Care system and care method

Abstract

In the care system and the care method of the present disclosure, a thermal image acquisition unit (3) is installed on a wall (4) or a ceiling (5) on a side where a head of a care recipient (1) is located when the care recipient (1) is lying on a bed (2), and acquires a thermal image by photographing the bed (2) and its surroundings from an oblique direction above. A reference line setting unit (12) sets two reference lines (8, 9) in the thermal image corresponding to left and right ends of the bed (2), and a reference height (10) for determining a getting-out-of-bed of the care recipient. A heat source detection unit (13) detects a block (11) of a heat source in the thermal image. A state determination unit (14) determines a state of the care recipient (1) based on a positional relationship between a safe region (15) surrounded by the reference lines (8, 9) and the reference height (10) and the block (11) of the heat source. A determination result output unit (7) outputs a determination result of the state determination unit (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a care system and care method that uses an infrared camera. Background Technology

[0002] In hospitals and nursing facilities, elderly individuals or other caregivers who roll off their beds while sleeping can suffer serious injuries. Therefore, prevention and early detection of such accidents are crucial. Consequently, monitoring systems using pressure sensors and other sensors around the bed have been implemented in hospitals and nursing facilities. However, contact-based sensors may be removed by caregivers who dislike being monitored. Therefore, systems that monitor from locations out of the caregiver's reach are required.

[0003] From the perspective of protecting the privacy of those being cared for, remote indoor monitoring using video cameras is not the preferred method. Furthermore, when the room is dark during bedtime, sufficient image information cannot be obtained through video cameras. Therefore, a caregiving system using infrared cameras has been proposed as a method that provides night vision while also respecting privacy.

[0004] A system has been proposed that mounts an infrared camera on the side of the bed and takes pictures of the person being cared for from the side. While this can detect when the person has gotten out of bed, it cannot detect signs such as rolling off the bed or about to roll off. On the other hand, a system has also been proposed that takes pictures of the person being cared for from directly above and pre-divides the detection area into zones, allowing for monitoring based on which zone the person is in (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6828703

[0006] The system, which takes images from directly above, acquires thermal images of the bed surface. However, it is difficult to distinguish the heat of the person being cared for from the residual heat on the bed within the thermal images. Therefore, it is impossible to distinguish whether the person being cared for is getting out of bed or simply turning over, and the person's condition cannot be accurately determined. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure was made to address issues such as those described above, with the aim of obtaining a care system and care method capable of accurately assessing the condition of the person being cared for.

[0008] The care system disclosed herein is characterized by comprising: a thermal image acquisition unit installed on the wall or ceiling on the side of the person being cared for, with the person lying in bed, to acquire a thermal image of the bed and its surroundings from an oblique angle; a reference setting unit that sets two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, and a reference height for determining whether the person being cared for has gotten up; a heat source detection unit that detects heat source blocks in the thermal image; a status determination unit that determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the safety area enclosed by the reference lines and the reference height and the heat source blocks; and a determination result output unit that outputs the determination result of the status determination unit.

[0009] The care method disclosed herein is characterized by comprising the following steps: acquiring a thermal image of the bed and its surroundings from an oblique angle by means of a thermal image acquisition unit installed on a wall or ceiling on the side of the bed where the person being cared for is lying down; setting two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, and a reference height for determining whether the person being cared for is getting up, by means of a reference setting unit; detecting heat source blocks in the thermal image by means of a heat source detection unit; determining the state of the person being cared for by means of a state determination unit based on the positional relationship between the safety area surrounded by the reference lines and the reference height and the heat source blocks; and outputting the determination result of the state determination unit by means of a determination result output unit.

