JPH07213546A - System for detecting snore - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a system for responding only to a sound generated while a person is asleep with minimal incidence of mal functioning by outputting a signal determining that the sound generated represents snore on the basis of a signal from a sound reception unit for detecting sound and a signal from a photoreceptor for detecting light. CONSTITUTION:A snore detection system is provided with a microphone 10 as a sound reception unit, a light sensor 11 as a photoreceptor for detecting light, a monitor 12 for determining that a sound represents snore on the basis of signals from the microphone 10 and the light sensor 11, and a monitor signal output unit 13 for sending a signal from the monitor 12. The light sensor 11 measures the intensity of light, determining that a person is asleep when it is dark and then, the microphone 10 detects sound, analizing a sound when generated. When the monitor 12 determines that the sound represents snore, matching with the signal from the light sensor 11, a signal from the monitor signal output unit 13 is sent to a bed height adjusting unit for stimulating a sleeping person, thus preventing snoring.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining whether or not snoring occurs during sleep.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional snore detecting device will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

A conventional snoring detecting device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-13.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 453, a microphone 1 for detecting snoring and a filter 2 for passing only a frequency in a predetermined band among analog signals detected by the microphone 1.
And, the period of the rectangular signal corresponding to the snoring sound is counted by detecting the signal passing the predetermined level or more, and the snoring detection signal is output when the number is equal to or more than the set number within the fixed time. It is composed of a cycle discriminating circuit 3 for outputting. Here, 4 is an amplifier circuit, 5 is a comparator, 6 is a sensitivity adjusting volume, 7 is a motor drive circuit, 8 is a motor, and 9 is an external microphone.

In the above structure, the analog signal detected by the microphone 1 is passed through the filter 2 only at a predetermined frequency, and the signal level of which exceeds the predetermined level is counted to detect the number of times more than the set number. When struck, the snoring detection signal is output.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, there is a problem that the snoring detection malfunctions by reacting to the sound of the conversation or the television.

The present invention solves the above problems by determining that a sleeping person is sleeping by light, bed temperature, bed pressure, heartbeat, brain wave, image, etc., and a sound is produced in a sleeping state. The first purpose is to drastically reduce malfunctions by reacting only to the sound in the case of the noise. A second object is to improve the detection accuracy by detecting the occurrence of snoring sound by limiting the place and time.

[0007]

In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, a sound receiving device for detecting sound, a light receiving device for detecting light, a signal of the sound receiving device and the light receiving device. A determination device that determines a snoring sound based on a signal and a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the determination device are provided, and the device operates in conjunction with a switch of the illumination.

A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature in the bed, a sound receiving device for detecting sound, and a judging device for judging snoring sound based on the signal of the temperature measuring device and the signal of the sound receiving device. A configuration is provided that includes a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the determination device.

Further, a pressure receiving device for detecting pressure fluctuations in the bed, a sleep detecting device for detecting sleep by a change in the signal pattern of the pressure receiving device, a sound receiving device for detecting sound, and a signal of the sleep detecting device. The configuration includes a determination device that determines a snoring sound based on a signal from the sound receiving device, and a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the determination device.

Further, a pressure receiving device for detecting pressure fluctuations in the bed, a heartbeat detecting device for detecting a heart rate from a signal of the pressure receiving device, a sound receiving device for detecting a sound, and a signal of the heartbeat detecting device. The configuration includes a determination device that determines a snoring sound based on a signal from the sound device, and a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the determination device.

Then, an electroencephalogram measuring device, a sound receiving device for detecting sound, a judging device for judging snoring sound based on the signal of the electroencephalogram measuring device and the signal of the sound receiving device, and a judgment signal from the judging device. It is configured to include a determination output device that outputs

Further, a sound receiving device for detecting a sound, an image device for photographing a sleeper, a judging device for judging a snoring sound based on a signal of the sound receiving device and a signal of the image device, and the judging device. The apparatus is provided with a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the device.

In order to achieve the second object, a super directional microphone and a sound receiving device for directing the direction of maximum sensitivity of the super directional microphone to a sleeper's mouth are provided, and the signal of the sound receiving device is provided. A determination device for determining snoring sound based on
It is configured to include a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the determination device.

