Monitoring system and method for monitoring a care recipient in the monitoring system

Abstract

Fluctuations in game scores acquired by the care recipient are notified to a data terminal operated by the family or the attending physician, and the family and the attending physician share the care recipient's symptoms with the care recipient, and also share the information with a care supporter at the facility, thereby smoothly providing the best possible life support. [Solution] In a monitoring system that supports the monitoring of care recipients, a first server device 4 manages the history of scores obtained in an intellectual game application installed on a first data terminal 10-1 or the like operated by the care recipient at a care facility 100, and works in conjunction with a second data terminal 2-1 or the like operated by the caregiver to dynamically grasp the state of decline in the cognitive function of the care recipient, create a program to improve the symptoms of the care recipient, and support a service that provides thorough monitoring of the care recipient.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system and a method for monitoring a person in a monitoring system, in which a first data terminal operated by the person in care executes a game application installed on the first data terminal and communicates with a second data terminal operated by a watcher who manages the progress of the person's achievements, thereby remotely monitoring the person in care. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, there have been special nursing homes for the elderly (those receiving care) that cater to elderly people who require constant care, nursing care facilities for the elderly that aim to return home after completing treatment at a hospital, and nursing care and rehabilitation medical facilities that cater to elderly people that aim to return home after completing treatment at a hospital.

[0003] On the other hand, people who need care are not limited to the elderly people mentioned above; there are also people who need to be watched over in places (facilities) away from caregivers.

[0004] For example, in some cases, health center staff may periodically visit the remote location mentioned above to check on a care recipient who is suffering from a mental illness.

[0005] Family members and relatives who act as caregivers can assess the health of the person being cared for, place them in a facility of their choice, and pay monthly living and nursing care expenses, thereby reducing the burden of care on the family. Here, the care recipient who moves into the facility may experience a decline in intellectual function due to their lifestyle patterns at the facility. In addition, there are facilities that do not provide care to the elderly, but rather accept people who have developed psychosomatic illnesses (including mental illnesses such as depression) and help them return to normal life as quickly as possible.

[0006] Even in such nursing care facilities, there is a growing trend to actively utilize psychological game applications that help restore the physical and mental state of those receiving care to a normal rhythm in order to restore the physical and mental state of those receiving care.

[0007] For this reason, in order to deal with cases where the cognitive functions of the care recipients have significantly declined, some facilities have actively adopted routines in which caregivers install applications on the data terminals operated by the care recipients and allow them to play games. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a golf game system for preventing the need for nursing care, which determines the state of brain function of a person receiving nursing care.

[0008] Specifically, it discloses that "to provide a golf game system for preventing nursing care, which acquires a player's brain wave information and can change the game environment to improve exercise motivation and exercise effectiveness according to the player's brain wave pattern, the system comprises a ball 10 and a club 20 used in a golf game, an acceleration sensor 30 attached to the club 20 and measuring the movement of the club during a swing, an brain wave sensor 40 attached to the player and measuring the player's brain waves, a game computer 100 receiving signals from the acceleration sensor 30 and generating images linked to the club movement, a monitor 50, and a net 60, wherein the computer 100 has a plurality of game environment elements that can be changed in response to the player's brain wave pattern information, calculates brain wave pattern information from the brain wave signal transmitted from the player's brain wave sensor 40, compares the calculated brain wave pattern information with reference brain wave pattern information, and maintains or changes the game environment elements based on the comparison result, and outputs the game environment elements." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-201769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, even if the game performance of the care recipient was assessed at intervals that did not cause fluctuations in their intellectual activity, it was not possible to quantitatively analyze their current brain function, for example, whether their cognitive ability was declining gradually or dramatically.

[0011] In addition, a system for sharing the gaming results of care recipients with their families and their doctors has not yet been developed, and it has been pointed out that it is not possible to incorporate the opinions of specialists and provide comprehensive support for care recipients.

[0012] Meanwhile, while facilities that care for patients who have developed depression or mental illnesses due to stress or power harassment in social activities are able to monitor their symptoms, there are no systems in practical use that can objectively quantify the actual symptoms. There is therefore hope for the development of a system that uses applications that improve psychological factors to support the recovery of those receiving care.

