Drowning detection system

Abstract

A drowning detection system that is simple in configuration, low-cost, and easy to implement is provided. The drowning detection system of the present invention comprises a power transmission module including a wireless power transmission unit, which is laid out in multiple units on the bottom of the pool, a wearable device worn by a swimmer in the pool, including a wireless power receiving unit that receives power by approaching the power transmission unit, and a processing execution unit that, upon the power receiving unit having received power, determines that drowning is occurring and executes predetermined processing relating to drowning rescue.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a drowning detection system that enables prompt detection of drowning accidents in pools.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] News reports of drowning deaths during swimming occur year after year. According to a WHO report, the annual number of drowning deaths worldwide exceeds 370,000. The main causes include insufficient supervision, lack of appropriate safety measures, lack of proper swimming education, lack of knowledge or awareness about drowning, and lack of knowledge or training regarding emergency response.

[0003] A recent example of a specific accident occurred on April 22, 2023, when a 5-year-old boy attending a swimming school was found submerged at the bottom of the pool and was taken to the hospital, but died. The facility acknowledged inadequate supervision. On that day, 18 other elementary and junior high school students were participating. The facility stated that three adult coaches were monitoring the 19 students from within and around the pool, yet no one noticed the boy sinking. Children, in particular, often develop no-panic syndrome and quietly sink into the water without struggling, making it difficult for others to notice.

[0004] To reduce such drowning accidents, adequate supervision, implementation of safety measures, and improvement of emergency response capabilities are essential. However, in today's society facing persistent staffing shortages, there are limits to increasing the number of supervisors with emergency response skills. Furthermore, even if the number of supervisors is increased, the possibility of overlooking a drowning person, as in the above case, cannot be ruled out.

[0005] As a representative scientific measure to prevent overlooking drowning persons, installing cameras is commonly cited. For example, the automatic surveillance system "Poseidon" by MG International Poseidon Co., described in Non-Patent Document 1, is a system that detects and alerts on swimmers who may have drowned by placing multiple surveillance cameras on the ceiling above the pool.

[0006] Alternatively, systems using sensors instead of cameras exist. The location tracking system "nagi" by Owell Co., described in Non-Patent Document 1, attaches radio-emitting tags to swimmers' swim caps or goggles. If a tag sinks underwater and its signal is lost for 30 seconds or longer, the system alerts supervisors that a drowning may have occurred.

[0007] Furthermore, Seenwater Technology's "Xiaobai" described in Non-Patent Document 2 is a wearable smart device for children (attachable to swimming goggles or caps). It can identify various drowning scenarios, transmit the situation based on pressure values and signals, infer whether the wearer is regularly surfacing to breathe, and alert lifeguards or supervisors with lights and alarms in dangerous situations.PRIOR ART DOCUMENTSNON-PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Asahi Shimbun Digital, "Swim Caps with Sensors, AI Video Analysis 'Machine Eyes' to Prevent Pool Accidents," [online], June 17, 2023, [accessed September 24, 2024], Internet <URL: https: / / www.asahi.com / articles / ASR6J4SDRR6DOXIE02D.html> [Non-Patent Document 2] 36Kr Japan, "Wearable Device Warns of Drowning Risk in Advance, Preventing Child Drowning," [online], July 29, 2019, [accessed September 24, 2024], Internet <URL: https: / / 36kr.jp / 22943 / > SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONPROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] "Poseidon" was introduced in 11 pools in Japan 20 years ago. However, due to insufficient detection accuracy coupled with a high initial cost of 26 million yen and annual maintenance fees of 2 million yen, the number of facilities using it has now decreased to five.

[0010] Furthermore, "nagi" is also expensive and large-scale, making it difficult for swimming schools and public / private pools to easily adopt. "Xiaobai" tends to involve errors such as radio wave interference or signal interruption due to its use of wireless transmission technology, and the system tends to be complex.

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to provide a drowning detection system that is simple in configuration, low-cost, and easy to implement.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0012] The drowning detection system of the present invention comprises a power transmission module including a wireless power transmission unit, which is laid out in multiple units on the bottom of the pool, a wearable device worn by a swimmer in the pool, including a wireless power receiving unit that receives power by approaching the power transmission unit, and a processing execution unit that, upon the power receiving unit having received power, determines that drowning is occurring and executes predetermined processing relating to drowning rescue.

[0013] The processing execution unit may comprise a first light-emitting unit provided on the wearable device, which emits light using the power received by the power receiving unit, an imaging unit that continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit, a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of light emission by analyzing the captured images from the imaging unit, and an operation execution unit that executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit determines that light emission is present.

[0014] The processing execution unit may comprise a power reception detection unit provided in the power transmission module, which detects when the power receiving unit has received power, a second light-emitting unit provided in the power transmission module that emits light upon detection of power reception by the power reception detection unit, an imaging unit that continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the second light-emitting unit, a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of light emission by analyzing the captured images from the imaging unit, and an operation execution unit that executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit determines that light emission is present.