A sound receiving device for detecting a sound, a determination device arranged at a position where a pressure receiving surface of the sound receiving device contacts the head, and a device for judging a snoring sound based on a signal from the sound receiving device, The configuration is provided with a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the determination device.

Further, a sound receiving device for detecting a sound, a recording device for recording a sound level in a sleeping period, and a snoring time period are determined based on past signals of the recording device, and the time period is determined. A determination device that determines snoring sound based on the signal of the sound receiving device, a determination output device that outputs a signal from the determination device, and a snoring stimulus to a sleeper by the signal of the determination output device to prevent snoring It is configured to be provided with a prevention device.

[0016]

According to the present invention, due to the above-mentioned constitution, the sleeping person is dim, the temperature inside the bed is increased, the fluctuation of the bed pressure is reduced, and the heartbeat is decreased. Judgment was made based on the occurrence of brain waves such as δ waves and spindle waves, and the fact that the sleeper did not move from the image,
The snoring sound is detected by reacting only to the sound in the sleep state and when the sound is generated. Further, the occurrence of snoring sound is calculated based on the location of the sleeper's mouth and the snoring time zone based on past sleep records, and detection accuracy is improved by limiting the snoring sound to the time. .

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A snore detecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, a microphone 10 as a sound receiving device for detecting sound, an optical sensor 11 as a light receiving device for detecting light, and a signal of the microphone 10 and a signal of the optical sensor 11 The configuration includes a determination device 12 that determines a snoring sound and a determination output device 13 that outputs a signal from the determination device 12. Here, 14 is a lighting fixture, 1
5 is a pillow, 16 is a sleeper's head, 17 is a futon, 18 is a bed, and 19 is a bed height adjuster. Further, 20 shown in FIG. 3 is a filter device that filters and amplifies an output signal from the microphone 10 at a predetermined frequency, 21 is a switch of a lighting fixture, 22 is an interlocking switch linked with the switch 21 of the lighting fixture 14, 23 Is a switch detection device.

According to the above construction, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical sensor 11 constantly measures the intensity of light to detect whether it is bright or dark, and when it gets dark, it indicates that the person is in a sleeping state. Is determined. Then, when it becomes dark, the sound is detected by the microphone 10, and when a sound signal is generated, it is determined that the signal is an analysis snoring sound. Here, the analysis of sound is not only the presence or absence of sound,
This can be performed by using the filter device 20 with the level of the component level of the characteristic frequency of the snoring sound. Also, by utilizing the fact that there is a periodic sound, a determination circuit that uses a signal level comparator and a counter, or a determination circuit that finds periodicity by correlation analysis and determines snoring sound may be used for determination. It is possible. Then, if the signal of the optical sensor 11 and the snoring sound determination match, the output from the determination output device 13 is output to the bed height adjuster, the bed height adjuster is driven, and the sleep person is stimulated. , Can prevent snoring. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a switch 22 interlocking with the switch 21 of the luminaire 14 is provided in parallel, and the use of the luminaire is determined by detecting the state of the switch to determine whether the person is in a sleeping state. The same effect can be obtained by the configuration for determining whether or not it is.

According to such a configuration, even if the user is in bed and watching the television, the snoring detection device does not judge the sound because the room is bright. Also, the sound of conversation is the same, and is not erroneously detected. The snoring sound can be determined in the same manner in the switch state and the sound measurement signal.
Furthermore, since the switch remains off even in the bright early morning, the detection is continued until the drowsiness in the early morning. In this way, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to conversation or TV sound by detecting light and determining whether or not a person has fallen asleep, and determining the sound only when the person is asleep and determining the snoring sound. Therefore, the detection accuracy can be improved.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Portions having the same structure as those of the first embodiment and having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different portions will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 4, a temperature sensor 25 for measuring the temperature inside the bed 24, a microphone 10 as a sound receiving device for detecting sound, and a signal from the temperature sensor 25 and a signal from the microphone 10 are used. The configuration is provided with the determination circuit 26 for determining the snoring sound and the determination output device 13 for outputting the determination signal of the determination circuit.

