Information provision system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025028509
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-07
AI Technical Summary
【0039】 一つの側面によれば、管理者が集合住宅内の各住宅の設備の使用状態を確認できる。
Smart Images

Figure 2026141826000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system. [Background Art]
[0002] For example, in an apartment complex managed by an administrator, such as a senior housing with services (hereinafter simply referred to as "service-based senior housing"), it is premised that residents receiving services can live a relatively independent life, and an administrator stationed at the service-based senior housing provides residents with various services such as safety confirmation and life consultation.
[0003] Accordingly, in order to respond to safety confirmation and life consultation, a plurality of human detection sensors are installed in the service-based senior housing, and the administrator can check the current status of residents by confirming the detection results of the human detection sensors.
[0004] On the other hand, water-related equipment such as toilets, washstands, bathrooms, and kitchens in a residence are often used at approximately the same time every day in people's daily lives. Therefore, enabling an administrator to check the usage status of these facilities is considered to be useful for safety confirmation of residents in the residence and responding to life consultation. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 042787 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]
[0006] Conventional information provision systems, for example, generate viewing data for administrators who manage multiple toilet users based on toilet waste data, and output it to the administrator's terminal. As a result, administrators can check the waste data of each toilet user within the scope of their viewing privileges, allowing them to understand the health status of users in facilities such as nursing homes and medical institutions.
[0007] However, conventional information provision systems do not allow administrators to check the usage status of equipment in each apartment within a multi-unit building. Therefore, there is a need for a system that allows administrators to check the usage status of equipment in each apartment.
[0008] One aspect of this system is to provide information systems that allow administrators to check the usage status of equipment in each unit within a multi-unit residential building. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] In one embodiment of the information provision system, the system is located in a multi-unit housing complex that includes multiple residences equipped with toilets, washbasins, kitchens, and bathrooms, and is managed by an administrator who provides a safety confirmation service for residents of each residence. The information provision system comprises an acquisition means, a storage means, and a display control means. The acquisition means acquires the detection result of a detection means provided in at least one of the multiple facilities, such as toilets, washbasins, kitchens, and bathrooms, installed in any residence within the multi-unit housing complex, as well as facility identification information that identifies the facility and detection date and time information of the detection means. The storage means stores the detection result acquired by the acquisition means, linking it with the facility identification information, detection date and time information, and residence identification information that identifies the residence. The display control means controls the display of estimated information estimated based on the detection results stored in the storage means, in a manner that is divided according to the residence identification information.
[0010] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the estimated information is displayed in a manner that is categorized by housing identification information. As a result, for example, the manager of a service-assisted senior housing complex can check the estimated information for each unit, which is estimated from the detection results of the plumbing equipment detection means in each unit. In addition, the manager can check the usage status of the equipment and living conditions of each unit in the apartment complex by looking at the estimated information categorized by housing identification information.
[0011] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the acquisition means acquires the detection result of the detection means, the equipment identification information, and the detection date and time information via a predetermined communication means.
[0012] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the detection result of the detection means, the equipment identification information, and the detection date and time information are acquired via a predetermined communication means. As a result, the detection result, the equipment identification information, and the detection date and time information can be acquired via the predetermined communication means.
[0013] An information provision system according to one embodiment includes a state estimation means for estimating the usage status of equipment based on estimated information estimated based on the detection results of equipment in an arbitrary residence. The storage means stores the usage status of the equipment estimated by the state estimation means in association with the residence identification information, and the display control means controls the display of the resident's status in a manner divided according to the residence identification information.
[0014] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the usage status of the residents is displayed in a manner that is divided according to the housing identification information. As a result, the usage status of water facilities can be displayed for each household, making it easier for the administrator to estimate the living conditions of each resident in each household. Furthermore, the administrator can check the usage status of residents in each household within the apartment building by looking at the estimated information divided according to the housing identification information.
[0015] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the acquisition means acquires personal authentication information that identifies the user of the equipment along with the estimated information, and the storage means stores the estimated information linked to the personal authentication information. The display control means controls the display of the estimated information in a manner that is divided according to the personal authentication information.
[0016] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the estimated information is displayed in a manner that is divided according to the personal authentication information. As a result, the administrator can check the usage status of the equipment for each resident in the apartment building by looking at the estimated information divided according to the personal authentication information, so that even if multiple people live in the same building, the estimated information for each resident can be checked.
[0017] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the storage means stores residential identification information and equipment identification information relating to equipment installed in the residential building in a linked manner, and the equipment identification information stored in the storage means can be replaced or newly added.
[0018] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the equipment identification information stored in the storage means can be updated in accordance with the replacement or installation of equipment in the house. As a result, for example, it can respond even when equipment in the house is replaced, and continuous data acquisition is possible even when plumbing equipment is replaced.
[0019] An information provision system according to one embodiment further comprises a determination means, a usage state estimation means, and a change state estimation means. The determination means determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the resident based on the output of a sensor installed in the dwelling. The usage state estimation means estimates the usage state of the equipment by the resident based on the estimation information. The change state estimation means estimates the changes in the usage state of the equipment by the resident over a predetermined period. The storage means stores the estimation results from the change state estimation means, and the display control means controls the display of the determination results from the determination means and the estimation results from the change state estimation means.
[0020] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the system displays the determination results from the determination means and the estimation results from the change status estimation means, allowing the administrator to recognize short-term or long-term alerts. As a result, the administrator can see the short-term alerts to recognize abnormalities in residents in the short term and quickly check on the residents' safety. Furthermore, the administrator can see the long-term alerts to recognize changes in residents in the long term, such as those that gradually change with aging, and use this information as a reference, for example, when providing advice on the residents' lives. For example, it is possible to issue both short-term alerts, such as abnormality detection due to fall detection by a motion sensor installed in the living room, and long-term alerts, such as changes in the usage status of equipment that gradually change with aging, thus enabling preparation for providing advice on the residents' lives.
[0021] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the system further includes a care level information estimation means that estimates care level information related to the care level of a resident based on the estimation results of a change status estimation means, and a display control means controls the system to display the status of changes in the care level information.
[0022] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, care level information related to the resident's level of care needs is estimated based on changes in the resident's usage, and the status of changes in care level information is displayed. As a result, the information provision system can estimate the resident's care level information as an indicator different from the level of care needed. Furthermore, administrators can see the status of changes in care level information, grasp changes in the resident's care level, and use this information to provide consultation on life support to the resident. For example, since changes in care level are displayed based on the degree of change in the usage status of equipment, this can be used to propose life support.
[0023] In an information providing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the system comprises display mode changing means for changing a display mode of the determination result obtained by said determination means and the estimation result obtained by said change status estimation means for a resident in accordance with current care level information of said resident. Said display control means performs control to display the determination result obtained by said determination means and the estimation result obtained by said change status estimation means in the display mode changed by said display mode changing means.
[0024] According to the information providing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the determination result obtained by said determination means and the estimation result obtained by said change status estimation means are displayed in the display mode changed by said display mode changing means. As a result, since the display mode of the fluctuation status of care level information is changed according to the resident's care level information, an administrator can easily check the status of the resident. For example, since the display mode is changed according to a change in the status of the resident's care level, the administrator can easily check necessary information.
[0025] In the information providing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the system further comprises external acquisition means for externally acquiring the determination result obtained by said determination means and the estimation result obtained by said change status estimation means for residents of other multiple-dwelling complexes. Said display control means displays various information related to residents of said multiple-dwelling complex managed by said administrator in a mode that allows comparison with various information related to residents of said other multiple-dwelling complexes.
[0026] According to the information providing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, various information related to residents of a multiple-dwelling complex managed by an administrator is displayed in a mode that allows comparison with various information related to residents of other multiple-dwelling complexes. As a result, the administrator can perform data comparison with other multiple-dwelling complexes, which leads to improvement of services that reflect the comparison results. For example, since data comparison with other service-oriented housing for the elderly can be performed, this may lead to service improvement.
[0027] In the information providing system according to an aspect of the embodiment, the facility is a toilet, and the means is any one of entry detection means, seating detection means, excretion detection means, and toilet flushing identification means. The entry detection means detects entry into the toilet. The seating detection means detects seating on the toilet seat. The excretion detection means detects the excretion status in the toilet. The toilet flushing identification means identifies the type of toilet flushing operated by the resident. The state estimation means estimates the usage state of the toilet by the resident based on estimation information estimated from the detection result of any of the detection means.
[0028] According to the information providing system according to an aspect of the embodiment, the usage state of the toilet by the resident is estimated based on estimation information estimated from the detection result of the detection means installed in the toilet. As a result, the information providing system can estimate the resident's usage state of the toilet. In addition, since the detection means provided in the toilet is used, it is easy to estimate the resident's usage state of the toilet.
[0029] In the information providing system according to an aspect of the embodiment, the state estimation means estimates the usage state of the toilet by the resident based on estimation information estimated by combining detection results from a plurality of detection means among any of the detection means.
[0030] According to the information providing system according to an aspect of the embodiment, among the detection means installed in the toilet, for example, the usage state of the toilet by the resident is estimated based on detection results from at least two types of detection means. Since the information providing system uses a plurality of detection means in the toilet as described above, it becomes easy to estimate the behavior of the resident within the toilet. In the information providing system, it goes without saying that the usage state of the toilet by the resident can be estimated with high accuracy by using a plurality of detection results related to the toilet, and furthermore, the living state of the resident in daily life related to the toilet can also be estimated with high accuracy.
[0031] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the state estimation means estimates the usage status of the resident's toilet based on estimated information obtained by combining the detection results of one or more of the detection means and the detection results of a sensor not installed in the toilet.
[0032] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the usage status of a resident's toilet is estimated based on the detection results of at least one type of detection means installed in the toilet and the detection results of detection means not installed in the toilet. As a result, the information provision system can estimate not only the usage status of the toilet with high accuracy by using the detection results of detection means not installed in the toilet, but also the living conditions of the resident in the toilet with high accuracy. Therefore, the information provision system can more easily estimate behavior within the toilet at a higher level.
[0033] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the plurality of detection means include the excretion detection means and the toilet flushing identification means, and the acquisition means acquires the type of excretion by the resident estimated based on the detection result of the excretion detection means. The state estimation means estimates the appropriateness of the toilet flushing performed by the resident as the toilet usage state of the resident, based on the estimated information estimated based on the type of excretion and the detection result of the toilet flushing identification means.
[0034] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the system includes means for detecting toilet excretion and means for identifying toilet flushing, and based on the acquired estimated information on the type of excretion and the type of toilet flushing, it estimates the appropriateness of the toilet flushing performed by the resident as a reflection of the resident's living condition in the toilet. As a result, the information provision system can estimate instances such as the resident forgetting to flush after excretion or performing a toilet flush that is inappropriate for the type of excretion. In this way, the information provision system can grasp instances such as forgetting to flush after excretion or performing a toilet flush that is inappropriate for the type of excretion, thus enabling preparation for lifestyle consultations.
