JPH04317661A - Sleep assisting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To surely detect the user's sleep and to prevent the useless consumption of electric power. CONSTITUTION:The message accelerating the sleep is supplied at every prescribed time from a voice synthesizing circuit 5 to a headphone 3. The message confirming the sleep is outputted by the voice synthesizing circuit 5 to the headphone 3. The user operates the switch of a remote control input section 7 and responds with the message confirming the sleep when the user does not fall into sleep yet. A control section 4 continues the operation when there is this response. The control section controls a power supply circuit 8 to turn off a power source when there is no response within the prescribed time.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sleep aid device for assisting people with insomnia to sleep more easily.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art People who tend to suffer from insomnia may fall asleep while listening to music, for example from an audio device. Listening to music relaxes the mind and makes it easier to sleep.

In such a device, it is wasteful in terms of power consumption to leave the device in use even after the user has fallen asleep. Conventionally, for example, a predetermined time is set using a timer device, and when the set time elapses, the device is automatically stopped.

0004

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, when the time is set using a timer in this way, there is no problem if the person falls asleep within the set time, but there is a problem in not being able to fall asleep within the set time. In such cases, it was necessary to set the timer again. Therefore, this operation causes the user to wake up, which is one of the causes of disturbed sleep. Therefore, if you set the timer setting time to a sufficiently long time,
Although this problem is solved, in this case, the device tends to remain in an operating state for a long time even after the user goes to sleep, resulting in unnecessary power consumption.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of this situation, and is intended to enable the user to quickly stop the device after falling asleep.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A sleep aid device according to claim 1 includes an output means for outputting information for confirming sleep at predetermined intervals, and inputting a response signal in response to the information for confirming sleep. After outputting the response means and information confirming sleep,
The apparatus is characterized by comprising a detection means for detecting the response signal from the user within a predetermined time, and a stop means for stopping the output of the output means in response to the output of the detection means.

[0007] The sleep aid device according to claim 2 is characterized in that the output means outputs information promoting sleep at predetermined intervals.

[0008] The sleep aid device according to claim 3 is characterized in that the output level of information promoting sleep is lowered over time.

[0009] The sleep aid device according to claim 4 is characterized in that the stopping means turns off the power.

[0010] The sleep aid device according to claim 5 is characterized in that the response means can be remotely controlled.

[0011]

In the sleep aid device according to the first aspect, when information confirming sleep is outputted, the user responds to the information. Therefore, if there is no response, it can be detected that the user has entered sleep.

[0012] In the sleep aid device according to the second aspect, information for promoting sleep is outputted at predetermined intervals. Therefore, it becomes easier to sleep.

[0013] In the sleep aid device according to the third aspect, the output level of information promoting sleep is lowered over time. Therefore, information that promotes sleep is prevented from actually interfering with sleep.

In the sleep aid device according to the fourth aspect, the power is turned off when sleep is confirmed. Therefore, wasteful power consumption is prevented.

In the sleep aid device according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the response signal is input by remote control. Therefore, the user can sleep with the response means placed on his side, and his sleep is prevented from being disturbed by the response operation.

[0016]

Embodiment FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the sleep aid device of the present invention. The audio reproduction system 1 is comprised of, for example, a tape player, a CD player, a radio, etc., and supplies a predetermined audio signal to headphones (or speakers) 3 via an amplifier 2. The control section 4 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and controls each section in response to inputs from the input section 6, the remote control input section 7, etc. A power supply circuit 8 supplies necessary power to each part. The speech synthesis circuit 5 is adapted to generate information confirming sleep and information promoting sleep.

The remote control input unit 7 includes a response input unit (for inputting a response signal so that the user can respond to the sleep confirmation information).
A "check" switch in FIG. 2) is provided. Furthermore, in addition to this, the response input section may have various configurations as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(a), the response input section is constituted by a photosensor 11. The user can input that he or she has not yet fallen asleep by, for example, blocking the light input to the photo sensor 11 with his/her hand.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3(b), a pressure sensor 12 is provided. The user can input whether the user is still asleep by, for example, firmly grasping the pressure sensor 12 with his/her hand. The comparator 13 outputs a predetermined signal when the output from the pressure sensor 12 exceeds a predetermined reference value.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(c), a microphone 14 is provided as a response input section. When a predetermined voice is input from the microphone 14, the voice signal is input to the comparator 16 via the microphone amplifier 15. The comparator 16 outputs a predetermined control signal when an audio signal of a preset level or higher is input.

FIG. 4 shows an example of information stored in the speech synthesis circuit 5. In this embodiment, the information "Have you slept yet?" is stored as information for confirming sleep. Further, as information to promote sleep, information that sequentially increments the number of sheep by 1 is stored, such as ``1 sheep'' and ``2 sheep.''

Next, the operation will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the switch 6a of the input section 6 is operated to set the normal mode, the control section 4 puts the audio playback system 1 into a normal playback state. As a result, the audio signal output from the audio reproduction system 1 is supplied to the headphones 3 via the amplifier 2. In this way, the user can enjoy normal audio signals through the headphones 3.