In such a structure, the temperature inside the bed 24 is measured by the temperature sensor 25 provided in the bed mat 27.
When measured with, the result is as shown in FIG. That is, in the bed 2
When the sleeper enters the futon, the temperature T of 4 gradually approaches the body temperature and stabilizes at the temperature T2 near the body temperature. Here, the body temperature is usually about 36 to 37 degrees, and when the temperature T0 in the vicinity of 30 degrees, which is slightly lower than this temperature, is used as a threshold value, when it becomes T0, it is determined that a person has slept, and sound measurement is started.
Then, if the sound state becomes characteristic of the snoring sound, it is determined to be the snoring sound and a signal is output. Also, when a person rolls over, the temperature inside the bed decreases, as at point 28. At this time, if the algorithm shown in FIG. 6 is used for detection, the loop is repeated for temperature determination, and sound determination is not performed. Therefore, the sound generated for turning over has a feature that even if it is similar to the snore sound, it is not detected and does not malfunction. Further, the same effect can be obtained with high accuracy even in the control in which the sound measurement is started after the time t2 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time t1.

As described above, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of snoring sound detection when not sleeping by determining whether or not a person has slept by utilizing the temperature rise characteristic in the bed.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The parts having the same structure as those of the first embodiment and having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 7, a piezoelectric element 29 as a pressure receiving device provided in the bedding or bed mat 27 of the bed, and a sleep detecting device 30 for detecting sleep from the signal pattern of the piezoelectric element 29. , A microphone 10 as a sound receiving device that detects sound, a determination device 31 that determines a snoring sound based on the signal of the sleep detection device 30 and the signal of the microphone 10, and a determination signal output that outputs the determination signal of the determination device 31 The device 13 is provided.

In such a structure, the signal of the piezoelectric element 29 is as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The first peak 32 of the signal is a signal change when a person enters the bed, and a very large level fluctuation occurs. Then, after a while, the stable state Vc level is reached. When this state continues for a predetermined time t1 or more and continues for Δt or more, it is considered that the user is sleeping, and sound measurement is started. Here, the signal change of the 33rd part is a signal at the time of body movement change such as when turning over and is Va
Is a signal level when a person is not on the bed, Vc is a signal level during sleep, and a signal corresponding to a heartbeat can be measured by the heartbeat detecting device 34. Vb is a threshold for detecting a signal when the body is moved.

As described above, the snoring sound can be accurately detected by determining the snoring sound by the signal and sound of the sleep detection device.

Further, by detecting the heart rate from the stable pressure fluctuation signal by the heart rate detecting device 34, the sleep state can be known from the change in the heart rate. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, as the heart rate sleeps, the heart rate settles down in a slightly lowered state. Therefore, the snoring sound is accurately detected by determining the threshold value N0 of the heart rate, determining that the person has slept if N0 or less, and measuring the sound.

As described above, the movement of a person is detected by the piezoelectric element, sleep is considered to be a sleep state because the movement has stopped or the heart rate is lowered, and snoring is detected by detecting the sleep state and snoring sound. It improves the accuracy of sound measurement. In addition, malfunction can be prevented by determining the snoring sound only during sleep.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The parts having the same structure as those of the first embodiment and having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 10, an electroencephalogram measuring device 36 for attaching and measuring an electroencephalogram sensor 35 to a human head 16
And a microphone 10 which is a sound receiving device for detecting sound,
The configuration includes a determination device 37 that determines the snoring sound based on the signal of the electroencephalogram measurement device 36 and the signal of the microphone 10, and a determination output device 13 that outputs the determination signal of the determination device.

In such a configuration, the brain wave measuring device 36 detects a δ wave of about 0.5 Hz to 2 Hz generated by sleeping or a spindle wave as shown in FIG. If the δ wave or spindle wave is detected, the sound is detected as the next step. Whether or not the detected sound data is a snoring sound is determined, and if it matches the determination, it is recognized as a snoring sound.

As described above, the sleep can be accurately known by measuring the brain waves, and the composite judgment together with the sound analysis can be performed.
This has the effect of further improving the detection accuracy of snoring sounds. Also,
It is possible to prevent malfunctions regarding conversation and TV sound when not sleeping.

