JP4359128B2 - Control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention measures the sleep state of a sleeping subject non-invasively, unconstrained, and unconsciously, and performs sleep stage estimation to identify a sleep stage that conforms to the international standard of six stages on a nominal scale, The present invention relates to a control system in which various devices are controlled using estimation results.

Prior art documents related to a control system using sleep stage estimation means include the following.
Transactions of the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers VOL. 36, no. 11, P894-P900 "Practical research on air mattress type unconstrained living body measurement" Transactions of the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers VOL. 37, No. 9, P821-P828 “Estimation of Sleep Stage by Unconstrained Air Mattress Type Biosensor” JP 2000-215 “Sleep Depth Determination Method and Determination Device” JP 2002-52010 “sleeping state monitoring device”

  The quality and quantity of sleep has a major impact on the physical and mental health of humans. If the sleep state can be accurately measured in a non-invasive, non-restrained and unconscious manner, it will be possible to apply not only to the doctor's diagnostic information, but also to health monitoring at home, etc., and more comfortable operation of temperature / humidity management devices while sleeping. The significance is great.

  For this purpose, the results of research and development and the prior application techniques that have been researched and developed in the past will be described. 7 and FIG. 8 show the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers Vol. 36, no. 11, P894-P900 is a waveform diagram of a biological information collecting apparatus and measurement data by an unconstrained sensor means disclosed in "Practical research on air mattress type unconstrained biological measurement".

  In FIG. 7, 1 is an air mattress designed to be able to take out an internal pressure change to the outside, 2 is a normal guard laid on the mat, and 3 is a subject sleeping on the guard.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes an unconstrained sensor means, which is specifically realized by a wide-band, high-sensitivity pressure sensor, and detects minute pressure fluctuations in the air mattress 1. Reference numeral 5 denotes a filter means, which includes a low frequency band filter 5a, a medium frequency band filter 5b, a high frequency band filter 5c, and a gain controller for the output of each filter.

  The low frequency band filter 5a extracts respiration information from the pressure fluctuation signal, and outputs it to the signal processing unit 8 via a gain controller. The medium frequency band filter 5 b extracts heartbeat fluctuation information from the pressure fluctuation signal, and outputs it to the signal processing unit 8 via the gain controller and the rectifying and smoothing circuit 6. The high frequency band filter 5 c extracts snoring information from the pressure fluctuation signal, and outputs it to the signal processing unit 8 via the gain controller and the rectifying and smoothing circuit 7.

FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of measurement data obtained as a result of processing by the signal processing unit 8, (A) shows respiration information, (B) shows heart rate variability information, and (C) shows snoring information.
By such signal processing by the unconstrained sensor means and the filter means, it is possible to obtain biological information of the subject without restraint. Note that turning over information can also be extracted from the position where the change in respiratory information shows a peak.

  FIG. 9 shows the Transactions of the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers VOL. 37, No. 9 is a waveform diagram illustrating the technical contents disclosed in P821 to P828 “Estimation of Sleep Stage by Unrestrained Air Mattress Type Biosensor”. In this paper, data processing is performed with a focus on heart rate fluctuations obtained from a filter in the middle frequency band, and sleep stages that transition from falling asleep to awakening are extracted as continuous information.

  Fig. 9 (A) shows the results of this study, in order to verify the results of this study, based on the electroencephalogram, eye movement, and myoelectric data. Waveform diagram showing transition of stages 1, 2, 3, 4), (B) is a waveform diagram showing transition of heart rate variability measured by unconstrained sensor means. (C) is a waveform diagram continuously representing the sleep stage obtained by data processing of the heartbeat variability.

  As is clear from the comparison between (A) and (C), the sleep stage information obtained by the unconstrained sensor means shown in (C) and the sleep stage information according to the international standard in (A) are changed. Are consistent with considerable accuracy, and it is possible to roughly estimate six stages of sleep based on international standards even with continuous information in (C).

  As an invention disclosed in a prior application relating to a system to which such research results are applied, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-215 “Sleep Depth Judgment Method and Judgment Device” includes level changes in heart rate, respiration rate, and wake-up frequency. Discloses a technique for estimating the depth of sleep (wakefulness, REM sleep, non-REM sleep 1, 2 and non-REM sleep 3, 4).