[0015] When the power reception detection unit of a certain power transmission module detects power reception, the second light-emitting units of other power transmission modules located within a predetermined surrounding area may also be caused to emit light.

[0016] The wearable device may further comprise a first light-emitting unit provided in the wearable device and emitting light using power received by the power receiving unit, and the imaging unit may be configured to capture images of the light emission states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit.

[0017] The predetermined operation may be an operation that allows a person other than the swimmer to perceive the occurrence of drowning through at least one of the five senses.

[0018] The predetermined operation may be an operation to drain water from the pool.

[0019] The predetermined operation may be an operation to raise the bottom of the pool so that the swimmer is lifted toward the water surface when the power receiving unit receives power.

[0020] The processing execution unit may be configured as a buoyancy bag unit included in the wearable device that inflates a buoyancy bag when the power receiving unit has received power.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] According to the present invention, a drowning detection system can be realized with a simple configuration, low cost, and easy implementation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 (first embodiment of the processing execution unit). Fig. 2 is an example diagram showing the arrangement of multiple power transmission modules 110 on the bottom 11 of the pool 10. Fig. 3 illustrates the wearable device 120 approaching the power transmission module 110 due to the swimmer 20 drowning. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 (second embodiment of the processing execution unit). Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 (third embodiment of the processing execution unit). EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following describes embodiments for implementing the present invention based on the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same functional components, and descriptions of components already explained may be omitted as appropriate.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 of the present invention. The drowning detection system 100 comprises a power transmission module 110, a wearable device 120, and a processing execution unit 130.

[0025] The power transmission module 110 includes a power transmission unit 111 for wireless power transmission and is laid out in multiple units on the bottom 11 of the pool 10. The power transmission module 110 may be configured in a tile-like arrangement, as shown in Fig. 2, for example. Covering the laid-out power transmission modules 110 with a sheet 12, such as PVC, prevents water from entering the power transmission modules 110.

[0026] The power transmission unit 111 is connected to a power source and an amplifier (not shown) for power transmission, forming a state capable of power transmission. The gain of the amplifier is set in advance according to the wireless power transmission method and the power required by the wearable device 120.

[0027] The wearable device 120 includes a wireless power receiving unit 121 that receives power when approaching the power transmission unit 111 and is worn by a swimmer in the pool 10. The wearable device 120 may be configured, for example, as a band that can be wrapped around the arm. In this case, it is preferable to wrap it around the upper arm or a similar location that does not sink to a deep position during normal swimming. Alternatively, it may be configured to be worn around the waist, which moves less than the arm, or pre-sewn onto swimwear to prevent detachment.

[0028] Wireless power transmission methods may employ various known techniques, such as electromagnetic induction methods (magnetic coupling method, magnetic resonance method) and electric field coupling methods. Generally, the density of the human body is higher than that of water, causing a drowning person to tend to sink to the bottom. Typically, a human's weight is greater than the weight of the same volume of water, so when a person drowns, their body is pulled downward in the water and sinks toward the bottom. As shown in Fig. 3, when a swimmer 20 wearing a wearable device 120 drowns, the power transmission unit 111 of the power transmission module 110 and the power receiving unit 121 of the wearable device 120 come into contact or become very close. Accordingly, it is preferable to determine the wireless power transfer method and the gain of the amplifier connected to the power transmission unit 111 so that the power required for light emission and the like is transmitted and received when the distance between the power transmission unit 111 and the power receiving unit 121 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance at which drowning is determined to have occurred. For example, the electromagnetic induction method has a high-power supply efficiency of 70 to 90%, a power supply distance of several mm to approximately 10 cm, and transmitted / received power of several watts to several kW, making it suitable for the present invention.

[0029] The power transmission unit 111 and power receiving unit 121 may adopt configurations corresponding to the selected method. For example, in a magnetic coupling method, both units are configured with coils. Furthermore, since a swimmer 20 may sink face-up or face-down during drowning, it is more preferable to provide multiple power receiving units 121 at different positions on the wearable device 120 to enhance power reception.

[0030] The processing execution unit 130 determines that drowning is occurring upon the power receiving unit 121 having received power, and executes predetermined processing relating to drowning rescue.

[0031] An embodiment of the processing execution unit 130 will be specifically described below.[First embodiment]

[0032] The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a first light-emitting unit 131, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram.

[0033] The first light-emitting unit 131 is a light source that emits light using power received by the power receiving unit 121, which is provided on the wearable device 120. As described in the explanation of the power receiving unit 121, since drowning postures vary, it is preferable to provide multiple first light-emitting units 131 at different positions on the wearable device 120 to enhance visibility. The type of light-emitting element for the first light-emitting unit 131 may be arbitrarily determined within the range of power that the power receiving unit 121 can supply. For example, LEDs are suitable for the present invention because they are low-power and high-brightness.