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a monitoring system and a method for monitoring a person receiving care in a monitoring system that can freely develop a service that allows the family and attending physician of the person receiving care to share the symptoms of the person receiving care and smoothly provide the best possible life support in collaboration with care supporters at the facility, by notifying a data terminal operated by the family or attending physician of fluctuations in game scores achieved by playing a game installed on the data terminal, which determines the level of intellectual activity that is difficult to determine based on the living conditions at the facility alone, and by sharing the symptoms of the person receiving care with the family and attending physician, and by providing the best possible life support in collaboration with care supporters at the facility.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system and a method for monitoring care recipients in a monitoring system that can freely develop a service that smoothly provides the best possible life support in cooperation with care workers at the facility, so that a game application that is expected to improve the physical and mental disabilities of care recipients can be installed and executed on a data terminal operated by the care recipient, thereby helping the care recipient regain a cheerful expression and restore a mental and physical state full of smiles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, a monitoring system according to the present invention has the following configuration.

[0016] The present invention provides A monitoring system that supports monitoring of the care recipient through communication between a first data terminal operated by the care recipient, a plurality of second data terminals operated by a person watching over the care recipient, a third data terminal operated by a medical professional who can examine the care recipient, and a server device that shares care information between the second data terminal and the third data terminal, wherein the first data terminal includes a downloading means for downloading a desired game application from a game server, and a recording means for recording a score obtained by the care recipient when the desired game application is launched, and the server device includes an acquiring means for acquiring the score recorded in the recording means, and a recording means for recording the score acquired by the acquiring means. The latest score obtained by the care recipient is compared with the score obtained in the past, and the amount of change in the level of decline is calculated. The system is characterized by comprising a determination means for determining whether the person being cared for needs specific medical support, and a notification means for, if the determination means determines that the person being cared for needs the specific medical support, notifying the second data terminal and the third data terminal linked to the person being cared for of the score history and a message urging medical support. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, an intelligent game application is installed on a data terminal operated by the person being cared for, and information regarding the score obtained by running the desired game application that is launched at any time is shared between the caregiver at the facility, the person requesting care, and medical personnel, allowing for the flexible development of a service that smoothly provides the best possible life support to the person being cared for at the optimal time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention, including essential features of the invention as well as alternative and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1]1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a first server device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first data terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program loaded in the RAM shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a second server device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second data terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program loaded in the RAM shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by a first data terminal in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by a first data terminal in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by a first server device in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by a first server device in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by a second server device in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] [First embodiment] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a monitoring system according to this embodiment. The system is an example of a monitoring system that supports monitoring of the care recipients through communication between first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N operated by the care recipients, multiple second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N operated by people watching over the care recipients, third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N operated by medical professionals who can examine the care recipients, and a server device that shares care information between the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and the third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N.

[0021] In Figure 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a nursing care facility, where first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N operated by multiple care recipients are connected to a network 21, and each care recipient is configured to be able to download and launch a desired intellectual game application from a group of intellectual game applications downloaded from a game server 110 by a first server device 4.

[0022] 2-1 to 2-N are second data terminals that are operated by relatives who have cared for the person residing in the facility, and are configured to be able to obtain care report information stored in the first server device 4, the scores and vital signs of each cared for person obtained through the intellectual game application.

[0023] Reference numeral 5 denotes a second server device installed in a medical office, which is connected to the network 21 and communicates with third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N operated by medical specialists who provide medical services, to request medical services required by the person being cared for.

[0024] In addition, the second server device 5 periodically acquires score information obtained by the care recipients by running the intellectual game application from the first server device 4, stores the information in association with the ID of each care recipient, and executes a process to evaluate the intellectual activity level of each care recipient.

[0025] In particular, the second server device 5 evaluates a threshold value (which is to be set for each intellectual application) for determining whether the intellectual activity level of each cared person is beginning to decline, is remaining in a declined state, or is further declining, and determines whether the score obtained from the first server device 4 by each cared person when running the desired intellectual application falls within the range of 10% to 15% (medical consultation initiation level), 16% to 25% (medical service consultation level), or more (hospitalization level) compared to the previous value.

[0026] The second server device 5 provides a service of periodically reporting the current intellectual activity level of each care recipient evaluated to the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N by activating an API linked to an SNS application.

[0027] In addition, the second server device 5 communicates with each of the care recipients who have evaluated the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N operated by doctors to lead a conference to discuss care policies, thereby providing the best medical services to the care recipients.

[0028] The game server 110 includes game databases 110-1 to 110-N that store a group of downloadable intellectual game applications divided by attribute.

[0029] The desired game application also has a playback mode, allowing the game to be resumed from the favorites screen.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first server device 4 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, 41 denotes a communication unit that performs bidirectional data communication using a predetermined protocol with the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N, the third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N, and the second server device 5 via the network 21. 43 denotes a CPU that starts applications stored in the external memory 48 and performs overall control of each device connected to the internal bus 42.

[0031] Reference numeral 45 denotes a keyboard, which is used to input letters and numbers onto the screen displayed on the display 47, and to specify icons displayed on the screen.

