JP7139101B2 - Bedding and communication system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to bedding and communication systems.

Conventionally, pillows are known that promote falling asleep by cooling the user's head. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a pillow that promotes falling asleep by cooling the user's head with a Peltier device.

JP 2005-124609 A

However, conventional pillows leave room for improvement. For example, the temperature of the head at which a user tends to fall asleep may differ from user to user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE It is an object of the present disclosure to provide improved bedding and communication systems.

One aspect of the bedding includes an adjustment unit capable of adjusting temperature, and a control unit. The control unit controls the adjustment unit so that the temperature of at least part of the surface becomes a temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep. When the temperature of the part is higher than the temperature at which falling asleep easily, the control part cools the part by the adjusting part. When the temperature of the portion is lower than the temperature at which falling asleep easily, the control portion heats the portion by the adjustment portion. While changing the temperature of the part every day, the control unit adjusts the sleep onset time of the user for each day, the time when it is determined that the user has fallen asleep, and the time when the user's head is placed on the bedding. The part of the temperature at which the sleep onset time takes a minimum value is determined as the temperature at which it is easy to fall asleep .

One aspect of a communication system includes the bedding described above and a server. The server is connected to the bedding via a network, receives the temperature at which sleep is likely to occur determined by the bedding together with the identification information of the user, and receives the temperature at which sleep is likely to occur in association with the received identification information. to store

According to the present disclosure, improved bedding and communication systems can be provided.

1 is a schematic external view of a pillow according to a first embodiment; FIG. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pillow taken along line II shown in Figure 1; It is a functional block diagram of the pillow concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between sleep onset time and temperature of the placement surface; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a pillow optimum temperature determination process according to the first embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of sleep induction processing of a pillow concerning a 1st embodiment. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of temperature control of a pillow according to the first embodiment; It is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a control procedure of a communication system according to the second embodiment;

Hereinafter, embodiments of bedding according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Bedding is described herein as being a pillow. However, the bedding of the present disclosure is not limited to pillows. The bedding of the present disclosure may be anything that supports the user's head while the user sleeps, and may be, for example, a cushion, a neck pillow, a floor cushion, or the like.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a pillow 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of pillow 1 taken along line II shown in FIG. In addition, regarding the pillow 1 described in this specification, the upper side means the upper side of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, and the lower side means the opposite side. Also, with respect to the pillow 1 described herein, the parietal side means the left side of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, and the neck side means the right side of the cross-sectional view of FIG.

The user can put the head on the pillow 1 and sleep. The pillow 1 supports the user's head, for example, when the user sleeps. A placement surface A shown in FIG. 1 is a surface on which the user places the head. The placement surface A is, for example, a partial area above the pillow 1 . When the pillow 1 determines that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1, the temperature of at least a part of the surface of the pillow 1 is controlled so that the user can easily fall asleep. Hereinafter, the pillow 1 is controlled so that the temperature of the placement surface A as the temperature of at least a part of the surface of the pillow 1 becomes a temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep. However, the pillow 1 may be controlled so that the temperature of the surface portion other than the placement surface A becomes a temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep. For example, the pillow 1 may be controlled so that the temperature of the entire surface portion becomes a temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep. Here, the temperature at which the user is likely to fall asleep refers to the temperature at which the user is likely to fall asleep. Generally, when a person sleeps, the body temperature of the head decreases. Therefore, for example, as an example of the temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep, a temperature lower than the body temperature before falling asleep may be used. For example, as an example of the temperature at which the user is likely to fall asleep, the temperature may be lower than body temperature by 1° C. or lower by 1° C. or more than body temperature.

The pillow 1 may, for example, have a cylindrical shape with two elliptical bases, as shown in FIG. However, the shape of the pillow 1 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the shape of the pillow 1 may be rectangular, U-shaped, donut-shaped, or the like.