[0034] It is difficult to visually monitor the light emission from the first light-emitting unit 131 within the water of the pool 10 from outside without missing it. Therefore, in the present invention, the light-emitting state of the first light-emitting unit 131 is imaged, and the presence or absence of light emission is determined by analyzing the captured image.

[0035] The imaging unit 132 continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131. The imaging unit 132 may be provided either within the water of the pool 10 or externally, as long as it can capture images to the extent that it does not interfere with determining the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131.

[0036] The determination unit 133 analyzes the captured image of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131 to determine the presence or absence of light emission. The determination of light emission state based on the captured image may be performed based on a pixel value threshold, or by inputting the captured image into a trained model learned using training images.

[0037] Alternatively, an edge-AI-equipped camera may be adopted as the imaging unit 132 and the determination unit 133. In this case, the AI performs image analysis to detect the difference between light from the first light-emitting unit 131 and the surrounding ambient light. If the light remains stationary for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds to 1 minute), it may be judged as light emission. The edge-AI-equipped cameras perform AI processing at the edge without requiring a cloud or internet connection, enabling immediate determination without delay.

[0038] The operation execution unit 134 executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit 133 determines that light emission is present.

[0039] The predetermined operation may be an operation that enables a person other than the swimmer 20 to perceive the occurrence of drowning through at least one of the five senses. Examples of such operations include displaying information indicating that drowning is occurring on a display device using characters or the like, illuminating or flashing high-intensity lighting easily recognizable by others, emitting sound from an audio device, or vibrating a vibration device worn by others. This makes it easier for others to notice the occurrence of drowning.

[0040] The predetermined operation may be an operation to drain water from the pool 10. Alternatively, it may be an operation to raise the bottom 11 of the pool 10 so that the swimmer 20 is lifted toward the water surface 13 when the power receiving unit 121 receives power. This allows the drowning swimmer 20 to be lifted and rescued to the outside. In the operation of raising the bottom 11 described here, either the bottom 11 itself may be raised, or a mesh-like floor may be provided on the power transmission module 110 (sheet 12), and the mesh-like floor may be raised.

[0041] Each of the above predetermined operations may be executed in combination.

[0042] The wearable device 120 may be equipped with an input unit 138, such as a button or switch, to allow the swimmer 20 to manually stop the light emission when the first light-emitting unit 131 emits light despite the swimmer 20 not drowning. When an instruction to stop the light emission is input via the input unit 138, the imaging unit 132 captures the state where the light emission has stopped. Based on the captured image, the determination unit 133 judges that there is no light emission, causing the operation execution unit 134 to stop its operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the wearable device 120 may additionally include a sensor unit 139, such as a piezo sensor that detects vibration. This sensor unit 139 may begin detecting vibration triggered by power reception via the power receiving unit 121. Upon detecting a vibration pattern specific to drowning, it may cause the first light-emitting unit 131 to emit light. For example, by attaching the wearable device 120 to the upper arm, it detects the vibration state of the chest caused by breathing and detects the vibration pattern specific to drowning. This reduces the occurrence of false detections in cases that are not drowning.[Second Embodiment]

[0044] The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a power reception detection unit 135, a second light-emitting unit 136, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 4.

[0045] The power reception detection unit 135 is provided in the power transmission module 110 and detects when the power receiving unit 121 has received power. Methods for detecting power reception at the power receiving unit 121 in the power reception detection unit 135 include, for example, monitoring the current and voltage of the power transmission unit 111 by utilizing the change in the load on the power transmission side caused by the start of power reception. Another method involves the power receiving unit 121 wirelessly transmitting a feedback signal triggered by power reception, which is then received. Furthermore, when the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil are resonating, the resonant frequency changes due to power reception, and a method of monitoring this resonant frequency can be used.

[0046] The second light-emitting unit 136 is a light source provided in the power transmission module 110 that emits light upon detection of power reception by the power reception detection unit 135. The type of light-emitting element for the second light-emitting unit 136 may be arbitrarily determined within the range of power that can be supplied from the transmission side. For example, LEDs are suitable for the present invention because they are low-power and high-brightness. The second light-emitting unit 136 may be configured as a point light source. Alternatively, when the power transmission module 110 is configured in a tile-like arrangement, it may be configured to make the entire tile emit light. Furthermore, to increase the possibility of detection by the naked eye, it may be configured to illuminate, for example, letters such as "HELP" or an arrow indicating a position.

[0047] In order to improve visibility when the power transmission module 110 detects power reception and the second light-emitting unit 136 emits light, the second light-emitting units 136 of other power transmission modules 110 within a predetermined surrounding area of the power transmission module 110 may also be caused to emit light in conjunction. Additionally, the wearable device 120 may be provided with a first light-emitting unit 131 that emits light using the power received by the power receiving unit 121, and this may be caused to emit light together with the second light-emitting unit 136.

[0048] The imaging unit 132 continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the second light-emitting unit 136. When the first light-emitting unit 131 is also caused to emit light, the imaging unit 132 also captures an image of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131.