[0032] Reference numeral 44 denotes a database unit, which comprises database 44A and database 44B. Database 44A stores and manages information about the care recipients residing in the nursing facility, including their health status, particularly vital signs, linked to an ID assigned to each care recipient.

[0033] On the other hand, the database 44B stores the ID of the data terminal operated by the care recipient on which the intellectual game application downloaded from the game server 110 is installed, in association with the ID of the data terminal, and also stores and manages the start date and time of the intellectual game application started by the care recipient, the play time from game start to logout, and the score obtained.

[0034] Reference numeral 46 denotes RAM, in which an acquisition unit 46-1, a judgment unit 46-2, and a notification unit 46-3 are deployed as applications launched by the CPU 43, and the acquisition unit 46-1 executes a process of acquiring the score obtained by the intellectual application launched by the person being cared for, which is recorded in a database 44B that functions as a recording means.

[0035] Furthermore, the determination unit 46-2 performs a process of individually evaluating the variations in the score fluctuations acquired by the acquisition unit 46-1 in cooperation with the AI ​​support unit 49 and determining whether the care recipient needs specific medical support.

[0036] In addition, when the judgment unit 46-2 individually evaluates the variations in the score fluctuations acquired by the acquisition means according to the attributes of the desired game application, the judgment unit 46-2 works in cooperation with the AI ​​support unit 49 to perform a process of switching the threshold value for determining whether or not medical support is available.

[0037] When the judgment unit 46-2 judges that the care recipient needs specific medical support, the notification unit 46-3 executes a process of notifying the score history and a message urging medical support to the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N linked to the care recipient and the third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N functioning as the third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N via the second server device 5.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N shown in FIG.

[0039] In FIG. 3(a), a CPU 301 loads a program stored in a ROM 302 and a control program stored in an external memory (not shown) into a RAM 303, and controls each device in an integrated manner.

[0040] A communication unit 304 performs bidirectional data communication with the first server device 4 and the second server device 5 connected to the network 21 using a predetermined protocol.

[0041] In the RAM 303 shown in FIG. 3B, 303-1 is a login unit that executes a process of logging in to the first server device 4 using a set account.

[0042] 303-2 is a download unit that downloads a desired intellectual game application selected from a group of intellectual game applications downloaded by the first server device 4 from the game server 110 via the network 21 to an external memory and stores the application in a rewritable manner at any time.

[0043] Reference numeral 303-3 denotes a UI control unit that comprehensively controls the display state of text, images, and icons displayed on the screen of the display 311. The UI control unit 303-3 also comprehensively controls the display of content based on downloaded intellectual game applications. The content here is assumed to be a display with high visual effects of the movements of characters, images, videos, text, etc. required by various intellectual game applications.

[0044] Furthermore, the intellectual game applications include competitive Go games, Shogi games, and action-based sports games (baseball, bowling, soccer, badminton, volleyball, etc.).

[0045] Reference numeral 303-4 denotes a score uploading unit, which links the score obtained in the intellectual game application started on the first data terminal 10-1 to 10-N operated by the care recipient, the date and time when the score was obtained, the play time from game start to logout, etc. to the ID of the care recipient and uploads them to the first server device 4. Reference numeral 310 denotes a keyboard, which inputs necessary information or touch actions onto the screen of the application started on the first data terminal 10-1 to 10-N operated by the care recipient.

[0046] 303-5 is an API unit that works in conjunction with the installed first SNS application (SNS1) and second SNS application (SNS2) to perform processing for bidirectional data transfer of messages, images, audio, and video in conjunction with the first SNS application (SNS1) 303-5-1 and second SNS application (SNS2) 303-5-2 installed in the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N. Whether to use a wired interface or a wireless interface (WIFI) depends on the network environment.

[0047] Therefore, SNS applications are not limited to communication speed environments such as 4G and 5G.

[0048] In the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N, the download unit 303-2 executes a process of downloading a game application selected from a desired group of game applications having game attributes that stimulate the intellectual activity of the care recipient.

[0049] In addition, the desired game application that is launched in the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N employs a game that detects when the care recipient's finger touches the screen in response to the moving speed of an object displayed on the screen, thereby earning a score.

[0050] Furthermore, the desired game application employs a game in which scores are earned by performing memory actions on number objects, kanji objects, and colored graphic objects displayed on the screen.

[0051] In addition, a desired game application employs a game in which scores are acquired by performing memory actions on number objects, kanji objects, and colored graphic objects displayed on the screen of the display 311.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second server device 5 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, 430 is a CPU, which is connected to the network 21 and cooperates with the first server device 4 in data processing based on the care support program.