Next, FIG. 13 and FIG. 1 for the fifth embodiment.
4 will be described. With the same structure as the first embodiment,
The parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 13, a microphone 10 which is a sound receiving device for detecting sound, a camera section 38 which is an image device for photographing a sleeper, an image control device 39, a signal of the microphone 10 and an image control device. The configuration includes a determination device 40 that determines the snoring sound based on the signal of 39 and a determination output device 13 that outputs the signal of the determination device 40.

In such a structure, the image signal captured by the camera unit 38 is analyzed by the image controller 39, and the sleep state is determined by capturing the movement of the sleeper. For example, the time when the sleeper does not move for a predetermined time is determined as the sleep time. After the sleep is determined by this determination, the sound measurement is started and the sound is analyzed. By determining the snoring sound from the result of the analysis, the snoring sound can be detected only when the two conditions are overlapped, and the detection accuracy can be improved and the occurrence of malfunction can be significantly reduced.

Next, FIG. 15 and FIG. 1 for the sixth embodiment.
This will be described using 6. With the same structure as the first embodiment,
The parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 15, a super-directional microphone 41 and a driving device 44 for directing the direction 42 of the maximum sensitivity of the super-directional microphone 41 to the mouth 43 of the sleeper are used. Here, 45 is a determination device, and 46 is an amplifier.

In such a configuration, it is considered that the signal detected by superdirective microphone 41 is generated only from the mouth of a sleeping person, and snoring, bruxism, sleeping and the like can be detected. You can do it. As a result, the snoring sound can be accurately detected in distinction from the noise coming from the outside.

Further, since the super-directional microphone 41 directs the microphone toward the direction of the maximum sound pressure level within a predetermined range, even if the head is hit by rolling over and the position of the head changes, the direction in which the sound always occurs around the head. Therefore, the detection accuracy can be improved.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The parts having the same structure as those of the first embodiment and having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 17, a pressure-receiving sensor 47, which is a sound-receiving device for detecting sound, and a pressure-receiving surface 48 of the pressure-receiving sensor 47 are arranged at a position in contact with the head 16.
The determination device 49 for determining the snoring sound based on the signal detected by the pressure receiving sensor 47 and the determination output device 13 are provided. 50 is an amplifier.

In such a structure, the snoring sound is directly received from the head 16 by the pressure receiving sensor 47, whereby the sensitivity to the snoring sound can be increased. Therefore, by receiving the snoring sound with the maximum sensitivity, it is possible to suppress the entry of other snoring sounds and detect the snoring sound with high sensitivity, which improves the detection accuracy and prevents malfunctions. You can do it.

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. The parts having the same structure as those of the first embodiment and having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 18, a recording device 51 for recording the sound level of the sleeping time zone and a determination device 52 for determining the snoring time zone based on the past signals of the recording device 51.
And a determination output device 13 that outputs a signal from the determination device 52.
Then, a configuration is provided that includes a prevention device 19 that slides on the bed 18 according to a signal from the determination output device 13 to prevent snoring.

In such a structure, for example, FIG.
Then, the data recorded overnight as shown in FIG. 20 is reproduced by the next night to detect in which time zone the snoring sound is generated. For example, with the characteristics shown in FIG. 19, a person snores right after going to sleep, and in the case shown in FIG.
It turns out that he is a person who snores when he gets up. There is enough time to analyze the recorded data by the next night, and this time is used to inspect the recorded data again while playing it again.

As described above, the sound during sleep is recorded and analyzed by the next night, and the sleep environment of the night is controlled, so that snoring is stimulated during the time zone and the person turns over. By doing so, snoring can be prevented. You can also listen to the recorded sound data, and find out how you snored the night before. In particular, because you know which time period you snored, you don't have to re-listen all of your data overnight, you can re-listen some of the time you snore, saving time. . And by listening to your snoring sounds, you can reflect on yourself and try to avoid snoring so that you can naturally stop snoring.