[0049] The determination unit 133 and the operation execution unit 134 are essentially the same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, which power transmission module 110's power reception detection unit 135 detected the wearable device 120 receiving power-that is, which power transmission module 110's location corresponds to the position of the drowning swimmer 20-is identified. Therefore, when the predetermined operation of the operation execution unit 134 is to raise the bottom 11 of the pool 10, the range of the bottom 11 to be raised may be limited to a specified range that includes the power transmission module 110 at the identified position.[Third Embodiment]

[0050] The processing execution unit 130 may be configured as a buoyancy-bag unit 137 provided in the wearable device 120, the buoyancy-bag unit 137 being configured to inflate a buoyancy bag in response to power reception by the power receiving unit 121. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 5. This enables the drowning swimmer 20 to be raised by the buoyancy bag. This configuration may be implemented in combination with the operation execution unit 134 of the first and second embodiments.

[0051] In the pool, distinguishing between swimmers and drowning persons is not easy, and systems for detecting drowning tend to become large-scale. However, the drowning detection system of the present invention described above has a simple configuration in which a light source emits light triggered by a swimmer sinking to the bottom of the pool. This allows the system to be realized at a low cost, and enables early detection of drowning persons by identifying them using light. Specifically, applying edge-AI-equipped cameras for imaging and analyzing light emitted by drowning persons enables highly accurate detection of drowning incidents.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments are examples, and any embodiment that has substantially the same configuration as the technical concept described in the claims of the present invention and achieves similar effects is included in the technical scope of the present invention. In other words, changes can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept expressed in the present invention, and forms with such changes and improvements are included in the technical scope of the present invention.REFERENCES SIGN LIST

[0053] 10Pool 11Bottom 12Sheet 13Water surface 20Swimmer 100Drowning detection system 110Power transmission module 111Power transmission unit 120Wearable device 121Power receiving unit 130Processing execution unit 131First light-emitting unit 132Imaging unit 133determination unit 134Operation execution unit 135Power reception detection unit 136Second light-emitting unit 137Buoyancy bag unit 138Input unit 139Sensor unit

Examples

first embodiment

[First embodiment]

[0032]The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a first light-emitting unit 131, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram.

[0033]The first light-emitting unit 131 is a light source that emits light using power received by the power receiving unit 121, which is provided on the wearable device 120. As described in the explanation of the power receiving unit 121, since drowning postures vary, it is preferable to provide multiple first light-emitting units 131 at different positions on the wearable device 120 to enhance visibility. The type of light-emitting element for the first light-emitting unit 131 may be arbitrarily determined within the range of power that the power receiving unit 121 can supply. For example, LEDs are suitable for the present invention because they are low-power and high-brightness.

[0034]It is difficult to visually monitor the light emission from the first li...

second embodiment

[Second Embodiment]

[0044]The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a power reception detection unit 135, a second light-emitting unit 136, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 4.

[0045]The power reception detection unit 135 is provided in the power transmission module 110 and detects when the power receiving unit 121 has received power. Methods for detecting power reception at the power receiving unit 121 in the power reception detection unit 135 include, for example, monitoring the current and voltage of the power transmission unit 111 by utilizing the change in the load on the power transmission side caused by the start of power reception. Another method involves the power receiving unit 121 wirelessly transmitting a feedback signal triggered by power reception, which is then received. Furthermore, when the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil are resonating, the reso...

third embodiment

[Third Embodiment]

[0050]The processing execution unit 130 may be configured as a buoyancy-bag unit 137 provided in the wearable device 120, the buoyancy-bag unit 137 being configured to inflate a buoyancy bag in response to power reception by the power receiving unit 121. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 5. This enables the drowning swimmer 20 to be raised by the buoyancy bag. This configuration may be implemented in combination with the operation execution unit 134 of the first and second embodiments.

[0051]In the pool, distinguishing between swimmers and drowning persons is not easy, and systems for detecting drowning tend to become large-scale. However, the drowning detection system of the present invention described above has a simple configuration in which a light source emits light triggered by a swimmer sinking to the bottom of the pool. This allows the system to be realized at a low cost, and enables early detection of drowning persons by identifying them using lig...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a drowning detection system that enables prompt detection of drowning accidents in pools.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] News reports of drowning deaths during swimming occur year after year. According to a WHO report, the annual number of drowning deaths worldwide exceeds 370,000. The main causes include insufficient supervision, lack of appropriate safety measures, lack of proper swimming education, lack of knowledge or awareness about drowning, and lack of knowledge or training regarding emergency response.

[0003] A recent example of a specific accident occurred on April 22, 2023, when a 5-year-old boy attending a swimming school was found submerged at the bottom of the pool and was taken to the hospital, but died. The facility acknowledged inadequate supervision. On that day, 18 other elementary and junior high school students were participating. The facility stated that three adult coaches were monitoring the 19 students from within and around the pool, yet no one noticed the boy sinking. Children, in particular, often develop no-panic syndrome and quietly sink into the water without struggling, making it difficult for others to notice.

