JP2007289660A - Sleeping judgment device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sleeping judgment device that makes more accurately a judgment on its user's sleeping condition by decreasing him/her any uncomfortable feeling. <P>SOLUTION: The sleeping judgment device is characterized by including a bio-information detecting means provided with a sound collector for collecting breathing sounds associated with a sleeper's breathing motion and outputting them as a breathing sound signal, and a sleeping state judging part that judges on his/her sleeping condition based on the breathing sound signals output from the sound collector of bio-information detecting means. The sleeping judgment device according to this invention does not need to get a direct contact with a sleeping human, as it has a sound collector for collecting the signals of his/her sleeping sounds. The user can therefore sleep naturally and secure the sufficient time and quality of his/her sleep. The sleeping sound collector is of a non-contact type free from the trouble of installing it on the human body. Its use is simple. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sleep determination apparatus that determines a sleep state based on biological respiration information.

  Sleep is a vital part of people's health. In modern society, as health consciousness is increasing, there is a need to build a healthy body from daily sleep management even in extremely ordinary families. Furthermore, the creation of an environment suitable for sleep is spreading into various services and life.

  Sleep is defined by the depth of sleep. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the sleep depth is determined based on criteria such as an electroencephalogram stage, a blood pressure systole, a respiratory rate, a pulse rate (heart rate), and body motion. Among them, a technique for measuring the respiratory rate and estimating the sleep state based on the measurement result is known.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-118151 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses a method for estimating a sleep state based on regular and irregular fluctuations in sleep respiratory movement. Specifically, Patent Document 1 attaches an elastic expiratory band to the upper body of the human body, obtains voltage fluctuations due to expansion and contraction of the human chest and abdomen associated with breathing exercise, measures the respiratory rate for each fixed period, and breathing fluctuations Is a method for determining a sleep situation by comparing the two.

  In general, sleep states are recognized as deep sleep (non-REM sleep) and shallow sleep (REM sleep). It is said that if you wake up from a deep sleep state, you will feel uncomfortable, but if you wake up from a shallow sleep state, you can wake up naturally and comfortably. For this reason, JP-A-5-95935 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) and JP-A-2005-340033 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 3) relate to methods for determining a deep sleep state and a shallow sleep state. is there.

In Patent Document 2, a small body motion that is propagated by the heart activity or respiratory activity of a human body or a large body motion such as landing, waking up and turning over is detected by a piezoelectric element disposed in the bedding. A method has been devised. Patent Document 3 proposes a method of gradually awakening by gradually increasing the brightness change of light from a certain time before the awakening setting time and awakening the sound in conjunction with each other.
JP-A-2005-118151 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-095935 JP 2005-340033 A

  The sleep state estimation apparatus of Patent Document 1 uses a sensor (breathing band) constrained by a human body as a processing means for extracting a respiratory sound signal. Therefore, as long as the sensor is in contact with or restrained by the human body, a natural sleep cannot be obtained and it is not suitable for daily use.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, it is necessary that a sleeping person's body is always in contact with the piezoelectric element, and when the sleeping person's body and the piezoelectric element are separated due to turning over, it is impossible to detect. is there.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, as a method of awakening, since a stimulus for awakening is given uniformly from a predetermined time before the awakening setting time, the timing is not necessarily a shallow sleep state, and a stimulus for awakening is caused from a deep sleep state. In this case, there is a problem that it is accompanied by discomfort as compared with a case where a stimulus of awakening is given from shallow sleep.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said actual condition, and makes it a subject to provide a sleep determination apparatus which can reduce a user's discomfort and can determine a user's sleep condition more correctly.

  The sleep determination device according to the present invention includes a biological information detection unit having a sound collection unit that collects a respiratory sound generated in association with a biological breathing exercise and outputs the respiratory sound as a respiratory sound signal, and a breath output from the sound collection unit of the biological information detection unit. And a sleep state determination unit that determines a living sleep state based on a sound signal. As a result, the sleep determination device of the present invention has a sound collection unit that collects a respiratory sound signal during sleep without any direct contact with the human body, and thus obtains a more natural sleep state for the user. The sleep time and sleep quality can be ensured. In addition, since the sound collecting unit is not in contact with the human body, it can be easily used without being bothered by being attached to the human body. In addition, the above configuration is used by an expert (doctor, nurse, clinical psychologist, etc.) by providing a recognition means that is electrically connected to the sleep state determination unit and recognizes and displays the living sleep state. The user's sleep state can be grasped, and appropriate advice can be given to the user.

