between heartbeat and respiration, it is possible to calculate by separating (vibrating) human body vibration signals. Let the heart rate and respiratory rate obtained here be the resting heart rate and the resting respiratory rate, respectively.
[0049]
Next, in step S27, the basal metabolic rate of the user is calculated. Here, the calculation of the basal metabolic rate is as follows.
[0050]
First, the user's muscle mass is calculated from the measured bioelectrical impedance value (BIA).
Muscle mass = a₁Height + b₁Weight + c₁BIA + d₁Age + e₁sex
Furthermore, basal metabolism is calculated.
Basal metabolic rate = a₂Muscle mass + b₂Resting body temperature + c₂Resting pulse rate + d₂Resting respiratory rate
(Where a₁, A₂, B₁, B₂, C₁, C₂, D₁, D₂, E₁Is a coefficient)
This calculation may be performed by using the reciprocal of age for the above-described lean mass in the calculation.
[0051]
Here, the values measured in this mode and the values calculated by the calculation are stored in the storage device 19 in step S28.
[0052]
This completes the initial measurement mode.
Physical condition judgment mode
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the physical condition determination mode. In this physical condition determination mode, the current physical condition (physical condition) is determined from the amount of daytime activity of the user. This determines whether fatigue is caused by excessive walking or exercise.
[0053]
In step S31, the daytime activity amount, the current target activity amount, and the maximum allowable activity amount are read from the storage device 19, and a comparison operation is performed in step S32. Here, the target activity amount is the activity amount set by the user in the setting mode, but the maximum allowable activity amount is a predetermined value, and if it is more than that, it will be sufficiently fatigued. Therefore, it is assumed that the target activity amount is forcibly cleared in step S33 regardless of the achievement of the target activity amount.
[0054]
Here, if the target activity amount is cleared in step S34, it is determined that sufficient exercise has been performed, and the target achievement flag of the storage device 19 is turned on in step S35. Conversely, if the target amount of activity has not been cleared, it is assumed in step S36 that sufficient physical activity is not being performed and exercise is insufficient, and body fat may be accumulated.
[0055]
Thus, the physical condition determination mode ends.
Basal metabolic control mode
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the basal metabolism control mode. In this basal metabolism control mode, the air temperature in the air mat 1 is controlled based on the result in the physical condition determination mode. If there is a temperature difference between the body temperature and the environment temperature, metabolism occurs due to a body function called homeostasis that tries to keep the body temperature constant, but if the environment temperature is slightly higher than the body temperature, the reverse Attempts to maintain body temperature by lowering metabolism. When it gets hotter, metabolism for sweating occurs, but during sleep, sweating increases the humidity in the bed and induces sleepiness.
[0056]
Therefore, for users who have low activity during the day and are likely to accumulate body fat, lowering the temperature in the mat will lower the ambient temperature surrounding the user and the temperature in the bed environment. Let As a result, the metabolic rate of the user is increased and the body fat is easily burned.
[0057]
First, in step S41, the target activity amount and current day activity amount data are read into the storage device 19. In step S42, the amount of fat burning required during sleep is calculated from the read value and the metabolic amount of the user calculated by the initial measurement. Based on the fat burning amount calculated here, a condition for increasing the metabolic rate is determined. First, in step S43, the outside air temperature measurement unit 13 is used to measure the outside air temperature (the temperature in the room where the user is present). Furthermore, in step S44, the current user's body temperature and the temperature in the bed environment are measured again in the temperature measuring unit 12, and in step S45, the temperature difference between the measured outside air temperature and body temperature is obtained, and in step S46. The value is controlled to be lower by 5 ° C. or more and less than 10 ° C. If the temperature is within 5 ° C., the temperature in the bed is lowered to lower the environment surrounding the subject. That is, the air in the air mat is cooled in the heating / cooling unit 16 in step S47. On the other hand, if the temperature is already 5 ° C. or higher, it is assumed that the temperature has been sufficiently lowered in step S48, and the temperature adjustment (cooling) is stopped.
[0058]
For example, when the outside air temperature is 20 ° C. and the body temperature (body surface temperature) is 18 ° C., the heating / cooling unit 16 changes the air in the air mat so that the temperature difference with respect to the body temperature is 5 ° C. or more and less than 10 ° C. Cooling. Therefore, when the temperature difference is confirmed again in this mode, the cooling is performed until a temperature difference of 5 ° C. or more is detected, and the cooling is stopped when the temperature difference becomes 5 ° C. or more. This temperature difference is not limited, but if a high temperature difference continues with heating or cooling, the user gets up and cannot sleep due to the temperature difference, so the user may continue to sleep. The temperature is adjusted as much as possible.
[0059]
As described above, in the basal metabolism control mode, the accumulation of body fat is prevented by consuming energy that could not be consumed by daytime activities during sleep.