[0010] In this disclosure, thermal images are obtained by taking pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an oblique angle, and the condition of the person being cared for is determined based on the positional relationship between the safe area enclosed by two reference lines and a reference height in the thermal image and the block containing the heat source. This allows for accurate determination of the condition of the person being cared for. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram representing the care system of Implementation Method 1.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the state of the care system using Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the state of the care system using Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the state of the care system using Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a graph representing the thermal image displayed by the output unit of the determination result.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a graph representing the thermal image displayed by the output unit of the determination result.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a graph representing the thermal image displayed by the output unit of the determination result.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a graph representing the thermal image displayed by the output unit of the determination result.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a graph representing the thermal image displayed by the output unit of the determination result.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a graph representing the thermal image displayed by the output unit of the determination result.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate the first setting method.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the thermal image of the baseline set using the first setting method.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a diagram used to illustrate the first setting method.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the thermal image of the baseline set using the first setting method.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the second setting method.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a diagram used to illustrate the third setting method.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the thermal images acquired by the care system of Implementation Method 2.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a graph showing the thermal images acquired by the care system of Implementation Method 2. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The care system and care method are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. There are instances where the same or corresponding components are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0030] Implementation method 1.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram representing the care system of Implementation Method 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a side view showing the state of the care system using Embodiment 1. Figure 4This is a top view showing the state of the care system using Implementation Method 1. Figure 2 and Figure 4 This indicates that the person being cared for (1) is lying on bed (2). Figure 3 This indicates that the person being cared for, 1, has gotten up from bed 2.

[0032] The thermal image acquisition unit 3 is installed on the wall 4 on the side where the head of the person being cared for is located when the person is lying on the bed 2. However, the thermal image acquisition unit 3 can also be installed on the ceiling 5. The thermal image acquisition unit 3 captures thermal images of the bed 2 and its surroundings from an obliquely upward position. The thermal image acquisition unit 3 is, for example, an infrared array sensor. For example, an infrared array sensor that arranges infrared sensors such as radiative thermal meters, thermopile, and thermal diodes in a matrix can be used. By using an infrared array sensor, it is possible to capture images of the person being cared for in a dark room while maintaining privacy.

[0033] The determination device 6 analyzes the thermal image acquired by the thermal image acquisition unit 3 to determine the state of the person being cared for 1. The determination result output unit 7 is, for example, a display showing the thermal image, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal, which outputs the determination result of the determination device 6. Alternatively, the determination result output unit 7 may also be a speaker that notifies the caregiver of the determination result via sound. Information transmission from the determination device 6 to the determination device 7 is carried out via wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G / 5G, or wired connections such as communication cables or wired LAN.

[0034] Figures 5-10 This is a diagram showing the thermal image displayed by the judgment result output unit. The thermal image displays: two reference lines 8 and 9 corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed 2, respectively; a reference height 10 for determining the patient's (1's) ability to get out of bed; and a heat source block 11 corresponding to the patient. Since the thermal image acquisition unit 3 captures images of the bed 2 and its surroundings from an oblique angle, the interval between the two reference lines 8 and 9 narrows from the bottom to the top of the thermal image according to the distance method. Furthermore, for example, half the height of the thermal image is set as the reference height 10. By observing the thermal image displayed by the judgment result output unit 7, caregivers can understand the patient's (1's) current condition, thus reducing the frequency of needing to rush to the scene due to misjudgment.

[0035] The determination device 6 includes a reference setting unit 12, a heat source detection unit 13, and a status determination unit 14. The reference setting unit 12 sets two reference lines 8 and 9 in the thermal image that correspond to the left and right ends of the bed 2, respectively, and a reference height 10 for determining the getting-out height of the person being cared for 1.

[0036] The heat source detection unit 13 detects blocks 11 of heat sources corresponding to the patient 1 in the acquired thermal image that are above a specified temperature. The specified temperature is a temperature that is higher than a reference temperature. The reference temperature is the temperature of the mechanical shutter of the infrared camera or room temperature, obtained from the thermal image or the temperature sensor IC installed in the thermal image acquisition unit 3. The specified temperature is arbitrarily set by the caregiver and input during initial setting. Furthermore, it is preferable to count the number of pixels of the heat source blocks 11 and remove heat source blocks that do not meet the specified minimum size. This reduces false detections.