  Furthermore, the sleep determination device of the present invention may include a body motion detection unit that detects body motion of a living body and outputs the body motion signal. Thereby, a user's body movement can be monitored and a sleep state can be confirmed. That is, the user's sleep state estimated from the breathing sound may be confirmed from the user's body movement. Thereby, it is reduced that the breathing sound is not collected correctly due to the influence of the noise generated by the user's body movement, and the sleep state can be more correctly determined by the breathing sound.

  Furthermore, the sleep determination device of the present invention may include a sleep state adjustment unit that adjusts the living sleep state based on the determination result from the sleep state determination unit. As a result, it is possible to arrange the user's surrounding environment so that a deep sleep state and a shallow sleep state are achieved. That is, the sleep state can be adjusted by controlling light, sound, or the like that affects the sleep environment that builds a deep sleep state or a shallow sleep state. For example, when the user's REM sleep state is determined within a certain time before the awakening set time, the sleep determination device of the present invention controls the light and sound in the sleep environment to control the user's REM sleep state. It can be continued until the awakening time. Therefore, it is easy for the user to wake up at the awakening time, and it becomes difficult to feel discomfort.

  The sleep state determination unit of the sleep determination apparatus of the present invention includes a counting unit that counts the number of breaths within a predetermined period from the respiratory sound signal output from the sound collection unit, and a change in the number of breaths within the predetermined period based on the number of breaths. It is preferable to include a calculation unit that calculates a value and a comparison unit that compares the respiratory rate change value with a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, the breathing sound signal output by the sound collecting unit can be measured by the counting means, and the number of breaths within a predetermined period can be calculated by the calculating means. Further, the calculated data can be compared with the sleep state threshold value via the comparison means to determine the sleep state. Furthermore, the depth of the sleep state (REM sleep state or non-REM sleep state) can also be determined by comparing with a predetermined threshold.

  The sleep state determination unit of the sleep determination apparatus of the present invention includes an identification unit that identifies the state of the respiratory sound as either a sleep sound or a snoring sound from the respiratory sound signal output by the sound collection unit, and the respiratory sound The living sleep state can be determined based on the state.

  In addition, the sleep determination device of the present invention detects snoring from the respiratory sound signal output by the sound collection unit, and determines the sleep state of the user by comparing the detected number of snores within a predetermined period with a threshold value. You may do it.

  Moreover, the sleep state management means which consists of a sleep state determination part and a sleep state adjustment part may be provided with the control part which controls the action | operation of household appliances. Furthermore, the sleep state adjustment unit of the sleep determination device of the present invention generates a sleep state signal as an electronic signal according to the sleep time set based on the sleep state determination result of the sleep state determination unit, and outputs the sleep state signal to the control unit You may provide a signal output means. Thereby, the surrounding environment suitable for sleep time can be arranged based on the sleep information from a sleep state determination part. In other words, home appliances used for ambient temperature and lighting can be controlled so that the sleep environment is more likely to sleep. For this reason, air conditioning, lighting, etc. are automatically adjusted to a state suitable for sleep according to sleep, and it is possible to create an environment where it is easy to sleep and contribute to energy saving. In this way, it helps to save electricity bills at home and reduce carbon dioxide in large accommodations such as hotels, making it environmentally friendly.

  Further, the sleep state management means of the bright sleep determination device is based on the determination result of the REM sleep state determined by the sleep state determination unit, and the REM sleep within a predetermined time before the living body wakes up with respect to the set wake-up time. The home appliance can be controlled by outputting a sleep state signal to the control unit so that the state continues until the awakening time. Accordingly, the user's REM sleep state can be continued until the awakening time based on the determination result of the sleep state determination unit from a certain time before the awakening set time. For this reason, it is easy for the user to wake up at the awakening time and to make it difficult to feel uncomfortable.