[0035] An information provision system according to one embodiment includes a means for obtaining disclosure permission information to obtain disclosure permission from the resident in connection with the external provision of the estimated information stored in the storage means, and provides the estimated information to the external party when disclosure permission is obtained.
[0036] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, when permission is granted to provide estimated information to an external party, the estimated information stored in the storage means is provided to an external party such as a hospital. As a result, the information provision system can provide estimated information to an external party such as a hospital or other facility as needed. Therefore, data can be easily provided to a hospital or other facility as needed.
[0037] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the display control means changes the display mode according to the status of changes in the usage state of the equipment estimated by the change status estimation means.
[0038] According to an information provision system relating to one embodiment, the display mode for showing the changes in the usage status of the equipment is changed according to the changes in the resident's usage status estimated by the change status estimation means. In this way, the information provision system changes the display mode according to changes in the usage status of the equipment. Administrators can easily check the necessary information and recognize the living status of residents at a glance by looking at the changes in the display mode for changes in the usage status. Moreover, because the display mode is changed according to changes in the usage status of the equipment, it becomes easier to check the necessary information. [Effects of the Invention]
[0039] From one perspective, this allows the administrator to check the usage status of the facilities in each unit within the apartment building. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0040] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the information provision system in Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of facilities in a residential unit within an apartment building. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example server. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection database. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the estimated database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an administrator terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a management server. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a housing database. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection results database. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an estimated information database. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the service item database. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the interview item database. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the process from detecting toilet information to estimating its usage status. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the process from detecting a sink to estimating its usage status. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the process from detecting kitchen data to estimating its usage status. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the process from detecting information in the bathroom to estimating the usage status. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the process of estimating the level of care required based on changes in the usage status of each piece of equipment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of actions used to estimate the living conditions of a resident using the toilet. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first resident status screen. [Figure 20]Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the usage rhythm of each piece of equipment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the process of checking the safety of resident A based on the usage status of the toilet and washbasin. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how the system accurately estimates the living conditions of residents while they are out, based on the usage rhythm of each piece of equipment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a short-term alert screen. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a long-term alert screen. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an equipment usage screen. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the process of estimating the time of visit based on the usage rhythm of each piece of equipment within a predetermined period. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a resident details screen. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the second resident tile screen. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the second resident status screen. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a block diagram showing an example of a server involved in the information provision system of Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0041] The embodiments of the information provision system, etc., will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of technologies not explicitly shown in the embodiments. In other words, these embodiments can be implemented with various modifications without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, each figure is not intended to represent only the components shown in the figure, but may include other functions, etc. [Examples]
[0042] <Configuration of Information Provision System 1> Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the information provision system 1 in Example 1. The information provision system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system that provides the manager who manages the assisted living facility with information on the usage status of the facilities 10 and the living conditions of the residents. Assisted living facilities are senior housing facilities where elderly people who are highly independent and not yet in need of care reside, and the manager who manages the facility provides support for all aspects of daily life, including handling minor daily problems, responding to emergencies such as health deterioration or falls, and contacting family members.
[0043] The information provision system 1 comprises a multi-unit housing complex 2 having multiple residences 3 and an administrator terminal 4, a server 5, a management server 6, an external terminal 7, and a communication network 8. The multi-unit housing complex 2 is a senior housing complex with assisted living services. Each residence 3 is equipped with at least multiple facilities 10, such as a toilet 11, a washbasin 12, a kitchen 13, and a bathroom 14, and is designed for elderly people to live independently. In addition, each residence 3 has external sensors 15, which are various sensors installed in addition to the toilet 11, washbasin 12, kitchen 13, and bathroom 14. The external sensors 15 are, for example, motion sensors, bed sensors, and fall detection sensors. The administrator terminal 4 is a terminal device used by an administrator who provides various services to residents in each residence 3 within the multi-unit housing complex 2. The administrator is an administrator who manages the senior housing complex 2, for example, an administrator stationed within the multi-unit housing complex 2.
[0044] Server 5 is a server on the equipment provider's side, for example, that provides equipment 10. It collects the detection results from each detection unit installed in the equipment 10 of each house 3 and generates estimated information related to each resident in the house 3, as described later, based on the collected detection results. The detection unit is a detection means.
[0045] The management server 6 manages the entire apartment building 2 and, based on estimated information and detection results obtained from server 5, estimates the usage status and changes in the equipment 10 of the residents in apartment 3, and provides these estimation results to the administrator's administrator terminal 4. This server is located on the apartment building 2 side.
[0046] External terminal 7 is an external terminal device used by external facilities of the apartment complex 2, such as a hospital or city hall. Communication network 8 is a communication network that connects the apartments 3, administrator terminal 4, server 5, management server 6, and external terminal 7 within the apartment complex 2.
[0047] <Configuration of Equipment 10> Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the facilities 10 in a dwelling 3 within a multi-unit dwelling 2. Dwelling 3 shown in Figure 2 has multiple facilities 10, such as a toilet 11, a washbasin 12, a kitchen 13, and a bathroom 14. The toilet 11 has a motion sensor 11A, a seating sensor 11B, an excretion status sensor 11C, large / small buttons 11D, a flush operation button 11E, a door sensor 11F, a personal identification sensor 11G, etc. The motion sensor 11A is a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a person in the toilet 11. The seating sensor 11B is a detection unit that detects whether a person is seated on the toilet seat by indicating seating ON / OFF. The seating sensor 11B is a seating detection unit that detects when a person is seated on or off the toilet seat of the toilet 11.
[0048] The excretion status sensor 11C is a detection unit that detects the state of a person's excretion in the toilet bowl. The large / small buttons 11D are detection units that detect the operation of the buttons for flushing feces or urine. The flush operation button 11E is a detection unit that detects the operation of flushing the toilet seat. The large / small buttons 11D or the flush operation button 11E can detect the type of toilet flush operated by the resident. Furthermore, the large / small buttons 11D or the flush operation button 11E are toilet flush identification means that identify the type of toilet flush operated by the resident, the type of excretion, etc. The door sensor 11F is a detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door inside the toilet 11, for example, entering or leaving the toilet 11. The personal identification sensor 11G is a detection unit that identifies or specifies the user of the equipment, who is an individual resident, inside the toilet 11 by communicating with a card carried by a resident inside the house 3, for example. The detection result is personal authentication information as personal identification information.
[0049] The washbasin 12 includes a motion sensor 12A, a water flow sensor 12B, a lighting sensor 12C, an outlet sensor 12D, a door sensor 12E, and a personal identification sensor 12F, etc. The motion sensor 12A is a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a person in front of the washbasin 12. The water flow sensor 12B is a detection unit that detects the water flow from the faucet of the washbasin 12. The lighting sensor 12C is a detection unit that detects whether the lighting of the washbasin 12 is ON or OFF. The outlet sensor 12D is a detection unit that detects whether the outlet of the washbasin 12 is in use by turning the electricity ON or OFF. The door sensor 12E is a detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door to the bathroom where the washbasin 12 is located. The personal identification sensor 12F is a detection unit that identifies individual residents in the bathroom by communicating with a card carried by a resident in the house 3, for example.
[0050] Kitchen 13 includes a water flow sensor 13A, a stove sensor 13B, a lighting sensor 13C, a ventilation fan sensor 13D, and a personal identification sensor 13E, etc. The water flow sensor 13A is a detection unit that detects the water flow from the faucet in kitchen 13. The stove sensor 13B is a detection unit that detects the usage status of the stove in kitchen 13. The lighting sensor 13C is a detection unit that detects whether the lighting in kitchen 13 is ON or OFF. The ventilation fan sensor 13D is a detection unit that detects whether the ventilation fan in kitchen 13 is ON or OFF. The personal identification sensor 13E is a detection unit that identifies individual residents in kitchen 13 by communicating with a card carried by a resident in house 3, for example.
[0051] Bathroom 14 includes a water flow sensor 14A, a water temperature sensor 14B, a door sensor 14C, an air conditioning sensor 14D, a lighting sensor 14E, and a personal identification sensor 14F, etc. The water flow sensor 14A is a detection unit that detects the water flow from the faucet in bathroom 14. The water temperature sensor 14B is a detection unit that detects the temperature of the water coming out of the faucet in bathroom 14. The door sensor 14C is a detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door to bathroom 14. The air conditioning sensor 14D is a detection unit that detects the ON / OFF status of the air conditioner in bathroom 14. The lighting sensor 14E is a detection unit that detects the ON / OFF status of the lighting in bathroom 14. The personal identification sensor 14F is a detection unit that identifies an individual resident in bathroom 14 by communicating with a card carried by a resident in house 3, for example.
[0052] <Server 5 Configuration> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of server 5. The server 5 shown in Figure 3 has a communication unit 21, a database 22, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 23. The communication unit 21 is a communication interface that manages communication with the communication network 8. The database 22 is a DB (Data Base) that stores various information. The CPU 23 controls the entire server 5. The CPU 23 has a collection unit 23A and an estimation unit 23B as functions. The collection unit 23A collects the detection results of the detection units of each piece of equipment 10 in each apartment 3 within the apartment building 2. The detection results are, for example, the ON / OFF status of the seat sensor 11B, the ON / OFF status of the outlet sensor 12D, and other detection results of each detection unit.
[0053] The estimation unit 23B generates estimated information about residents based on the detection results of the detection units of each piece of equipment 10 related to the residents of each house 3 that have been collected. The estimation unit 23B generates estimated information based on the detection results of the detection unit installed in at least one of the multiple pieces of equipment 10, such as the toilet 11, washbasin 12, kitchen 13, and bathroom 14, within each house 3. The estimated information is information that estimates the usage status, such as whether or not the equipment 10 is being used, based on the detection information obtained from the detection results of the detection units. The detection information is information that identifies the content of use of the equipment 10 based on the detection results of the detection units. For example, if the estimation unit 23B obtains a detection result that water flow has been detected by the water flow sensor 13A in the kitchen 13, it recognizes the use of the faucet as detection information. Then, if the estimation unit 23B recognizes the use of the faucet in the kitchen 13, it will generate estimated information that the kitchen is being used as estimated information. The estimation unit 23B generates estimated information indicating the type of toilet flush (large or small) by the resident, based on the excretion status obtained from the excretion status sensor 11C inside the toilet 11 and the toilet flush operation obtained from the flush operation button 11E detection result.
[0054] Database 22 includes a detection DB 22A and an estimation DB 22B. Detection DB 22A is a database that stores the detection results for each resident collected by the collection unit 23A. Estimation DB 22B is a database that stores the estimated information for each resident estimated by the estimation unit 23B.