[0037] The status determination unit 14 determines the status of the person being cared for 1 based on the positional relationship between the safety zone 15 enclosed by the baselines 8 and 9 and the reference height 10 and the heat source block 11. As explained below, the status determination unit 14 determines the status of the person being cared for 1 to be one of four: "normal," "rolled off," "rolled off warning," or "avoiding bed warning." "Rolled off" has a high urgency level, so caregivers need to arrive urgently. On the other hand, "rolled off warning" and "avoiding bed warning" have low urgency levels. This assigns priority to the determination results.

[0038] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a thermal image of the person being cared for, 1, in a sleeping position. The person being cared for is covered with blanket 16, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, only block 11, which detects heat sources around the head of the person being cared for, is detected. On the other hand, when the person being cared for is not covered by blanket 16, as... Figure 6 As shown, block 11, which corresponds to the entire body of the person being cared for, including the toes, was detected. However, block 11, which corresponds to the entire body of the sleeping person being cared for, is lower than the reference height 10. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the thermal image, the heat source block 11 is located inside the safety area 15, so the status determination unit 14 determines that the status of the person being cared for 1 is "normal".

[0039] In situations where small heat sources such as smartphones or tea are present within the shooting range, such as Figure 5 As shown, multiple heat sources are detected in blocks 11 and 17 in the thermal image. In this case, the largest heat source block among the multiple heat source blocks 11 and 17 is treated as the person being cared for. Therefore, the status determination unit 14 determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the largest heat source block 11 and the safety area 15. It is also possible to pre-set that blocks 17 with smaller heat sources such as smartphones are excluded. That is, the size or temperature of the heat source blocks detected by the heat source detection unit 13 can be limited to the numerical range of the heat source blocks corresponding to the person being cared for.

[0040] Figure 7This is a thermal image showing the state of the person being cared for, 1, having rolled off the bed, 2. If the heat source block 11 remains outside the area enclosed by baselines 8 and 9 for a certain period of time, the state determination unit 14 determines it as "rolled off". The determination result output unit 7 notifies the caregiver of the "rolled off" determination made by the state determination unit 14.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a thermal image of the patient 1 in bed 2, indicating that the patient has gotten out of bed. A portion of the heat source block 11 corresponding to the patient 1 is higher than the reference height 10. If this condition persists for a certain period of time, the state determination unit 14 determines it as "awareness of getting out of bed," indicating that the patient 1 has gotten out of bed. The determination result output unit 7 notifies the caregiver of the "awareness of getting out of bed" determined by the state determination unit 14.

[0042] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a thermal image of a portion of block 11, the heat source corresponding to the person being cared for, extending from the area enclosed by baselines 8 and 9. Figure 9 In this case, the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block 11 extending from the region between baselines 8 and 9 is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block 11. The status determination unit 14 determines that the person being cared for 1 has "rolled off." On the other hand, in... Figure 10 In this case, the area of ​​the protruding part is greater than 0 and less than half the total area of ​​the heat source block 11. The status determination unit 14 determines this as "rollover warning." The determination result output unit 7 notifies the caregiver of the status determination unit 14's determination result. Thus, if most of the heat source block 11 is outside the area bounded by baselines 8 and 9, it is determined to be a rollover, and the caregiver must arrive immediately. On the other hand, if a hand or foot protrudes outside the area, there is a possibility of rollover, but it is not urgent. Therefore, if the heat source block 11 protrudes slightly, only attention is drawn. This reduces the number of times caregivers have to arrive due to misjudgment. Furthermore, by changing the notification content according to the urgency level, the burden on caregivers can be reduced.

[0043] Here, the installation method of the thermal image acquisition unit 3 varies depending on the installation location, and the position of the bed 2 may also be moved. Therefore, nursing staff need to set the baselines 8 and 9 and the reference height 10 as needed. Therefore, the method for setting the baselines 8, 9 and the reference height 10 will be explained.