  According to the sleep determination device of the present invention, a sleep state that is more natural for a user is obtained by having a sound collection unit that collects a respiratory sound signal that is generated without sleep in a human body without being in direct contact with the human body. The sleep time and sleep quality can be ensured. In addition, since the sound collecting unit is not in contact with the human body, it can be easily used without being bothered by being attached to the human body.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The conceptual diagram of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention is shown in FIG. 1 (front view). FIG. 2 shows a side view.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the sleep determination device according to the present embodiment includes a biological information detection unit 1 and a sleep state management unit 2. The biological information detection unit 1 includes a sound collection unit 1A and a body motion detection unit 1B. The sound collecting unit 1 </ b> A includes a sound sensor 10. The body motion detection unit 1B includes an infrared pyroelectric sensor 110. For example, the sound sensor 10 may include a microphone 100. The microphone 100 is preferably attached to the bed 4, for example, in the vicinity of the head 51 of the user (human body) 5 in order to collect respiratory sounds with higher sensitivity. Further, the microphone 100 is formed integrally with the sleep state management means 2 so as to be more compact and convenient, and the bed board 41 of the bed 4 where the user 5 is used (in the direction toward the head of the user 5). Can be attached to. In order to selectively collect the breathing sound of the user 5, it is desirable that the microphone 100 has a direction directivity with respect to the user 5. For example, it is preferable to use a directional microphone.

  Moreover, the sleep state management means 2 is comprised from 2 A of sleep state determination parts, the sleep state adjustment part 2B, and the control part 25, as shown in FIG. The sleep state determination unit 2 </ b> A includes a counting unit 21, a calculation unit 22, a comparison unit 23, and a database 26. The sleep state adjustment unit 2 </ b> B includes a sleep state signal output unit 24. The counting means 21 counts the number of breaths and the number of body movements in a predetermined period from the breathing sound signals collected and output by the microphone 100 and the body motion signals collected and output by the infrared pyroelectric sensor 110. The predetermined period refers to a unit time stage for measuring the number of breaths or the number of body movements. For example, 30 seconds can be used as a unit of measurement time. The calculating means 22 calculates a change value of the number of breaths within a predetermined period measured by the counting means 21. A change value of the number of breaths is obtained by the calculation means 22. The comparison means 23 compares the change value of the number of breaths or the number of body movements with a predetermined threshold value, and determines the sleep state based on the predetermined threshold value. The database 26 stores information such as a respiratory sound threshold, frequency, or number of body movements, and can have a function of updating new data. The sleep state signal output means 24 outputs the result of sleep state determination to the control unit 25 as an electronic signal. In this way, the respiration and body movement information is detected by the biological information detection means 1 and is output as a breathing sound signal and a body movement signal. Then, sleep determination is performed by the sleep state management means 2. Further, the home appliance 251 (shown in FIG. 1 or 3) in the sleep environment, for example, the lighting device 251L, the air conditioner 251LA, or the like is controlled based on the sleep determination result so as to be suitable for the sleep state.

  FIG. 11 shows the sound collection unit 1A of the sleep determination device of the present invention in more detail. As shown in FIG. 11, the sound sensor 10 includes a filter unit 123 that cuts a frequency component lower than a predetermined frequency and a frequency component higher than another predetermined frequency in the audio signal input to the microphone 100, and the microphone. An amplifier unit 124 that amplifies the sound signal captured at 100, a sampling unit 125 that performs sampling at a predetermined frequency (for example, 10 kHz) to obtain a predetermined number of samples (for example, 64), and a predetermined frequency region (0 to 5000 Hz) ), Frequency analysis unit 126 that performs frequency analysis (FFT analysis), averaging unit 127 that averages data analyzed multiple times (for example, twice) by frequency analysis unit 126, and darkness before or after sleep introduction. The background noise registration unit 128 (corresponding to a memory) that registers noise and the registered background noise differ from the breathing sound. The maximum value that functions as a plurality of detection units for dividing the background noise subtraction unit 129 and the frequency information into a plurality of frequency blocks (8 frequency blocks) and detecting the maximum value of the respiratory sound signal (voltage value) for each frequency block It is divided in the frequency domain, and a sleep determination unit 41 for determining a sleep sound for each of the detection units 31 to 38 (corresponding to a frequency block) and each of the plurality of maximum value detection units 31 to 38 divided in the frequency domain. The snoring discriminating means 42 for discriminating the snoring sound for each of the plurality of maximum value detecting units 31 to 38, and the explosive sound discrimination for discriminating the explosive sound for each of the plurality of maximum value detecting units 31 to 38 divided in the frequency domain. Means 43 and a breathing sound counting unit 21 (counting means) that counts breathing sounds per unit time (including sleep sound, snoring sound, explosion sound) from frequency information.Explosive sounds are classified as one of snoring sounds, and are larger snoring sounds.

  The plurality of maximum value detection units 31 to 38 constitutes a maximum value detection unit 30. The sleep determination unit 41, the snoring determination unit 42, and the explosion sound determination unit 43 constitute an identification unit 40 that identifies the breathing sound as the sleep sound, the snoring sound, and the explosion sound. Here, the above-described background noise means noise other than the breathing sound that can be heard in the bedroom. In the present embodiment, the background noise is captured once before sleep introduction or immediately after sleep introduction, and is registered in a memory built in the non-contact type sleep information detection device 2.