The pillow 1 is provided with the adjustment part 10, the detection part 11, the control unit 20, and the airbag 30, as shown in FIG. The adjustment section 10 , the detection section 11 , the control unit 20 and the airbag 30 are covered with the exterior section 15 . The number of airbags provided in the pillow 1 is not limited to one airbag 30 . The number of airbags included in the pillow 1 may be two or more.

The adjustment section 10 is arranged inside the exterior section 15 along the mounting surface A, as shown in FIG. The adjustment section 10 generates heat or cools based on the electrical signal from the control unit 20 . The placement surface A is heated or cooled by the heat generation or cooling of the adjustment unit 10 . In other words, the temperature of the mounting surface A can be adjusted by the adjusting section 10 . Note that the adjusting section 10 may be arranged along the entire mounting surface A. As shown in FIG. Alternatively, the adjustment section 10 may be arranged along a portion of the placement surface A (for example, a portion of the placement surface on the parietal side).

The adjustment unit 10 may be configured including, for example, a Peltier element. A Peltier device is a semiconductor device that generates heat or cools by applying a direct current.

The detection unit 11 is arranged, for example, inside the exterior unit 15 . The detection unit 11 may be arranged so as to be in contact with the mounting surface A, or may be arranged near the mounting surface A. As shown in FIG. The detection unit 11 includes, for example, a temperature sensor and a motion sensor. A motion sensor is configured by combining, for example, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

The detection unit 11 detects the temperature of the mounting surface A using a temperature sensor. The detection unit 11 outputs the detected temperature of the placement surface A to the control unit 14, which will be described later. Moreover, the detection part 11 detects a motion of the pillow 1 with a motion sensor. The detection unit 11 outputs the detected movement of the pillow 1 to the control unit 14, which will be described later.

The detection unit 11 may be configured including a weight sensor. In this case, the detection unit 11 detects the weight applied to the mounting surface A by the weight sensor. The detection unit 11 outputs the detected weight to the control unit 14, which will be described later.

The detection unit 11 may be configured including a proximity sensor. In this case, the detection unit 11 detects the presence of an object approaching the placement surface A without contact using the proximity sensor. The detection unit 11 notifies the control unit 14, which will be described later, of the presence of the detected object approaching the placement surface A. FIG.

The control unit 20 is arranged on the lower surface of the pillow 1, for example. However, the control unit 20 may be placed anywhere on the pillow 1 . For example, the control unit 20 may be arranged outside the pillow 1 . The control unit 20 includes a control section 14 and the like, which will be described later.

The control unit 20 determines whether or not the user puts the head on the pillow 1 based on the detection result of the detection section 11 . The details of this determination method by the control unit 20 will be described later. When the control unit 20 determines that the user puts the head on the pillow 1, the control unit 20 controls the adjusting unit 10 so that the temperature of the placing surface A becomes a temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep. A detailed configuration of the control unit 20 will be described later.

The interior of the pillow 1 is filled with an airbag 30 . The airbag 30 is made of, for example, a flexible and airtight material. The airbag 30 may be made of synthetic resin material, for example. The airbag 30 is inflated into a predetermined shape by being injected with air.

Note that the interior of the pillow 1 may be filled with other members instead of the airbag 30 . For example, the interior of the pillow 1 may be filled with coil members, pipes, cotton or foam beads, or the like.

Next, the details of the functions of the pillow 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the pillow 1 according to the first embodiment.

The pillow 1 includes an adjustment section 10 and a detection section 11 . The pillow 1 further includes a communication section 12 , a storage section 13 and a control section 14 as a control unit 20 .

The adjustment unit 10 heats or cools based on the electric signal from the control unit 14 . The placement surface A is heated or cooled by the heat generation or cooling of the adjustment unit 10 . The temperature of the mounting surface A can be appropriately adjusted by the adjusting section 10 .

The detection unit 11 detects motion of the pillow 1 by, for example, a motion sensor. The detection unit 11 outputs the detected movement of the pillow to the control unit 14 . Further, the detection unit 11 detects the temperature of the mounting surface A using, for example, a temperature sensor. The detection unit 11 outputs the detected temperature of the placement surface A to the control unit 14 .