  Similarly, the prior application Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-52010 “sleeping state monitoring device” has a database that stores biological data of a sleeping subject obtained by an unconstrained biological sensor, and is normal. An external monitoring system via a network is disclosed that can perform comparative monitoring with a state in real time and can immediately respond to an abnormality such as an apnea state.

  In the prior art based on such continuous information, there is a limit to the accuracy of estimating the sleep stage, and as described above, it is possible to roughly estimate the 6 stages of sleep in accordance with international standards. It is difficult to estimate where the current sleep stage is from the 6 stages as a discrete category with high accuracy, using a so-called nominal scale. There is a problem that is low.

  Furthermore, using biometric information obtained without restriction, it is possible to operate and control temperature and humidity management equipment so that elderly people who need nursing care, sick people, etc. can get more comfortable sleep while sleeping, Since it is difficult for the device to obtain highly accurate information on the sleep stage, there is a problem that a temperature and humidity management device that can provide a more comfortable sleep environment cannot be realized.

  The object of the present invention is to use the biometric information obtained without restriction, and accurately identify on the nominal scale where the current sleep stage is based on the 6 stages of sleep, which is an international standard. It is to realize a control system for providing a comfortable sleep environment based on highly accurate sleep stage estimation information using a device that estimates in real time.

In order to achieve such a problem, according to the present invention, in the control system of claim 1,
In the control system for controlling the control device for controlling the device based on the set value signal of the set value specifying means and the signal of the sleep stage estimating means,
Sleep stage estimation means for inputting a heart rate variability information and body movement information of a living body measured by an unconstrained biosensor and estimating and calculating a sleep stage with a nominal scale;
Calculation data specifying means for outputting a signal corresponding to the sleep stage estimation means based on the signal of the sleep stage estimation means;
A calculation unit that calculates a signal for controlling the control device based on the signal from the calculation data specifying means and the set value signal of the set value specifying means, and outputs the signal to the control device ;
Means for obtaining the body movement information as an index value obtained from a variance of heart rate variability every predetermined time;
A control system comprising means for identifying REM sleep and midway awakening information on a nominal scale based on the index value .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the control system according to the first aspect,
Means for adding the breathing information and / or snoring information of the living body as information for identifying the stage of sleep on a nominal scale is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control system according to the first or second aspect, the sleep stages are identified on a nominal scale by six stages which are international standards.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the control system according to any one of the first to third aspects,
It is characterized by controlling the temperature of mats, electric blankets, bean paste, kotatsu, and stove heaters.

According to claim 5 of the present invention, in the control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
It is characterized by controlling the temperature or humidity of a temperature and humidity management device such as an air conditioner or a cooler.

According to claim 1 of the present invention, there are the following effects.
For example, in order to obtain a comfortable sleep, it is often heated or cooled while sleeping. When heating or cooling continuously from bedtime to waking up, it may become hot or cold during sleep. He warms up with an electric blanket and begins to sleep, but often he kicks the electric blanket with his feet during sleep.

  In order to eliminate such a situation, although it is not optimum cooling / heating, it is made weaker heating / cooling, optimal cooling / heating is performed only at the start of bedtime, and cooling / heating is weakened or stopped after a certain period of time. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is an optimum temperature environment for a sleeping person.

  In order to create an optimal temperature environment, it is necessary to control the temperature based on the biological information of the person who is sleeping. A person's temperature during sleep is lower than when he is active during the day. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a comfortable sleep by setting the optimal temperature at the start of bedtime during sleep, lowering the ambient temperature as sleep goes deeper, and conversely raising the ambient temperature as sleep goes shallower. Is possible. In addition, unnecessary air conditioning can be reduced, so energy saving can be realized.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine which stage of the current sleep stage is based on six stages of sleep, which is an international standard, using biological information obtained without restriction. Since it is possible to estimate in real time with a nominal scale and to control various devices based on this information, a control system that can provide a more comfortable sleep environment can be obtained.