[0044] Figure 11 and Figure 13 This is a diagram used to illustrate the first setting method. Figure 12 and Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the thermal image of the baseline set using the first setting method. First, as... Figure 11As shown, the patient being cared for, person 1, is positioned at the left end of bed 2 for the photograph. Figure 12 The thermal image. If a caregiver remotely operates the reference setting unit 12 via a PC or tablet and switches it to the left-end reference line setting mode, the reference setting unit 12 sets the left end portion of the heat source block 11 in the thermal image as the left-side reference line 8. In this case, the size of the heat source block 11 used as the reference can also be obtained for setting. For example, the thermal image acquisition unit 3 can be set to only acquire heat source blocks of a specified number of pixels or more corresponding to the size of a human face.

[0045] Next, as Figure 13 As shown, the patient being cared for, person 1, is positioned at the right end of bed 2 for the photograph. Figure 14 The thermal image. If the caregiver switches the reference setting unit 12 to the right-end reference line setting mode, the reference setting unit 12 sets the right end portion of the heat source block 11 in the thermal image as the right-side reference line 9. Additionally, if... Figure 3 As shown, a thermal image is taken when the person being cared for, 1, is already up on bed 2. If the caregiver switches the reference setting unit 12 to reference height setting mode, the reference setting unit 12 sets the head portion of the heat source block 11 in the thermal image as reference height 10. However, it is necessary to set the reference height 10 to a position higher than the height of the feet of the heat source block 11 when the person being cared for, 1, is lying on bed 2. By using the body's heat in this way, the reference lines 8 and 9 and the reference height 10 can be easily set, reducing the burden on the caregiver.

[0046] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the second setting method. The length L1 and width W1 of bed 2 are known. In this case, the length L2 from the center of the patient 1's head lying in the center of bed 2 to the depth of bed 2, the length L3 from the center of the head to the front of bed 2, and the width W3 from the center of the head to the right end of bed 2 are also known. At the start of care, a thermal image is taken with the patient 1 lying in the center of bed 2. The center position of the heat source block corresponding to the patient 1's head is calculated in the thermal image, and reference lines 8 and 9 are set based on this center position and the known dimensions of bed 2. Thus, since reference lines 8 and 9 can be set automatically, the burden on the caregiver can be reduced.

[0047] Figure 16This diagram illustrates the third setting method. The reference setting unit 12 extracts the area corresponding to the wall 4 from the thermal image based on the dimensions of the bed 2 (L1×W1), the distance L4 from the bed 2 to the wall 4, and the shooting angle θ′ of the thermal image acquisition unit 3. In the thermal image, the length of the bed 2 is L1×cosθ′, and the distance from the bed 2 to the wall 4 is L4×cosθ′. The area corresponding to the wall 4 is set as outside the care area. The status determination unit 14 does not use blocks containing heat sources outside the care area for status determination. This reduces false detections caused by the presence of caregivers or others.

[0048] As explained above, in this embodiment, thermal images are obtained by taking pictures of the bed 2 and its surroundings from an oblique angle, and the condition of the person being cared for is determined based on the positional relationship between the safety area 15 enclosed by the two reference lines 8 and 9 and the reference height 10 in the thermal image and the heat source block 11. Thus, the condition of the person being cared for can be accurately determined.

[0049] Furthermore, if the person being cared for, 1, gets up on bed 2, heat remains on the mattress. Therefore, if a thermal image is taken from directly above, it is difficult to determine whether the person being cared for, 1, is up or lying down. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the thermal image is taken from an obliquely above, the state of being up can be identified simply by observing whether the heat source block 11 in the thermal image exceeds the reference height 10.

[0050] Furthermore, when the person being cared for is lying down without a blanket, the entire body of the person being cared for, including their toes, is detected as a heat source block 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shooting angle of the thermal image acquisition unit 3 and the reference height 10 are set such that a portion of the heat source block 11 corresponding to the person being cared for who is already up on the bed 2 is higher than the reference height 10, and the heat source block 11 corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for who is lying on the bed 2, including their toes, is lower than the reference height 10. This allows for the distinction between the state where the person being cared for is up and the state where they are lying down without a blanket.