  12-14 shows the analysis result of 1/3 octave 3D about a certain specific person. 12 to 14, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents time. On the axis orthogonal to both the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a voltage value indicating the sound intensity is shown as a color. FIG. 12 shows the analysis result of the sleep sound. As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of a sleep sound, generally, the output voltage value pulsates in a frequency range of 250 Hz to 4 kHz, and periodicity is recognized. In the case of a sleep sound, there are generally few pulses of 250 Hz or less. FIG. 13 shows the analysis result of the snoring sound. As shown in FIG. 13, in the case of a snoring sound, generally, a pulse-like amplitude is recognized in a region of a frequency of 63 Hz to 16 kHz, and periodicity is recognized. In the case of snoring sounds, there are many pulses of 1 kHz or less, particularly 250 Hz or less. FIG. 14 shows the analysis result of human body movement. Since a pulse of sound is generated non-rhythmically during human body movement, periodicity is not recognized so much, and body movement is discriminated against sleep sound and snoring sound.

  Table 1 shows indices for identifying sounds related to breathing as sleep sounds, snoring sounds, and explosion sounds. As shown in Table 1, for each of a plurality (eight), a sleep sound reference value (voltage value) serving as a threshold for determining a sleep sound, and a snoring sound reference value (voltage value) serving as a threshold for determining a snoring sound An explosion sound reference value (voltage value) is defined as a threshold value for explosion sound discrimination. For example, in the region of 0-625 Hz which is the first frequency block, if it is V12 (10 mV) or more, it is determined as a snoring sound, and if it is V13 (20 mV) or more, it is determined as an explosion sound. In the region of 625 Hz to −1250 Hz that is the second frequency block, if it is V22 (10 mV) or more, it is determined as a snoring sound, and if it is V23 (20 mV) or more, it is determined as an explosion sound. In the region of 1250 Hz exceeding −1875 Hz that is the third frequency block, if it is V33 (20 mV) or more, it is determined as an explosion sound. In the region of 1875 Hz to −2500 Hz, which is the fourth frequency block, if it is V43 (20 mV) or more, it is determined as an explosion sound. In the fifth frequency block of 2500 Hz to −3125 Hz, if it is V51 (15 mV) or more, it is determined as a sleep sound, if it is V52 (50 mV) or more, it is determined as a snoring sound, and if it is V53 (100 mV) or more, it is determined as an explosion sound. To do. In this region, if it is V53 (100 mV) or more, it is determined as a sleep sound, a snoring sound, and an explosion sound, respectively, but it is determined as an explosion sound that generates a louder sound.

  In addition, in the region of 3125 Hz exceeding 3125 Hz which is the sixth frequency block, if it is V61 (15 mV) or more, it is determined as a sleep sound, if it is V62 (50 mV) or more, it is determined as a snoring sound, and if it is V63 (100 mV) or more, an explosion sound. Is determined. In addition, in the region of 3750 Hz exceeding −4375 Hz which is the seventh frequency block, if it is V71 (15 mV) or more, it is determined as a sleep sound, if it is V72 (50 mV) or more, it is determined as a snoring sound, and if it is V73 (10 mV) or more, an explosion sound. Is determined. In the region of 4385 Hz exceeding −5000 Hz, which is the eighth frequency block, if it is V83 (10 mV) or more, it is determined as an explosion sound. If the sleep sound is determined, the sleep sound flag is set from 0 to 1. If it is determined as a snoring sound, the snoring sound flag is set from 0 to 1. If it is determined that there is an explosion sound, the explosion sound flag is set from 0 to 1.

  In addition, the reference values appended in parentheses such as V11, V12, V13, V12, V21, V22, and V23 in Table 1 are not limited to the above values, and can be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 15 shows a count index of the breathing sound counting unit (counting means) 21 that counts breathing sounds (including sleep sound, snoring sound, and explosion sound) per unit time. In FIG. 15, Pr (rise) indicates the rise of flags (sleep sound flag, snoring sound flag, explosive sound flag) that are set when the breathing sound is generated. Pf (fall) indicates the fall of this flag. In this embodiment, when both of the following conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied, the sound is counted as a breathing sound (including a sleep sound, a snoring sound, and an explosion sound).