Next, when sleeping using this device, the user operates the switch 6a of the input section 6 to set the sleep mode. At this time, the control unit 4 executes the process shown in FIG. That is, the variable n is set to 0 in step S1. This variable n indicates the number of sheep as the sleep promotion information shown in FIG. Next, in step S2, if the audio reproduction system 1 is in an operating state, it is stopped. Next, proceeding to step S3, the variable n is incremented by one. Furthermore, in step S4, the variable n
Speech synthesis processing corresponding to is executed. That is, in this case, the audio signal of "one sheep" is output from the audio synthesis circuit 5 and supplied to the headphones 3 via the amplifier 2.

Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where it is determined whether the variable n has become equal to a preset value 100x (x is an arbitrary constant). For example, if x is set to 1, since n is now 1, the process returns to step S3, and the variable n is incremented by 1 again to a value of 2. Next, the process advances to step S4, and speech synthesis processing for variable n is executed. That is, the message "Two sheep" is output. In this way, steps S3 to S5 are repeatedly executed until the message "100 sheep" is output (until n=100x).

After the message "100 sheep" is output, the process advances to step S6, where the variable t is set to 0. This variable t is a variable for measuring the remaining time to determine whether the user has fallen asleep. Next, the process advances to step S7, and confirmation voice processing is executed. That is, the message "Are you asleep yet?" is output from the voice synthesis circuit 5 and is supplied to the headphones 3 via the amplifier 2. When the user hears this message, if he is not asleep yet, he operates the "check" switch on the remote control input section 7 (or the response input section explained in FIG. 3). If this switch is operated, the process returns to step S3 and the variable n is incremented by one. Therefore, in step S4, the message "101 sheep" is output. In this way, the processes from step S3 to step S8 are repeated.

[0025] When the user falls asleep, the switch of the remote control input section 7 is not operated. As a result, step S8
The process then proceeds to S9, where the variable t is incremented by 1. Then, in step S10, it is determined whether the variable t has become equal to the variable T. This variable T is set to a value corresponding to 10 seconds, for example. Therefore, 10 days have passed since the sleep confirmation message "Are you asleep yet?"
If the user does not show any response within the second period, the process proceeds to step S11, where the power supply circuit 8 is controlled and the power is turned off. If the user operates the switch before 10 seconds have elapsed, the processes after step S3 are repeated again.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the control section 4 counts the clocks output by the clock generation circuit 21. Further, an electronic volume 22 is provided between the amplifier 2 and the headphones 3. Furthermore, in place of the input section 6, an input section 23 is provided. In addition to the normal mode, this input section 23 can be set to sleep mode 1 and sleep mode 2, and has a selection switch 23a. It also includes a switch 23b for setting the electronic volume 22 to a predetermined value. Other configurations are the same as in FIG. 2.

The operation when the normal mode is set is the same as that in FIG. 2, so a description thereof will be omitted.

When the switch 23a is operated to set sleep mode 1, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is executed. That is, first, in step S21, the variable m is set to 100 and the variable d is set to 0. The variable m is a variable for setting the volume of the electronic volume 22, and the variable d is a variable for measuring whether a preset time D (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed. Next, in step S22, volume control corresponding to the variable m is executed. That is, the speech synthesis circuit 5 outputs a message promoting sleep, such as "I'm going to sleep". This message is input to the electronic volume 22 via the amplifier 2, and is set to a sound level defined by the variable m set in step S21. Since m=100 is currently set, the sound will be output to the headphones 3 as a relatively loud sound.

Next, in step S23, it is determined whether P has been input. That is, when the clock generation circuit 21 counts clocks by a predetermined value P,
A predetermined signal P is output to the control section 4. This value P is set to a value corresponding to 20 seconds, for example. Therefore, the control section 4
The signal P is input from the clock generation circuit 21 every 20 seconds.

If it is determined in step S23 that the signal P is not input, the process advances to step S26, and the variable d is
It is determined whether or not becomes equal to D. This value D is set to a value corresponding to 3 minutes, for example. variable d is value D
If it is not equal to , the process returns to step S22, and a predetermined message promoting sleep is output again.

In this manner, when 20 seconds have elapsed, the value P is input from the clock generation circuit 21 to the control unit 4, so the process advances from step S23 to step S24, where the variable d is incremented by 1, and Proceeding to step S25, the variable m is decremented by 1. Then, the process returns to step S26 again, and it is determined whether the variable d is equal to the value D or not. If it is determined that they are not equal, the process returns to step S22 and a message promoting sleep is output.

The level of the audio signal in the electronic volume 22 is set, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with the variable m. That is, the variable m is from 100 to 80
, 80 to 60, 60 to 40, 40 to 20, and 20 to 0. As the volume gradually decreases by 20, the volume decreases in steps. and the variable m is 2
In each section until the volume changes by 0, the volume is kept at a constant level. Since the variable m is decremented by 1 once every 20 seconds, the level of the audio signal remains the same for 400 seconds, and the volume is reduced by a predetermined level every time 400 seconds pass. .