[0053] The RAM 460 has an analysis unit 410 and a creation unit 420 that function as programs deployed therein, which acquire score information defined in chronological order that each care recipient has acquired in the intellectual game application launched by that care recipient and that is transferred from the first server device 4, and performs data analysis processing. At this time, the analysis unit 410 executes processing to correlate and analyze the score information with vital information (blood pressure, pulse rate (pulse rate), amount of exercise (number of steps), etc.) of the care recipient at the time the score information was acquired, thereby evaluating the intellectual activity of the care recipient from a comprehensive medical perspective that cannot be diagnosed by simple brain activity alone.

[0054] Furthermore, the creation unit 420 creates a lifestyle improvement program to be practiced by the care recipient, taking into consideration the analysis results by the analysis unit 410 and lifestyle improvement advice obtained from the third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N operated by the respective specialists.

[0055] It is assumed that the second server device 5 provides the first server device 4 with a service of periodically distributing the lifestyle improvement program created by the creation unit 420.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that the same components as those in Fig. 3 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted.

[0057] In Figure 5, 303-4-1 is a score receiving unit that receives the score earned by the care recipient when the care recipient operates one of the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N and executes an intellectual game application installed on the first data terminal 10-1 to 10-N, and displays the score on the SNS screen.

[0058] 303-5-1 is an API unit that executes processing for API linkage with a first SNS (SNS1) 303-5-1 and a second SNS (SNS2) 303-5-2 that are linked.

[0059] Here, when the first SNS (SNS1) 303-5-1 receives the score obtained in the intellectual game application from any of the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N operated by the care recipient, it displays a dynamic indicator together with the user icon registered on the display 311, and if the score value is higher than the previous value, together with the avatar.

[0060] On the other hand, if the score value is the same as the previous time, the indicator is displayed normally together with the avatar.

[0061] Furthermore, if the score value is lower than the previous time, an alert will be displayed with the indicator along with an avatar.

[0062] This allows the person requesting care for the care recipient to visually check the changes in the care recipient's intellectual level on the SNS screen as a communication tool, and by responding to messages sent to the care recipient, can send messages of encouragement and support at any time, thereby sharing with the caregiver any decline in the care recipient's intellectual level that the care recipient may not be aware of.

[0063] [Example of data processing in first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N] 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating an example of data processing by the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N in the monitoring system according to this embodiment. Note that (1) to (15) indicate steps, which are implemented by the CPU 301 loading a control program stored in an external memory into the RAM 303 and executing it.

[0064] First, the CPU 301 determines whether the care recipient has successfully logged in to the first server device 4 using the account registered by the care recipient (1), and if it determines that the login has been successful, it determines whether the care recipient has issued an instruction to download (DL) the desired intellectual game application to the terminal main body (2), and if it determines that the care recipient has not issued an instruction to download, the CPU 301 waits (13) for the desired intellectual game application to be downloaded from the intellectual game application list presented by the first server device 4. Next, if the CPU 301 determines that the desired intellectual game application has been downloaded from the intellectual game application list presented by the first server device 4, it registers the downloaded desired intellectual game application in the main body memory (not shown) (14) and returns to step (3).

[0065] On the other hand, in step (2), if the CPU 301 determines that the instruction from the person being cared for is to download a desired intellectual game application, the CPU 301 determines (3) whether an instruction has been given to launch any of the registered intellectual game applications displayed on the display 311.

[0066] This allows the care recipient to boldly take on the intellectual game application that has been started.

[0067] Then, the CPU 301 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the start of the game (4), and if it determines that the predetermined time has passed, displays a message on the display 311 advising the player to end the game in order to reduce visual burden (15), and returns to step (4).

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the care-receiver has issued an instruction to log out of the game (5).

[0069] Here, if the CPU 301 determines that the care recipient has not instructed the user to log out of the game, it returns to step (4), and if the CPU 301 determines that the care recipient has instructed the user to log out of the game, it uploads the score obtained by playing this game to the first server device 4 (6).

[0070] Next, the CPU 301 determines whether the care receiver issues an instruction to start up the SNS registered in the terminal through the display 311 (7).

[0071] Here, if the CPU 301 determines that it has received an instruction to launch the SNS registered by the care recipient on the terminal, it displays the latest game score that has been acquired and stored in the memory of the terminal body on the SNS screen (8).

[0072] Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not an SNS response has been received from the person selected by the care recipient (9). If the CPU 301 determines that an SNS response has not been received from the person selected by the care recipient, the process returns to step (8). If the CPU 301 determines that an SNS response has been received from the person selected by the care recipient, the CPU 301 displays an SNS reception alert on the display 311 (10).