[0051] Specifically, with half the height of the thermal image set as the reference height 10, the shooting angle θ of the thermal image acquisition unit 3 is set as follows. Here, an infrared sensor with a horizontal viewing angle of 78 degrees and a vertical viewing angle of 53 degrees is used as the thermal image acquisition unit 3. The bed 2 is a single bed with a width of 97 cm, a length of 195 cm, and a height of 50 cm from the floor to the top surface of the bed 2. The thermal image acquisition unit 3 is installed at a height of 50 cm from the top surface of the bed 2. With a horizontal viewing angle of 78 degrees, in order to monitor from the left end to the right end of the bed 2, the thermal image acquisition unit 3 needs to be at least 60 cm away from the head position. In order to project the top of the head of the person being cared for at the bottom of the thermal image, the shooting angle θ of the thermal image acquisition unit 3 needs to be greater than 13.3 degrees. On the other hand, in order to ensure that the toes of the person being cared for are below the reference height 10, the shooting angle θ of the thermal image acquisition unit 3 needs to be less than 21.4 degrees. Therefore, the thermal image acquisition unit 3 takes pictures of the bed 2 and its surroundings from an angle θ of 13.3 degrees to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed 2.

[0052] In another method for determining the state of the person being cared for, the thermal image acquisition unit 3 periodically acquires a reference thermal image while the person being cared for is sleeping. The state determination unit 14 stores the reference thermal image and determines the state of the person being cared for based on the difference between the thermal image acquired during caregiving and the reference thermal image. This method also enables accurate determination of the state of the person being cared for.

[0053] Implementation method 2.

[0054] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a graph showing the thermal images acquired by the care system in Implementation Method 2. In the case where the person being cared for, 1, has fallen off the bed, such as... Figure 17 As shown, multiple heat source blocks 11 and 18 in the thermal image are detected based on the heat of the person being cared for and the heat remaining on the bed 2. If the state of the person being cared for is determined solely by the number of pixels of the heat source block 11 extending from the safety area 15, it is impossible to make a determination or detect the movement of the heat source blocks when multiple heat source blocks are present.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, the state determination unit 14 calculates the center coordinates 11a and 18a of each of the multiple heat source blocks 11 and 18. The state determination unit 14 has the function of storing the center coordinates 11a and 18a from the most recent thermal image. Moreover, the state determination unit 14 determines a "dangerous state" if the center coordinates have moved outward from the area enclosed by the reference lines 8 and 9. If the center coordinates have only moved within the area enclosed by the reference lines 8 and 9, it does not determine a "dangerous state". As a result, false judgments caused by residual heat in the bed 2 can be suppressed, and the accuracy of the monitoring system can be improved.

[0056] Additionally, if the caregiver has already approached the person being cared for (person 1) on bed 2, such as Figure 18 As shown, block 18 of the heat source corresponding to the caregiver is projected from outside the imaging range into the range. Since the center coordinate 18a of the heat source block 18 moves from outside the area enclosed by baselines 8 and 9 into the area, it is not considered a dangerous situation. By detecting how the center coordinate moves in this way, caregivers and the person being cared for can be easily identified, thus suppressing false judgments caused by the projection of caregivers and reducing the need for caregivers to arrive due to false judgments.

[0057] Additionally, the monitoring function of the care system can be disconnected when the caregiver is indoors. This prevents the system from being mistakenly identified as dangerous if the caregiver moves from the inside to the outside of bed 2 after completing the care. The monitoring function can be reactivated after the care is completed.