When both conditions (i) and (ii) are not satisfied, it is handled as noise other than breathing sound (including sleep sound, snoring sound, explosion sound).
(I) The time from the generation of sound related to breathing to the end thereof, that is, the time TA from the rise Pr to the fall Pf is within the first set time T1 (for example, 2 seconds).
(Ii) The time from the generation time of the sound related to breathing to the generation time of the sound related to the next breath, that is, the interval time TB from the rising Pr to the next rising Pr is equal to or longer than the second set time T2 (for example, 2 seconds). One day.

  In FIG. 15, pulses P1 and P2 satisfy both of (i) and (ii) and are counted as breathing sounds. Although the pulse P3 satisfies (i) but does not satisfy (ii), the respiration rate is no count. Although the pulse P4 does not satisfy (ii) with respect to the no-count pulse P3, but satisfies the condition (ii) with respect to the counted pulse P2, as a result, as a result of (i) (ii) Both will be satisfied and counted as breathing rate. Although the pulse P5 satisfies the condition (ii) with respect to the pulse P4 to be counted, the pulse P5 does not satisfy the condition (i).

  When both of the above conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied, it is determined as a person's breathing sound (including sleep sound, snoring sound, explosion sound), counted as a breathing sound, and other than that The sound is determined not to be a breathing sound and is not counted. As a result, breathing sounds (including sleep sound, snoring sound, and explosion sound) per predetermined time are counted. In this index, sleep sound, snore sound and explosion sound are counted together. However, since the sleep sound, snore sound and explosion sound are identified by the index shown in Table 1, if the time is matched, the sleep sound, snore sound Sounds and explosion sounds can be counted.

  Next, the operation of the sleep determination device of this embodiment will be described using an operation flow and a control (operation) flow. FIG. 4 shows an operation flow. In the operation flow shown in FIG. 4, the biological information detecting means 1 is composed of only the sound collecting unit 1A. As shown in FIG. 4, the sleep determination device starts operating after the user has landed. S10 indicates that the user is in the landing state. S20 indicates that the landing state S10 is recognized and the landing determination is made. Furthermore, S30 which CPU of a sleep determination apparatus starts by landing determination S20. And ambient light determination S41 is performed and the illumination degree of the ambient illumination at the time of landing is determined. At the same time, breathing sound measurement S42 starts. Also, past data browsing S43, date and time establishment S44, alarm setting S45 or background noise detection S46 is performed. The background noise detection S46 detects a noise background in the environment where the user is present (in the room), and can be distinguished from the breathing sound by a difference with the frequency of the breathing sound or the sound intensity. In addition, when the respiratory sound measurement S42 reaches the predetermined threshold, the sleep determination S50 is activated. At that time, the room lighting 251L is controlled to the OFF state S51, and at the same time, the air conditioning 251A is switched to the sleep mode S52. In S60, respiratory information is continuously detected during the user's sleep. When a set wake-up or a predetermined sleep time S70 (generally 8 hours) has elapsed, an alarm (not shown) is activated to wake the user. At the same time, the data update S80 is performed, and the CPU again enters the sleep state S90.

  FIG. 5 shows a control (operation) flow. In the control (operation) flow shown in FIG. 5, the biological information detection means 1 is composed only of the sound collection unit 1A. As shown in FIG. 5, when the user lands, the sleep determination device starts (START). The landing state is recognized, and the user can make each setting by the key operation T12 together with the landing determination T11. When the landing determination T11 is YES, the CPU start T20 is performed. Then, ambient light is detected and T30 and ambient light determination T31 are performed. When the ambient illumination is dark, the backlight of the operation panel (not shown) is automatically turned on T32 and can be held for 10 seconds. Then, breathing sound measurement T40 starts, and browsing of past data, date and time setting, alarm setting and the like are performed. When the sleep determination T60 determines that the patient is in the sleep state, the ambient light determination T61 causes the illumination 251L to be in the OFF state T62, and the air conditioner 251A to be in the sleep mode T63. Sleep respiratory information detection T70 is continuously performed. When the set alarm T71 is activated, a buzzer sound T73 sounds, or when 8 hours elapse T72, the buzzer T73 starts sounding. At this time, the data is automatically updated ((T80) and displayed on the display (T81). When the user wakes up, the CPU enters the sleep state (T90).