[0033] When the variable d becomes equal to the value D in step S26 (that is, when three minutes have elapsed), the process advances to step S27 and confirmation voice processing is executed. That is, for example, a confirmation audio signal asking, "Are you asleep yet?" is output to the headphones 3. Then, in steps S28 and S29, variables t and d are set to 0, respectively. Next step S
At 30, it is determined whether the switch of the remote control input section 7 has been operated. If the user has been operated, that is, if the user has not yet fallen asleep, the process returns to step S22, and the output of information promoting sleep is continued.

If the user does not operate the switch, the process advances to step S31, where the variable t is incremented by one. Then, in step S32, it is determined whether the variable t has become equal to T (whether 10 seconds have elapsed or not), and if 10 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S30. If the switch is operated during the lapse of 10 seconds, the process returns to step S22. If the switch is not operated within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to step S33, where the power supply circuit 8 is controlled and the power is turned off.

Next, when the switch 23a is operated to set sleep mode 2, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed. That is, in step S41, variables m and d
is set to 0. Then, in step S42, the volume control set by the variable m is executed. That is, Figure 7
As in step S22, a sleep promotion message is output at the volume set by the variable m. Further, in step S43, it is determined whether or not the signal P is input, that is, 2.
It is determined whether 0 seconds have elapsed, and if 20 seconds have not elapsed, step S44 is skipped and step S45 is performed.
Proceed to. When 20 seconds have elapsed, the process advances to step S44, where the variable d is incremented by 1. That is, in this way, the variable d is incremented by 1 every 20 seconds, and it is determined in step S45 whether the variable d has become equal to the value D (that is, whether 3 minutes have elapsed).

[0036] If 3 minutes have not elapsed, step S43
, S44, and S45 are repeatedly executed. When three minutes have elapsed, the process advances from step S45 to step S46, and confirmation voice processing is executed. That is, a confirmation voice asking "Are you asleep yet?" is output. Then, in step S47, the variables t and d are set to 0, and in step 48, it is determined whether the switch of the remote control input section 7 has been operated. If the switch is not operated, the variable t is incremented by 1 in step S49, and it is determined in step S50 whether the variable t has become equal to T (that is, whether 10 seconds have elapsed). Then, as in the case described above, if the switch is operated before 10 seconds have elapsed, step S43 is performed again.
The subsequent processing is executed. If the switch is not operated within 10 seconds, the process advances to step S51 and the power supply is stopped.

[0037] In the above, sleep confirmation is performed by a message, but it is also possible to use a sound signal that does not disturb sleep, such as a radio tape playback sound, a low frequency buzzer sound, a melody sound, etc. It is. In addition, the response to confirmation information is a photo sensor, pressure sensor,
It is also possible to detect from alpha waves of brain waves, etc., without using a microphone or the like.

[0038]

As described above, according to the sleep aid device according to claim 1, since the user is allowed to input a response signal within a predetermined time after the information for confirming sleep is output,
When the user falls asleep, it is possible to quickly stop the device.

According to the sleep aid device according to claim 2,
Since information that promotes sleep is output at predetermined intervals, the user can fall asleep more easily.

According to the sleep aid device according to claim 3,
The output level of information that promotes sleep is reduced over time, so information that promotes sleep is
On the contrary, it prevents sleep from being disturbed.

According to the sleep aid device according to claim 4,
Since the power is turned off when there is no response, it is possible to prevent power from being consumed more than necessary after the user goes to sleep.

According to the sleep aid device according to claim 5,
Since the response to the information for confirming sleep is input by remote control, it is possible to prevent the response from disturbing the sleep.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the sleep aid device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a response input section in the remote control input section 7 in the example of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the memory contents of the speech synthesis circuit 5 in the example of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the sleep aid device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining the operation of the electronic volume 22 in the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining the operation of sleep mode 1 in the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining the operation of sleep mode 2 in the embodiment of FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Audio playback system 3 Headphones 4 Control section 5 Speech synthesis circuit 6 Input section 7 Remote control input section 8 Power supply circuit 11 Photo sensor 12 Pressure sensor 14. Microphone 22 Electronic volume 23 Input section

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. Output means for outputting information for confirming sleep at predetermined intervals; response means for inputting a response signal in response to the information for confirming sleep; and after outputting the information for confirming sleep, A sleep aid characterized by comprising a detection means for detecting the response signal from the user within a predetermined time, and a stop means for stopping the output of the output means in response to the output of the detection means. Device. 2. The output means outputs information promoting sleep at predetermined intervals.
The sleep aid device described in . 3. The sleep aid device according to claim 2, wherein the output level of the sleep promoting information is lowered over time. 4. The sleep aid device according to claim 1, wherein the stopping means turns off the power. 5. The sleep aid device according to claim 1, wherein the response means can be remotely controlled.