[0055] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection DB 22A. The detection DB 22A shown in Figure 4 is a database that stores the detection date and time 22A1, equipment ID 22A2, resident ID 22A3, and detection result 22A4 in association with each other. The detection date and time 22A1 is the date and time of detection by the detection unit. The equipment ID 22A2 is an ID that identifies the equipment 10 of the detection unit that detected the object. The resident ID 22A3 is an ID that identifies the individual resident. The detection result 22A4 is, for example, the detection result of the detection unit, such as the seating ON / OFF status of the seating sensor 11B.
[0056] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the estimation DB22B. The estimation DB22B shown in Figure 5 is a database that manages the association between the resident ID22B1, equipment ID22B2, detection information22B3, and estimation information22B4. The resident ID22B1 is an ID that identifies resident 3. The equipment ID22B2 is an ID that identifies equipment 10. The detection information22B3 is the recognition result within equipment 10 of the resident, recognized based on the detection results. Examples of detection information22B3 include the use of the faucet in the kitchen 13, a full flush in the toilet 11, and the use of the light and faucet in the washbasin 12. The estimation information22B4 is the usage status of equipment 10 of the resident, estimated based on the detection information related to the resident's equipment 10. Examples of estimation information22B4 include the usage status of equipment 10, such as the kitchen 13 being used, the toilet 11 being used for a full flush, and the bathroom 14 being used.
[0057] <Configuration of Administrator Terminal 4> Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 shown in Figure 6 includes a communication unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 35, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 36, and a CPU 37. The communication unit 31 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication network 8. The operation unit 32 is an input interface for inputting various information and commands. The display unit 33 is an output interface for displaying various information. The ROM 34 is a non-volatile memory for storing various information and programs. The RAM 35 is a volatile memory for storing various information. The HDD 36 is a storage area for storing various information. The CPU 37 controls the entire administrator terminal 4.
[0058] <Configuration of Management Server 6> Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a management server 6. The management server 6 shown in Figure 7 includes a communication unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a ROM 44, a RAM 45, an HDD 46, and a CPU 47. The communication unit 41 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication network 8. The operation unit 42 is an input interface for inputting various information and commands. The display unit 43 is an output interface for displaying various information. The ROM 44 is a non-volatile memory for storing various information and programs. The RAM 45 is a volatile memory for storing various information. The HDD 46 is a storage area for storing various information. The CPU 47 controls the entire management server 6.
[0059] The CPU 47 has, functionally, an acquisition unit 61 which is an acquisition means, a display control unit 62 which is a display control means, a state estimation unit 63 which is a state estimation means, a determination unit 64 which is a determination means, an external acquisition unit 68 which is an external acquisition means, a permission unit 70 which is a disclosure permission information acquisition means, and a selection unit 71. The state estimation unit 63 has a usage state estimation unit 65 which is a usage state estimation means, a change state estimation unit 66 which is a change state estimation means, a lifestyle state estimation unit 63A, a care level estimation unit 67, and a usage rhythm estimation unit 69.
[0060] The acquisition unit 61 acquires detection results from the detection units of each piece of equipment 10 in the house 3 and estimated information for each resident from the server 5 via the communication network 8. The detection results include, for example, detection date and time 22A1, equipment ID 22A2, resident ID 22A3, and detection result 22A4. The estimated information includes, for example, house ID 22B1, equipment ID 22B2, detection information 22B3, and estimated information 22B4. The acquisition unit 61 stores the acquired detection results in the detection result DB 52, which will be described later, and stores the acquired estimated information in the estimated information DB 53, which will be described later.
[0061] The display control unit 62 generates information related to the first resident tile screen 110, as shown in Figure 19 (described later), which displays the estimated information stored in the estimated information DB 53 in a manner divided by housing ID and resident ID. The display control unit 62 then transmits the information related to the first resident tile screen 110 for each resident to the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the administrator terminal 4 displays the first resident tile screen 110 for each resident on the display unit 33 based on the information related to the first resident tile screen 110 for each resident.
[0062] The status estimation unit 63 estimates the usage status of the equipment 10 based on estimated information relating to the equipment 10 of any residence 3. The usage status estimation unit 65 within the status estimation unit 63 estimates the usage status of the equipment 10 by the resident based on the estimated information. The usage status of the equipment 10 includes, for example, both use and non-use of the equipment 10. The usage status estimation unit 65 stores the usage status of the equipment 10 by the resident in the HDD 46, associating it with the residence ID, equipment ID, and resident ID.
[0063] The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident based on estimated information estimated based on the detection results or detection information of the detection unit installed in the toilet 11. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of the washbasin 12 by the resident based on estimated information estimated based on the detection results or detection information of the detection unit installed in the washbasin 12. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of the kitchen 13 by the resident based on estimated information estimated based on the detection results or detection information of the detection unit installed in the kitchen 13. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of the bathroom 14 by the resident based on estimated information estimated based on the detection results or detection information of the detection unit installed in the bathroom 14. The display control unit 62 then generates information related to the first resident status screen 100, which will be described later, including a first resident tile screen 110 that divides the usage status of the equipment 10 by housing ID and resident ID.
[0064] Furthermore, the usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident based on the detection results or detection information of at least two types of detection units installed in the toilet 11. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident based on the detection results or detection information of at least one type of detection unit installed in the toilet 11 and the detection results or detection information of detection units not installed in the toilet 11.
[0065] The change status estimation unit 66 within the status estimation unit 63 estimates the change in the resident's usage status of the equipment 10 over a predetermined period, or the change in the resident's living status over a predetermined period. The change in usage status refers to a change in the resident's state, such as a living status where "forgetting to flush the toilet" occurs frequently over a predetermined period. The change status estimation unit 66 stores the change in the resident's usage status in the HDD 46, associating it with the housing ID, equipment ID, and resident ID. The display control unit 62 then generates information related to the first resident tile screen 110, which displays the change in the resident's usage status determined by the change status estimation unit 66, categorized by housing ID and resident ID.
[0066] The living state estimation unit 63A within the state estimation unit 63 estimates the living state of the resident based on the resident's usage status or changes in usage status of the equipment 10. Based on the resident's usage status of the toilet 11 obtained from the acquired excretion type and toilet flushing identification results, the living state estimation unit 63A estimates the resident's living state, which indicates the appropriateness of the toilet flushing performed by the resident. The display control unit 62 then generates information related to the first resident tile screen 110, which displays the resident's living state in a manner divided by housing ID and resident ID.
[0067] The lifestyle status estimation unit 63A estimates the lifestyle status of a resident using the equipment 10, such as when they are out, their exercise intensity, and their health condition, based on the usage status of the multiple pieces of equipment 10 estimated based on the respective estimation information. The lifestyle status estimation unit 63A also estimates when a resident is out based on the time difference between the most recent acquisition date and time and the second most recent acquisition date and time among the acquisition dates and times of the estimation information related to the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 of the resident. The acquisition date and time is the acquisition date and time information of the estimation information. The most recent acquisition date and time is the most recent acquisition date and time of the estimation information related to the usage status of the equipment 10. The second most recent acquisition date and time is the second most recent acquisition date and time of the estimation information related to the usage status of the equipment 10.
[0068] The living conditions estimation unit 63A estimates the time periods when residents are likely to be present in the house 3, i.e., the time periods when residents are most likely to be available, based on the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10 over the past three months, for example. The display control unit 62 outputs a proposal to the administrator terminal 4 suggesting that the estimated time periods be suitable for the monitoring visit service, allowing the administrator to visit the resident for an interview.
[0069] The care level estimation unit 67 within the state estimation unit 63 estimates the care level related to the level of care needed according to the resident's living situation, based on the resident's usage changes reported in the change status estimation unit 66 or the resident's living situation reported in the living situation estimation unit 63A. The care level estimation unit 67 corresponds to a care level information estimation means that estimates care level information related to the resident's level of care needed based on the estimation results of the change status estimation unit 66. For example, if the resident's living situation frequently involves "forgetting to flush the toilet," "forgetting to turn off the lights," or "a decrease in the number of times they cook for themselves," the care level estimation unit 67 will determine that the resident's cognitive ability is declining and will estimate the care level according to this determination. Since the care level is a different indicator from the level of care needed, the number of levels can be freely and precisely set. The care level estimation unit 67 stores the estimated care level of the resident in the HDD 46, associating it with the resident ID. The display control unit 62 generates information related to the first resident tile screen 110, which is displayed with different colors and marks depending on the resident's current care level, and is divided into sections for each housing ID and resident ID. The display control unit 62 also has a display mode changing means that changes the display mode of the estimation results of the change status estimation unit 66 for the resident, according to the resident's current care level information.
[0070] The care level estimation unit 67 recognizes the changes (fluctuations) in the care level over a predetermined period based on the stored care level for each resident ID. The display control unit 62 then generates information related to the first resident tile screen 110, which displays the changes in the care level over the predetermined period in a manner divided by housing ID and resident ID.
[0071] Furthermore, the living conditions estimation unit 63A estimates the living conditions of the resident according to the current level of care the resident is receiving and the changes in that level of care.
[0072] The usage rhythm estimation unit 69 within the state estimation unit 63 estimates the rhythm of the resident's use of the equipment 10, or the rhythm of the continuous use of multiple equipment 10, based on the resident's usage status of multiple equipment 10. The rhythm of equipment 10 usage is the timing of multiple usage states of equipment 10. The state estimation unit 63 can estimate the resident's lifestyle rhythm by aggregating the rhythms over a predetermined period. The rhythm of the continuous use of multiple equipment 10 is, for example, the timing of consecutive usage states of multiple equipment 10, such as using the toilet 11 and then using the sink 12 to wash hands. The state estimation unit 63 can estimate the resident's lifestyle rhythm by aggregating the rhythms of continuous use over a predetermined period.
[0073] The determination unit 64 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the resident based on the output of an external sensor 15 installed in the house 3. The external sensor 15 is a sensor inside the house 3 other than the equipment 10, such as a fall detection sensor. The display control unit 62 then generates information related to the first resident tile screen 110, which displays whether or not there is an abnormality in the resident determined by the determination unit 64 in a manner divided by house ID and resident ID. The display control unit 62 also has a display mode changing means that changes the display mode of the determination result by the determination unit 64 regarding the resident according to the resident's current care level information.
[0074] The external acquisition unit 68 acquires information from another management server 6 regarding the presence or absence of abnormalities by the determination unit 64 and the usage change status by the change status estimation unit 66 concerning residents of other apartment buildings 2 that are different from the apartment building 2 managed by the administrator. The display control unit 62 generates information related to a comparison screen that compares various information such as the presence or absence of abnormalities and usage change status concerning residents of the apartment building 2 managed by the administrator with various information such as the presence or absence of abnormalities and usage change status concerning residents of the other apartment building 2. The display control unit 62 then outputs the information related to the comparison screen to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the comparison screen on the display unit 33 based on the information related to the comparison screen. The administrator can then view the comparison screen and compare the information of the apartment building 2 that they manage with the information of the other apartment building 2.