According to claim 2 of the present invention, there are the following effects.
By using respiratory information and snoring information, a control system capable of improving sleep stage estimation accuracy can be obtained.
By monitoring the respiratory information, it is possible to detect a sleep apnea syndrome that becomes a sleep disorder and to obtain a control system that can improve the accuracy of sleep stage estimation.

According to claim 3 of the present invention, there are the following effects.
If it can be identified with a nominal scale in six levels, which are international standards, it will be the same as the scale of medical personnel, and it will be possible to discuss with medical personnel on the same standard, and many clinical trials of medical personnel can be utilized. A control system is obtained.
A control system that makes it easy to apply the present invention to sleep apnea syndrome treatment, insomnia treatment, etc. in cooperation with medical personnel is obtained.

According to claim 4 of the present invention, there are the following effects.
A control system capable of obtaining a comfortable sleep is obtained.
Heating continuously from bedtime may become hot during sleep. He warms up with an electric blanket and begins to sleep, but often he kicks the electric blanket with his feet during sleep. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is an optimum temperature environment for a sleeping person.

In order to create an optimal temperature environment, it is necessary to control the temperature based on the biological information of the person who is sleeping. A person's temperature during sleep is lower than when he is active during the day. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a comfortable sleep by setting the optimal temperature at the start of bedtime, lowering the ambient temperature as sleep goes deeper, and conversely raising the ambient temperature as sleep goes shallower. is there.
A control system capable of realizing energy saving is obtained.
According to the present invention, since heating is automatically performed when the sleep is deep without heating at a constant temperature, a control system capable of saving energy by the amount of weak heating is obtained.

According to claim 5 of the present invention, there are the following effects.
A control system capable of obtaining comfortable sleep is obtained.
In order to obtain a comfortable sleep, it is often heated or cooled while sleeping. When heating or cooling continuously from bedtime to waking up, it may become hot or cold during sleep.

  In order to eliminate such a situation, although it is not optimum cooling / heating, it is made weaker heating / cooling, optimal cooling / heating is performed only at the start of bedtime, and cooling / heating is weakened or stopped after a certain period of time. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is an optimum temperature environment for a sleeping person.

  In order to create an optimal temperature environment, it is necessary to control the temperature based on the biological information of the person who is sleeping. A person's temperature during sleep is lower than when he is active during the day. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a comfortable sleep by setting the optimal temperature at the start of bedtime, lowering the ambient temperature as sleep goes deeper, and conversely raising the ambient temperature as sleep goes shallower. is there.

A control system capable of realizing energy saving can be obtained.
In the present invention, the heating system is automatically heated to a weaker level when sleep is deep without heating at a constant temperature, so that a control system capable of saving energy by the amount of the weaker heating can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a sleep stage estimation apparatus to which the estimation method of the present invention is applied. The same elements as those described in the conventional apparatus in FIG.
Only the differences from FIG. 7 will be described below.

  Heart rate variability information Ib, respiration information Ir, and snoring information Is from the filter means 5 are input to a sleep stage estimation calculation unit 9 to which the estimation method of the present invention is applied. Reference numeral 10 denotes an infrared camera for monitoring the body movement of the subject 3 while sleeping. Reference numeral 11 denotes an image processing unit for supplying the normalized body movement information output Im to the sleep stage estimation calculation unit 9. As will be described later, it is also possible to estimate and calculate body movement information based on the heart rate variability information Ib. In this case, an infrared camera may not be installed.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a dynamic model for inputting the heart rate variability information Ib, and outputs continuous sleep stage information Sc with higher accuracy than the conventional static linear model formula by using a predetermined number of past sample data. .

That is, the heart rate fluctuation hu (t) in the intermediate frequency band and the output as the sleep stage transition Sm (t) in the same band are given by the time difference equation as shown in equation (1).

  The coefficient is determined by the least square method based on the test data, and the relationship between the sleep stage transition Sm (t) and the heart rate fluctuation hu (t) is given by the dynamic model shown in the equation (2).

  The result of estimating the sleep stage transition from the heart rate fluctuation in the middle frequency band using this dynamic model is shown in FIG. 3B to be described later, and the sleep stage according to the international standard of FIG. The approximation to the transition is more accurate than the transition of the conventional sleep stage based on the static model.