[0004] To reduce such drowning accidents, adequate supervision, implementation of safety measures, and improvement of emergency response capabilities are essential. However, in today's society facing persistent staffing shortages, there are limits to increasing the number of supervisors with emergency response skills. Furthermore, even if the number of supervisors is increased, the possibility of overlooking a drowning person, as in the above case, cannot be ruled out.

[0005] As a representative scientific measure to prevent overlooking drowning persons, installing cameras is commonly cited. For example, the automatic surveillance system "Poseidon" by MG International Poseidon Co., described in Non-Patent Document 1, is a system that detects and alerts on swimmers who may have drowned by placing multiple surveillance cameras on the ceiling above the pool.

[0006] Alternatively, systems using sensors instead of cameras exist. The location tracking system "nagi" by Owell Co., described in Non-Patent Document 1, attaches radio-emitting tags to swimmers' swim caps or goggles. If a tag sinks underwater and its signal is lost for 30 seconds or longer, the system alerts supervisors that a drowning may have occurred.

[0007] Furthermore, Seenwater Technology's "Xiaobai" described in Non-Patent Document 2 is a wearable smart device for children (attachable to swimming goggles or caps). It can identify various drowning scenarios, transmit the situation based on pressure values and signals, infer whether the wearer is regularly surfacing to breathe, and alert lifeguards or supervisors with lights and alarms in dangerous situations.PRIOR ART DOCUMENTSNON-PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Asahi Shimbun Digital, "Swim Caps with Sensors, AI Video Analysis 'Machine Eyes' to Prevent Pool Accidents," [online], June 17, 2023, [accessed September 24, 2024], Internet <URL: https: / / www.asahi.com / articles / ASR6J4SDRR6DOXIE02D.html> [Non-Patent Document 2] 36Kr Japan, "Wearable Device Warns of Drowning Risk in Advance, Preventing Child Drowning," [online], July 29, 2019, [accessed September 24, 2024], Internet <URL: https: / / 36kr.jp / 22943 / > SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONPROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] "Poseidon" was introduced in 11 pools in Japan 20 years ago. However, due to insufficient detection accuracy coupled with a high initial cost of 26 million yen and annual maintenance fees of 2 million yen, the number of facilities using it has now decreased to five.

[0010] Furthermore, "nagi" is also expensive and large-scale, making it difficult for swimming schools and public / private pools to easily adopt. "Xiaobai" tends to involve errors such as radio wave interference or signal interruption due to its use of wireless transmission technology, and the system tends to be complex.

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to provide a drowning detection system that is simple in configuration, low-cost, and easy to implement.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0012] The drowning detection system of the present invention comprises a power transmission module including a wireless power transmission unit, which is laid out in multiple units on the bottom of the pool, a wearable device worn by a swimmer in the pool, including a wireless power receiving unit that receives power by approaching the power transmission unit, and a processing execution unit that, upon the power receiving unit having received power, determines that drowning is occurring and executes predetermined processing relating to drowning rescue.

[0013] The processing execution unit may comprise a first light-emitting unit provided on the wearable device, which emits light using the power received by the power receiving unit, an imaging unit that continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit, a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of light emission by analyzing the captured images from the imaging unit, and an operation execution unit that executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit determines that light emission is present.

[0014] The processing execution unit may comprise a power reception detection unit provided in the power transmission module, which detects when the power receiving unit has received power, a second light-emitting unit provided in the power transmission module that emits light upon detection of power reception by the power reception detection unit, an imaging unit that continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the second light-emitting unit, a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of light emission by analyzing the captured images from the imaging unit, and an operation execution unit that executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit determines that light emission is present.

[0015] When the power reception detection unit of a certain power transmission module detects power reception, the second light-emitting units of other power transmission modules located within a predetermined surrounding area may also be caused to emit light.

[0016] The wearable device may further comprise a first light-emitting unit provided in the wearable device and emitting light using power received by the power receiving unit, and the imaging unit may be configured to capture images of the light emission states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit.

[0017] The predetermined operation may be an operation that allows a person other than the swimmer to perceive the occurrence of drowning through at least one of the five senses.

[0018] The predetermined operation may be an operation to drain water from the pool.

[0019] The predetermined operation may be an operation to raise the bottom of the pool so that the swimmer is lifted toward the water surface when the power receiving unit receives power.

[0020] The processing execution unit may be configured as a buoyancy bag unit included in the wearable device that inflates a buoyancy bag when the power receiving unit has received power.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] According to the present invention, a drowning detection system can be realized with a simple configuration, low cost, and easy implementation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 (first embodiment of the processing execution unit). Fig. 2 is an example diagram showing the arrangement of multiple power transmission modules 110 on the bottom 11 of the pool 10. Fig. 3 illustrates the wearable device 120 approaching the power transmission module 110 due to the swimmer 20 drowning. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 (second embodiment of the processing execution unit). Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 (third embodiment of the processing execution unit). EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following describes embodiments for implementing the present invention based on the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same functional components, and descriptions of components already explained may be omitted as appropriate.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a functional block diagram of the drowning detection system 100 of the present invention. The drowning detection system 100 comprises a power transmission module 110, a wearable device 120, and a processing execution unit 130.