The communication unit 12 is connected to external equipment via a network. The communication unit 12 is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared rays, NFC (Near Field Communication), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet or any other communication medium, or any of these can be communicated by a combination of

The storage unit 13 may be composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 13 stores various information, a program for operating the control unit 14, and the like. The storage unit 13 may also function as a work memory. The storage unit 13 stores, for example, the temperature at which the user is likely to fall asleep and the identification information of the user, which is determined by a process described later.

Control unit 14 includes at least one processor 14A to provide control and processing power for performing various functions. At least one processor 14A may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as a plurality of communicatively coupled integrated circuits IC and discrete circuits. At least one processor 14A can be implemented according to various known techniques.

In some embodiments, processor 14A includes one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computing procedures and processes. For example, processor 14A may be one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or any combination or configuration thereof. A combination or combination of other known devices or configurations may be included to perform the functions described below.

The control unit 14 is connected to the adjustment unit 10, the detection unit 11, the communication unit 12, and the storage unit 13, and controls and manages the entire pillow 1 including these functional units. The control unit 14 acquires programs stored in the storage unit 13 . The control unit 14 implements various functions related to each unit of the pillow 1 by executing the acquired program.

The control unit 14 determines whether or not the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 based on the output result (detection result) of the detection unit 11 . Specifically, for example, when the detection unit 11 includes a motion sensor, the control unit 14 detects that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 when the motion sensor of the detection unit 11 detects the movement of the pillow 1. determined to have been For example, if the detection unit 11 includes a weight sensor, the control unit 14 may determine that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 when the weight detected by the weight sensor exceeds a predetermined amount. For example, if the detection unit 11 includes a proximity sensor, the control unit 14 determines that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 when the proximity sensor detects the presence of an object approaching the mounting surface A. You may For example, when the detection unit 11 includes a temperature sensor, the control unit 14 determines that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. good. The predetermined threshold may be, for example, a temperature at which it can be detected that the human body (head) is in contact with the pillow 1 .

When the control unit 14 determines that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1, the control unit 10 adjusts the temperature of the placing surface A to a temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep (hereinafter referred to as "optimal temperature"). to control. Specifically, the control unit 14 measures the temperature of the placement surface A using the detection unit 11 . When the measured temperature of the mounting surface A is higher than the optimum temperature, the control unit 14 outputs an electric signal to the adjusting unit 10 to cool the mounting surface A by cooling the adjusting unit 10 . For example, when the temperature of the user's head is high, the temperature of the user's head is cooled through the placement surface A so as to approach the optimum temperature by such processing. On the other hand, when the measured temperature of the placement surface A is lower than the optimum temperature, the control unit 14 outputs an electric signal to the adjustment unit 10 to heat the placement surface A by causing the adjustment unit 10 to generate heat. By such processing, for example, when the pillow 1 is cold, the temperature of the user's head is heated via the placement surface A so as to approach the optimum temperature. Thereafter, the control section 14 controls the adjusting section 10 so that the temperature of the mounting surface A is maintained at the optimum temperature.

The control unit 14 determines whether or not the user has fallen asleep while maintaining the temperature of the placement surface A at the optimum temperature. Specifically, the control unit 14 determines that the user has fallen asleep when, for example, the motion sensor of the detection unit 11 does not detect movement of the pillow 1 for a predetermined time or longer. The predetermined time may be 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or any other suitable time.

When the control unit 14 determines that the user has fallen asleep, the control unit 14 stops the temperature control of the placement surface A by the adjustment unit 10 . The control unit 14 may stop the temperature control of the placement surface A immediately after determining that the user has fallen asleep, or may stop the temperature control of the placement surface A after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The predetermined period may be set by assuming the user's sleeping hours. In this case, the predetermined period may be, for example, about 7 hours. Alternatively, the predetermined period may be set assuming the time of the first non-REM sleep. In this case, the predetermined period may be, for example, the time immediately before the start of the first non-REM sleep or the time until the end of the first non-REM sleep.