  The continuous sleep stage information Sc from the dynamic model 12 is output to the outside as biometric information and input to the membership function means 13, and is converted into discrete sleep stage information Sm on a nominal scale. Input to the sleep stage identification means 14.

An outline of data processing in the membership function means 13 will be described. First, the following assumptions are set.
(A1) A human experiences all of wakefulness, REM sleep, and non-REM sleep stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 before going to bed and getting up.
(A2) The heart rate in each sleep follows a certain distribution (for example, a normal distribution).

  A continuous sleep stage estimated by the dynamic model from heart rate variability is divided into N (> 6) from the minimum value to the maximum value, and a histogram his (k) of the sleep time for each sleep stage is created. The histogram is standardized as shown in equation (3) so that it can be compared for each measurement data.

  Here, Sh is a fluctuation range of continuous sleep stages. According to the assumptions (a1) and (a2), the histogram of the equation (3) is given as a multimodal density function obtained by multiplying six normal distribution probability functions corresponding to the sleep category − by the weight wi.

  The parameters mi and standard deviation σi of these six normal distribution functions that best fit the equation (3) are given as solutions of the optimization problem of the equation (4).

The coefficient wi is the average value of the ratio of each sleep stage in the overnight sleep, and each sleep
6 (Awakening W), 5 (REM Sleep R), 4 (Non-REM Sleep 1), 3 (Non-REM Sleep 2), 2 (Non-REM Sleep 3), 1 (Non-REM Sleep 4) Shall be taken. The number of subscripts corresponds to the upper number (sleep stage).

  This value is data in healthy individuals and is in good agreement with the test results. Equation (4) can be solved by a standard optimization algorithm (for example, Newton-Raphson method). The average value mi and the standard deviation σi of the normalized heart rate in each sleep of the data obtained in the test are as shown in equation (6), and these are used as the search range.

  The exponential function part of the six probability density functions obtained as described above becomes a membership function of equation (7) that converts the continuous sleep stage into six stages of sleep.

Substituting continuously estimated sleep stage k into this function, the obtained variable yi (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) indicates the degree to which each sleep stage belongs, and its maximum Is the corresponding sleep stage.
yi (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) has a value of 0 to 1 and can be handled as a random variable.

  By such data processing, the membership function means 13 converts the continuous sleep stage information into an output Sm classified into six discrete categories of sleep stages, and inputs it to the sleep stage identification means 14. To do.

As described above, the six stages of sleep can be estimated on the nominal scale by the membership function means 13.
In the present invention, in order to further improve the accuracy of identification, body movement information is introduced into the sleep stage identification means 14, and the identification accuracy of mid-wake and REM sleep, which is considered to be relatively difficult to distinguish, is improved. It is said.

  As described above, the body motion information can be directly measured as Im by the processing of the image information of the infrared camera 10 or the like (see FIG. 3C). A method for obtaining an index Iwr for distinguishing between awakening and REM sleep will be described.

  In the unconstrained sensor means for measuring pressure fluctuation using an air mattress, the pressure fluctuation due to body movement is extremely larger than the heartbeat fluctuation. Therefore, the body motion M (t) at time t is obtained from the variance of the heart rate variability data every predetermined time (for example, 1 minute).

  When there is a body motion, the variance of the heart rate variability data per minute has a large value, and this value is proportional to the size of the body motion. In order to obtain the relationship between the sleep stage and the body movement, the magnitude (dispersion) of the body movement for each sleep stage is obtained and related to the sleep stage. Here, the standardized body motion magnitude M ′ (t) is defined as in equation (8).

Based on the average values M0 and M '(t) of M (t), which are given in advance as parameters, when the subject wakes up and awakens immediately before waking up, an index of the following equation is defined.
Iwr (t) = M '(t) / M0 (9)

The average value (± standard deviation) of the index Iwr at the time of REM sleep and mid-wake awakening determined from the conventional method in all test data,
During awakening: Iwr = 1.1 (± 0.23)
During REM sleep: Iwr = 0.53 (± 0.19)
There is a clear difference.