[0073] Next, the CPU 301 starts the communication unit 304 to connect to the other party's terminal and execute SNS communication with the connected party (11).

[0074] Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the care receiver has issued a logout instruction to the display 311 to end the SNS communication (12).

[0075] Here, if the CPU 301 determines that the care recipient has not issued a logout instruction to the display 311 to end SNS communication, it returns to step (11), and if it determines that the care recipient has issued a logout instruction to the display 311 to end SNS communication, it terminates this processing.

[0076] This allows family members and others who are caring for the person being cared for to remotely check that the person being cared for has played an intellectual game and the latest score achieved in that intellectual game, and to communicate with the person being cared for by using the intellectual game as a topic of conversation.

[0077] [Example of data processing by the first server device 4] 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating an example of data processing by the first server device 4 in the monitoring system according to this embodiment. Note that (21) to (35) indicate steps, which are realized by the CPU 43 loading a control program stored in the external memory 48 into the RAM 46 and executing it.

[0078] First, the CPU 43 determines whether or not the score obtained by the care recipient by challenging the intellectual game application has been received from any of the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N operated by the care recipient via the network 21 (21).

[0079] Here, when the CPU 43 determines that the score obtained by the care recipient by challenging the intellectual game application has been received from any of the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N operated by the care recipient, the CPU 43 registers the received score in the database 44B in association with the care recipient's identification information (user ID) (22).

[0080] Next, the CPU 43 determines whether the current score is lower than the previous score (previous value) obtained by the same care recipient registered in the database 44B (23).

[0081] Here, if the CPU 43 determines that the current score is lower than the previous score (previous value), it considers that the score of the intellectual game application being challenged on the terminal operated by the care recipient has just happened to have decreased, and sends a second message to the terminal to encourage the care recipient (for example, ``Maybe there's a chance for bonus points next time?'') (24).

[0082] On the other hand, even if the variation of the current score from the previous score (previous value) is within the acceptable range, a first message (e.g., You're doing well! Keep it up and get a high score!) is sent to the device operated by the care recipient to encourage them to maintain the score of the intellectual game application they are challenging (35), and the process proceeds to step (25). Note that the timing of sending and displaying the first and second messages can also be controlled so that they pop up on the startup screen the next time the care recipient starts up the same intellectual game application.

[0083] Next, the CPU 43 determines whether a request for consultation has been received from a caregiver of the care recipient living in the nursing facility 100, concerned about the decline in cognitive function, in response to a change in the score acquired by the care recipient, from any of the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N (25).

[0084] Here, when the CPU 43 determines that it has received a consultation request from the caregiver of the care recipient out of concern about the decline in cognitive function, it transfers (26) the score history of the care recipient stored in the database 44B to the second server device 5. At this time, it is assumed that identification information for identifying the care recipient is added to the score history of the care recipient.

[0085] Next, the CPU 43 determines whether or not a notification regarding the need for medical advice has been received from the second server device 5 (27). If it is determined that a notification regarding the need for medical advice has not been received, the process ends.

[0086] On the other hand, if the CPU 43 determines in step (27) that medical advice is necessary, it sends an alert regarding the care recipient to one of the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N operated by the caregiver (28).

[0087] Next, when the CPU 43 mediates the medical consultation conference between the caregiver and the specialist and determines that the conference has ended (29), it proposes an improvement program for improving intellectual activity to one of the first data terminals 10-1 to 10-N operated by the care recipient (30).

[0088] In this case, the improvement program will include suggestions for changing the installed intellectual game application (lowering the difficulty level).

[0089] Next, the CPU 43 determines whether an instruction to approve the improvement program has been received from the care recipient (31). If the CPU 43 determines that an instruction to approve the improvement program has not been received from the care recipient, the CPU 43 returns to step (30) and repeats the process of proposing another improvement program.

[0090] On the other hand, if the CPU 43 determines in step (31) that the care recipient has approved the improvement program, it proposes an intellectual game application for the care recipient to try a new challenge (32).

[0091] Next, the CPU 43 monitors the score obtained by the care recipient for the intellectual game application proposed by the first server device 4 for a predetermined period of time (33), and then determines whether the score obtained by the intellectual game application newly proposed in step (32) has increased (34).

[0092] Here, if the CPU 43 determines that the score has not increased due to the newly proposed intellectual game application, the process returns to step (33).

[0093] On the other hand, if the CPU 43 determines that the score of the newly proposed intellectual game application has increased, it ends this process.