[0058] Furthermore, the program for implementing the functions of the heat source detection unit 13, the reference setting unit 12, and the status determination unit 14 can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, allowing a computer system or programmable logic device to read the program recorded on the recording medium and execute the functions of the heat source detection unit 13, the reference setting unit 12, and the status determination unit 14. In addition, the term "computer system" mentioned here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer system" also includes a WWW system with a homepage providing environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. "Computer-readable recording medium" further includes media that retain programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is sent via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, the aforementioned program can also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device to other computer systems via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" of the transmission program refers to a medium with the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Additionally, the aforementioned program can also be a program used as part of implementing the above functions. Furthermore, it can be a program that can achieve the above functions by combining with programs already recorded in the computer system, i.e., a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0060] 1…patient being cared for; 2…bed; 3…thermal image acquisition unit; 4…wall; 5…ceiling; 7…judgment result output unit; 8, 9…baseline; 10…baseline height; 11, 17, 18…heat source block; 11a, 18a…center coordinates; 12…baseline setting unit; 13…heat source detection unit; 14…status determination unit; 15…safe area.

Claims

1. A care system, characterized in that, have: A thermal imaging unit is installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed, and takes thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward position. The reference setting unit sets two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, as well as a reference height for determining when the person being cared for gets out of bed; The heat source detection unit detects blocks of heat sources in the thermal image; The status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the safety area enclosed by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source. as well as The determination result output unit outputs the determination result of the state determination unit. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

2. The care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up, and The block of heat source corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for, including the toes, while lying on the bed is lower than the reference height.

3. The care system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

4. The care system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The interval between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

5. The care system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the largest heat source block and the safety area.

6. A care system, characterized in that, have: A thermal imaging unit is installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed, and takes thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward position. The reference setting unit sets two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, as well as a reference height for determining when the person being cared for gets out of bed; The heat source detection unit detects blocks of heat sources in the thermal image; The status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the safety area enclosed by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source. as well as The determination result output unit outputs the determination result of the state determination unit. In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the state determination unit calculates the center coordinates of each of the multiple heat source blocks, and if any of the center coordinates moves outward from the area enclosed by the baseline, the state determination unit determines that it is a dangerous state.

7. The care system according to claim 6, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up, and The block of heat source corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for, including the toes, while lying on the bed is lower than the reference height.

8. The care system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

9. The care system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The interval between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

10. The care system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

11. A care system, characterized in that, have: A thermal imaging unit is installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed, and takes thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward position. The reference setting unit sets two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, as well as a reference height for determining when the person being cared for gets out of bed; The heat source detection unit detects blocks of heat sources in the thermal image; The status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the safety area enclosed by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source. as well as The determination result output unit outputs the determination result of the state determination unit. The thermal imaging unit periodically acquires reference thermal images while the person being cared for is sleeping. The status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the difference between the thermal image and the reference thermal image.

12. The care system according to claim 11, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up, and The block of heat source corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for, including the toes, while lying on the bed is lower than the reference height.

13. The care system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

14. The care system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The interval between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

15. The care system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

16. The care system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the largest heat source block and the safety area.

17. The care system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the state determination unit calculates the center coordinates of each of the multiple heat source blocks, and if any of the center coordinates moves outward from the area enclosed by the baseline, the state determination unit determines that it is a dangerous state.

18. A method of caregiving, characterized in that, It has the following processes, namely: The process of acquiring thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward angle by means of a thermal image acquisition unit installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the head of the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed. The process of setting two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, and a reference height for determining the patient's ability to get up, through the reference setting unit; The process of detecting blocks of heat sources in the thermal image using a heat source detection unit; The process of determining the state of the person being cared for by the state determination unit based on the positional relationship between the safety area surrounded by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source; as well as The process of outputting the determination result of the state determination unit through the determination result output unit. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

19. The care method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The shooting angle of the thermal imaging unit and the reference height are set such that a portion of the heat source block corresponding to the person being cared for who has gotten up on the bed is higher than the reference height, and the portion of the heat source block corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for who is lying on the bed, including the toes, is lower than the reference height.

20. The care method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains at a height higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up.