From now on, using the lowest awakening value of 0.87,
When Iwr (t)> 0.87, it is possible to wake up halfway. When Iwr (t) ≦ 0.87, it is possible to determine REM sleep.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a subject's personal biometric information database, which provides individual body-specific parameter information to the body motion estimation calculation means 15, the membership function means 13, and the sleep stage identification means 14. The personal biometric information to this database is given from the personal biometric information database means 17 for accumulating past data, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, and is used to increase the calculation accuracy by the learning effect. Used as ning data.

  Snoring information Is and respiratory information Ir obtained from the filter means 5 are also introduced into the sleep stage identification means 14 and used as auxiliary data for REM sleep identification and monitoring data for apnea, and sleep as biological information. Output from the stage estimation calculation unit 9.

  As described above, the output of the sleep stage estimation calculation unit 9 which is a characteristic part of the present invention is the continuous sleep stage information Sc from the dynamic model 12 and the sleep stage information based on the nominal scale from the sleep stage identification means 14. These are six pieces of information, Sa, heart rate variability information Ib, body movement information Im, snoring information Is, and respiratory information Ir.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system that uses these pieces of information.
Reference numeral 18 denotes storage / retention means that collects output information (Sc, Sa, Ib, Im, Is, Ir) from the sleep stage estimation calculation unit 9 and outputs real-time information, and outputs a predetermined period (a short period such as one day). ) Data is accumulated, and after a predetermined period has elapsed, it is updated with the latest data, thereby having a function of grasping the change trend (trend) of information during the predetermined period.

  Information after a predetermined period from the storage / holding means 18 is collected by the personal biometric information database means 17 and personal data for a long period (week, month, year) is accumulated. As described above, this data is supplied to the sleep stage estimation calculation unit 9 as a parameter for estimation calculation.

The main point of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 is that the sleep control of the sleeper is performed so that an optimal sleep environment can be provided, which is conventionally controlled by giving a constant set value input to the temperature and humidity control system. The set value input can be adjusted according to the stage.
The set value input calculating unit 20 is a set value specifying means 21 for storing set value specifying information Cs from a manual setting device or the like, and an operation data specifying means 22 for specifying calculation data for adjusting the set value input. , And a calculation unit 23 that calculates using output data from both means.
The control device 26 is given the output signal f (S, R) of the calculation unit 23 as a set value input.

The set value designation information Cs is given to the set value designation means 21 as communication data from a manual setter such as an analog signal, a digital signal or a remote controller.
The set value specifying means 21 outputs a set value S based on the set value specifying information Cs.

The calculation data specifying means 22 includes a calculation data specifying information fetching storage unit 24 and a selector 25, and outputs calculation data R corresponding to the sleep stage based on the calculation data specifying information Cr. .
Here, for convenience of explanation, calculation data at the time of getting out of bed is omitted. In reality, in addition to the 6 sleep stages, it may be necessary to specify calculation data when leaving the bed without going to bed.
The calculation data designation information fetching and storing unit 24 includes an ON / OFF contact signal of a switch attached to the calculation data designation means 22, a contact signal from the outside, and a wired or wireless data communication means. Calculation data designation information Cr is given before or during control execution.

The calculation data designation information fetching storage unit 24 fetches and stores the calculation data designation information Cr, and outputs calculation data Rw, Rr, R1, R2, R3, R4 designated for each sleep stage. To do.
here,
Rw: Computation data for awakening Rr: Computation data for REM sleep R1: Computation data for non-REM sleep 1 R2: Computation data for non-REM sleep 2 R3: Computation data for non-REM sleep 3 R4: Non-REM This is calculation data for sleep 4.
The selector 25 selects and outputs the calculation data corresponding to the sleep stage from the six types of calculation data based on the six-stage sleep information Sa which is a selection designation signal.

Specifically, an example of FIG. 4 will be described.
The calculation data designation information fetching storage unit 24 fetches and stores the calculation data designation information Cr, and outputs calculation data Rw, Rr, R1, R2, R3, R4. In this example, Rw = 1, Rr = 0.9, R1 = 0.8, R2 = 0.7, R3 = 0.6, R4 = 0.5 are given as the operation data designation information Cr. Yes. The calculation of the calculation unit 23 is an example of multiplication.

  Since the first sleep stage at bedtime is awakening, the six-stage sleep information Sa = W. Since the selection designation signal of the selector 25 is the awakening W, the selector selects the awakening calculation data Rw, and the calculation data R = Rw.