  Next, the sleep determination mechanism of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows a sleep determination process. In the sleep determination mechanism shown in FIG. 6, the biological information detection unit 1 includes only the sound collection unit 1A. As shown in FIG. 6, when breathing sound detection is started, the sensor input (microphone 100) is activated (P10). The frequency analysis P20 of the respiratory sound signal is performed, and sleep is extracted from the background noise (P30). The frequency of sleep is sampled (P31), and an averaging process P32 is performed. Then, it is determined whether the number of sleeps is in a decreasing tendency P33. In the case of NO, the frequency analysis P20 is performed again and the number of sleeps is measured. In the case of YES, the sleep reduction time P51 and the sleep reduction number P52 are counted. The decrease time count P51 is activated, and the sleep decrease time is compared with a threshold (P61). The sleep determination condition I is satisfied when the number of sleep reductions coincides with the threshold value or when it is greater than the threshold value. When the sleep number decrease time is smaller than the threshold value, frequency analysis P20 is performed again and sleep is measured. Further, the sleep decrease count P52 is activated, and the sleep decrease count is compared with a threshold (P62). The sleep determination condition II is satisfied when the number of sleep reductions is equal to the threshold or greater than the threshold. When the number of decrease in sleep is smaller than the threshold, frequency analysis P20 is performed again and sleep is measured. As described above, when the sleep determination condition I and the condition II are satisfied at the same time (P70), the sleep state is determined (P80). On the other hand, when snoring extraction P30 is performed, snoring extraction P41 is performed when snoring is detected. Then, the snoring count is compared with the threshold value by the snoring sampling P42 (P43). The sleep determination condition III is satisfied when the number of snoring matches the threshold or is larger than the threshold. When the number of snores is smaller than the threshold value, frequency analysis P20 is performed again and sleep is measured. Thus, when snoring is detected, the sleep state is determined by comparing the number of snores with the threshold (P80).

  In addition, the sleep criterion (threshold value) can be set based on specific experimental results. Table 2 shows the actual sleep state of the experiment target (user) A group as data. Table 3 shows data obtained from the actual sleep state of the experimental subject B group. The experiment subject A group shown in Table 2 consists of experiment subjects with good sleep, and is a group that reads 20 minutes after the start of the experiment and lands. As shown in Table 2, the number of breaths after implantation is changing with time. It can be seen that the average continuous 9 minute unit breathing rate changes with time. The average continuous 9-minute unit respiration rate represents the average number of respirations per minute within 9 minutes, with 9 minutes as one time unit. As can be seen from the difference in the data before and after the average 9-minute unit respiration rate in the flow of time shown in Table 2, the difference in respiration rate continuously decreases by the average 9-minute unit from 32 to 37 minutes The maximum decrease (number of times) when the continuous breathing rate decreases (while decreasing continuously five times before and after, such as -0.56, -0.44, -0.11, -0.11, -0.33) Was found to reach 1.56 times. Since this experimental result coincides with the change in respiratory rate when entering the sleep state shown in FIG. 7, the sleep state (sleeping) can be determined. In other words, the average respiration rate tends to decrease 5 times (5 minutes) or more in units of 9 minutes (Condition I), and the amount of decrease in respiration rate is 1.5 times or more (Condition II) ) Can be used as a criterion for determining the sleep state (sleeping).

  In addition, the experiment object B group shown in Table 3 is composed of experiment objects with good sleep. As can be seen from the difference in data before and after the average 9-minute unit respiration rate in the flow of time shown in Table 3, the difference in respiration rate continuously decreases every 10 minutes from 10 to 15 minutes. However, the maximum reduction amount (number of times) at the time of continuous breathing reduction is as follows (while decreasing continuously five times before and after, such as -0.11, -0.44, -0.56, -0.56, -0.44) 2. It was found to reach 11 times. Furthermore, it was found that the number of snores reached 6 times. Since this experimental result also coincides with the change in respiratory rate when entering the sleep state shown in FIG. 7, the sleep state (sleeping) can be determined. Further, the sleep state (sleeping) is determined when the number of snoring reaches 6 times per minute from the experimental result. Thus, satisfying the conditions I and II at the same time, or detecting snoring six times or more per minute can be used as a criterion for the sleep state determination (condition III).

  Furthermore, in order to evaluate the accuracy of the present embodiment, the time of sleep determination by the apparatus according to the present embodiment and the time of each experiment subject were determined for the six experimental subjects in total including the experiment target group A, B group, and C group. The time difference between the two was compared with the sleep consciousness time. As shown in Table 4, the time determined by the apparatus of this embodiment is slightly behind the awareness time of each experiment subject, so that the apparatus of this embodiment surely sleeps the user. And was found to have stable accuracy.