[0094] This allows the system to accurately detect when the score of the intellectual game application being played by the care recipient drops, and to work in cooperation with the caregiver to provide appropriate support for the care approach to the care recipient.

[0095] [Example of data processing by the second server device 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by the second server device 5 in the monitoring system according to this embodiment. Note that (41) to (51) indicate steps, which are realized by the CPU 430 loading a control program stored in an external memory into the RAM 460 and executing the program.

[0096] First, the CPU 430 determines whether or not an analysis request for score information has been received from the first server device 4 via the network 21 (41). If the CPU 430 determines that an analysis request for score information has been received from the first server device 4 by activating the analysis unit 410, the CPU 430 executes an analysis process for the received score and intellectual activity (42).

[0097] Next, the CPU 430 determines whether the latest score acquired by the care recipient corresponds to a 10 to 15% decline level compared with the previous or previous score acquired (43). If the CPU 430 determines that the decline level is 10 to 15%, the CPU 430 activates the creation unit 420 to create an exercise program for the care recipient to perform moderate exercise (44), notifies the first server device 4 of the program (51), and ends the process.

[0098] On the other hand, if the CPU 430 determines in step (43) that the latest score acquired by the care recipient does not correspond to a 10 to 15% decline level compared to the previous or second-to-last score, the CPU 430 determines whether the latest score acquired by the care recipient corresponds to a 16 to 25% decline level compared to the previous or second-to-last score (45). Here, if the CPU 430 determines that the latest score acquired by the care recipient corresponds to a 16 to 25% decline level compared to the previous or second-to-last score, the CPU 430 creates an improvement program for improving the care recipient's daily rhythm (46), and proceeds to step (51).

[0099] The improvement program involves creating meal plans for the care recipient that increase their intake of blue fish, which is rich in DHA and other ingredients that are effective in activating the brain, in order to improve their daily rhythm.

[0100] On the other hand, if in step (45) the CPU 430 determines that the latest score acquired by the care recipient does not correspond to a decline level of 16 to 25% compared to the score acquired last time or the score before that, the CPU 430 further determines whether the latest score acquired by the care recipient corresponds to a decline level of 30% or more compared to the score acquired last time or the score before that (47).

[0101] Here, if the CPU 430 determines that the latest score obtained by the care recipient is a 30% decrease compared to the score obtained the previous time or the time before that, it inquires of one of the third data terminals 6-1 to 6-N operated by a specialist connected to the second server device 5 as to whether medical treatment is possible at the medical institution, receives the decision on whether or not treatment is possible (48), and proceeds to step (51).

[0102] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (47) that the latest score obtained by the care recipient is not a decrease of 30% or more compared to the score obtained the previous time or the time before that, the CPU 430 determines (49) whether the follow-up observation period has expired since the improvement program was executed in steps (44), (46), and (48). If the CPU 430 determines that the follow-up observation period has expired, it determines (50) whether the intellectual activity level of the care recipient has improved. If it determines that the intellectual activity level of the care recipient has improved, the CPU 430 terminates this processing.

[0103] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (50) that the intellectual activity level of the care recipient has not improved, the process proceeds to step (51), where the first server device 4 is notified of this fact, and the process ends.

[0104] This allows the person receiving care to simply run the selected intellectual game application for entertainment at any time of their choosing, independent of any forced activities such as making the intellectual game application a daily routine, and by receiving timely notifications to determine whether the person receiving care is experiencing a decline in cognitive ability and by gradually determining the degree of decline in the certification level, the person receiving care, the caregiver, and a specialist doctor can work together to provide a service that provides comprehensive intellectual activity support.

[0105] It is also possible to configure the system to include a service in which, after the medical examination at the medical institution in step (48), the care recipient is transferred to a specialized rehabilitation system or referred to a medical institution for further treatment.

[0106] In addition, by transmitting vital signs measured from the person being cared for using a blood pressure monitor, weight scale, etc. installed in the care facility 100 to a second server device 5, the system can be configured to take into account the health condition of the person being cared for and perform a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the process of cognitive decline.

[0107] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to this embodiment, an intellectual game application is installed on the second data terminal 2-1 to 2-N operated by the care recipient, and information regarding the score obtained by executing the intellectual game application that is launched at any time is shared between the caregiver at the facility, the care requester, and medical personnel, allowing for the flexible development of a service that smoothly provides the best possible life support to the care recipient at the optimal time.

[0108] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the monitoring system is constructed as a distributed system, thereby reducing the burden on each server device and the burden that should be left to specialists, and the first server device 4 and the second server device 5 work together to share information with medical professionals, allowing for the flexible development of services that smoothly provide the best possible life support to the care recipients at the optimal timing.However, the system may also be constructed using a single server device as the first server device 4 and the second server device 5.