Since the next sleep stage is non-REM sleep 1, 6-stage sleep information Sa = 1. Since the selection designation signal of the selector is non-REM sleep 1, the selector selects the calculation data R1 for non-REM sleep 1, and the calculation data R = R1.
After that, R = R2 → R3 → R4 → R2...

  In the calculation unit 23, a value f (S, R) = SxR calculated by calculation data R corresponding to the sleep stage specified by the calculation data specifying information Cr and a set value S based on the set value information Cs. Is output. The calculation result f (S, R) = SxR is given as a set value input for the control system.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the output SxR of the calculation unit is SxRw = Sx1 → SxR1 = Sx0.8 → SxR2 corresponding to the transition of the sleep stage Rw → R1 → R2 → R3 → R4 → R2. = Sx0.7 → SxR3 = Sx0.6 → SxR4 = Sx0.5 → SxR2 = Sx0.7

As a result,
For example, in order to obtain a comfortable sleep, it is often heated or cooled while sleeping. When heating or cooling continuously from bedtime to waking up, it may become hot or cold during sleep. He warms up with an electric blanket and begins to sleep, but often he kicks the electric blanket with his feet during sleep.

In order to eliminate such a situation, it is not optimum cooling / heating, but weaker heating / cooling is performed, optimal cooling / heating is performed only at the start of going to bed, and cooling / heating is weakened or stopped after a certain period of time.
Therefore, it cannot be said that it is an optimum temperature environment for a sleeping person.

  In order to create an optimal temperature environment, it is necessary to control the temperature based on the biological information of the person who is sleeping. A person's temperature during sleep is lower than when he is active during the day. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a comfortable sleep by setting the optimal temperature at the start of bedtime, lowering the ambient temperature as sleep goes deeper, and conversely raising the ambient temperature as sleep goes shallower. is there. In addition, unnecessary air conditioning can be reduced, so energy saving can be realized.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine which stage of the current sleep stage is based on six stages of sleep, which is an international standard, using biological information obtained without restriction. Since it is possible to estimate in real time with a nominal scale and to control various devices based on this information, a control system that can provide a more comfortable sleep environment can be obtained.

Since the body motion information uses information from the body motion estimation calculation means that estimates based on the heart rate variability information, it is not necessary to prepare body motion information detection hardware separately from the heart rate variability information detection means. Therefore, the hardware configuration is simple, the cost of the body motion information detection hardware can be reduced, and an inexpensive control system can be obtained.
A control system capable of detecting body movement information with a relatively simple calculation can be obtained.

  Infrared cameras and pyroelectric sensors are often rejected because they infringe on privacy. On the other hand, the method for obtaining body motion information from heartbeat variability information does not require the use of an infrared camera or pyroelectric sensor, and therefore a control system can be obtained that hardly causes problems in terms of privacy infringement.

  Since it has means for obtaining body motion information as an index value obtained from the variance of heart rate variability every predetermined time, and means for identifying REM sleep and mid-wake information on a nominal scale based on this index value, heart rate variability Apart from the information detection means, it is not necessary to prepare hardware for detecting body movement information. Therefore, the hardware configuration is simple, the cost of the body motion information detection hardware can be reduced, and an inexpensive control system can be obtained.

A control system capable of detecting body movement information with a relatively simple calculation can be obtained.
By introducing body motion information, a control system that can improve the identification accuracy of awakening and REM sleep, which are considered to be relatively difficult to distinguish, is obtained.

  Infrared cameras and pyroelectric sensors are often rejected because they infringe on privacy. On the other hand, the method for obtaining body motion information from heartbeat variability information does not require the use of an infrared camera or pyroelectric sensor, and therefore a control system can be obtained that hardly causes problems in terms of privacy infringement.

Since the body motion information is obtained from the unconstrained body motion detection sensor means, it is possible to obtain more information regarding the body motion as compared with the body motion information obtained from the heartbeat fluctuation information detection means. It is possible to obtain a control system that can obtain information such as turning over on the right side or the left side, extending limbs, coughing, and standing up.
With body motion information obtained from the heart rate variability information detecting means, it is impossible to obtain such information.