[0025] The power transmission module 110 includes a power transmission unit 111 for wireless power transmission and is laid out in multiple units on the bottom 11 of the pool 10. The power transmission module 110 may be configured in a tile-like arrangement, as shown in Fig. 2, for example. Covering the laid-out power transmission modules 110 with a sheet 12, such as PVC, prevents water from entering the power transmission modules 110.

[0026] The power transmission unit 111 is connected to a power source and an amplifier (not shown) for power transmission, forming a state capable of power transmission. The gain of the amplifier is set in advance according to the wireless power transmission method and the power required by the wearable device 120.

[0027] The wearable device 120 includes a wireless power receiving unit 121 that receives power when approaching the power transmission unit 111 and is worn by a swimmer in the pool 10. The wearable device 120 may be configured, for example, as a band that can be wrapped around the arm. In this case, it is preferable to wrap it around the upper arm or a similar location that does not sink to a deep position during normal swimming. Alternatively, it may be configured to be worn around the waist, which moves less than the arm, or pre-sewn onto swimwear to prevent detachment.

[0028] Wireless power transmission methods may employ various known techniques, such as electromagnetic induction methods (magnetic coupling method, magnetic resonance method) and electric field coupling methods. Generally, the density of the human body is higher than that of water, causing a drowning person to tend to sink to the bottom. Typically, a human's weight is greater than the weight of the same volume of water, so when a person drowns, their body is pulled downward in the water and sinks toward the bottom. As shown in Fig. 3, when a swimmer 20 wearing a wearable device 120 drowns, the power transmission unit 111 of the power transmission module 110 and the power receiving unit 121 of the wearable device 120 come into contact or become very close. Accordingly, it is preferable to determine the wireless power transfer method and the gain of the amplifier connected to the power transmission unit 111 so that the power required for light emission and the like is transmitted and received when the distance between the power transmission unit 111 and the power receiving unit 121 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance at which drowning is determined to have occurred. For example, the electromagnetic induction method has a high-power supply efficiency of 70 to 90%, a power supply distance of several mm to approximately 10 cm, and transmitted / received power of several watts to several kW, making it suitable for the present invention.

[0029] The power transmission unit 111 and power receiving unit 121 may adopt configurations corresponding to the selected method. For example, in a magnetic coupling method, both units are configured with coils. Furthermore, since a swimmer 20 may sink face-up or face-down during drowning, it is more preferable to provide multiple power receiving units 121 at different positions on the wearable device 120 to enhance power reception.

[0030] The processing execution unit 130 determines that drowning is occurring upon the power receiving unit 121 having received power, and executes predetermined processing relating to drowning rescue.

[0031] An embodiment of the processing execution unit 130 will be specifically described below.[First embodiment]

[0032] The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a first light-emitting unit 131, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram.

[0033] The first light-emitting unit 131 is a light source that emits light using power received by the power receiving unit 121, which is provided on the wearable device 120. As described in the explanation of the power receiving unit 121, since drowning postures vary, it is preferable to provide multiple first light-emitting units 131 at different positions on the wearable device 120 to enhance visibility. The type of light-emitting element for the first light-emitting unit 131 may be arbitrarily determined within the range of power that the power receiving unit 121 can supply. For example, LEDs are suitable for the present invention because they are low-power and high-brightness.

[0034] It is difficult to visually monitor the light emission from the first light-emitting unit 131 within the water of the pool 10 from outside without missing it. Therefore, in the present invention, the light-emitting state of the first light-emitting unit 131 is imaged, and the presence or absence of light emission is determined by analyzing the captured image.

[0035] The imaging unit 132 continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131. The imaging unit 132 may be provided either within the water of the pool 10 or externally, as long as it can capture images to the extent that it does not interfere with determining the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131.

[0036] The determination unit 133 analyzes the captured image of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131 to determine the presence or absence of light emission. The determination of light emission state based on the captured image may be performed based on a pixel value threshold, or by inputting the captured image into a trained model learned using training images.

[0037] Alternatively, an edge-AI-equipped camera may be adopted as the imaging unit 132 and the determination unit 133. In this case, the AI performs image analysis to detect the difference between light from the first light-emitting unit 131 and the surrounding ambient light. If the light remains stationary for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds to 1 minute), it may be judged as light emission. The edge-AI-equipped cameras perform AI processing at the edge without requiring a cloud or internet connection, enabling immediate determination without delay.

[0038] The operation execution unit 134 executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit 133 determines that light emission is present.

[0039] The predetermined operation may be an operation that enables a person other than the swimmer 20 to perceive the occurrence of drowning through at least one of the five senses. Examples of such operations include displaying information indicating that drowning is occurring on a display device using characters or the like, illuminating or flashing high-intensity lighting easily recognizable by others, emitting sound from an audio device, or vibrating a vibration device worn by others. This makes it easier for others to notice the occurrence of drowning.