[0109] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, the second server device 5 in the monitoring system works in cooperation with an AI technique that performs cognitive judgment processing without the intervention of medical professionals, thereby reducing system costs related to medical consultations.

[0110] In addition, by reducing system costs, the burden of data update processing on the nursing care facilities that adopt this system can be reduced, and the AI ​​can be adapted to the latest program conditions it is learning, making it possible to improve the treatment of those receiving care.

[0111] Third Embodiment In the above embodiment, a system was described that assumes that the care recipient is an elderly person. However, there are also facilities that have been established in the hope of improving psychosomatic and mental disorders. Therefore, in the system described in the above embodiment, the attributes of the desired application to be applied can be configured to be linked to mental and physical factors. Specifically, the attributes of the desired game application include sports play, action type, thinking type, and psychology improvement type, which are linked to the physical factors of the care recipient.

[0112] Specifically, the psychology improvement game application has the following features, and is configured so that the system stores and manages the degree of improvement as a numerical score for those improvements.

[0113] Scores are assigned in advance, for example on a 10-point scale, to (1) actions that find hope, (2) actions that activate behavior, (3) actions that control emotions, (4) actions that attempt to solve problems, (5) actions that recognize negative cognitions, and (6) actions that fight against negative cognitions, and score fluctuations are captured based on the care recipient's game performance status.

[0114] Examples of psychological improvement game applications include applications that support mindfulness and meditation, applications that provide meditation and relaxing music to promote relaxation, and applications that promote mental relaxation through beautiful graphics and gameplay.

[0115] Furthermore, the psychological improvement type included in the attributes of the desired game application is specified as a scenario with a wise parameter, a positive parameter, an active parameter, a realistic recognition parameter, and a new thinking parameter.

[0116] Therefore, game creators must design the game's directionality by taking into consideration the attributes of the care recipient (age, medical history, current symptoms, and symptom level).In doing so, game creators can create new types of game applications under the supervision of specialists and introduce them into this system.

[0117] As a result, the present invention can be applied not only to intellectual game applications that grasp the state of cognitive decline in the elderly, but also to game applications developed for people receiving care, including those with psychosomatic and mental illnesses.

[0118] [Effects of the third embodiment] According to this embodiment, when a person living in a facility who is physically or mentally disabled and requires nursing care operates a data terminal to communicate during their daily routine, they can simply run the desired game application downloaded from the game server that can quantify their psychological state, and share the score they have earned with their family (caregivers) who are caring for them and their doctor.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, the desired game application that can quantify the psychological state is selected from the latest applications that are supervised by the care recipient's doctor or that are expected to improve symptoms, and the most suitable application can be installed, even if the care recipient's interests and thoughts change. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The above embodiment proposes a system that uses SNS, but when introducing communication tools that will be developed in the future, it is desirable that data transfer on the system be linked to a predetermined encrypted confidentiality process, taking into consideration the privacy and security of the person being cared for.

[0121] The disclosure of the present invention described above can be summarized at least as follows.

[0122] (1) A monitoring system that supports monitoring of the care recipient through communication between a first data terminal operated by the care recipient, a plurality of second data terminals operated by a person watching over the care recipient, a third data terminal operated by a medical professional who can examine the care recipient, and a server device that shares care information between the second data terminal and the third data terminal, wherein the first data terminal has a downloading means for downloading a desired game application from a game server, and a recording means for recording a score obtained by the care recipient when the desired game application is launched, and the server device has an acquiring means for acquiring the score recorded in the recording means, and a recording means for recording the score acquired by the acquiring means. The latest score obtained by the care recipient is compared with the score obtained in the past, and the amount of change in the level of decline is calculated. The system is characterized by comprising a determination means for determining whether the person being cared for needs specific medical support, and a notification means for, if the determination means determines that the person being cared for needs the specific medical support, notifying the second data terminal and the third data terminal linked to the person being cared for of the score history and a message urging medical support.

[0123] (2) The determination means is characterized in that, when AI individually evaluates the variations in the score fluctuations acquired by the acquisition means according to the attributes of the desired game application, it switches a threshold value for determining whether or not medical assistance is possible.

[0124] (3) The attributes of the desired game application include a sports play type, an action type, a thinking type, and a psychological improvement type that are linked to the physical characteristics of the care recipient.

[0125] (4) The psychological improvement type included in the attributes of the desired game application is characterized in that the scenario of the desired game application is identified by a wise parameter, a positive parameter, an active parameter, a realistic recognition parameter, and a new thinking parameter.