  A means of estimating continuous sleep stage information by a dynamic model of heart rate variability in the middle frequency band, and using this continuous sleep stage information to have a certain distribution characteristic of heart rate variability in each stage of sleep. Since the membership function means for identifying the stage on a nominal scale is provided, a control system with higher accuracy than the conventional sleep stage estimation by a static model can be obtained.

Since means for adding the respiratory information and / or snoring information of the living body as information for identifying the sleep stage with a nominal scale is provided, the sleep stage estimation accuracy can be improved by using the respiratory information and the snoring information. A control system that can be obtained.
By monitoring the respiratory information, it is possible to detect a sleep apnea syndrome that becomes a sleep disorder and to obtain a control system that can improve the accuracy of sleep stage estimation.

Since the stage of sleep has been identified with the international standard of six stages, which is the nominal scale, it is the same as the scale of medical personnel and can be discussed with the medical personnel on the same standard. A control system that can take advantage of clinical trials is obtained.
A control system that makes it easy to apply the present invention to sleep apnea syndrome treatment, insomnia treatment, etc. in cooperation with medical personnel is obtained.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a control device for a heating appliance such as an electric blanket or an electric fan.
An electric blanket 45 includes a heater 46 and a temperature sensor 48 driven by an AC power source.
Reference numeral 50 denotes a set value input calculation unit, which is based on the set value designation information Cs and the calculation data designation information Cr from the manual setter 44, and f (S, R corresponding to the six-stage sleep information Sa that changes from moment to moment. ) Is output.
A temperature control unit 47 controls the temperature of the electric blanket 45 using the output f (S, R) of the set value input calculation unit 50 as a set value input (= target temperature set value) to the electric blanket. The temperature control unit 47 controls the heating amount of the heater 46 while monitoring the measured value of the temperature sensor 48 so that the specified set temperature is reached.

As a result,
Controlling the temperature of the mat, electric blanket, bean paste, kotatsu, and stove heater provides a control system that can provide a comfortable sleep.
Heating continuously from bedtime may become hot during sleep. He warms up with an electric blanket and begins to sleep, but often he kicks the electric blanket with his feet during sleep. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is an optimum temperature environment for a sleeping person.

  In order to create an optimal temperature environment, it is necessary to control the temperature based on the biological information of the person who is sleeping. A person's temperature during sleep is lower than when he is active during the day. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a comfortable sleep by setting the optimal temperature at the start of bedtime during sleep, lowering the ambient temperature as sleep goes deeper, and conversely raising the ambient temperature as sleep goes shallower. Is possible.

A control system capable of realizing energy saving is obtained.
According to the present invention, since heating is automatically performed when the sleep is deep without heating at a constant temperature, a control system capable of saving energy by the amount of weak heating is obtained.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a control device for temperature and humidity management equipment such as an air conditioner and a cooler.
An air conditioner main body 51 includes an air conditioner 52, a dehumidifier / humidifier 53, a temperature sensor 54, and a humidity sensor 55.

  58 is a set value input calculation unit, which corresponds to the six-stage sleep information Sa that changes from time to time based on the set value designation information Cs (T) and calculation data designation information Cr (T) from the manual setter 44. F (S, R (T)) is output.

  A temperature control unit 56 controls the temperature of the air conditioner by using the output f (S, R (T)) of the set value input calculation unit as a temperature set value input (= target temperature set value) to the air conditioner. The temperature control unit controls the cooling / heating of the air conditioner 52 while monitoring the measurement value of the temperature sensor 54 so that the specified set temperature is reached.

  59 is a set value input calculation unit, which corresponds to the six-stage sleep information Sa that changes from time to time based on the set value designation information Cs (H) and the calculation data designation information Cr (H) from the manual setter 44. F (S, R (H)) is output.

  A humidity control unit 57 controls the humidity of the air conditioner by using the output f (S, R (H)) of the set value input calculating unit as the humidity set value input (= target humidity set value) to the air conditioner. The humidity controller controls the dehumidification / humidification of the dehumidifier / humidifier 53 while monitoring the measurement value of the humidity sensor 55 so that the specified set humidity is obtained.

