Method of and device for snore detection

Abstract

The present invention provides a snore detection device comprising a pressure sensor for detecting vibration generated by the human body with respiration, a sound sensor for detecting sound generated by the human body with respiration, and a judging circuit for judging the occurrence of snoring based on output signals of the two sensors. The judging circuit detects a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the pressure sensor and a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the sound sensor, to judge whether snoring occurs based on the peak occurrence times, respectively, of vibration and sound.

1 - 5 . (canceled)  
     
     
         6 . A snore detection device comprising a pillow for supporting a head of the human body, a pressure sensor for detecting vibration generated by the human body with respiration, a sound sensor for detecting sound generated by the human body with respiration, and a judging circuit for judging whether snoring occurs based on output signals of the two sensors, the sound sensor being installed on a surface of or inside the pillow, between a mat contact surface on which the pillow is in contact with a mat surface to be provided with the pillow thereon and a head contact surface on which the pillow is in contact with the head, and approximately beneath the head or a cervix of the human body.  
     
     
         7 . A snore detection device according to  claim 6  wherein the judging circuit includes peak detection means for detecting a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the pressure sensor and a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the sound sensor, and judging means for judging whether snoring occurs based on the peak occurrence times, respectively, of vibration and sound detected by the peak detection means.  
     
     
         8 . A snore detection device comprising a mat on which the human body is placed, a pressure sensor for detecting vibration generated by the human body with respiration, a sound sensor for detecting sound generated by the human body with respiration, and a judging circuit for judging whether snoring occurs based on output signals of the two sensors, the sound sensor being installed on a surface of or inside the mat, and approximately beneath a head or a cervix of the human body.  
     
     
         9 . A snore detection device according to  claim 8  wherein the judging circuit includes peak detection means for detecting a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the pressure sensor and a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the sound sensor, and judging means for judging whether snoring occurs based on the peak occurrence times, respectively, of vibration and sound detected by the peak detection means.