  As described above, when the conditions I and II are satisfied at the same time, or when the condition III is satisfied, or when the conditions I, II, and III are satisfied at the same time, the sleep state (sleeping) may be determined. I understand.

  The conditions I, II, and III are average data for a plurality of experimental subjects, but the conditions I, II, and III for determining the threshold are not limited to this. That is, the threshold value relating to the sleep determination device of the present embodiment can be set freely.

  When the biological information detection means 1 is composed of only the sound collection unit 1A, it may recognize noise generated by body movement as snoring and also affect the measurement of background noise. For this reason, the biological information detection means 1 is provided with the sound collection unit 1A and the body movement detection unit 1B can be incorporated.

  The operation flow shown in FIG. 8 is a case where the body motion detector 1B is attached. That is, the biological information detection means 1 includes a sound collection unit 1A and a body movement detection unit 1B. As shown in FIG. 8, when the user is landing, the landing state is detected by the body movement detection unit 1 </ b> B configured by the infrared pyroelectric sensor 110, and the sleep determination device enters START (start state) (Q <b> 1). ). Then, the microphone 100 collects sound information (Q2). FFT analysis of the sound signal output from the microphone 100 is performed (Q3). Then, the body motion detection unit 1B detects the presence or absence of the user's body motion, and excludes the sound caused by the body motion from the sound information (Q4). That is, when body motion occurs, the process returns to the stage Q2 for collecting sound. If no body movement is detected, the sleep entering determination step is entered (Q5). The process is repeated until the sound collection stage Q2 until the sleep detection condition is satisfied. FIG. 9 shows a control flow in the case of FIG. FIG. 9 is mainly in the same order as the control (operation) flow shown in FIG. 5, and the following description will be made on different parts (from background noise detection T51 to sleep determination T60 in FIG. 5). Background noise detection starts (R1). Then, body motion detection is performed (R2). Here, when body movement is detected, sound collection waits for 5 seconds, and background noise detection is performed again after explosive sound due to body movement is settled. If no body movement is detected, the background noise detection continues up to 5 times and the average value is calculated (R3). The confirmed background noise is recorded (R4). Next, respiratory sound detection is performed (R5). Then, body motion detection is performed (R6). Here, when body movement is detected, breathing sound collection is waited for 3 seconds, and after the explosion sound due to body movement is settled, the breathing sound detection is performed again. If no body movement is detected, the breathing sound detection is repeated until the sleep onset determination condition is satisfied (R7).

  As described above, the provision of the body motion detection unit 1B improves the problem that the microphone 100 cannot correctly detect sound when an explosion sound is generated by body motion. That is, when body movement occurs, sound information collected by the microphone 100 is excluded, and malfunction of the microphone 100 due to body movement can be prevented.

  Moreover, the electroencephalogram stage during sleep is one important criterion for determining the sleep state. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the change in the respiration rate or the number of body movements within the unit time almost coincides with the change in the EEG stage. Therefore, the depth of the sleep state can be determined from the change in the respiratory rate within the unit time and the number of body movements. That is, the depth of the sleep state can be determined by configuring the biological information detection unit 1 with the sound collection unit 1A and the body motion detection unit 1B. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the sleep state is adjusted based on the result of the sleep state determination. Note that FIG. 10 is mainly in the same order as the control (operation) flow shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the user lands and sleep determination is START (U1). The respiratory rate is counted by the microphone 100, and the number of body movements is counted by the infrared pyroelectric sensor 110 (U2). The counted respiration rate within the unit time is compared with a predetermined reference value X, and the number of body movements within the counted unit time is compared with a predetermined reference value Y (U3). The predetermined reference values X and Y can be set according to user conditions. When the respiratory rate and the number of body movements within the unit time exceed the predetermined reference values X and Y at the same time, it is determined that the sleep state is shallow (REM sleep) (U4). In addition, when the number of breaths and the number of body movements within the unit time are below the predetermined reference values X and Y, the number of breaths and the number of body movements are continuously counted. When it is determined to be REM sleep, the sleep time is compared with the awake setting time, and it is determined whether it is within a predetermined time (within a predetermined time) of the awake setting time (U5). The predetermined time can be set according to the user. For example, it can be set as 30 minutes. If it is not within the predetermined time, the sleep state determination is continued. If it is within the predetermined time, the sleep state signal output means 24 constituting the sleep state adjustment unit 2B outputs a sleep state signal to the control unit 25, and the home appliance 251 is controlled. By controlling things that affect the sleep environment such as the home appliance 251 and the window (not shown) (U6), the user can continue the REM sleep state. For example, the light intensity of the bedroom lighting is controlled gradually and brightly, or the window is automatically opened to blow natural wind into the bedroom. Give awakening stimuli. In this way, the user can reach the awakening time while remaining in the REM sleep state. That is, the user can wake up from the REM sleep state and can wake up comfortably and naturally. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the control part 25 may be connected to the terminal device 252 installed in the nurse station, for example, and the sleep state when the user is a patient may be recognized and displayed. In this case, if the nurse who recognizes the sleep state of the user displayed on the display of the terminal device 252 senses an abnormality, the nurse can go to the user and take appropriate processing. The terminal device 252 constitutes a recognition means of the present invention.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 25 is connected to the terminal device 253 installed in an external medical institution via the Internet 90 to recognize the user's sleep state displayed on the display of the terminal device 253. The doctor who made it may be able to give appropriate advice. The terminal device 253 constitutes a recognition means of the present invention.