As a result,
Since the temperature or humidity of the temperature and humidity management device such as an air conditioner or a cooler is controlled, a control system capable of obtaining a comfortable sleep can be obtained.
In order to obtain a comfortable sleep, it is often heated or cooled while sleeping. When heating or cooling continuously from bedtime to waking up, it may become hot or cold during sleep.

  In order to eliminate such a situation, although it is not optimum cooling / heating, it is made weaker heating / cooling, optimal cooling / heating is performed only at the start of bedtime, and cooling / heating is weakened or stopped after a certain period of time. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is an optimum temperature environment for a sleeping person.

  In order to create an optimal temperature environment, it is necessary to control the temperature based on the biological information of the person who is sleeping. A person's temperature during sleep is lower than when he is active during the day. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a comfortable sleep by setting the optimal temperature at the start of bedtime, lowering the ambient temperature as sleep goes deeper, and conversely raising the ambient temperature as sleep goes shallower. is there.

A control system capable of realizing energy saving can be obtained.
In the present invention, the heating system is automatically heated to a weaker level when sleep is deep without heating at a constant temperature, so that a control system capable of saving energy by the amount of the weaker heating can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, sleep stage estimation has been described in six stages, which are international standards. However, in the case where treatment or device control does not necessarily require six stages of resolution, non-rem 1 and 2 are combined. 1 category-, and non-rems 3 and 4 may be 1 category-, for a total of four-stage information, or may be used as three-stage information of awakening, non-rem, and rem.

  As the unconstrained sensor means used in the present invention, a high-sensitivity pressure sensor and an infrared camera introduced with the internal pressure of the air mattress are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other heart rate fluctuation sensors It is also possible to use a body motion sensor.

It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the sleep stage estimation means to which the estimation method of this invention is applied. It is a functional block diagram which shows the whole structure of the control system using the information obtained by the estimation method of this invention. FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram of sleep stage estimation information Sa and Sc and body motion information Im obtained from the sleep stage estimation means in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a time chart which shows a sleep stage, temperature, and a setting value input calculating part output. It is the Example which applied this invention to control of heating appliances, such as an electric blanket and an electric anchor. It is the Example which applied this invention to control of temperature / humidity management apparatuses, such as an air conditioner and a cooler. It is a conventional block diagram of the biological information collection device by a non-restraint sensor means. FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of measurement data in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of continuous sleep stage estimation based on the measurement data of FIG. 7.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air mattress 2 Band 3 Subject 4 Unconstrained sensor means 5 Filter means 9 Sleep stage estimation calculation part 10 Infrared camera 11 Image processing means 12 Dynamic model 13 Membership function means 14 Sleep stage identification means 15 Body motion estimation calculation means 16 personal biometric information database 17 personal biometric information storage database means 18 storage holding means 19 sleep stage estimation means 20 set value input calculation section 21 set value designation means 22 calculation data designation means 23 calculation section 24 Calculation Data Specification Information Capture / Storage Unit 25 Selector 26 Control Device 27 Equipment

Claims (5)

In the control system for controlling the control device for controlling the device based on the set value signal of the set value specifying means and the signal of the sleep stage estimating means,
Sleep stage estimation means for inputting a heart rate variability information and body movement information of a living body measured by an unconstrained biosensor and estimating and calculating a sleep stage with a nominal scale;
Calculation data specifying means for outputting a signal corresponding to the sleep stage estimation means based on the signal of the sleep stage estimation means;
A calculation unit that calculates a signal for controlling the control device based on the signal from the calculation data specifying means and the set value signal of the set value specifying means, and outputs the signal to the control device ;
Means for obtaining the body movement information as an index value obtained from a variance of heart rate variability every predetermined time;
A control system comprising means for identifying REM sleep and midway awakening information on a nominal scale based on the index value . Means for adding the respiratory information and / or snoring information of the living body as information for identifying a sleep stage on a nominal scale
  The control system according to claim 1, further comprising: Identifying the stage of sleep on a nominal scale with six international standards
  The control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above-mentioned. Control the temperature of mat, electric blanket, bean paste, kotatsu, stove heater
  The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Control the temperature or humidity of temperature and humidity management equipment such as air conditioners and coolers
  The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

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