Note that the control unit 14 does not have to stop the temperature control of the placement surface A by the adjustment unit 10 until it determines that the user has woken up. That is, the control unit 14 may control the adjustment unit 10 so that the temperature of the placement surface A is maintained at the optimum temperature while the user is sleeping. For example, if the detection unit 11 includes a weight sensor, the control unit 14 determines that the user has woken up when the weight sensor does not detect the weight applied to the placement surface A.

Here, the control unit 14 can determine the optimum temperature according to the user. Specifically, the control unit determines the optimum temperature of the placement surface A based on the time from when the user puts his head on the pillow 1 until he falls asleep (hereinafter referred to as "sleep onset time"). The optimum temperature determination process based on the sleep onset time will be described below. Note that the control unit 14 determines that the user has fallen asleep when the motion sensor of the detection unit 11 does not detect movement of the head (movement of the pillow 1) for a predetermined time after the user puts the head on the pillow 1. You may The predetermined time may be 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or any other suitable time.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the sleep onset time and the temperature of the placement surface A. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis indicates the temperature of the placement surface A, and the vertical axis indicates the user's falling asleep time.

As indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4, the sleep onset time has a minimum value at a predetermined temperature. In FIG. 4, when the temperature of the placement surface A is Xb [° C.], the falling asleep time is Tm [min], which is the minimum value. When the user puts his/her head on the pillow 1, the user can easily fall asleep by setting the temperature of the placing surface A to the temperature at which the falling asleep time takes a minimum value. Therefore, the control unit 14 determines the temperature of the placement surface A when the user's falling asleep time takes a minimum value as the optimum temperature. In FIG. 4, the control unit 14 determines Xb [° C.] as the optimum temperature.

Here, the relationship between the falling asleep time and the temperature of the placement surface A as shown in FIG. 4 may differ depending on the user. In other words, the temperature of the placement surface A when the sleep onset time takes a minimum value may vary depending on the user.

A method for determining the optimum temperature will be further described. The control unit 14 measures the sleep onset time of the user for each day while changing the temperature of the placement surface A according to a predetermined algorithm for a predetermined number of days. The control unit 14 determines the temperature of the placement surface A when the measured sleep onset time takes the minimum value as the optimum temperature. The control unit 14 can calculate (measure) the sleep onset time by subtracting the time when it is determined that the user's head is put on the pillow 1 from the time when it is determined that the user has fallen asleep.

As the predetermined algorithm, the control unit 14 may execute, for example, a local search method such as a hill-climbing method. When executing the local search method, the control unit 14 may use a temperature several degrees lower than the average body temperature of the user as an initial temperature value when changing the temperature of the placement surface A on a daily basis.

The control unit 14 may determine the temperature of the placement surface A when the sleep onset time takes a value near the minimum value as the optimum temperature. That is, the optimal temperature of the placement surface A determined based on the sleep onset time may include the temperature of the placement surface A when the sleep onset time takes a value near the minimum value. In FIG. 4, the range around the minimum value is indicated by Δ. That is, the control unit 14 may determine the temperature within the range Δ as the optimum temperature. The range of Δ near the minimum value may be determined according to, for example, the user's falling asleep time.

Even for the same user, depending on the ambient temperature, the relationship between the falling asleep time and the temperature of the placement surface A may change as shown in FIG. For example, even for the same user, when the temperature is relatively high, such as in summer, and when the temperature is relatively low, such as in winter, the time to fall asleep takes a minimal value. Temperature may vary.

Therefore, the control unit 14 may determine the optimum temperature of the placement surface A for each ambient temperature. For example, the control unit 14 may determine the optimum temperature of the placement surface A separately for cases where the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined value and cases where the ambient temperature is lower than the predetermined value. good. The ambient temperature may be the indoor temperature obtained by the temperature sensor of the detection unit 11 when the adjustment unit 10 is not in operation. Alternatively, for example, if the pillow 1 has a temperature sensor different from the temperature sensor of the detection unit 11, the ambient temperature may be the indoor temperature obtained by the temperature sensor. Also, the predetermined value may be 27° C., for example. The predetermined value may be appropriately determined by the control unit 14 according to, for example, the environment in which the pillow 1 is used (for example, the average indoor temperature). For example, the control unit 14 may determine the optimum temperature of the placement surface A at predetermined temperature intervals (for example, at intervals of 5° C.).