Sleep environment control mode
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the sleep environment control mode. In this sleep environment control mode, body fatigue is recovered by controlling the environment so that the user can sleep well. As described above, if there is a difference between the user's body temperature and the temperature in the bed environment, metabolism occurs in the body. Therefore, here, the measured body temperature is controlled so that the temperature in the bed environment is substantially the same, that is, the temperature difference is ± 1 to 2 ° C. with respect to the body temperature. As a result, the metabolic rate is reduced, and an environment where the patient can sleep well is established.
[0060]
First, in step S61, the current body temperature of the current subject is measured again. In step S62, based on this temperature, the arithmetic control unit 11 controls the heating / cooling unit 16 to adjust the temperature of the air in the mat. .
[0061]
This is the end of the sleep environment control mode.
Wakeup judgment mode
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the wake-up determination mode. In this wake-up determination mode, it is determined whether the user has changed from a sleep state to an awake state (awakened state). When the human body transitions from the sleep state to the awake state, the heart rate of the human body increases. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the subject has become awake by capturing this physical change.
[0062]
In step S81, heart rate data and a reference heart rate detected in another routine not described in the main routine and stored in the storage device 19 are read. Here, the reference heart rate is an average value of the heart rate during the sleep time of the subject. In step S82, the reference heart rate is compared with the current heart rate, and in step S83, it is determined whether the difference is within a certain range. Here, it is determined whether it is within 20% of the reference heart rate. If it has exceeded this, it is assumed in step S84 that the wake-up state has been entered and the wake-up flag is turned on.
[0063]
This completes the wake-up determination mode.
[0064]
Next, measurement of the amount of activity of the user during the day using a small terminal will be described.
[0065]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation for daytime measurement by the small terminal.
[0066]
First, it is assumed that the small terminal 51 is attached and fixed to the user's arm by a band 53. In step S101, when the user presses the power switch of the operation unit 54, the small terminal is activated. Here, in step S102, the target value for one day is displayed on the display unit 55. At the same time, the sleep time data stored in the storage device 62 is corrected from the transferred sleep time and sleep time data of the previous day. Since the sleep time data is corrected based on the data measured on a daily basis, the sleep time data becomes data suitable for an individual.
Further, in step S103, the current achievement value is displayed. Of course, the value is 0 in the initial state when the power is turned on. Thereafter, the activity amount detection unit 58 composed of an acceleration sensor constantly detects and counts the movement of the user and calculates the activity amount. However, these are performed in a separate routine and are not described in this flow.
[0067]
Here, whether or not the current activity amount has reached the target activity amount is determined by comparing the calculation control unit 60 in step S104. If the target activity amount is reached, a buzzer (see FIG. (Not shown) and the user is notified by displaying on the display unit 55.
[0068]
Next, in step S106, the body temperature measuring unit 57 measures the current body temperature of the user. In step S107, the measured body temperature data is stored in the storage device 62 together with the current time data from the clock circuit 61. Here, the circadian rhythm is determined from the body temperature fluctuation of the user. This determination is made from the past several times of measurement data. It is performed from the data of past body temperature changes and corresponding to the circadian rhythm of the body temperature of the individual.
[0069]
Rough sleep time is calculated from the determined body temperature rhythm. The storage device 62 stores in advance data indicating how much sleep is taken at the time point (phase) of the circadian rhythm, and the data is compared with the body temperature rhythm determined this time. This is done by determining which phase of the body temperature rhythm shown in FIG. In this determination, when the sleep confirmation key of the operation unit 54 is pressed in step S108, the sleep time data based on the body temperature rhythm is called from the storage device 62 in step S109. In step S110, the data and the current body temperature change are called. The data is collated, and the sleep time expected to be obtained by performing the determined current sleep is displayed on the display unit 55 in step S111.
[0070]
In step S112, when the power switch is pressed, in step S113, the calculation control unit stores the amount of activity counted so far in the storage device 62, and the power is turned off.
[0071]
As described above, in the embodiment of the sleep environment control device of the present invention, the user's daytime physical condition and activity state are measured using a small portable terminal that is always portable. The measured data is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit of the small terminal to the transmission / reception unit on the bed side composed of the mattress and the operation box, and the activity amount and fatigue level of the user are determined from the received data. On the bed side, the temperature in the bed environment is controlled according to the physical condition. In other words, if it is determined that the user's daily activity is high and fatigue is occurring, control the environment so that the body can rest by sleeping well, and conversely, the user's daily activity When the amount is small, the basal metabolic rate during sleep is increased by lowering the temperature in the bed environment. Thereby, the calories which could not be consumed by activity can be consumed during sleep.