[0049]

As described above, in the snoring detection device of the present invention, the fact that the sleeper is sleeping makes the light dark.
Judgment was made based on the fact that the temperature inside the bed increased, the fluctuation in bed pressure decreased, the heartbeat decreased, the brain waves of δ wave and spindle wave occurred, and the sleeper became immobile by the image. , It is possible to detect the snoring sound with high accuracy and prevent malfunction by determining that the sound is in the sleep state and that the sound is close to the characteristics of the snoring sound. it can. In addition, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy by generating the snoring sound, determining the snoring time zone based on the location of the sleeper's mouth and the past sleep records, and limiting the snoring sound to the time, and detecting the snoring sound. It is possible to prevent malfunction.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a snoring detection device showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a snoring detection device showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the operation of the device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a snoring detection device showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram illustrating the operation of the device.

FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing the operation of the device.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a snoring detection device showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing the operation of the device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the device.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a snoring detection device showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the device.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a snoring detection device showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the device.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a snoring detection device showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a snore detection device showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a characteristic diagram showing the operation of the same embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a characteristic diagram showing the operation of the same embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a conventional snoring sound detection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Microphone (sound receiving device) 11 Optical sensor device (light receiving device) 12, 26, 31, 37, 40, 45, 49, 52 Judgment device 13 Judgment output device 19 Snoring preventer 21 Lighting switch 22 Interlocking switch 25 Temperature measuring device 29 Piezoelectric element (pressure receiving device) 30 Sleep detecting device 34 Heartbeat detecting device 36 Brain wave detecting device 38 Camera part (imaging device) 39 Image processing device (imaging device) 41 Super directional microphone 47 Pressure receiving sensor (pressure receiving sensor) 51 Recording device

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A sound receiving device for detecting sound, a light receiving device for detecting light, a judging device for judging a snoring sound based on a signal of the sound receiving device and a signal of the light receiving device, and the judging device. A snore detecting device equipped with a judgment output device for outputting a judgment signal. 2. The snoring detection device according to claim 1, further comprising an interlocking switch that operates in conjunction with a lighting switch. 3. A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature inside the bed,
A sound receiving device that detects sound, a determination device that determines a snoring sound based on the signal of the temperature measuring device and the signal of the sound receiving device, and a determination output device that outputs a determination signal from the determination device Detection device. 4. A pressure receiving device for detecting pressure fluctuations in the bed,
A sleep detection device that detects sleep by changing the signal pattern of the pressure receiving device, a sound receiving device that detects sound, and a determination device that determines snoring sound based on the signal of the sleep detection device and the signal of the sound receiving device, A snore detecting device comprising a judgment output device for outputting a judgment signal from the judgment device. 5. A pressure receiving device for detecting pressure fluctuations in the bed,
A heartbeat detecting device that detects a heart rate from the signal of the pressure receiving device, a sound receiving device that detects sound, a determination device that determines a snoring sound based on the signal of the heartbeat detecting device and the signal of the sound receiving device, and A snore detecting device comprising a judgment output device for outputting a judgment signal from the judgment device. 6. An electroencephalogram measuring device, a sound receiving device for detecting sound, a judging device for judging snoring sound based on a signal of the electroencephalogram measuring device and a signal of the sound receiving device, and a judgment signal from the judging device. A snoring detection device equipped with a determination output device for outputting. 7. A sound receiving device for detecting sound, an image device for photographing a sleeper, a judging device for judging a snoring sound based on a signal of the sound receiving device and a signal of the image device, and the judging device. A snore detecting device equipped with a judgment output device for outputting a judgment signal from the device. 8. A determination method for determining a snoring sound based on a signal from the sound receiving device, comprising: a super-directional microphone; and a sound receiving device for directing a direction of maximum sensitivity of the super-directional microphone toward a mouth of a sleeper. A snore detection device comprising: a device and a judgment output device for outputting a judgment signal from the judgment device. 9. A sound receiving device for detecting a sound, a determination device arranged at a position where a pressure receiving surface of the sound receiving device is in contact with a head, and for determining a snoring sound based on a signal from the sound receiving device, A snore detecting device comprising a judgment output device for outputting a judgment signal from the judgment device. 10. A sound receiving device for detecting a sound, a recording device for recording a sound level of a sleeping time period, a snoring time period is determined based on a past signal of the recording device, and the time period is determined. A determination device that determines snoring sound based on the signal of the sound receiving device, a determination output device that outputs a signal from the determination device, and a snoring stimulus to a sleeper by the signal of the determination output device to prevent snoring Snoring detection device equipped with a protection device.