Further, the control unit 14 may periodically execute the process of determining the optimum temperature of the mounting surface A. FIG. For example, the control unit 14 may execute the process of determining the optimum temperature of the mounting surface A every several months.

Further, the control unit 14 may determine the optimum temperature of the mounting surface A, for example, when the communication unit 12 receives an instruction to execute the processing for determining the optimum temperature of the mounting surface A from the outside.

Further, after determining the optimum temperature of the placement surface A, the control unit 14 may transmit the determined optimum temperature to a predetermined server through the communication unit 12 together with the identification information of the user. The details of this processing will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the optimum temperature determination process for the pillow 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow shown in FIG. 5 may be initiated, for example, when the user's optimum temperature has not been determined. For example, the flow shown in FIG. 5 may be periodically and repeatedly executed to appropriately update the optimum temperature.

The control unit 14 determines whether or not the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 (step S10). When the control unit 14 determines that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 does not determine that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 (step S10: No), the process of step S10 is performed again.

In the processing of step S11, the control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 10 so that the temperature of the placement surface A becomes a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be, for example, a temperature determined by a predetermined algorithm, or may be a temperature that varies from day to day. Details of the processing in step S11 will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the process of step S12, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the user has fallen asleep. When the control unit 14 determines that the user has fallen asleep (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 does not determine that the user has fallen asleep (step S12: No), the process of step S12 is performed again.

In the processing of step S<b>13 , the control unit 14 stops the temperature control of the placement surface A by the adjustment unit 10 .

In the processing of step S14, the control unit 14 measures the sleep onset time. For example, the control unit 14 subtracts the time when it is determined that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 in the process of step S10 from the time when it is determined that the user has fallen asleep in the process of step S12. Calculate (measure).

In the process of step S15, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a predetermined number of days have passed since the flow process shown in FIG. 5 was started. When the control unit 14 determines that the predetermined number of days has passed (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 does not determine that the predetermined number of days has passed (step S15: No), it repeats the processing from step S10. In this case, after determining that the user's head has left the pillow 1, the control unit 14 restarts the processing from step S10. That is, the control unit 14 can start the processing from step S10 when the user sleeps again using the pillow 1 after waking up and getting up.

In the process of step S16, the control unit 14 determines the optimum temperature based on the sleep onset time measured while changing the temperature of the placement surface A according to a predetermined algorithm for a predetermined number of days.

Note that when it is determined that the user has fallen asleep (step S12: Yes), the control unit 14 does not immediately execute the processing of step S13. You may

Further, when the control unit 14 acquires the amount of data required to determine the optimum temperature, the control unit 14 may proceed to the process of step S16 even before the predetermined number of days has passed.

Moreover, when determining the optimum temperature for each ambient temperature, the control unit 14 may acquire the ambient temperature and execute the flow shown in FIG. 5 for each acquired ambient temperature.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of sleep induction processing for a pillow according to the first embodiment.
The flow shown in FIG. 6 is executed when the optimum temperature is determined by the flow shown in FIG. 5, for example. The flow shown in FIG. 6 may be started at a predetermined time, for example. The predetermined time may be set based on the time when the user goes to bed.

The control unit 14 determines whether or not the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 (step S20). When the control unit 14 determines that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 does not determine that the user's head is placed on the pillow 1 (step S20: No), the process of step S20 is performed again.

In the process of step S21, the control section 14 controls the adjustment section 10 so that the temperature of the mounting surface A becomes the optimum temperature. Details of the processing in step S21 will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the process of step S22, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the user has fallen asleep. When the control unit 14 determines that the user has fallen asleep (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 does not determine that the user has fallen asleep (step S22: No), the process of step S22 is performed again.

In the processing of step S<b>23 , the control unit 14 stops the temperature control of the placement surface A by the adjustment unit 10 .