21. The care method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

22. The care method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The spacing between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

23. The care method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the largest heat source block and the safety area.

24. The care method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, Based on the dimensions of the bed, the distance from the bed to the wall, and the shooting angle of the thermal image acquisition unit, the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image is extracted, and the reference setting unit sets the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image as outside the care area. The status determination unit does not use blocks containing heat sources located outside the protection area for status determination.

25. A method of caregiving, characterized in that, It has the following processes, namely: The process of acquiring thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward angle by means of a thermal image acquisition unit installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the head of the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed. The process of setting two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, and a reference height for determining the patient's ability to get up, through the reference setting unit; The process of detecting blocks of heat sources in the thermal image using a heat source detection unit; The process of determining the state of the person being cared for by the state determination unit based on the positional relationship between the safety area surrounded by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source; as well as The process of outputting the determination result of the state determination unit through the determination result output unit. In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the state determination unit calculates the center coordinates of each of the multiple heat source blocks, and if any of the center coordinates moves outward from the area enclosed by the baseline, the state determination unit determines that it is a dangerous state.

26. The care method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The shooting angle of the thermal imaging unit and the reference height are set such that a portion of the heat source block corresponding to the person being cared for who has gotten up on the bed is higher than the reference height, and the portion of the heat source block corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for who is lying on the bed, including the toes, is lower than the reference height.

27. The care method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains at a height higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up.

28. The care method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

29. The care method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The spacing between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

30. The care method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

31. The care method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, Based on the dimensions of the bed, the distance from the bed to the wall, and the shooting angle of the thermal image acquisition unit, the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image is extracted, and the reference setting unit sets the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image as outside the care area. The status determination unit does not use blocks containing heat sources located outside the protection area for status determination.

32. A method of caregiving, characterized in that, It has the following processes, namely: The process of acquiring thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward angle by means of a thermal image acquisition unit installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the head of the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed. The process of setting two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, and a reference height for determining the patient's ability to get up, through the reference setting unit; The process of detecting blocks of heat sources in the thermal image using a heat source detection unit; The process of determining the state of the person being cared for by the state determination unit based on the positional relationship between the safety area surrounded by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source; as well as The process of outputting the determination result of the state determination unit through the determination result output unit. The thermal imaging unit periodically acquires reference thermal images while the person being cared for is sleeping. The status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the difference between the thermal image and the reference thermal image.

33. The care method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The shooting angle of the thermal imaging unit and the reference height are set such that a portion of the heat source block corresponding to the person being cared for who has gotten up on the bed is higher than the reference height, and the portion of the heat source block corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for who is lying on the bed, including the toes, is lower than the reference height.

34. The care method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains at a height higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up.

35. The care method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

36. The care method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, The interval between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

37. The care method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

38. The care method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the largest heat source block and the safety area.

39. The care method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the state determination unit calculates the center coordinates of each of the multiple heat source blocks, and if any of the center coordinates moves outward from the area enclosed by the baseline, the state determination unit determines that it is a dangerous state.

40. The care method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, Based on the dimensions of the bed, the distance from the bed to the wall, and the shooting angle of the thermal image acquisition unit, the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image is extracted, and the reference setting unit sets the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image as outside the care area. The status determination unit does not use blocks containing heat sources located outside the protection area for status determination.

41. A method of caregiving, characterized in that, It has the following processes, namely: The process of acquiring thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward angle by means of a thermal image acquisition unit installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the head of the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed. The process of setting two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, and a reference height for determining the patient's ability to get up, through the reference setting unit; The process of detecting blocks of heat sources in the thermal image using a heat source detection unit; The process of determining the state of the person being cared for by the state determination unit based on the positional relationship between the safety area surrounded by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source; The process of outputting the determination result of the state determination unit through the determination result output unit. The process of positioning the person being cared for at the left end of the bed and taking a thermal image using the thermal image acquisition unit, and setting the left end of the heat source block of the thermal image as the reference line on the left side using the reference setting unit. as well as The process of positioning the person being cared for at the right end of the bed and taking a thermal image using the thermal image acquisition unit, and setting the right end of the heat source block of the thermal image as the reference line on the right side using the reference setting unit.