It is a front conceptual diagram of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a side surface conceptual diagram of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control (operation) flow of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the sleep determination process of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conditions used for general sleep determination. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the body movement determination of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control flow of the body movement determination of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control flow of REM sleep state determination of the sleep determination apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the sound collection part in the sleep determination apparatus of this invention in detail. It is a wave form diagram which shows the frequency area | region of a sleep sound. It is a wave form diagram which shows the frequency area | region of the snoring sound. It is a wave form diagram which shows the frequency area | region of a body motion. It is a wave form diagram which shows the count parameter | index of a counting means. It is a block diagram of the 1st modification of a structure of the sleep determination apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the 2nd modification of a structure of the sleep determination apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1: Biological information detection means 2: Sleep management means 1A: Sound collection part 1B: Body motion detection part 2A: Sleep state determination part 2B: Sleep state adjustment part 10: Sound sensor 100: (Directivity) microphone 110: Infrared pyroelectricity Sensor 21: Counting means (respiratory sound counting unit) 22: Calculation means
23: Comparison means 24: Sleep state signal output means 25: Control unit 26: Database
251: Household appliances 251L: Lighting equipment 251A: Air conditioning equipment 252, 253: Terminal device 90: Internet 4: Bed 41: Bed board C11, C12: Connection cable 5: User 51: Human head

Claims (8)

A biological information detection means having a sound collection unit that collects a respiratory sound generated along with a biological respiratory motion and outputs the respiratory sound as a respiratory sound signal;
A sleep determination apparatus comprising: a sleep state determination unit that determines a living sleep state based on the respiratory sound signal output from the sound collection unit of the biological information detection unit.   The sleep state determination unit is a counting unit that counts the number of breaths in a predetermined period from the breathing sound signal output from the sound collection unit, and a calculation unit that calculates a change in the number of breaths in a predetermined period based on the number of breaths The sleep determination apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a comparison unit that compares the respiratory frequency change value with a predetermined threshold value, and determines a living sleep state based on a comparison result of the comparison unit.   The sleep state determination unit includes an identification unit that identifies the state of the respiratory sound as either a sleep sound or a snoring sound from the respiratory sound signal output from the sound collection unit, and based on the state of the respiratory sound The sleep determination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sleep determination apparatus determines a living sleep state.   The sleep determination apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a sleep state adjustment unit that adjusts living body sleep information based on a determination result from the sleep state determination unit. A biological information detection means having a sound collection unit that collects a respiratory sound generated along with a biological respiratory motion and outputs the respiratory sound as a respiratory sound signal;
A sleep state determination unit that determines a living sleep state based on the respiratory sound signal output from the sound collection unit of the biological information detection unit;
A sleep determination apparatus comprising: a recognition unit that is electrically connected to the sleep state determination unit and recognizes and displays the living sleep state.   The sleep state determination unit is a counting unit that counts the number of breaths in a predetermined period from the breathing sound signal output from the sound collection unit, and a calculation unit that calculates a change in the number of breaths in a predetermined period based on the number of breaths The sleep determination apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a comparison unit that compares the respiratory frequency change value with a predetermined threshold value, and determines a living sleep state based on a comparison result of the comparison unit.   The sleep state determination unit includes an identification unit that identifies the state of the respiratory sound as either a sleep sound or a snoring sound from the respiratory sound signal output from the sound collection unit, and based on the state of the respiratory sound The sleep determination apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sleep determination apparatus determines a living sleep state.   The sleep determination apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a sleep state adjustment unit that adjusts living body sleep information based on a determination result from the sleep state determination unit.

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