Note that the control unit 14 may determine whether or not the user has woken up before executing the process of step S23. The control unit 14 may execute the process of step S23 when determining that the user has woken up.

Further, when the optimum temperature is determined for each ambient temperature, the control unit 14 may acquire the ambient temperature before the process of step S21. Furthermore, in the process of step S21, the control unit 14 may maintain the temperature of the placement surface A at the optimum temperature corresponding to the acquired ambient temperature.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of temperature control of the pillow 1 according to the first embodiment. The flow shown in FIG. 7 is executed when the process of step S11 shown in FIG. 5 is executed or when the process of step S21 shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

The control unit 14 measures the temperature of the placement surface A using the temperature sensor of the detection unit 11 (step S31).

The control unit 14 determines whether or not the measured temperature of the placement surface A is higher than the set temperature (step S32). When executing the process of step S32 in the process of step S11 shown in FIG. 5, the set temperature is, for example, a predetermined temperature determined by a predetermined algorithm. Moreover, when performing the process of step S32 in the process of step S21 shown in FIG. 6, preset temperature turns into optimal temperature.

When the controller 14 determines that the measured temperature of the placement surface A is higher than the set temperature (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, when the controller 14 determines that the measured temperature of the placement surface A is lower than the set temperature (step S32: No), the process proceeds to step S34.

In the processing of step S<b>33 , the control unit 14 cools the mounting surface A by the adjustment unit 10 . In the processing of step S<b>34 , the control unit 14 heats the mounting surface A by the adjustment unit 10 .

Here, as a comparative example, an example in which the temperature of the mounting surface A is maintained at a fixed temperature is assumed. As described above, the relationship between the falling asleep time and the temperature of the placement surface A often differs depending on the user. Therefore, even if the temperature of the placement surface A is maintained at a fixed temperature, it does not necessarily encourage the user to fall asleep. Further, if the temperature of the placement surface A is maintained at a fixed temperature, even if some users can be encouraged to fall asleep, it may be difficult to encourage other users to fall asleep.

On the other hand, the pillow 1 according to this embodiment determines the optimum temperature of the placement surface A based on the user's falling asleep time. Through such control, the pillow 1 can maintain the temperature of the placement surface A at the optimum temperature for the user. Thereby, the pillow 1 according to the present embodiment can further encourage the user to fall asleep. Therefore, according to this embodiment, an improved pillow 1 can be provided.

Also, even for the same user, the relationship between sleep onset time and optimum temperature may change depending on the ambient temperature. Even in such a case, the pillow 1 according to this embodiment can determine the optimum temperature of the placement surface A according to the ambient temperature. Thus, the pillow 1 according to the present embodiment can encourage the user to fall asleep even if the relationship between the user's falling asleep time and the temperature of the placement surface A changes.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. 2nd Embodiment demonstrates the communication system using the pillow 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to the second embodiment.

The communication system 100 includes a pillow 1, a pillow 1A, and a server 2. The pillows 1 and 1A and the server 2 are communicably connected to each other via the network 200 . Network 200 is, for example, the Internet. However, the network 200 is not limited to the Internet, and may be any suitable network. Also, network 200 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof. That is, the pillow 1 and the pillow 1A and the server 2 may be connected by a network 200 configured by wire or wireless or any combination thereof, and information may be transmitted and received. Also, in the present embodiment, the number of servers 2 and networks 200 is not limited to one, and may be two or more. Further, the number of pillows included in the communication system 100 is not limited to two pillows 1 and 1A, and may be three or more.

The pillow 1 has the functions explained in the first embodiment. That is, the pillow 1 can determine the optimum temperature of the placement surface A according to the user of the pillow 1 based on the user's falling asleep time.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the pillow 1 is used by a specific user in a private home. After determining the optimal temperature for the user of the pillow 1, the pillow 1 transmits the user's identification information and the optimal temperature to the server 2 via the network 200. FIG.