42. The care method according to claim 41, characterized in that, The shooting angle of the thermal imaging unit and the reference height are set such that a portion of the heat source block corresponding to the person being cared for who has gotten up on the bed is higher than the reference height, and the portion of the heat source block corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for who is lying on the bed, including the toes, is lower than the reference height.

43. The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains at a height higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up.

44. The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

45. The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, The interval between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

46. ​​The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

47. The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the largest heat source block and the safety area.

48. The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the state determination unit calculates the center coordinates of each of the multiple heat source blocks, and if any of the center coordinates moves outward from the area enclosed by the baseline, the state determination unit determines that it is a dangerous state.

49. The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit periodically acquires reference thermal images while the person being cared for is sleeping. The status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the difference between the thermal image and the reference thermal image.

50. The care method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that, Based on the dimensions of the bed, the distance from the bed to the wall, and the shooting angle of the thermal image acquisition unit, the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image is extracted, and the reference setting unit sets the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image as outside the care area. The status determination unit does not use blocks containing heat sources located outside the protection area for status determination.

51. A method of caregiving, characterized in that, It has the following processes, namely: The process of acquiring thermal images of the bed and its surroundings from an obliquely upward angle by means of a thermal image acquisition unit installed on the wall or ceiling on the side where the head of the person being cared for is located when the person is lying in bed. The process of setting two reference lines in the thermal image corresponding to the left and right ends of the bed, and a reference height for determining the patient's ability to get up, through the reference setting unit; The process of detecting blocks of heat sources in the thermal image using a heat source detection unit; The process of determining the state of the person being cared for by the state determination unit based on the positional relationship between the safety area surrounded by the baseline and the reference height and the block of the heat source; as well as The process of outputting the determination result of the state determination unit through the determination result output unit. The person being cared for lies in the center of the bed and a thermal image is captured by the thermal image acquisition unit. Based on the center position of the heat source block corresponding to the head of the person being cared for in the thermal image and the known dimensions of the bed, the reference line is set by the reference setting unit.

52. The care method according to claim 51, characterized in that, The shooting angle of the thermal imaging unit and the reference height are set such that a portion of the heat source block corresponding to the person being cared for who has gotten up on the bed is higher than the reference height, and the portion of the heat source block corresponding to the entire body of the person being cared for who is lying on the bed, including the toes, is lower than the reference height.

53. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, If a portion of the heat source block remains at a height higher than the reference height for a certain period of time, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has gotten up.

54. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit takes pictures of the bed and its surroundings from an angle of 13.3 to 21.4 degrees relative to the upper surface of the bed.

55. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, The interval between the two baselines narrows as it moves from the bottom to the top of the thermal image.

56. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is more than half the total area of ​​the heat source block, the status determination unit determines that the person being cared for has rolled off. If the area of ​​the portion of the heat source block extending from the region enclosed by the baseline is greater than 0 and less than half the total area, the status determination unit determines that the person has rolled off.

57. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the positional relationship between the largest heat source block and the safety area.

58. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, In the case of multiple heat source blocks in the thermal image, the state determination unit calculates the center coordinates of each of the multiple heat source blocks, and if any of the center coordinates moves outward from the area enclosed by the baseline, the state determination unit determines that it is a dangerous state.

59. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, The thermal imaging unit periodically acquires reference thermal images while the person being cared for is sleeping. The status determination unit determines the status of the person being cared for based on the difference between the thermal image and the reference thermal image.

60. The care method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, Based on the dimensions of the bed, the distance from the bed to the wall, and the shooting angle of the thermal image acquisition unit, the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image is extracted, and the reference setting unit sets the area corresponding to the wall in the thermal image as outside the care area. The status determination unit does not use blocks containing heat sources located outside the protection area for status determination.

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