[0040] The predetermined operation may be an operation to drain water from the pool 10. Alternatively, it may be an operation to raise the bottom 11 of the pool 10 so that the swimmer 20 is lifted toward the water surface 13 when the power receiving unit 121 receives power. This allows the drowning swimmer 20 to be lifted and rescued to the outside. In the operation of raising the bottom 11 described here, either the bottom 11 itself may be raised, or a mesh-like floor may be provided on the power transmission module 110 (sheet 12), and the mesh-like floor may be raised.

[0041] Each of the above predetermined operations may be executed in combination.

[0042] The wearable device 120 may be equipped with an input unit 138, such as a button or switch, to allow the swimmer 20 to manually stop the light emission when the first light-emitting unit 131 emits light despite the swimmer 20 not drowning. When an instruction to stop the light emission is input via the input unit 138, the imaging unit 132 captures the state where the light emission has stopped. Based on the captured image, the determination unit 133 judges that there is no light emission, causing the operation execution unit 134 to stop its operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the wearable device 120 may additionally include a sensor unit 139, such as a piezo sensor that detects vibration. This sensor unit 139 may begin detecting vibration triggered by power reception via the power receiving unit 121. Upon detecting a vibration pattern specific to drowning, it may cause the first light-emitting unit 131 to emit light. For example, by attaching the wearable device 120 to the upper arm, it detects the vibration state of the chest caused by breathing and detects the vibration pattern specific to drowning. This reduces the occurrence of false detections in cases that are not drowning.[Second Embodiment]

[0044] The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a power reception detection unit 135, a second light-emitting unit 136, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 4.

[0045] The power reception detection unit 135 is provided in the power transmission module 110 and detects when the power receiving unit 121 has received power. Methods for detecting power reception at the power receiving unit 121 in the power reception detection unit 135 include, for example, monitoring the current and voltage of the power transmission unit 111 by utilizing the change in the load on the power transmission side caused by the start of power reception. Another method involves the power receiving unit 121 wirelessly transmitting a feedback signal triggered by power reception, which is then received. Furthermore, when the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil are resonating, the resonant frequency changes due to power reception, and a method of monitoring this resonant frequency can be used.

[0046] The second light-emitting unit 136 is a light source provided in the power transmission module 110 that emits light upon detection of power reception by the power reception detection unit 135. The type of light-emitting element for the second light-emitting unit 136 may be arbitrarily determined within the range of power that can be supplied from the transmission side. For example, LEDs are suitable for the present invention because they are low-power and high-brightness. The second light-emitting unit 136 may be configured as a point light source. Alternatively, when the power transmission module 110 is configured in a tile-like arrangement, it may be configured to make the entire tile emit light. Furthermore, to increase the possibility of detection by the naked eye, it may be configured to illuminate, for example, letters such as "HELP" or an arrow indicating a position.

[0047] In order to improve visibility when the power transmission module 110 detects power reception and the second light-emitting unit 136 emits light, the second light-emitting units 136 of other power transmission modules 110 within a predetermined surrounding area of the power transmission module 110 may also be caused to emit light in conjunction. Additionally, the wearable device 120 may be provided with a first light-emitting unit 131 that emits light using the power received by the power receiving unit 121, and this may be caused to emit light together with the second light-emitting unit 136.

[0048] The imaging unit 132 continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the second light-emitting unit 136. When the first light-emitting unit 131 is also caused to emit light, the imaging unit 132 also captures an image of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit 131.

[0049] The determination unit 133 and the operation execution unit 134 are essentially the same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, which power transmission module 110's power reception detection unit 135 detected the wearable device 120 receiving power-that is, which power transmission module 110's location corresponds to the position of the drowning swimmer 20-is identified. Therefore, when the predetermined operation of the operation execution unit 134 is to raise the bottom 11 of the pool 10, the range of the bottom 11 to be raised may be limited to a specified range that includes the power transmission module 110 at the identified position.[Third Embodiment]

[0050] The processing execution unit 130 may be configured as a buoyancy-bag unit 137 provided in the wearable device 120, the buoyancy-bag unit 137 being configured to inflate a buoyancy bag in response to power reception by the power receiving unit 121. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 5. This enables the drowning swimmer 20 to be raised by the buoyancy bag. This configuration may be implemented in combination with the operation execution unit 134 of the first and second embodiments.