The pillow 1A has the same sleep inducing function and communication function as the pillow 1 does. That is, the pillow 1A includes an adjustment section, a detection section, a communication section, a storage section, and a control section as shown in FIG. The pillow 1A is used by arbitrary users, for example, in public places such as lodging facilities or hospitals. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the pillow 1A is used by unspecified users (guests) in accommodation facilities.

1 A of pillows acquire the identification information of the user (guest) who uses 1 A of pillows from the outside via the communication part of 1 A of pillows, for example. For example, identification information of the user (guest) who uses the pillow 1A is transmitted from the computer to the pillow 1A by the staff of the accommodation facility operating the computer. When the pillow 1A acquires the user's identification information, the pillow 1A transmits to the server 2 via the network 200 a signal requesting the optimum temperature together with the user's identification information. After that, the optimum temperature is transmitted from the server 2 to the pillow 1A. The pillow 1A acquires the optimal temperature from the server 2 via the network 200. FIG.

When the pillow 1A determines that the user (guest) has placed the head on the pillow 1A, the pillow 1A maintains the temperature of the placement surface at the obtained optimal temperature.

The server 2 is, for example, an information processing device. The server 2 includes a communication section 40 , a storage section 41 and a control section 43 .

The communication unit 40 communicates with external devices via the network 200 . The communication unit 12 can communicate using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared rays, NFC, wireless LAN, wired LAN, WAN, the Internet, or any other communication medium, or any combination thereof.

The storage unit 41 may be composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 41 stores various information, a program for operating the control unit 42, and the like. The storage unit 41 may also function as a work memory. The storage unit 41 stores the optimum temperature in association with user identification information.

Control unit 42 includes at least one processor 42A to provide control and processing power for performing various functions. At least one processor 42A may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as a plurality of communicatively coupled integrated circuits IC and discrete circuits. At least one processor 42A can be implemented according to various known techniques.

In some embodiments, processor 42A includes one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computing procedures and processes. For example, processor 42A may be one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or any combination or configuration thereof. A combination or combination of other known devices or configurations may be included to perform the functions described below.

The control unit 42 is connected to the communication unit 40 and the storage unit 41, and controls and manages the entire server 2 including these functional units. The control unit 42 acquires programs stored in the storage unit 41 . The control unit 42 realizes various functions related to each unit of the server 2 by executing the acquired program.

The control unit 42 receives the identification information of the user of the pillow 1 and the optimum temperature by the communication unit 40 from the pillow 1 via the network 200 . Upon receiving the optimum temperature and the like, the control unit 42 stores the optimum temperature in the storage unit 41 in association with the identification information of the user of the pillow 1 .

The control unit 42 receives, via the network 200 from the pillow 1A, the identification information of the user (guest) and the signal requesting the optimum temperature by the communication unit 40 . Upon receiving this signal, the control unit 42 acquires the optimum temperature associated with the user's identification information from the storage unit 41 . The server 2 transmits the optimum temperature to the pillow 1A via the network 200 by the communication unit 40. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of control procedures of the communication system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pillow 1 determines the optimum temperature according to the user of the pillow 1 (step S40). After completing the optimum temperature determination process, the pillow 1 transmits the identification information of the user of the pillow 1 and the optimum temperature to the server 2 via the network 200 (step S41).

Server 2 receives the optimum temperature from pillow 1 via network 200 along with identification information of the user of pillow 1 . The server 2 stores the optimum temperature in the storage unit 41 in association with the identification information of the user of the pillow 1 (step S42).

The pillow 1A transmits identification information of the user (guest) and a signal requesting the optimum temperature to the server 2 via the network 200 (step S43).

The server 2 receives from the pillow 1A via the network 200 a signal requesting the optimum temperature together with identification information of the user (guest). The server 2 acquires the optimum temperature associated with the identification information of the user (guest) from the storage unit 41 . Server 2 transmits the optimum temperature to pillow 1A via network 200 (step S44).

Pillow 1A receives the optimum temperature from server 2 via network 200 (step S45). After that, when the pillow 1A determines that the user's head is placed on the placement surface of the pillow 1A (step S46), the temperature of the placement surface is maintained at the obtained optimal temperature (step S47).