[0075] The authorization unit 70, in response to remote operation from the administrator terminal 4, designates any resident from among the multiple residents managed by the administrator. The authorization unit 70 then authorizes the external provision of the estimated information of the designated resident from the estimated information of the resident stored in the HDD 46. The authorization unit 70 is a disclosure permission information acquisition unit that obtains permission from the resident to disclose the estimated information stored in the storage means, the HDD 46, to the external provision. When the authorization unit 70 is authorized to provide the estimated information relating to the designated resident to the external terminal 7, it provides the estimated information relating to the resident for which external provision has been authorized. The external terminal 7 is, for example, a terminal in a hospital or city hall. The subject of external provision is not limited to estimated information, but also includes, for example, detection results of the resident's equipment 10, detection information, usage status, and living status, etc., stored in the HDD 46.
[0076] The selection unit 71 selects a service item 54A from the service item DB 54 that corresponds to the resident's living condition, which is equivalent to the care level estimated by the care level estimation unit 67, or the resident's living condition, which is equivalent to the resident's living condition estimated by the living condition estimation unit 63A, according to the summary 54B described later. The display control unit 62 generates a suggested content corresponding to the selected service item 54A and outputs the generated information to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the suggested content corresponding to the service item 54A of the monitoring visit service on the display unit 33.
[0077] The selection unit 71 selects from the interview item DB 55 interview items 55A that correspond to the resident's living condition, which is equivalent to the care level estimated by the care level estimation unit 67, or to the resident's living condition, which is equivalent to the resident's living condition, which is equivalent to the summary 55B described later. The display control unit 62 generates proposed content corresponding to the selected interview item 55A and outputs the generated information to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the proposed content corresponding to the interview item 55A for the monitoring visit service on the display unit 33.
[0078] HDD46 has a residential DB51, a detection result DB52, an estimated information DB53, a service item DB54, and an interview item DB55. The residential DB51 is a database that stores information related to residential 3. The detection result DB52 is a database that stores detection results for each resident within residential 3. The estimated information DB53 is a database that stores estimated information related to residents. The service item DB54 is a database that manages summaries 54B for each service item 54A related to the residents of residential 3. The interview item DB55 is a database that manages summaries 55B for each interview item 55A related to the residents of residential 3.
[0079] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the housing DB 51. The housing DB 51 shown in Figure 8 is a database that stores the resident name 51A, resident ID 51B, housing ID 51C, and equipment ID 51D in association with each other. Resident name 51A is the name that identifies the resident. Resident ID 51B is the ID that identifies the resident. Housing ID 51C is the ID that identifies the housing 3 in which the resident lives. Equipment ID 51D is the ID that identifies each piece of equipment 10 within housing 3 in which the resident lives. The CPU 47 updates the contents of resident name 51A, resident ID 51B, housing ID 51C, and equipment ID 51D in the housing DB 51 in response to changes in housing 3, the resident within housing 3, and the equipment 10. Changes to equipment 10 include, for example, replacement or installation of equipment 10.
[0080] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection result DB 52. The acquisition unit 61 acquires the detection results of residents from the server 5 and stores the acquired resident detection results in the detection result DB 52. The detection result DB 52 shown in Figure 9 is a DB that stores the housing ID 52A, resident ID 52B, detection date and time 52C, data type 52D, and detection information 52E in association with each other. Housing ID 52A is an ID that identifies housing 3. Resident ID 52B is an ID that identifies the resident living in housing 3. Detection date and time 52C is the detection date and time of the detection unit related to the equipment 10 in housing 3. Data type 52D is information that identifies the type of detection unit related to the equipment 10. Examples of data type 52D include toilet detection information related to the detection unit in toilet 11, washbasin detection information related to the detection unit in washbasin 12, kitchen detection information related to the detection unit in kitchen 13, and bathroom detection information related to the detection unit in bathroom 14. The detection information 52E includes, for example, information from the detection unit such as the seating ON / OFF status of the seating sensor 11B.
[0081] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the estimated information DB 53. The acquisition unit 61 acquires estimated information about residents from the server 5 and stores the acquired estimated information in the estimated information DB 53. The estimated information DB 53 shown in Figure 10 is a DB that stores the housing ID 53A, resident ID 53B, acquisition date and time 53C, and estimated information 53D in association with each other. The housing ID 53A is an ID that identifies housing 3. The resident ID 53B is an ID that identifies the resident. The acquisition date and time 53C is the date and time that the acquisition unit 61 acquired the estimated information. The estimated information 53D is estimated information about the resident acquired from the server 5. Examples of estimated information 53D include information about facilities 10 such as whether the kitchen 13 is used, whether the toilet 11 is heavily used, and whether the bathroom 14 is used.
[0082] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the service item DB 54. The service item DB 54 shown in Figure 11 is a database that manages service items 54A and summaries 54B in association. Service items 54A include services that the administrator provides to residents, such as meal services, cleaning and laundry services, shopping assistance services, health management services, medication management services, and rehabilitation support services. Other service items 54A include home medical care services, emergency response services, social participation and interaction promotion services, and travel and outing support services. Summary 54B is an overview of the service content for each service item 54A. For example, the summary 54B for meal services is the provision of cooked meals. For example, the summary 54B for home medical care services is home medical care by doctors and nurses.
[0083] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the interview item DB55. The interview item DB55 shown in Figure 12 is a database that manages interview items 55A and summaries 55B in association with each other. Interview items 55A include items that the administrator will ask when interviewing residents. For example, these items include health status, living situation, mental health, social connections, support needs, living environment, daily routine, and emotional support. Summary 55B is an overview of the interview content for each interview item 55A. For example, the summary of living situation 55B would include suggestions related to the interview, such as eating habits, exercise frequency, sleep quality, and degree of independence in daily life.
[0084] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation from detection information of the toilet 11 to estimation of its usage status. The collection unit 23A in the server 5 collects the detection results of the human motion sensor 11A, seat sensor 11B, large / small buttons 11D, flush operation button 11E, and other detection units in the toilet 11 of each house 3, and stores the collected detection results in the detection DB 22A.
[0085] The estimation unit 23B in server 5 acquires detection information such as flushing (both large and small), seating time, and whether the flush was used, based on the collected detection results of toilet 11. Furthermore, the estimation unit 23B estimates information such as flushing (both large and small), seating time, and whether the flush was used, based on the detection information, and stores the estimated information in the estimation DB 22B. Then, the acquisition unit 61 in the management server 6 acquires estimated information such as flushing (both large and small) and toilet usage time from server 5 and stores the acquired estimated information in the estimation information DB 53. The usage status estimation unit 65 in the management server 6 estimates the usage status of toilet 11 by the resident, such as the number of times and timing of flushing, based on the acquired estimated information.
[0086] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation from detection information of the washbasin 12 to estimating the usage status. The collection unit 23A in the server 5 collects the detection results from the motion sensor 12A, water flow sensor 12B, lighting sensor 12C, outlet sensor 12D, and other detection units in the washbasin 12 of each house 3, and stores the collected detection results in the detection DB 22A.
[0087] The estimation unit 23B in server 5 acquires detection information such as operation status, water usage, number of times the faucet is used, faucet usage time, and whether the lights are ON / OFF or the outlets are being used, based on the collected detection results of the washbasin 12. The estimation unit 23B estimates information such as whether the washbasin is being used and the duration of washbasin use, based on the detection information such as operation status, water usage, number of times the faucet is used, faucet usage time, and whether the lights are ON / OFF or the outlets are being used, and stores the estimated information in the estimation DB 22B. Then, the acquisition unit 61 in the management server 6 acquires estimated information such as whether the washbasin is being used and the duration of washbasin use from server 5, and stores the acquired estimated information in the estimation information DB 53. The usage status estimation unit 65 in the management server 6 estimates the usage status of the washbasin 12 by the resident, such as the number of times the washbasin is used and the timing of washbasin use, based on the acquired estimated information.
[0088] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation from detection information in the kitchen 13 to estimating the usage status. The collection unit 23A in the server 5 collects the detection results from detection units such as the water flow sensor 13A, lighting sensor 13C, and ventilation fan sensor 13D in the kitchen 13 of each house 3, and stores the collected detection results in the detection DB 22A.
[0089] The estimation unit 23B in server 5 acquires detection information such as water usage, number of times the faucet is used, faucet usage time, and whether the lights are ON / OFF or the ventilation fan is used, based on the collected detection results of the kitchen 13. The estimation unit 23B estimates information such as whether the kitchen is being used and the duration of kitchen use, based on the detection information such as water usage, number of times the faucet is used, faucet usage time, and whether the lights are ON / OFF or the ventilation fan is used, and stores the estimated information in the estimation DB 22B. Then, the acquisition unit 61 in the management server 6 acquires estimated information such as whether the kitchen is being used and the duration of kitchen use from server 5, and stores the acquired estimated information in the estimation information DB 53. The usage status estimation unit 65 in the management server 6 estimates the usage status of the kitchen 13 by the resident, such as the number of times the kitchen is used and the timing of kitchen use, based on the acquired estimated information.
[0090] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation from detection information in the bathroom 14 to estimating the usage status. The collection unit 23A in the server 5 collects the detection results from detection units such as the water flow sensor 14A, water temperature sensor 14B, door sensor 14C, air conditioning sensor 14D, and lighting sensor 14E in the bathroom 14 of each house 3, and stores the collected detection results in the detection DB 22A.
[0091] The estimation unit 23B in server 5 acquires detection information such as water usage, number of times the faucet is used, faucet usage time, door opening / closing, whether the air conditioning is used, and lighting ON / OFF based on the collected detection results of the bathroom 14. The estimation unit 23B estimates information such as whether the bathroom is used and the duration of bathroom use based on the detection information such as water usage, number of times the faucet is used, faucet usage time, door opening / closing, whether the air conditioning is used, and lighting ON / OFF, and stores the estimated information in the estimation DB 22B. Then, the acquisition unit 61 in the management server 6 acquires estimated information such as whether the bathroom is used and the duration of bathroom use from server 5, and stores the acquired estimated information in the estimation information DB 53. The usage status estimation unit 65 in the management server 6 estimates the usage status of the bathroom 14 by the resident, such as the number of times the bathroom is used and the timing of bathroom use, based on the acquired estimated information.
[0092] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation from the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 to the estimation of the care level. The change status estimation unit 66 in the management server 6 estimates the usage status of the resident's equipment 10 based on the usage status of the equipment 10 estimated by the usage status estimation unit 65. For example, the change status estimation unit 66 estimates the usage status of the toilet 11, such as changes in the number of times the toilet is used and the timing of use, for example, changes in the number of times the toilet is used (during the day), changes in the number of times the toilet is used (at night), and changes in the timing of toilet use.