[0072]
In addition, the physical condition during the day is measured with a small terminal, the physical condition during sleep is measured on the bedside, and the circadian rhythm is determined together. Here, the body temperature, heart rate variability, etc. are used as indices, and the sleep time obtained when falling asleep at that time is determined and notified.
[0073]
In the embodiment described above, the number of walks was measured as a measure of the amount of activity during the day, and the sleep environment was controlled by the value, but the amount of activity during the day is not only the number of walks, but also by an acceleration sensor. It is good also as a form which counts the motion which arises by various exercises, such as running and cycling, and does not limit the amount of activity during the day.
[0074]
In addition, as a method of inputting data related to daytime activities on the bedside, it has been described that data is transmitted / received by wireless communication with a small terminal by infrared rays or the like, but it may be wired communication, for example, A form in which the user manually inputs the walking number data obtained by the pedometer directly to the bed using a key switch may be used.
In addition, the target activity amount for the day was set, and the sleep environment was controlled according to whether the target value was achieved, but the target activity amount includes gender, age, height, weight, body fat percentage, etc. It is good also as a structure which calculates with a management apparatus from a test subject's body data, and compares with the value. Or it is good also as a structure which controls the temperature in a bed environment based only on the activity amount of one day.
[0075]
Moreover, when there is little energy consumption also in the daytime activity of the previous day and the metabolism rise during sleep, the amount of energy that could not be consumed may be added to obtain the target activity amount for the next day.
[0076]
In addition, in a small terminal, it was shown with a configuration that constantly measures body temperature fluctuations during the day, but when constant measurement is difficult, body temperature measurement is performed at regular intervals, and the peak time from the transition of the fluctuations It is good also as a form which guesses. In addition, since the body temperature changes due to intense exercise or various actions, it may be corrected in consideration of such changes. Or it is good also as a form which alert | reports how many hours before an ideal sleep time.
[0077]
In addition, it is said that circadian rhythm appears not only in body temperature but also in, for example, heart rate variability.
[0078]
In addition, the heart rate variability is obtained by continuous or fixed-point measurement of the pulse during the daytime, the power spectrum is calculated by performing spectrum analysis, the high frequency component (HF) related to sympathetic nerve activity, and the parasympathetic nerve activity The low frequency component (LF) is obtained. The circadian rhythm may be determined based on the balance of activity of the exchange nerve and the parasympathetic nerve based on the ratio LF / HF.
[0079]
In the main routine of the present invention, each mode is shown to be performed at the same level (frequency) in the normal measurement state, but the basal metabolic control mode and the sleep environment control mode do not need to be performed frequently. Better control is possible if the mode is changed every 10 minutes.
[0080]
Moreover, as control of sleep environment, it is good also as what adjusts sleep environment, such as the temperature in a bed environment, a sound, and a smell.
[0081]
In addition, in the basal metabolism control mode and the sleep environment control mode, the temperature and the like may be controlled by obtaining the amount of fat burning during sleep in real time using, for example, the following equation.
[0082]
Fat burning amount = a metabolism amount + b body fat amount + c (body temperature / outside temperature) + d heart rate change + e respiratory rate change
In the basal metabolic rate control mode, the optimum temperature control pattern may be determined from both the fat burning amount and the temperature adjustment, and the temperature control suitable for the individual may be performed. The same applies to the sleep environment control mode.
[0083]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, as a mattress that is a means for constituting the bed environment, an air mat that is lying on the user's side is used, and the air (air) enclosed in the air mat is heated or cooled to thereby change the inside of the bed environment However, the mattress may be a water mat that encloses water inside and warms or cools the water. Moreover, it is not limited to water but can be implemented as long as it is liquid, and does not limit the substance to be sealed.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
Since the sleep environment control device of the present invention controls the temperature in the bed environment according to the daytime activity status of the user, when it is considered that there is little daytime activity and less energy consumption, Due to environmental temperature differences, energy that could not be consumed during daytime activities can be consumed during sleep.
[0085]
In addition, fatigue may occur if the user is performing enough activities during the day. In this case, use the temperature in the bed so that the user can sleep well. The person can take sufficient rest and recover from fatigue.
[0086]
In addition, by measuring the body temperature during the day and determining the user's body temperature rhythm from changes in body temperature, it is possible to report the ideal sleep time based on the circadian rhythm, and to obtain a better sleep environment Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a sleeping environment side of a sleep environment control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a use state of the apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship of each component of the sleep environment control device including the mattress shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an external view of a small terminal that is an example of an external terminal that constitutes a sleep environment control device according to an embodiment of the present invention in combination with the bedside component shown in FIG. 1;
5 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship of each component of the small terminal shown in FIG. 4; .