Thus, in the second embodiment, the server 2 stores the optimum temperature determined by the pillow 1 according to the user of the pillow 1 in association with the identification information of the user of the pillow 1 . Furthermore, the pillow 1A acquires the optimum temperature for the user from the server 2 by transmitting a signal requesting the optimum temperature together with the identification information of the user to the server. With such control, for example, even when using a pillow 1A that is not usually used in an accommodation facility, the pillow 1A maintains the temperature of the surface on which the pillow 1A is placed at the optimum temperature according to the user. can be done. Thereby, the communication system 100 according to the present embodiment can encourage the user to fall asleep even when the user stays out and the pillow used by the user changes, for example. Thus, according to this embodiment, an improved communication system 100 may be provided.

Several embodiments have been described in order to fully and clearly disclose this disclosure. However, the appended claims should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but all variations and alternatives that can be created by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basics shown in this specification. should be configured to embody a Moreover, each requirement shown in some embodiments can be freely combined.

For example, in the first embodiment, the control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 10 so that the temperature of the placement surface A becomes the optimum temperature as the temperature of at least a part of the surface. However, the control unit 14 may control the adjustment unit 10 so that the temperature of the surface portion that is not the temperature of the placement surface A becomes the optimum temperature.

For example, in the first embodiment described above, the controller 14 may determine the optimum temperature according to the ambient temperature. The control unit 14 may determine the optimum temperature according to humidity instead of ambient temperature.

For example, in the first embodiment, the control unit 20 was described as being included inside the pillow 1 . However, the control unit 20 may be external to the pillow 1 as well.

For example, in the above first and second embodiments, the bedding of the present disclosure is described as being a pillow. However, the bedding of the present disclosure is not limited to pillows. The bedding of the present disclosure may be anything as long as it supports the user's head, and may be, for example, a cushion, a neck pillow, a floor cushion, or the like.

1, 1A Pillow (Bedding)
2 Server 10 Adjustment Unit 11 Detection Unit 12 Communication Unit 13 Storage Unit 14 Control Unit 15 Exterior Unit 20 Control Unit 30 Airbag 40 Communication Unit 41 Storage Unit 42 Control Unit 100 Communication System 200 Network

Claims (7)

an adjustment unit capable of adjusting temperature;
a control unit that controls the adjustment unit so that the temperature of at least part of the surface becomes a temperature at which the user can easily fall asleep;
with
When the temperature of the part is higher than the temperature at which it is easy to fall asleep, the control part cools the part by the adjustment part,
When the temperature of the part is lower than the temperature at which it is easy to fall asleep, the control part heats the part by the adjustment part,
The control unit
While changing the temperature of the part every day, the sleep onset time of the user for each day is determined from the time when it is determined that the user has fallen asleep and the time when it is determined that the user's head is placed on the bedding. calculate,
The bedding , wherein the temperature of the part when the sleep onset time takes a minimum value is determined as the temperature at which sleep is likely to occur . 2. The bedding according to claim 1 , wherein said control unit determines said temperature at which falling asleep is easy according to an ambient temperature. 3. The bedding according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the control unit periodically executes the process of determining the temperature at which falling asleep is easy. It further comprises a communication unit that communicates with external devices,
4. The bedding according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the control unit transmits the determined temperature at which sleep is likely to occur together with the identification information of the user to a predetermined server through the communication unit. Further comprising a detection unit that detects movement of the bedding,
5. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the control unit controls the adjustment unit when determining that the user's head is placed on the bedding based on the detection result of the detection unit. bedding. The control unit calculates the sleep onset time by subtracting the time at which the head is placed on the bedding from the time at which the user is determined to have fallen asleep based on the detection result of the detection unit. 6. Bedding according to claim 5 . The bedding according to claim 1;
A server connected to the bedclothes via a network, receiving the user's identification information and the sleep-facilitating temperature determined by the bedclothes, and storing the received sleep-facilitating temperature associated with the received identification information. When,
communication system.

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