[0093] The change status estimation unit 66 estimates changes in the usage status of the washbasin 12, such as changes in the timing of washbasin use, based on usage conditions such as the number of times the washbasin 12 is used and the timing of washbasin use.
[0094] The change status estimation unit 66 estimates changes in the usage status of the kitchen 13, such as increases or decreases in the number of times the kitchen is used or changes in the timing of kitchen use, based on usage conditions such as the number of times the kitchen is used and the timing of kitchen use.
[0095] The change status estimation unit 66 estimates changes in the usage status of the bathroom 14, such as increases or decreases in the number of times the bathroom is used or changes in the timing of bathroom use, based on usage conditions such as the number of times the bathroom is used and the timing of bathroom use.
[0096] The lifestyle estimation unit 63A in the management server 6 estimates the resident's lifestyle based on changes in the resident's use of the facilities 10. For example, the lifestyle estimation unit 63A estimates the resident's constipation based on changes in usage such as increases or decreases in the number of toilet uses during the day and increases or decreases in the number of toilet uses at night, in accordance with an extreme decrease in the number of toilet uses. For example, the lifestyle estimation unit 63A estimates the resident's diarrhea based on changes in usage such as increases or decreases in the number of toilet uses during the day and increases or decreases in the number of toilet uses at night, in accordance with an extreme increase in the number of toilet uses. For example, the lifestyle estimation unit 63A estimates the resident's nocturia based on changes in usage such as increases or decreases in the number of toilet uses at night, in accordance with an increase in the number of toilet uses at night.
[0097] The lifestyle estimation unit 63A estimates changes in the resident's daily rhythm based on, for example, changes in toilet usage timing, changes in washbasin usage timing, increases or decreases in kitchen usage frequency, changes in kitchen usage timing, and changes in bathroom usage timing. The lifestyle estimation unit 63A estimates the number of times the resident cooks for themselves based on increases or decreases in kitchen usage frequency. The lifestyle estimation unit 63A estimates the number of times the resident bathes based on increases or decreases in bathroom usage frequency.
[0098] Furthermore, the care level estimation unit 67 estimates the care level based on the resident's living conditions as determined by the living conditions estimation unit 63A. For example, the care level estimation unit 67 increases the care level in response to factors such as frequent nighttime urination, changes in daily rhythm, and a rapid decrease in the frequency of self-cooking or bathing.
[0099] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation to estimate the living conditions of a resident using the toilet 11. Figure 18 shows an example of the operation to estimate the living conditions of a resident based on the resident's actions in the toilet 11. The usage state estimation unit 65 continuously estimates the resident's usage of the toilet 11, such as the resident turning on the seat sensor 11B, operating the nozzle with the flush operation button 11E, turning off the seat sensor 11B, and operating the large / small flush button 11D. In this case, the living condition estimation unit 63A estimates the resident's living conditions as those of a resident using the toilet 11 appropriately.
[0100] The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the resident's usage status by sequentially detecting the resident's seating sensor 11B as ON, the nozzle operation of the flushing operation button 11E, and the seating sensor 11B as OFF, but does not estimate the usage information of the large / small flush operation of the large / small button 11D. In this case, the lifestyle status estimation unit 63A will estimate the resident's lifestyle status as inappropriate use of the toilet 11 due to forgetting to flush.
[0101] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first resident status screen 100. The display control unit 62 in the management server 6 outputs information related to the first resident status screen 100, including the first resident tile screen 110 for each resident, to the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the administrator terminal 4 displays the first resident status screen 100 on the display unit 33 based on the information related to the first resident status screen 100. The first resident tile screen 110 contains information including the housing ID 111, resident ID 112, presence or absence information 113, equipment usage status 114, abnormality information 115, care level change status 116, and status identification mark 117.
[0102] The first resident tile screen 110 includes a house ID 111, a resident ID 112, resident presence / absence information 113, equipment usage status 114, abnormality information 115, care level change status 116, and a status identification mark 117. House ID 111 is an ID that identifies house 3. Resident ID 112 is an ID that identifies the resident.
[0103] The presence / absence information 113 is information that identifies whether the resident is at home or out, for example, "at home" or "out of the house". The presence / absence information 113 is obtained from the usage status of the resident's equipment 10 estimated by the usage status estimation unit 65 and the resident's living status estimated by the living status estimation unit 63A. The equipment usage status 114 is the usage status of the equipment 10 used by the resident. Examples of equipment usage status 114 include the usage status of the equipment 10, such as "bathroom in use," "toilet in use," or "water facilities not in use." The equipment usage status 114 is obtained from the usage status of the resident's equipment 10 estimated by the usage status estimation unit 65.
[0104] The abnormality information 115 is information that identifies whether or not there is an abnormality in the resident. Examples of abnormality information 115 include short-term alerts such as "The sitting time is abnormal," and long-term alerts such as "The number of times the resident uses the toilet at night has increased" or "No abnormalities were observed." The abnormality information 115 is obtained, for example, from the judgment result of the judgment unit 64, the usage status of the resident's equipment 10 estimated by the usage status estimation unit 65, and the living status of the resident estimated by the living status estimation unit 63A.
[0105] The care level change status 116 is information indicating the status of changes in the care level. Examples of care level change status 116 include states such as "an increase in care level is expected" or "no change in care level is expected." The care level change status 116 is obtained, for example, from the care level change status recognized by the care level estimation unit 67.
[0106] The status identification mark 117 is a mark that allows for the immediate identification of the resident's living condition. Examples of status identification marks 117 include a smiley face mark indicating a stable living condition, a mark indicating a living condition where an increase in the level of care is expected, a mark indicating that the resident is out, and an exclamation mark indicating an abnormality in the resident. The status identification mark 117 is obtained, for example, from the judgment result of the judgment unit 64, the usage status of the resident's equipment 10 estimated by the usage status estimation unit 65, and the resident's living condition estimated by the living condition estimation unit 63A.
[0107] The first resident status screen 100 shown in Figure 19 displays, for example, the first resident tile screen 110A for resident A, the first resident tile screen 110B for resident B, the first resident tile screen 110C for resident C, and the first resident tile screen 110D for resident D. The administrator can understand the status of each resident by looking at each first resident tile screen 110 displayed on the display unit 33 of the administrator terminal 4.
[0108] For example, the administrator can look at the first resident tile screen 110A for resident A and recognize that resident A in residence A is stable, with no abnormalities observed while at home and using the bathroom, and no change in care level. Furthermore, the administrator can instantly recognize resident A's stable condition by looking at the smiley face icon. Similarly, the administrator can look at the first resident tile screen 110D for resident D and recognize that resident D in residence C is stable, with no change in care level while at home and using the toilet, but recognizes that the sitting time is abnormal and therefore requires attention. Furthermore, the administrator can instantly recognize resident D's emergency condition by looking at the exclamation mark.
[0109] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the usage rhythm 120 for each piece of equipment 10. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10 by the resident based on the estimation information. The usage rhythm estimation unit 69 estimates the rhythm of the resident's use of the pieces of equipment 10, or the rhythm of the continuous use of multiple pieces of equipment 10, based on the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10 estimated by the usage status estimation unit 65. The display control unit 62 generates resident usage rhythm information that displays the usage rhythm for each piece of equipment 10 based on the estimation results of the usage rhythm estimation unit 69, and outputs the generated usage rhythm information to the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the CPU 37 in the administrator terminal 4 displays the usage rhythm 120 shown in Figure 20 on the display unit 33 based on the usage rhythm information.
[0110] The usage rhythm 120 shown in Figure 20 displays the resident's usage status for each of the facilities 10, such as the toilet 11, washbasin 12, kitchen 13, and bathroom 14, over a 24-hour period. The administrator can see the usage status of each facility 10 by the resident by looking at the usage rhythm 120.
[0111] The "Normal" shown in Figure 20 displays the usage status of each piece of equipment 10, estimated from the resident's usage data for the past month, for example, over a 24-hour period. The administrator can recognize the resident's normal usage status of each piece of equipment 10 by looking at the "Normal" usage rhythm 120.
[0112] The "Today" section in Figure 20 displays the 24-hour usage status of each piece of equipment 10 based on the resident's usage today. The administrator can see the "Today" section of the usage rhythm 120 to understand the resident's usage status of each piece of equipment 10 today.
[0113] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation to check the safety of resident A based on the usage status of the toilet 11 and washbasin 12. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the first use of the toilet 11 by resident A of house A, and then estimates the first use of the washbasin 12. Furthermore, after estimating the first use of the washbasin 12, the usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the second use of the toilet 11, and then estimates the second use of the washbasin 12.
[0114] The status estimation unit 63 will output a safety confirmation alert to the administrator terminal 4 if, for example, no use of equipment 10 in residence A is estimated by resident A within a certain period after estimating the second most recent toilet use. The certain period is defined as the period during which the continuous use of one piece of equipment 10 can be judged as abnormal. Although the safety confirmation alert is shown as an example of being output separately to the administrator terminal 4, it may also be displayed in the abnormality information 115 and status identification mark 117 on the first resident tile screen 110, and can be changed as appropriate.
[0115] Furthermore, if the status estimation unit 63 estimates that the second use of the washbasin 12 occurred a certain period before the most recent second use of the toilet, it determines that the safety of resident A has been confirmed and does not output a safety confirmation alert to the administrator terminal 4. In other words, the status estimation unit 63 can achieve highly accurate resident safety confirmation by using the usage status of multiple facilities 10, such as the toilet 11 and the washbasin 12, in combination.
[0116] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how the system accurately estimates the living conditions of residents while they are out, based on the usage rhythm of each piece of equipment 10. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the first toilet use, and then estimates the second toilet use. Furthermore, after estimating the second toilet use, the usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the first washbasin use. Furthermore, after estimating the first washbasin use, the usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the second washbasin use. And, after estimating the second washbasin use, the usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the third toilet use. Note that the acquisition date and time for the most recent estimated usage status information is the acquisition date and time for the estimated information of the third toilet use, and the acquisition date and time for the second most recent estimated usage status information is the acquisition date and time for the estimated information of the second washbasin use.
[0117] The living conditions estimation unit 63A usually estimates the living conditions of the resident while they are out, if there is no use of other facilities 10 during the time between the second and third toilet use.
[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, if the lifestyle state estimation unit 63A detects two washbasin uses during the time period between the second and third toilet uses, it can accurately estimate the lifestyle state of the resident while they are out of the house during the time period between the first and second washbasin uses.
[0119] The lifestyle estimation unit 63A can estimate the lifestyle of a resident, including their exercise intensity and health status, as well as their usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10, which are estimated based on multiple pieces of estimated information. In other words, the lifestyle estimation unit 63A can estimate the lifestyle of a resident with high accuracy by using the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10, such as the toilet 11 and the washbasin 12, in combination.