FIG. 6 is a main flowchart of the operation of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of an initial measurement mode.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a physical condition determination mode.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a basal metabolism control mode.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a sleep environment control mode.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a wake-up determination mode.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow for daytime measurement by a small terminal.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining temperature fluctuations of a human body in a general life.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 mattress
2 Operation box
3A, 3B, 3C, 3D Current supply electrode
4A, 4B, 4C, 4D Voltage measurement electrode
5 Body temperature measurement pad
6 Display section
7 Input device
8 High frequency constant current circuit
9 Voltage measurement circuit
10 Pressure sensor
11 Calculation control unit
12 Temperature measurement unit
13 Outside air temperature measurement unit
16 Heating / cooling section
17 Pneumatic control unit
18 Clock device
19 Storage device
21 Transceiver
51 Small terminal
52 boxes
53 bands
54 Operation unit
55 Display
56 Transceiver
57 Body temperature measurement unit
58 Activity amount detector
60 arithmetic control unit
61 Clock circuit
62 Storage device

Claims (4)

In the sleep environment control device for controlling the environment where the user sleeps, the sleep environment control device includes a bedside portion (1) and an external terminal (51),
The external terminal (51) communicates data related to the number of walkings of the user during the day measured by at least the acceleration sensor (58) with the acceleration sensor (58) that measures the number of walkings of the user during the day. Communication unit (56),
The bedside portion (1) receives a mattress for the user to sleep and data relating to the number of walks of the user during the day from the communication unit (56) of the external terminal (51). A transmission / reception unit (21) that is input to the side portion (1), a temperature adjustment unit (16) that adjusts the temperature in the mattress, and a user's number of walking during the day that is input by the transmission / reception unit (21). An arithmetic control unit (11) for controlling the operation of the temperature adjusting means (16) based on the data ,
The arithmetic control unit (11) controls the operation of the temperature adjusting means (16) so that the temperature in the mattress is 5 ° C. higher than the outside air temperature when the number of walks of the user during the day is small. A sleep environment control device characterized by controlling the temperature so as to be lower . In the sleep environment control device for controlling the environment where the user sleeps, the sleep environment control device includes a bedside portion (1) and an external terminal (51),
The external terminal (51) communicates data related to the number of walkings of the user during the day measured by at least the acceleration sensor (58) with the acceleration sensor (58) that measures the number of walkings of the user during the day. Communication unit (56),
The bedside portion (1) receives a mattress for the user to sleep and data relating to the number of walks of the user during the day from the communication unit (56) of the external terminal (51). A transmission / reception unit (21) that is input to the side portion (1), a temperature adjustment unit (16) that adjusts the temperature in the mattress, and a user's number of walking during the day that is input by the transmission / reception unit (21). A determination means for comparing the data with predetermined reference data to determine whether or not the number of walks of the user during the day is less than the reference, and the temperature according to the result determined by the determination means An arithmetic control unit (11) for controlling the operation of the adjusting means (16) ,
When it is determined by the determination means that the number of walks of the user during the day is less than a reference, the arithmetic control unit (11) controls the operation of the temperature adjustment means (16) to control the mattress. The sleep environment control device is characterized in that the temperature inside is controlled to be 5 属 C or more lower than the outside air temperature . In the sleep environment control device for controlling the environment where the user sleeps, the sleep environment control device includes a bedside portion (1) and an external terminal (51),
The external terminal (51) communicates data related to the number of walkings of the user during the day measured by at least the acceleration sensor (58) with the acceleration sensor (58) that measures the number of walkings of the user during the day. Communication unit (56),
The bedside portion (1) receives a mattress for the user to sleep and data relating to the number of walks of the user during the day from the communication unit (56) of the external terminal (51). Input / output unit (21) for inputting to the side portion (1), temperature adjusting means (16) for adjusting the temperature in the mattress, and input for inputting the target number of daily walks of the user by pressing a switch A comparison means for comparing the device (7), the data relating to the number of walks of the user during the day inputted by the transceiver and the target number of walks inputted by the input device (7), and the comparison by the comparison means Based on the result, determination means for determining whether the number of walks of the user during the day is less than the target number of walks, and the operation of the temperature adjustment means (16) according to the result determined by the determination means Control unit to control ( With 1) and, the,
When it is determined by the determination means that the number of walks of the user during the day is less than the target number of walks, the calculation control unit (11) controls the operation of the temperature adjustment means (16), The sleep environment control device, wherein the temperature in the mattress is controlled to be 5 ° C or more lower than the outside air temperature .   When it is determined by the determination means that the number of walks of the user during the day is not small, the calculation control unit (11) controls the operation of the temperature adjustment means (16) to control the inside of the mattress. The sleep environment control device according to claim 3, wherein the temperature is controlled so that a temperature difference with respect to a user's body temperature is ± 2 ° C.

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