[0051] In the pool, distinguishing between swimmers and drowning persons is not easy, and systems for detecting drowning tend to become large-scale. However, the drowning detection system of the present invention described above has a simple configuration in which a light source emits light triggered by a swimmer sinking to the bottom of the pool. This allows the system to be realized at a low cost, and enables early detection of drowning persons by identifying them using light. Specifically, applying edge-AI-equipped cameras for imaging and analyzing light emitted by drowning persons enables highly accurate detection of drowning incidents.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments are examples, and any embodiment that has substantially the same configuration as the technical concept described in the claims of the present invention and achieves similar effects is included in the technical scope of the present invention. In other words, changes can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept expressed in the present invention, and forms with such changes and improvements are included in the technical scope of the present invention.REFERENCES SIGN LIST

[0053] 10Pool 11Bottom 12Sheet 13Water surface 20Swimmer 100Drowning detection system 110Power transmission module 111Power transmission unit 120Wearable device 121Power receiving unit 130Processing execution unit 131First light-emitting unit 132Imaging unit 133determination unit 134Operation execution unit 135Power reception detection unit 136Second light-emitting unit 137Buoyancy bag unit 138Input unit 139Sensor unit

Examples

first embodiment

[First embodiment]

[0032]The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a first light-emitting unit 131, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram.

[0033]The first light-emitting unit 131 is a light source that emits light using power received by the power receiving unit 121, which is provided on the wearable device 120. As described in the explanation of the power receiving unit 121, since drowning postures vary, it is preferable to provide multiple first light-emitting units 131 at different positions on the wearable device 120 to enhance visibility. The type of light-emitting element for the first light-emitting unit 131 may be arbitrarily determined within the range of power that the power receiving unit 121 can supply. For example, LEDs are suitable for the present invention because they are low-power and high-brightness.

[0034]It is difficult to visually monitor the light emission from the first li...

second embodiment

[Second Embodiment]

[0044]The processing execution unit 130 is configured by a power reception detection unit 135, a second light-emitting unit 136, an imaging unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an operation execution unit 134. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 4.

[0045]The power reception detection unit 135 is provided in the power transmission module 110 and detects when the power receiving unit 121 has received power. Methods for detecting power reception at the power receiving unit 121 in the power reception detection unit 135 include, for example, monitoring the current and voltage of the power transmission unit 111 by utilizing the change in the load on the power transmission side caused by the start of power reception. Another method involves the power receiving unit 121 wirelessly transmitting a feedback signal triggered by power reception, which is then received. Furthermore, when the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil are resonating, the reso...

third embodiment

[Third Embodiment]

[0050]The processing execution unit 130 may be configured as a buoyancy-bag unit 137 provided in the wearable device 120, the buoyancy-bag unit 137 being configured to inflate a buoyancy bag in response to power reception by the power receiving unit 121. A functional block diagram is shown in Fig. 5. This enables the drowning swimmer 20 to be raised by the buoyancy bag. This configuration may be implemented in combination with the operation execution unit 134 of the first and second embodiments.

[0051]In the pool, distinguishing between swimmers and drowning persons is not easy, and systems for detecting drowning tend to become large-scale. However, the drowning detection system of the present invention described above has a simple configuration in which a light source emits light triggered by a swimmer sinking to the bottom of the pool. This allows the system to be realized at a low cost, and enables early detection of drowning persons by identifying them using lig...

Claims

1. A drowning detection system comprising: a power transmission module including a wireless power transmission unit, which is laid out in multiple units on the bottom of the pool; a wearable device worn by a swimmer in the pool, including a wireless power receiving unit that receives power by approaching the power transmission unit; and a processing execution unit that, upon the power receiving unit having received power, determines that drowning is occurring and executes predetermined processing relating to drowning rescue.

2. The drowning detection system according to claim 1, wherein the processing execution unit comprises: a first light-emitting unit provided on the wearable device, which emits light using the power received by the power receiving unit; an imaging unit that continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the first light-emitting unit; a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of light emission by analyzing the captured images from the imaging unit; and an operation execution unit that executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit determines that light emission is present.

3. The drowning detection system according to claim 1, wherein the processing execution unit comprises: a power reception detection unit provided in the power transmission module, which detects when the power receiving unit has received power; a second light-emitting unit provided in the power transmission module that emits light upon detection of power reception by the power reception detection unit; an imaging unit that continuously or periodically captures images of the light emission state of the second light-emitting unit; a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of light emission by analyzing the captured images from the imaging unit; and an operation execution unit that executes predetermined operations relating to drowning rescue when the determination unit determines that light emission is present.

4. The drowning detection system according to claim 3, wherein when the power reception detection unit of a certain power transmission module detects power reception, the second light-emitting units of other power transmission modules located within a predetermined surrounding area are also caused to emit light.

5. The drowning detection system according to claim 3, further comprising a first light-emitting unit provided in the wearable device and emitting light using power received by the power receiving unit, wherein the imaging unit captures images of the light emission states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit.

6. The drowning detection system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation that allows a person other than the swimmer to perceive the occurrence of drowning through at least one of the five senses.

7. The drowning detection system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation to drain water from the pool.

8. The drowning detection system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation to raise the bottom of the pool so that the swimmer is lifted toward the water surface when the power receiving unit receives power.

9. The drowning detection system according to claim 1, wherein the processing execution unit is configured as a buoyancy bag unit included in the wearable device that inflates a buoyancy bag when the power receiving unit has received power.

Images