[0120] Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a short-term perspective alert screen 120A. The short-term perspective alert screen 120A has short-term perspective alert information 121 that includes a comparison result between the resident's normal use of a facility 10, such as a toilet 11, and the resident's use of the same facility 10, the toilet 11, on the current day, as well as the resident's living conditions obtained from the comparison result.
[0121] The living condition estimation unit 63A compares the resident's normal toilet usage status 11 with the resident's toilet usage status 11 for the day, and estimates the resident's living condition as short-term perspective alert information 121 based on the comparison result. The display control unit 62 generates information related to the short-term perspective alert screen 120A, including the resident's short-term perspective alert information 121, and outputs the generated information to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the short-term perspective alert screen 120A on the display unit 33 based on the information related to the short-term perspective alert screen 120A.
[0122] The lifestyle status estimation unit 63A compares, for example, the normal usage status of the toilet 11 during the time period from 4:00 to 8:00 with the usage status for today. Based on the comparison result, the lifestyle status estimation unit 63A estimates the resident's lifestyle status by assuming, for example, that the toilet 11 was not used every morning because it was used one less time today. The lifestyle status estimation unit 63A then outputs short-term perspective alert information 121, "The toilet 11 is no longer used every morning," to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the short-term perspective alert screen 120A, which includes the short-term perspective alert information 121, on the display unit 33.
[0123] The living conditions estimation unit 63A compares, for example, the normal usage status of the toilet 11 during the time period from 8:00 to 20:00 with the usage status for today. Based on the comparison result, it estimates the resident's living conditions as having not used the toilet for a long period of time, since there was no use of the toilet 11 today. The living conditions estimation unit 63A then outputs short-term perspective alert information 121, "No toilet use for a long period of time," to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the short-term perspective alert screen 120A, which includes the short-term perspective alert information 121, on the display unit 33.
[0124] The living conditions estimation unit 63A compares, for example, the normal usage status of the toilet 11 during the time period from 20:00 to 24:00 with the usage status of today. Based on the comparison results, if the resident is seated for a long time, the unit estimates the resident's living conditions as being due to prolonged seating. The living conditions estimation unit 63A then outputs short-term perspective alert information 121, "The resident has been seated for a long time," to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the short-term perspective alert screen 120A, which includes the short-term perspective alert information 121, on the display unit 33. As a result, the administrator can recognize the resident's short-term perspective alert by looking at the short-term perspective alert screen 120A shown in Figure 23.
[0125] Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the long-term alert screen 120B. When the usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of the resident's equipment 10, it aggregates the number of times each piece of equipment 10 has been used as a result of that estimation.
[0126] The usage status estimation unit 65 aggregates the number of times each piece of equipment 10 is used per day and stores the number of times each piece of equipment 10 is used for each time period over the entire period in the HDD 46. Furthermore, the usage status estimation unit 65 stores the average number of times each piece of equipment 10 is used for each time period over the entire period, the average number of times each piece of equipment 10 is used for each time period last month, and the average number of times each piece of equipment 10 is used for each time period this month in the HDD 46.
[0127] The living conditions estimation unit 63A estimates the living conditions of the residents based, for example, on the average number of times each facility 10 is used during the time period of the month. The living conditions estimation unit 63A then outputs the residents' living conditions as long-term perspective alert information 122 to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the long-term perspective alert screen 120B, which includes the long-term perspective alert information 122, on the display unit 33. Examples of the long-term perspective alert information 122 include, for example, "Nighttime toilet use is increasing" for the toilet 11, "The number of times the washbasin is used is decreasing" for the washbasin 12, "The number of times the kitchen is used is decreasing" for the kitchen 13, and "The number of times the bathroom is used is decreasing" for the bathroom 14.
[0128] An example was given of displaying the resident's living status on the administrator terminal 4 as long-term alert information 122 and short-term alert information 121. However, the first resident tile screen 110 may also be displayed on the administrator terminal 4 as an abnormal state reflecting the short-term alert information 121 and long-term alert information 122, and this can be changed as appropriate. An example was given of displaying the resident's living status on the administrator terminal 4 as long-term alert information 122 and short-term alert information 121, but this is not the only example; for example, equipment malfunctions of equipment 10 may also be displayed on the administrator terminal 4, and this can be changed as appropriate.
[0129] Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the equipment usage screen 123. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 used by the resident and stores the estimation results in the HDD 46 for each time period. The display control unit 62 then generates information related to the equipment usage screen 123, which displays the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 used by the resident for each time period, and outputs the generated information related to the equipment usage screen 123 to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 then displays the equipment usage screen 123 shown in Figure 25 on the display unit 33 based on the information related to the equipment usage screen 123.
[0130] The equipment usage screen 123 shown in Figure 25 displays two toilet uses at 6am, one toilet use at 8am, one sink use at 9am, and one sink use and one toilet use at 5pm. The equipment usage screen 123 also displays two toilet uses at 6pm, one kitchen use at 8pm, three toilet uses at 9pm, one bathroom use at 10pm, and one toilet use at 3am.
[0131] Furthermore, the lifestyle status estimation unit 63A estimates the resident's lifestyle while they are out, for example, from the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 for one day, based on the unused period of equipment 10 between 10:00 and 16:00. The display control unit 62 outputs information related to the equipment usage screen 123, including the lifestyle status while out, to the administrator terminal 4. Based on the information related to the equipment usage screen 123, including the lifestyle status while out, the administrator terminal 4 displays the equipment usage screen 123 shown in Figure 25 on the display unit 33. As a result, the administrator can see the equipment usage screen 123 shown in Figure 25 and recognize when the resident was out between 10:00 and 16:00.
[0132] The lifestyle status estimation unit 63A can estimate the lifestyle status of a resident, including their exercise intensity and health condition, as well as the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10 estimated based on multiple pieces of estimated information, not only when the resident is out using the equipment 10.
[0133] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation for estimating visit times from the usage rhythm of each piece of equipment 10 within a predetermined period. Visit times are the times when residents are most likely to be available to speak with, which serves as a reference for the administrator when conducting interviews with residents. The living status estimation unit 63A refers to the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 for each time period of the resident over multiple days and estimates the visit times when the resident is at home. The display control unit 62 then generates information to display the visit times when the resident is at home and outputs the generated information to the administrator terminal 4. Based on the generated information, the administrator terminal 4 displays the resident's visit times as shown in Figure 26. As a result, the administrator can look at the 24 time periods of visit times shown in Figure 26 and recognize the time periods from 7:00 to 8:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00 as optimal times when residents are most likely to be present.
[0134] Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the resident detailed status screen 124. The usage status estimation unit 65 estimates the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 for the resident over a 24-hour period and stores the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 for the resident over a 24-hour period in the HDD 46. The living status estimation unit 63A then estimates the living status of the resident from the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 for the resident over a 24-hour period. The display control unit 62 generates resident detailed status information that displays the resident detailed status screen 124, which shows the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 and the living status of the resident over a 24-hour period, and outputs the generated resident detailed status information to the administrator terminal 4. Based on the resident detailed status information, the administrator terminal 4 displays the resident detailed status screen 124, which includes the usage status of each piece of equipment 10 and the living status of the resident over several days, as shown in Figure 27.
[0135] The resident's living status, as shown in the resident details screen 124, may include, for example, "No particular problems observed," "Looks like the resident used the toilet frequently at night," "Does not appear to have gone out yesterday," or "The resident has been seated for an abnormal amount of time." As a result, the administrator can check the usage status and living status of each facility 10 for several days by looking at the resident details screen 124 shown in Figure 27.
[0136] The information provision system 1 of Embodiment 1 displays estimated information, derived from detection results by detection units of each piece of equipment 10 such as the toilet 11, washbasin 12, kitchen 13, and bathroom 14 in the residence 3, on the administrator terminal 4 in a first resident tile screen 110 that is divided into residence 3 or by resident. As a result, the administrator of the senior housing can check the usage status and living conditions of the equipment 10 for each residence 3 or resident in the apartment complex 2 by looking at the first resident tile screen 110 within the first resident status screen 100.
[0137] The information provision system 1 estimates the usage status of equipment 10 in any residence 3 based on estimated information relating to the equipment 10, and stores the estimated usage status of equipment 10 linked to the residence ID or resident ID. The information provision system 1 displays a first resident tile screen 110, which includes equipment usage status 114 showing the usage status of equipment 10, on the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the administrator can check the usage status of the resident's equipment 10, as well as the resident's safety, by looking at the first resident tile screen 110.
[0138] The information provision system 1 allows for the updating of equipment ID 51D in the housing database 51 in accordance with the replacement or installation of equipment 10 within housing 3. As a result, it can, for example, handle cases where equipment 10 within housing 3 is replaced.
[0139] The information provision system 1 displays a first resident tile screen 110 on the administrator terminal 4, which includes information on the presence or absence of abnormalities 115, such as short-term alerts or long-term alerts, based on the resident's usage status, which indicates changes in the resident's use of the equipment 10, or whether or not there are any abnormalities in the resident. As a result, the administrator can see the short-term alerts to recognize abnormalities in the resident in the short term and quickly check on the resident's safety. In addition, the administrator can see the long-term alerts to recognize changes in the resident in the long term, such as changes that gradually occur as the resident ages, and use this as a reference, for example, when providing advice on the resident's lifestyle.
[0140] Information provision system 1 estimates the resident's living condition based on the resident's use of equipment 10, changes in the resident's use, or whether there are any abnormalities in the resident. Information provision system 1 displays a first resident tile screen 110 on the administrator terminal 4, which includes information on whether the resident is at home 113, information on whether there are any abnormalities 115, and a status identification mark 117 related to the estimated living condition. As a result, the administrator can recognize the resident's living condition by looking at the information on whether the resident is at home 113, information on whether there are any abnormalities 115, and the status identification mark 117.
[0141] The information provision system 1 estimates the care level related to the resident's care needs based on changes in the resident's usage, and displays a first resident tile screen 110, including the care level change status 116 over a predetermined period, on the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the information provision system 1 can estimate the resident's care level as an indicator different from the care needs level. Furthermore, the administrator can view the care level change status 116 to understand changes in the resident's care level and use this information to provide consultation on life support to the resident.
[0142] The information provision system 1 changes the display mode of the status identification mark 117 in the first resident tile screen 110, which includes abnormality information 115 regarding the resident and the equipment usage status 114 of the equipment 10, according to the resident's current care level, and displays it on the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the display mode of the care level change status 116 and the status identification mark 117 is changed according to the resident's care level, making it easier for the administrator to check the resident's condition.
[0143] Information provision system 1 acquires information from an external source regarding the presence or absence of abnormalities and changes in usage status of residents in other apartment buildings. Information provision system 1 displays the presence or absence of abnormalities and changes in usage status of residents in apartment building 2, which is managed by the administrator, on the administrator terminal 4 in a manner that allows for comparison with the presence or absence of abnormalities and changes in usage status of residents in other apartment buildings. As a result, the administrator can compare data with other senior housing facilities, leading to improvements in services that reflect the comparison results.
