The present technology relates to information processing apparatus and method, and a program that make a stress level controllable depending on circumstances. A stress level measuring unit measures a stress level of a user on the basis of a result of detection by various types of sensors included in an input unit. A stress factor specifying unit specifies a factor causing an increase or decrease in the stress level on the basis of an action of the user in a period in which the stress level is increased or decreased. The present technology is applicable to a stress control system, for example.

The present technology relates to information processing apparatus and method, and a program that make a stress level controllable depending on circumstances. A stress level measuring unit measures a stress level of a user on the basis of a result of detection by various types of sensors included in an input unit. A stress factor specifying unit specifies a factor causing an increase or decrease in the stress level on the basis of an action of the user in a period in which the stress level is increased or decreased. The present technology is applicable to a stress control system, for example.

A method and apparatus comprising to utilize local data to improve sleep is described. The method includes identifying local data relevant to a user's sleep quality, evaluating a user's sleep environment and sleep settings, and changing the user's sleep environment and/or sleep settings based on the local data.

Timepiece striking mechanism including control means, releasable by a timepiece movement or by a user, and arranged to start a melody or striking sound, and melody selection means including a lever for selecting a selector mechanism arranged to allow the movement of a specific control-piece in order to perform a specific melody or striking sound, this striking mechanism including a safety mechanism for preventing the selection or the actuation of a melody or striking sound when a melody or striking sound is already being performed, this safety mechanism includes, for each control piece, a cam arranged to prevent the operation of the melody selection means by immobilizing the lever, when its control piece has started to perform a melody or striking sound.