[0126] (5) The desired game application has a playback mode, allowing the game to be resumed from a favorites screen.

[0127] (6) The downloading means is characterized in that it downloads a game application selected from a desired group of game applications having game attributes that stimulate intellectual activity of the care recipient.

[0128] (7) The first data terminal is characterized in that the desired game application is a game that detects when the care recipient's finger touches the screen by adapting to the movement speed of an object displayed on the screen and earns a score.

[0129] (8) The first data terminal is characterized in that the desired game application is a game in which scores are earned by adapting memory actions to number objects, kanji objects, and colored graphic objects displayed on the screen.

[0131] ( 9) A method for monitoring a care recipient in a monitoring system that supports monitoring of the care recipient by communication between a first data terminal operated by the care recipient, multiple second data terminals operated by a person monitoring the care recipient, a third data terminal operated by a medical professional who can examine the care recipient, and a server device that shares care information between the second data terminal and the third data terminal, wherein the first data terminal comprises: a download step for downloading a desired game application from a game server; and a recording step for recording in a recording means a score obtained by the care recipient when the desired game application is launched; an acquisition step for the server device to acquire the score recorded in the recording means; and a determination step for determining whether the care recipient needs specific medical support from the amount of change in the level of decline based on a comparison of the latest score obtained by the care recipient, acquired in the acquisition step, with scores obtained in the past; and a reporting step for reporting the score history and a message urging medical support to the second data terminal and the third data terminal linked to the care recipient, if the determination step determines that the care recipient needs the specific medical support. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 2-1~2-N Second data terminal 6-1~6-N Third Data Terminal 10-1~10-N First data terminal 4. First server device 5. Second server device 110 Game Server

Claims

1. a first data terminal operated by a care recipient, and a plurality of second data terminals operated by people watching over the care recipient; A monitoring system that supports monitoring of the care recipient by communication between a third data terminal operated by a medical professional who can examine the care recipient and a server device that shares care information between the second data terminal and the third data terminal, The first data terminal download means for downloading a desired game application from a game server; a recording means for recording a score obtained by the care recipient when the desired game application is launched; The server device an acquisition means for acquiring the score recorded in the recording means; a determining means for determining whether the care recipient needs specific medical support based on a change in the level of decline of the latest score acquired by the acquiring means based on a comparison with scores acquired in the past; a notification means for notifying the second data terminal and the third data terminal associated with the care recipient of the history of the score and a message urging medical support when the determination means determines that the care recipient needs the specific medical support; A monitoring system comprising:

2. The monitoring system described in claim 1, characterized in that the judgment means switches a threshold value for determining whether or not medical support is necessary when individually AI-evaluating the variations in the score fluctuations acquired by the acquisition means according to the attributes of the desired game application.

3. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the attributes of the desired game application include sports play, action type, thinking type, and psychological improvement type linked to the physical elements of the person being cared for.

4. The monitoring system described in claim 3, characterized in that the psychological improvement type included in the attributes of the desired game application is characterized by identifying the scenario of the desired game application by a wise parameter, a positive parameter, an active parameter, a realistic recognition parameter, and a new thinking parameter.

5. 2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the desired game application has a playback mode, allowing the game to be resumed from a favorites screen.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the downloading means downloads a game application selected from a desired group of game applications having game attributes that stimulate intellectual activity of the person being cared for.

7. The first data terminal The monitoring system described in claim 1, characterized in that the desired game application is a game that detects when the care recipient's finger touches the screen and earns points by adapting to the movement speed of an object displayed on the screen.

8. The first data terminal The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the desired game application is a game in which a score is earned by adapting memory actions to number objects, kanji objects, and colored graphic objects displayed on the screen.

9. a first data terminal operated by a care recipient, and a plurality of second data terminals operated by people watching over the care recipient; A method for monitoring a care recipient in a monitoring system that supports monitoring of the care recipient by communication between a third data terminal operated by a medical professional who can examine the care recipient and a server device that shares care information between the second data terminal and the third data terminal, The first data terminal a download step of downloading a desired game application from a game server; a recording step of recording a score obtained by the care recipient in a recording means when the desired game application is launched; The server device an acquisition step of acquiring the score recorded in the recording means; a determining step of determining whether the care recipient needs specific medical support based on a change in a level of decline based on a comparison of the latest score acquired by the care recipient in the acquiring step with a score acquired in the past; a notification step of notifying the second data terminal and the third data terminal associated with the care recipient of the history of the score and a message urging medical support when the determination step determines that the care recipient needs the specific medical support; A method for monitoring a person being cared for in a monitoring system, comprising:

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