[0144] The information provision system 1 estimates the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident based on estimated information derived from the detection results of the detection unit installed in the toilet 11. As a result, the information provision system 1 can estimate the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident.
[0145] The information provision system 1 estimates the resident's use of the toilet 11 based on the detection results of at least two types of detection units installed in the toilet 11. As a result, the information provision system 1 can not only estimate the resident's use of the toilet 11 with high accuracy by utilizing multiple detection results related to the toilet 11, but can also estimate the resident's living conditions in the toilet 11 with high accuracy.
[0146] The information provision system 1 estimates the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident based on the detection results of at least one type of detection unit installed in the toilet 11 and the detection results of external sensors 15 and other detection units not installed in the toilet 11. As a result, the information provision system 1 can estimate not only the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident with high accuracy by using the detection results of external sensors 15 and other detection units in combination, but also the living conditions of the resident in the toilet 11 with high accuracy.
[0147] The information provision system 1 estimates the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident based on the detection results of at least one type of detection unit installed in the toilet 11 and the detection results of detection units in other facilities 10 other than the toilet 11. As a result, the information provision system 1 can not only estimate the usage status of the toilet 11 by the resident with high accuracy by using the detection results of detection units in other facilities 10 other than the toilet 11, but can also estimate the living conditions of the resident in the toilet 11 with high accuracy.
[0148] The information provision system 1 is equipped with a detection unit for the toilet 11's excretion status sensor 11C and flushing operation button 11E. Based on the acquired estimated information on the type of excretion and the type of toilet flushing, it estimates the appropriateness of the toilet flushing performed by the resident as part of the resident's living condition in the toilet 11. Furthermore, the information provision system 1 displays a first resident tile screen 110 on the administrator terminal 4, which includes information 115 about whether there are any abnormalities in the resident's living condition, including the appropriateness of the toilet flushing. As a result, the information provision system 1 can estimate instances such as the resident forgetting to flush after excretion or performing a toilet flush that is inappropriate for the type of excretion. Furthermore, the administrator can refer to the displayed information 115 about whether there are any abnormalities, such as the resident forgetting to flush after excretion or performing a toilet flush that is inappropriate for the type of excretion, when providing advice to the resident about their living condition.
[0149] The information provision system 1 has an authorization unit 70 that permits the external provision of estimated information stored in the estimated information DB 53. When the external provision of estimated information is permitted, the system provides the estimated information stored in the estimated information DB 53 to an external terminal 7 such as a hospital. As a result, the information provision system 1 can provide estimated information to external parties such as hospitals and other facilities as needed.
[0150] Information provision system 1 accurately estimates the usage status of equipment 10 for each house ID or resident ID based on multiple types of estimated information. As a result, information provision system 1 can accurately estimate the usage status of equipment 10 for each house or resident.
[0151] The information provision system 1 estimates the rhythm of the resident's use of multiple pieces of equipment 10, or the rhythm of the continuous use of multiple pieces of equipment 10, based on the resident's usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10, and displays the estimation results on the administrator terminal 4 as shown in Figure 20. As a result, the administrator can check the resident's lifestyle habits by looking at the rhythm of the use of the pieces of equipment 10, or the rhythm of the continuous use of multiple pieces of equipment 10, as shown in Figure 20.
[0152] Information provision system 1 estimates the rhythm of the resident's use of facilities 10, or the rhythm of the continuous use of multiple facilities 10, based on the usage status of toilet 11 and the usage status of other facilities 10 before and after the usage status of toilet 11. As a result, information provision system 1 can estimate the resident's daily rhythm with high accuracy, for example, by using the resident's usage status of toilet 11 and the usage status of other facilities 10 before and after the usage status of toilet 11. Furthermore, since it estimates the rhythm of use of multiple facilities 10, centered on the usage status of toilet 11, which is used relatively frequently throughout the day, it can estimate the resident's daily rhythm with high accuracy.
[0153] As shown in Figure 20, the information provision system 1 displays the estimated changes in rhythm within a predetermined period on the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the administrator can refer to the displayed changes in the resident's rhythm to recognize the resident's lifestyle and any decline in their physical condition.
[0154] The information provision system 1 estimates the lifestyle of residents using the equipment 10, such as whether they go out, their exercise intensity, and their health status, based on the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10 estimated from multiple pieces of estimated information. As a result, the information provision system 1 can estimate whether residents go out, their exercise intensity, their health status, etc., with high accuracy from the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10.
[0155] Information provision system 1 estimates the time periods when a resident is out of the house based on the time difference between the most recent acquisition date and time of estimated information regarding the usage status of each piece of equipment 10. As a result, information provision system 1 can accurately estimate when a resident is out of the house by looking at the time differences in when the resident uses each piece of equipment 10.
[0156] The information provision system 1 estimates the time periods when residents are likely to be present in the house 3, i.e., the time periods when residents are most likely to be available, based on the usage status of multiple pieces of equipment 10. The system then proposes these estimated time periods to the administrator as suitable visiting times for interviews with residents. As a result, administrators can smoothly conduct visits to residents' homes.
[0157] The information provision system 1 changes the display mode of the status identification mark 117 in the first resident tile screen 110 according to the estimated changes in the use of the resident's equipment 10. In other words, for example, if it is determined that a resident needs a higher level of care based on changes in the use of equipment 10, the display mode of the status identification mark 117 is changed. As a result, administrators can easily recognize the status of residents who need a higher level of care by looking at the status identification mark 117.
[0158] The information provision system 1 selects a service item 54A from the service item DB 54 that corresponds to the resident's living condition corresponding to the care level estimated by the care level estimation unit 67, or to the summary 54B corresponding to the resident's living condition estimated by the living condition estimation unit 63A. The information provision system 1 displays the suggested service item corresponding to the selected service item 54A on the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the administrator can view the suggested service item and smoothly provide services to residents that are appropriate for their care level.
[0159] The information provision system 1 selects interview items 55A from the interview item database 55 that correspond to the summary 55B of the resident's living situation based on multiple estimated pieces of information over a predetermined period. The information provision system 1 displays the proposed content corresponding to the selected interview item 55A on the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the administrator can view the proposed content of the interview items and conduct interviews with residents smoothly.
[0160] For the sake of explanation, a first resident status screen 100 including a first resident tile screen 110 has been used as an example. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, a second resident status screen 100A including a second resident tile screen 130 may be used instead of the first resident status screen 100, and can be changed as appropriate.
[0161] Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the second resident tile screen 130. The second resident tile screen 130 shown in Figure 28 has a housing ID 111, resident ID 112, presence / absence information 113, equipment usage status 114, abnormality information 115, care level change status 116, and suggestion information 118. The suggestion information 118 is the content of the suggestions made to the manager regarding service item 54A and hearing item 55A. The living condition estimation unit 63A identifies service item 54A from the service item DB 54 based on the equipment usage status 114, abnormality information 115, and care level change status 116. The living condition estimation unit 63A estimates the suggestion information 118 related to service item 54A based on the summary 54B related to the identified service item 54A. The living condition estimation unit 63A identifies interview items 55A from the interview item DB 55 based on the equipment usage status 114, abnormality information 115, and care level change status 116. Based on the summary 55B related to the identified interview items 55A, the living condition estimation unit 63A estimates the proposed information 118 related to the interview items 55A.
[0162] Figure 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the second resident status screen 100A. The second resident status screen 100A shown in Figure 29 is a screen displayed on the display unit 33 of the administrator terminal 4. The second resident status screen 100A has a second resident tile screen 130 for each resident. The display control unit 62 generates information for the second resident tile screen 130, including the estimated suggestion information 118, and outputs the generated information to the administrator terminal 4. Based on the information, the administrator terminal 4 displays the second resident status screen 100A shown in Figure 29 on the display unit 33.
[0163] The second resident status screen 100A shown in Figure 29 displays, for example, the second resident tile screen 130A for resident A, the second resident tile screen 130B for resident B, the second resident tile screen 130C for resident C, and the second resident tile screen 130D for resident D.
[0164] The living condition estimation unit 63A estimates, for example, that "the number of times going out has decreased" as abnormality information 115 for resident A. The living condition estimation unit 63A refers to the service item DB 54 and the hearing item DB 55 according to the estimation result. Then, the living condition estimation unit 63A refers to the service item 54A and summary 54B in the service item DB 54 and generates proposed information 118 related to outing support services corresponding to "the number of times going out."
[0165] The living condition estimation unit 63A estimates, for example, that "No abnormalities were observed" as information 115 regarding the presence or absence of abnormalities in resident B, and "No change in care level is expected" as information 116 regarding changes in care level. Then, the living condition estimation unit 63A refers to the service item DB 54 and the interview item DB 55 according to the estimation results. Then, the living condition estimation unit 63A refers to service item 54A and summary 54B in the service item DB 54 and generates suggestion information 118 that says, "There are no abnormalities. Let's interview them to see if they have had any problems recently."
[0166] The living conditions estimation unit 63A estimates, for example, that "the number of times resident C uses the toilet at night has increased" as abnormality information 115 for resident C. Then, the living conditions estimation unit 63A refers to the service item DB 54 and the interview item DB 55 according to the estimation result. Then, the living conditions estimation unit 63A refers to the interview item 55A and summary 55B within the interview item DB 55. Based on the reference results, the living conditions estimation unit 63A generates suggestion information 118 related to the living situation corresponding to "the number of times resident C uses the toilet at night has increased. Let's interview them about their living situation."
[0167] The living condition estimation unit 63A estimates, for example, that "the sitting time is abnormal" as abnormality information 115 for resident D. Then, the living condition estimation unit 63A refers to the service item DB 54 and the interview item DB 55 according to the estimation result. If there is no match in the service item DB 54 and the interview item DB 55, the living condition estimation unit 63A generates suggestion information 118 that says, "An abnormality has been observed. Confirmation is required."
[0168] The display control unit 62 then generates information related to the second resident status screen 100A, including the second resident tile screens 130A to 130D for residents A to D, and outputs the generated information to the administrator terminal 4. The administrator terminal 4 displays the second resident status screen 100A shown in Figure 29 on the display unit 33.
[0169] As a result, the administrator can view the suggested information 118 in Resident A's second resident tile screen 130A and smoothly provide outing support services to Resident A. Furthermore, the administrator can view the suggested information 118 in Resident B's second resident tile screen 130B and smoothly conduct interviews with Resident B. Additionally, the administrator can view the suggested information 118 in Resident C's second resident tile screen 130C and conduct interviews with Resident C regarding their living situation. Finally, the administrator can view the suggested information 118 in Resident D's second resident tile screen 130D and smoothly conduct safety checks on Resident D.
[0170] In the information provision system 1, the care level estimation unit 67 selects a service item 54A from the service item DB 54 that corresponds to the resident's living condition corresponding to the care level estimated by the care level estimation unit 67, or to the summary 54B corresponding to the resident's living condition estimated by the living condition estimation unit 63A. The information provision system 1 displays a second resident tile screen 130, which includes suggested information 118 corresponding to the selected service item 54A, on the administrator terminal 4. As a result, the administrator can view the suggested information 118 for service item 54A and smoothly provide services to residents appropriate to their care level.
[0171] The information provision system 1 selects interview items 55A from the interview item database 55 that correspond to the summary 55B of the resident's living situation based on multiple estimated pieces of information over a predetermined period. The information provision system 1 displays a second resident tile screen 130 on the administrator terminal 4, which includes suggested information 118 corresponding to the selected interview item 55A. As a result, the administrator can view the suggested information 118 for interview item 55A and conduct interviews with residents smoothly.
[0172] In the information provision system 1 of Example 1, the management server 6 was shown as an example in which functions such as the acquisition unit 61, display control unit 62, state estimation unit 63, determination unit 64, external acquisition unit 68, permission unit 70, and selection unit 71 are executed. However, these functions may be executed by server 5 instead of the management server 6, and such an embodiment will be described below as Example 2. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the information provision system 1 of Example 1, and the explanation of redundant components and operations will be omitted. [Examples]
[0173] Figure 30 is a block diagram showing an example of server 5A related to the information provision system 1 of Example 2. The database 22 in server 5A shown in Figure 30 includes, in addition to detection DB 22A and estimation DB 22B, a housing DB 51, detection result DB 52, estimation information DB 53, service item DB 54, and interview item DB 55. Note that the HDD 46 in the management server 6 does not need to have housing DB 51, detection result DB 52, estimation information DB 53, service item DB 54, and interview item DB 55.
[0174] Furthermore, the CPU 23 in server 5A, in addition to the collection unit 23A and estimation unit 23B, also performs the functions of an acquisition unit 61, a display control unit 62, a state estimation unit 63, a determination unit 64, an external acquisition unit 68, a permission unit 70, and a selection unit 71. The state estimation unit 63 includes a usage state estimation unit 65, a change state estimation unit 66, a lifestyle state estimation unit 63A, a care level estimation unit 67, and a usage rhythm estimation unit 69. The CPU 47 in the management server 6 does not need to have an acquisition unit 61, a display control unit 62, a state estimation unit 63, a determination unit 64, an external acquisition unit 68, a permission unit 70, and a selection unit 71.
[0175] In the information provision system 1 of Example 2, the processing load on the management server 6 can be significantly reduced.
[0176] Furthermore, in Example 1, not all of the functions of the CPU 47 of the management server 6 may be assigned to the CPU 23 of the server 5, and this can be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, all or one of the functions of the CPU 23 of the server 5 may be assigned to the CPU 47 of the management server 6, and this can be changed as appropriate. For example, the CPU 47 of the management server 6 may execute the functions of the estimation unit 23B and store the estimation DB 22B in the HDD 46 of the management server 6, and this can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the burden required for transmitting estimation information from the server 5 to the management server 6 can be reduced.
[0177] Furthermore, in the information provision systems 1 of Examples 1 and 2, a senior housing complex was used as an example, and a first resident tile screen 110, including the usage status of the equipment 10 and the living conditions of the residents, was shown on the display unit 33 of the administrator terminal 4 used by the administrator of the senior housing complex. However, the first resident tile screen 110 may also be displayed on the administrator terminal 4 used by the administrator of the monitoring service that monitors the residents of each unit 3 within the apartment complex 2, and this can be changed as appropriate.
[0178] Furthermore, Information Provision System 1 illustrates the case where a management server 6 is deployed. However, the functions of the management server 6's CPU 47 may be performed by the administrator terminal 4's CPU 37, and the database in the management server 6's HDD 46 may be stored in the administrator terminal 4's HDD 36. This can be changed as needed. In this case, the management server 6 becomes unnecessary.
[0179] Furthermore, Information Provision System 1 illustrates a case where Server 5 and Management Server 6 are deployed. However, either Server 5 or Management Server 6 may perform the functions of both Server 5 and Management Server 6, and this can be changed as appropriate.
[0180] Furthermore, the programs for realizing the functions of the acquisition unit 61, display control unit 62, state estimation unit 63, determination unit 64, external acquisition unit 68, permission unit 70, and selection unit 71 are provided, for example, in the form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is, for example, a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, etc. The CPU 47 reads the program from the recording medium and transfers and stores the read program in an internal storage device such as memory or an external storage device such as storage. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk and provided to the computer via a communication path from that recording medium, and this can be changed as appropriate.
[0181] When implementing functions such as the acquisition unit 61, display control unit 62, state estimation unit 63, determination unit 64, external acquisition unit 68, permission unit 70, and selection unit 71, the program stored in the ROM 44 is executed by the computer's CPU 47. In this case, the computer may also read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.
[0182] At least some of the hardware elements constituting Server 5 and the management server 6 may be provided by the cloud provider.
[0183] The disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of this embodiment. Each configuration and process of this embodiment can be selected or combined as needed.
[0184] Furthermore, the components of each part shown in the diagram do not necessarily have to be physically configured as depicted. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each part are not limited to those shown in the diagram, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.
[0185] Furthermore, the various processing functions performed by each device may be executed in whole or in part on a CPU, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. Alternatively, the various processing functions may be executed in whole or in part on a program run by the CPU, etc., or on wired logic hardware.
[0186] The area for storing various types of information may be composed of recording media such as SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory). [Explanation of Symbols]
[0187] 1. Information Provision System 2 Apartment complex 3 Housing 4. Administrator terminal 5 Servers 6. Management Server 10 Equipment 11 Toilet 12. Washbasin 13 Kitchen 14 Bathroom 51 Housing DB 52 Detection Results DB 53 Estimated Information Database 61 Acquisition Department 62 Display Control Unit 63 State Estimation Unit 63A Living Condition Estimation Unit 64 Judgment section 65 Usage status estimation unit 66 Change Status Estimation Unit 67 Care Level Estimation Department 68 External Acquisition Department 69. Rhythm Estimation Unit 70 Permit Department 100 First Resident Status Screen 110 First Resident Tile Screen
Claims
1. An information provision system for a multi-unit housing complex that includes multiple residences equipped with toilets, washbasins, kitchens, and bathrooms, and is managed by an administrator who provides a safety confirmation service for residents of each residence. An acquisition means for acquiring detection results from a detection means provided in at least one of the multiple facilities, such as the toilet, washbasin, kitchen, and bathroom, installed in any dwelling within the aforementioned apartment complex, facility identification information for identifying the facility, and detection date and time information of the detection means. A storage means that stores the detection result obtained by the acquisition means in association with the equipment identification information, the detection date and time information, and the house identification information that identifies the house, A display control means that controls the display of estimated information, which is estimated based on the detection results stored in the storage means, in a manner that is divided according to each housing identification information. An information provision system characterized by having the following features.
2. The acquisition means is, The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that it acquires the detection result of the detection means, the equipment identification information, and the detection date and time information via a predetermined communication means.
3. The system includes a state estimation means for estimating the usage status of the equipment based on the estimated information estimated based on the detection results of the equipment of the aforementioned residence, The aforementioned storage means is The usage status of the equipment estimated by the state estimation means is stored in association with the residential identification information. The display control means is The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that it controls the display of the status of the residents in a manner that is divided according to the housing identification information.
4. The acquisition means is, Along with the estimated information, personal authentication information identifying the user of the equipment is obtained. The aforementioned storage means is The estimated information is stored in association with the personal authentication information. The display control means is The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that it controls the display of the estimated information in a manner that is divided according to the personal authentication information.
5. The aforementioned storage means is The aforementioned house identification information and the aforementioned equipment identification information relating to the equipment installed in the aforementioned house are stored in association. The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment identification information stored in the storage means can be replaced or newly installed.
6. A determination means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the resident based on the output of a sensor installed in the said house, A usage status estimation means for estimating the usage status of the equipment by the resident based on the estimated information, The system includes a change status estimation means for estimating the changes in the usage status of the equipment by the resident over a predetermined period, The aforementioned storage means is The estimation results obtained by the aforementioned change status estimation means are stored, The display control means is The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is controlled to display the determination result by the determination means and the estimation result by the change status estimation means.
7. The system further includes a care level information estimation means for estimating care level information related to the resident's care level based on the estimation results of the change status estimation means, The display control means is The information provision system according to claim 6, characterized in that it is controlled to display the status of changes in the care level information.
8. The system includes a display mode changing means that changes the display mode of the determination result by the determination means and the estimation result by the change status estimation means for the resident, according to the current care level information of the resident. The information provision system according to claim 7, characterized in that the display control means controls the display to display the determination result by the determination means and the estimation result by the change status estimation means in the display mode changed by the display mode changing means.
9. The system further includes an external acquisition means for acquiring from an external source the determination results by the determination means and the estimation results by the change status estimation means regarding residents of other apartment buildings. The display control means is The information provision system according to claim 6, characterized in that it displays various information concerning residents of the apartment complex managed by the administrator in a manner that allows for comparison with various information concerning residents of other apartment complexes.
10. The aforementioned facility is a toilet, The aforementioned detection means is The toilet includes one of the following: an entry detection means for detecting entry into the toilet, a seating detection means for detecting sitting on the toilet, an excretion detection means for detecting the status of excretion in the toilet, and a toilet flushing identification means for identifying the type of toilet flush operated by the resident. The state estimation means is The information provision system according to claim 3, characterized in that it estimates the toilet usage status by the resident based on estimated information estimated based on the detection result of any of the above-mentioned detection means.
11. The state estimation means is The information provision system according to claim 10, characterized in that it estimates the toilet usage status of the resident based on estimated information obtained by combining the detection results of multiple detection means among any of the above detection means.
12. The state estimation means is The information provision system according to claim 10, characterized in that it estimates the toilet usage status of the resident based on estimated information obtained by combining the detection results of one or more of the aforementioned detection means with the detection results of a sensor not installed in the toilet.
13. The plurality of detection means include the excretion detection means and the toilet flushing identification means, The acquisition means is, Based on the detection results of the excretion detection means, the type of excretion by the resident is estimated and obtained. The state estimation means is The information provision system according to claim 10, characterized in that it estimates the appropriateness of the toilet flushing performed by the resident as the resident's toilet usage status, based on estimated information estimated based on the type of excretion and the detection result of the toilet flushing identification means.
14. The storage means is equipped with a means for obtaining disclosure permission information to obtain disclosure permission from the resident in connection with the external provision of the estimated information stored in the storage means, The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that the estimated information is provided to an external party when the aforementioned disclosure permission is obtained.
15. The display control means is The information provision system according to claim 6, characterized in that the display mode is changed according to the status of changes in the usage state of the equipment estimated by the change status estimation means.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Excretion data management system and excretion data management method
WO2023042787A1